The Ducktail on the Porsche 911

Recently, Porsche unveiled the limited edition 992 model 911, the 911 Sport Classic, which is still fresh in our memories.

This Sport Classic is based on the Turbo body and features a ducktail spoiler, paying homage to the 1973 Carrera RS (commonly known as the ’73 Carrera’).

The ducktail of the ’73 Carrera

The very first production Porsche to feature a ducktail was this ’73 Carrera, developed to generate downforce on the 911’s body, which naturally tends to produce lift.

According to documents from that time, it was effective in reducing rear lift by about 100 kg at 240 km/h.

This ducktail later made a comeback on the 997 model 911 Sport Classic, and was also adopted as the Sport Design Package on the early 991 model, which is the focus here. More recently, it was featured on a one-off vehicle called the 911 Classic Club Coupe, created for the Porsche Club in the US.

The recently announced limited edition 992 model 911 Sport Classic

The 997 Sport Classic, also a limited edition

The Classic Club Coupe, a one-off vehicle based on the 996, made for the US Porsche Club

Genuine Ducktail Exclusively for Early 991 Models

This time, I installed the Porsche genuine Extended Package Sport Design Package (for early 991) on my early 991 Carrera 4 GTS.

However, it’s important to note that this product is a ducktail-only kit, but it cannot be installed on regular Carrera or Carrera S models by itself.

To install the ducktail, this front aero is aerodynamically necessary

To fit the ducktail, you also need the ‘Sport Design Front Apron’—the same one fitted on the GTS. In other words, if you want the ducktail, you must also change the front aero.

The reason given is that “due to aerodynamic characteristics, the front and rear spoilers cannot be installed separately.”

That’s Porsche for you. I personally love this stubbornness—never compromising on aerodynamics and refusing to allow mere cosmetic changes without performance or effect.

Luckily, my car is a GTS, so the front aero was already in place, and I decided to have the dealer install just the ducktail kit.

Initially, there was no stock in Japan or Germany when I ordered, but it seems production was soon arranged, and it arrived in Japan in just over a month.

Impressions After Installation

I was told the installation would take about a week to ten days due to painting, but because some parts of the kit were missing and had to be reordered, it took a bit longer. Recently, I was notified that it was complete and went to pick it up.

The finished car looks incredibly cool. The ducktail makes a strong statement but with just the right angle and size, never appearing gaudy. That’s the quality of genuine parts.

The 991 early GTS Club Coupe, a 60-unit limited edition for US Porsche Club members

When I decided to install this ducktail, I had the US Porsche Club’s limited 991 early GTS, the ‘GTS Club Coupe,’ in mind—and the result is exactly that specification.

The rear engine hood changed from the GTS’s original high-gloss black hood to a body-colored hood like the Carrera and Carrera S. This is also for aerodynamic reasons.

The engine hood changes from the GTS-specific to the standard one

The design viewed directly from behind, at eye level with the driver’s seat, is especially excellent. It emphasizes just the right mass and the width of the rear, expressing the power of a rear-engine car.

From the side or a slight angle, the ducktail is subtly visible, adding a nice accent to the rear compared to when it’s absent.

Notably, when driving, the ducktail is completely invisible in the driver’s rearview mirror. It appears to be just below the mirror’s line of sight, and lower than the maximum angle of the 991’s electric spoiler with the sports chassis.

Of course, there is no noticeable difference in driving feel. (laughs)

At very high speeds like on the Autobahn, you might notice a difference, but on typical Japanese public roads, you won’t feel any change. Also, the button for the electric spoiler on the center console is disabled, and the automatic high-speed deployment function is omitted.

While this is a subtle modification that you don’t really notice while driving, the satisfaction when you step out and look at your beloved car is immense. And if you ever get the chance to see your car from behind on the road, that’s when you’ll feel the greatest joy.

If you own an early 991 and are interested in a ducktail, I highly recommend considering it. It will likely add value to your resale, and the early 991 is the only 911 model officially able to have a genuine ducktail retrofitted. It’s a privilege not to be missed.