AS CONCEPT cars go, the Porsche 911 Speedster of 2018 was a massive hit, supplying a scintillating sample of what a new open-top, two-seat sled with a Porsche crest could look like. The fact that the carmaker used its 911 R of 2016 and 911 GT3 as the model’s peg only whetted enthusiasts’ appetite.
Now, Porsche has announced it would soon serve the production version of the 911 Speedster.
Billed as being a purely driver-oriented car packing motor sports technology but which remains suitable for everyday use, the 911 Speedster is given a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that not only makes 503hp and 470Nm, but also promises to sing operatic notes on the way to its 9,000rpm red line. This is the same engine propelling the 911 GT3. Suitably paired to it is a six-speed manual transmission with an auto-blip function, which can be set independently from the chosen Porsche Active Suspension Management variable damping system setting. A mechanical rear differential lock completes this transmission setup.
What could this package do? Try a zero to 100kph sprint time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 310kph.
The 911 Speedster’s chassis is just as focused, taking the rear-axle steering and dynamic engine mounts of the 911 GT3 and 911 R. Its torque vectoring, stability management and active suspension systems were all tuned to match the character of a speedster, according to Porsche. Brakes are composite ceramics. The forged wheels are massive at 20 inches. The 911 Speedster is 25 millimeters lower than its 911 siblings.
The car’s cabin is no less special, featuring carbon-fiber bucket seats lined with black leather. The gear lever is short and stubby. Door panels, already light, get Porsche’s signature door pulls and stowage nets. “Speedster” logos adorn the furniture. A limited-edition badge shows the serial number unique to every 911 Speedster.
Certainly, looks define the 911 Speedster. The car pays proper homage to the 356 “No.1 Roadster from 1948 — the forebear of all Porsche sports cars. The new speedster is thus marked by a convertible top compartment lid that has double-bubble streamliners, a feature first found in the 911 Speedster of 1988. The double bubbles make room for a roll-over protection system. A weight-saving roof structure replaces the basic tonneau of the concept vehicle. Porsche promised the convertible top takes no effort to operate.
Porsche will start producing the new 911 Speedster this month at its Zuffenhausen, Germany plant. Only 1,948 units will be made. This car is special.
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