Porsche 930
Porsche 997
Porsche 964
A new Porsche 911 Speedster model is due to be revealed this summer as a limited-production, high-performance run-out for the 991.2-generation sports car.
Caught on camera under wraps during testing in Germany, the model will sport the distinctive shape of its spiritual predecessors and come with a performance package tuned by Porsche’s GT department.
The fitment of centre-locking wheels on the test car suggests much of its running gear will be taken from the driver-focused GT3, which would mean that this will be the most hardcore 911 Speedster to date.
The previous Speedster was based on the 997-generation car and came in Carrera S specification, but the new version is due to have the GT3’s naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat six engine.
That would give it 493bhp and 339lb ft and would mean its motor will rev to 9000rpm. If it follows the example of the GT3, the Speedster’s engine will come mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK transmission.
The Speedster test car also looks to be sitting on the same widened track as the GT3, which measures 1555mm across at the rear, suggesting that car’s adaptive damping system will be fitted as standard. However, the Speedster’s more obvious road focus might negate for the toe and camber adjustability that is also a feature of the 911 GT3.
The key visual difference between the Speedster and its GT department sibling will be an open-top design with a shortened A-pillar and more steeply angled rear engine cover. This shape, hidden on the test car by a fake rear section to the fabric soft top, takes influence from the original 1954 356 Speedster that has inspired the shape of run-out 911 Speedsters for the 930, 964 and 997 generations.
Just 356 examples of the previous 997-generation car were made, so a similarly low number is expected this time. The last Speedster cost about £50,000 more than the GT3 of the time, suggesting the new one could sell for in excess of £155,000. The swansong 991.2 model will precede the next 911, which will make its debut at the Los Angeles motor show in November. On sale in 2019, it will initially be sold in rear-wheel-drive Carrera and Carrera S guises.
Speedsters of yesteryear:
Porsche 930 - This 1989 911 Speedster used the running gear of its Turbo model. Of the 800 made, 641 used the Turbo’s wide-body option.
Porsche 964 - The next one arrived in 1994 and was based on the 964 Carrera 2. Just 20 of the 936 examples sold received the wide body.
Porsche 997 - Just 356 examples were built as a nod to the original 1954 Speedster. This 997 version is hailed as a collector’s favourite.
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