Just last week, Porsche revealed a concept version of a 991.2-generation 911 Speedster for its 70th birthday. While the company stopped short from saying it will enter production, we already know it will, and we have proof of that.
Our spies have caught Porsche testing several prototype models of the limited production 911 Speedster on public roads.
Designed as a last hurrah for the current-generation sports car, the 911 Speedster is based on the 911 GT3 chassis. While much of the design carries over, the Speedster has a unique hood and eschews the GT3’s massive rear wing.
The styling changes don’t stop there as the model adopts a unique soft top and rear deck lid. Porsche attempted to hide the changes by disguising the model as a traditional Cabrio but we can see the soft top is significantly smaller than what the company wants us to believe. The rear deck also appears to be sportier than the one used on the last 911 Speedster which arrived in 2010.
To refresh your memory, here’s what the concept version of the 991.2 Speedster looks like:
As you can tell for yourself, it’s 95 percent production ready, with only some minor changes expected to be made to the model that will go on sale, like the mirrors and decals.
The Speedster will justify its name with GT3-power
If the concept’s GT-sourced powertrain carries over, we can expect the model to have a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces “more than” 500 hp (372 kW) and 339 lb-ft (459 Nm) of torque. It enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of up to 198 mph (318 km/h). For the record, the previous 911 Speedster was based on the 911 GTS.
The study employed a six-speed manual transmission, but it’s not clear if it will be the only option or if Porsche will also offer its seven-speed PDK transmission.
When will we see it?
While a lot of details remain unknown, we shouldn’t have to wait much longer to see the production model as Porsche has already begun teasing the next-generation 911. That particular model is expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show in October so it’s likely that the 911 Speedster will be announced before then.
The exact date remains unclear but recent rumors have suggested the 911 Speedster could be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed which kicks off on July 12th. Nothing is official but an unveiling at the event would make sense as the company will be the featured marque at this year’s event.
Porsche hasn’t confirmed the 911 Speedster will debut at Goodwood but the company is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and the automaker has previously said details about “Porsche cars, both old and new,” will be announced in the lead up to the event. This suggests at least one new model will make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
How many will be built?
Since the 911 Speedster will be a last hurrah for the current-generation sports car, it comes as little surprise that production will be limited. Porsche hasn’t disclosed the numbers but the company only built 356 units of the previous Speedster. Thankfully, your chances of purchasing one this time around could be better as the company will reportedly build 1,948 units as a nod to the year that the 356 went into production.