NEW YORK -- Porsche revealed the limited-run 911 Speedster on the eve of the auto show here on Tuesday.
The automaker will build 1,948 units of the car in honor of the year that Porsche started production.
The 911 Speedster is powered by a 502-hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that offers 469 newton meters of torque. The engine can take the car from 0-97 kph (0 to 60 mph) in 3.8 seconds and to a top speed of 309 kph (192 mph).
Porsche will start taking orders for the 911 Speedster on May 7 and the car is expected to reach dealers later this year.
To keep weight down the front luggage compartment lid, front fenders and rear decklid are all made from carbon fiber composite material, while the front and rear fasciae consist of lightweight polyurethane. The fabric top is operated manually but has an electrically operated latch to lock and unlock it.
Air conditioning is optional omitted in the interest of weight savings, but can be added as a no-cost option if the customer desires. In addition, the car's six-speed manual transmission, which it the only gearbox offered in the model, saves about 4.1 kg (9 pounds) compared with the seven-speed manual transmission in other 911 Carrera models, and almost 18 kg compared with Porsche models that have a dual-clutch transmission.
The 911 Speedster uses a chassis derived from the 911 GT3 models with a specifically calibrated rear axle steering system.
The history of Porsche Speedster models began in the United States. Speedster variants of sports car models, which combine open-top driving with distinctive driving dynamics, have been part of Porsche's company history since 1952.
The forefather of Porsche Speedster models, the 356 1500 America Roadster, had an aluminum body manufactured entirely by hand. It weighed 60 kg less than the 356 Coupe and offered a top speed of 175 kph from its 70-hp flat four-cylinder engine.
By 2010, eight different production and special models bearing the Speedster name had been created.
The 911 Speedster's U.S. starting price is $275,750, including the delivery fee.
