If there is something that Porsche has is its affinity for variants. They have become so successful in differentiating the 911 bloodline that in essence each variant is a different car. I’m not sure I could say the same about lotus’ recent attempt with their Exige line up. Enter the 911 Speedster. The last speedster Porsche made marked the end of a generation and this one seemingly does the same while heralding the dawn of a new lineage.
Like all special 911 variants the 911 Speedster is an amalgam of various bits and pieces from the existing model line up. The car has been endowed with the chassis of the 991.2 GT 3 and the wider body of the 911 Carrera 4. However, the front wings, bonnet and rear cover are made from carbon fibre reinforced composite material as opposed to the Carrera 4’s aluminium items. Powering the car is the GT 3’s 4.0 litre normally aspirated flat 6 cylinder engine generating 500 hp. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 6 speed manual gearbox.
Keeping in step with the lightweight philosophy of its forbears the 911 Speedster eschews satnav, radio and air conditioning. However, it is highly likely that these will be offered as no cost options for the final production version. The retractable soft top of the Carrera 4 has been replaced with a tonneau cover which is fastened to the windshield using 8 Tanex fasteners. The car also features lightweight carbon fibre backed bucket seats.
Other classic cues harking back to the speedsters of old include the obligatory Fuchs wheels. However, for the first time Porsche has developed the wheels to have center locking hubs. The fuel filler cap is located in the center of the bonnet. In a nod to classic Porsche racers the headlight covers are made from both transparent and opaque surfaces to ape the look of the original racers. These had their front headlights taped up to prevent the glass from chipping during races.
While purely a ‘concept’ for now the Speedster will most likely make production sometime next year if there is a reasonable demand for it. If the 911 R was anything to go by I posit that the 911 Speedster will be sold out, in typical Porsche fashion, before it actually hits showrooms.
