Porsche is introducing a new 911 Speedster at Paris, in homage to the Speedster legend of the 1950s.
Porsche is introducing a new 911 Speedster at Paris, in homage to the Speedster legend of the 1950s.
First introduced in 1953 on the classic 356, the Speedster tag is synonymous with two seater Porsche cars, and in honour of these origins, the production of the 911 Speedster is limited to just 356 examples.
Designed and conceived in Stuttgart by the Porsche Exclusive department, the new 911 is said to be vastly different from other models in the range.
The Speedster is traditionally defined by its short windscreen and sleek tail, and the new 911 has taken that on board. The windscreen has been lowered and raked and is coupled with a “double-bubble" hardcover for the manual soft top.
The new Speedster is also influenced by more contemporary Porsche attributes, such as the Carrera 4. The new model features the same body as the Carrera to give the car a wider, more powerful stance, whilst simultaneously emphasising the rear wheel drive configuration of the model.
The rear engine chassis similarly draws on contemporary influences and particularly the current generation of 911s.
The Speedster is equipped with a 3.8 litre flat six engine that delivers a powerful 408 bhp-23 bhp more than the Carrera S. At the same time the new Porsche does 27.43 mpg and uses no more petrol than the Carrera S cabriolet.
Porsche Intelligent Performance also features heavily in the Speedster, with the model capable of clearing 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 189.5 mph. As you might expect, CO₂ emissions are not of paramount importance on the car with emissions sitting at 242 g/km.
All Speedsters feature a seven speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) gearbox, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. Specific safety options, designed for the Speedster also feature.
The Porsche Exclusive department specialises in low volume production and individualisation within the Porsche brand, and the 911 Speedster heralds the upcoming 25th anniversary for the department, in 2011.
According to Porsche, the Speedster is a showcase for the capabilities of the department.
The interior is hand finished in black smooth-finish leather with bespoke colour details, specific to the new model.
The exterior is finished in Pure Blue, a colour exclusive to the Speedster, and forms an aesthetic contrast to the tinted front lights and black exterior features.
There is a bespoke front spoiler, specific side skirts and a distinct rear apron to bolster the sporty intentions of the model.
The Porsche 911 Speedster will debut at Paris on 2 October before it goes on sale in the UK in January 2011 at £144,100.