Porsche 911 (991.2) Speedster

It seems a little strange that Porsche already offers the new 911 generation 992 in some variants at the dealers, but only now at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) presented the final version of the previous generation 991. The new 911 Speedster had already been announced at the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Porsche at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart last summer. There the car was still a concept car with various details that couldn’t make it into production – for example a metal fuel filler in the center of the trunk lid or the small retro exterior mirrors. However, this radically open sports car still shows the flatter windscreen and the striking rear cover above the softtop behind the seats known from its predecessors, the 356 Speedster, the 911 Speedster from 1989, the 964 Speedster and the 997 Speedster.

Porsche uses the four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine from the GT3 and GT3 RS, which delivers 374 kW/509 hp and 470 newtonmeters of torque in the Speedster. These pass through a manual six-speed transmission to the rear wheels. This gearbox is 4.5 kilograms lighter than the seven-speed manual and 20 kilograms lighter than the dual-clutch gearbox. Thanks to individual throttle bodies, the throttle response was noticeable improved. Porsche announces a time of 3.8 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 60 mph and a topspeed of 192 mph. The carbon-ceramic brake system ensures decent deceleration. For the first time, the naturally aspirated engine is equipped with an Otto particle filter to cope with stricter emission regulations. This also means that the upcoming 992 GT3 is likely to get this engine as well, rather than switching to turbo technology like its model siblings.

For the first time, the development work of a Speedster model was completely done within the Motorsport department of Porsche, where otherwise next to the real racecars only the GT3 and GT2 variants of the 911 are developed. This also explains the technology transfer of the engine into the rear of the open two-seater, the rear-axle with active steering system and the use of lightweight components such as front carbon hood from the 911 (991) R, the carbon front fenders and the already mentioned cover for the softtop. Matching the lower windshield Porsche also developed smaller side windows and a narrow soft fabric top without electrical operating mechanism. Inside, lightweight door panels are used with nets instead of pockets and door pulls instead of door handles. The black leather is optionally available with red stitching and embroidered ‘Speedster’ logos in the headrests as well as red door pulls and a red zero mark on the steering wheel. Air conditioning is another extra, which is free of charge.

While the 20-inch alloy wheels are officially only available in matte black, there are some more colors available for the bodywork. Anong those options is the Heritage version with contrasting front fenders and round race number fields on the doors, similar to those seen on the concept car last year. In addition, every new 911 (991.2) Speedster comes with an exclusive wristwatch by Porsche Design, which shows the same limitation number on the back of its case as the car does between the seats. It is a flyback chronograph with Speedster-typical design elements, including the shape of the rim used as the rear cover, while you can have a look for the clockwork between the spokes. In the US, the price list for the new Porsche 911 (991.2) Speedster starts at US$ 274,500. Officially, the pre-sale starts at 7 May, but according to well-informed sources already a large part of the 1,948 planned copies is bought by preliminary contracts.

Images: Porsche