Porsche confirms 911 Speedster return

Production will start in the first half of 2019, with numbers limited to 1,948 units – referring to the launch year of the first Porsche seven decades ago.

At the Paris Motor Show in October, Porsche unveiled what they described as the second 911 Speedster Concept, finished in Guards Red paint evocative of the 1988 Speedster that was the first offered on the 911 platform.

Both concepts were developed at Porsche Motorsport in Weissach, in cooperation with Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. Beyond the bright red paint, the Speedster Concept presented at Paris also featured 21-inch centrelock wheels with a different cross-spoke wheel design from the first concept, described as inspired by racing 911s like the RSR and GT3 R.

The car’s DRLs are also said to be inspired by racing, with red-tinted lenses to match the paintwork.  The second concept also featured the same 'Talbot' exterior mirrors and central fuel tank cap as the first concept unveiled in June, but that version’s 'Heritage' interior has been replaced on this concept with more modern black leather with partial perforation and red highlights.

Detailing and a few trim differences aside, the body components and all technology on the two 911 Speedster Concepts are identical. This includes the shortened windscreen, smaller side windows and the ‘double-bubble’ cover behind the seats.

Befitting the stripped-back ethos of the Speedster, both concepts come with a lightweight tonneau cover instead of a conventional convertible top.

Based on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet body but using a 911 GT3 chassis, the Speedster Concepts feature front guards, bonnet and rear engine covers in lightweight carbon fibre, but whether these materials will feature on the production models is unconfirmed. Similarly, each concept’s full titanium exhaust system are TBC for the production models.

What is confirmed is a naturally-aspirated flat-six engine, developing more than 500hp (almost 373kW) at 9,000rpm and matched to a six-speed manual gearbox .

The upcoming 911 Speedster will also be the first Porsche to be offered with new ‘Heritage Design Packages’. Details of this accessory line haven’t been revealed, but are described as offering “an even higher degree of personalization for the 911”.
Australian availability of the limited-edition Porsche 911 Speedster is yet to be confirmed.