Inside Lane, Porsche

The Porsche 911 Speedster will go into production

THE CONCEPT STUDY, PRESENTED DURING THE 70TH BIRTHDAY OF THE SPORTS CAR MANUFACTURER, WILL BE PRODUCED AS A LIMITED SPECIAL EDITION: PORSCHE HAS DECIDED TO START PRODUCING THE PURIST PORSCHE 911 SPEEDSTER IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2019.

Exactly 1,948 units of the open-top two-seater will be built. The number reminisces the Porsche 356 “Number 1” that received its operating license on June, 8 back in 1948. In Paris, Porsche presented this year’s second Speedster Concept study. Its Guards Red paintwork is a reference to the 1988 911 Speedster of the G-Model generation. The new cross-spoke 21-inch wheels in cross spoke and the black leather interior create a tasteful and sporty appearance.

Dream becomes reality: The driveable 911 Speedster Concept, initially presented on June 8 in 2018 in Zuffenhausen as a “Heritage” version, will go into production in 2019. The car was developed at Porsche Motorsport in Weissach in cooperation with Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

The future 911 Speedster, based on the 991 range, will be the first car to be offered with the new Heritage Design Packages. This exclusive accessory line by Porsche Exclusive allows for an even higher degree of personalization for the 911.

In addition to the eye-catching paintwork, 21-inch center lock wheels are another visual highlight of this latest concept study presented in Paris. Their cross-spoke wheel design is similar to that of Porsche racing cars such as the 911 RSR and the GT3 R. The tinted day-time running lights were also inspired by racing. Matching the study’s paintwork, they are kept in red. The two “Talbot”- shaped exterior mirrors as well as the fuel tank cap – centrally positioned on the bonnet – shine in black-chrome and platinum. In contrast to the previously shown “Heritage” version, the interior is using partly perforated black leather upgraded with red highlights.

All body components as well as the entire technology of both the 911 Speedster Concept cars are identical. This includes the shortened window frames with their lowered cowl top panels and the smaller side windows as well as the carbon-fibre rear bonnet with the double-bubble cover behind the seats. Both cars come with a lightweight Tonneau cover, fitted by Tenax buttons, instead of a convertible soft top.

The centrepiece of the limited special edition

The concept cars’ body is based on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. The fenders, as well as the front and rear bonnet are made from lightweight carbon fibre composite while the chassis was taken from the 911 GT3. Furthermore, the GT development department provided the exhaust system with its titanium tailpipes and the drivetrain including the manually operated six-speed gearbox. The same goes for the centrepiece of the limited special edition: The Speedster Concept is powered by a naturally-aspirated flat-six engine developing more than 500 hp and capable of engine speeds up to 9,000 rpm.