New 911 Speedster Enters Production

Porsche announced today that the new 911 Speedster (2-seater) has officially entered production.

The 911 Speedster is truly a model that embodies “purism” to the core. It combines motorsport technology suitable for everyday use with a driver-oriented (prioritizing driver convenience and satisfaction) interior.

The new 911 Speedster was developed based on the 911R (2016) and the 911 GT3. It is equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine (375 kW / 510 hp), delivering an exhilarating sound right in the cockpit. The 6-speed manual transmission, developed by the GT division, powers the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout (RR).

Limited to 1,948 units, this number is a tribute to the registration of the very first “356 Roadster” in June 1948. Production is scheduled to begin mid-2019 at Porsche’s factory in Zuffenhausen, Germany, with only 1,948 cars to be built.

Design of the 911 Speedster

The new 911 Speedster concept car made its debut at Porsche’s anniversary event in Zuffenhausen in 2018. It was later showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, Rennsport Reunion VI in Laguna Seca, California, and the Paris Motor Show in October.

The production model reflects the concept car’s design.

Continuing the tradition since the 1988 911 Speedster, the carbon-fiber “double bubble” rear cover conceals the rollover protection structure. Instead of a soft top, it features a lightweight tonneau cover (the fabric convertible top is very suitable for daily use), a steeply raked windshield with a short window frame, and side windows.

This is a historic design that evokes the 1954 Porsche 356.

However, the concept car’s Talbot mirrors were not adopted; instead, the car is equipped with electrically adjustable sports-design exterior mirrors.

The new 911 Speedster’s carbon-fiber composite hood is 2 kg lighter than the 911 GT3’s, and the carbon-fiber composite wing is borrowed from the 911R. The front apron uses parts from the GT3, but the front spoiler lip is completely newly developed.

Aerodynamically optimized rear spoiler and rear apron are borrowed from the 911 GT3 Touring.

Moving to the interior: the seats are carbon-fiber composite full bucket seats with black leather headrests, and the shift lever has a shortened stroke. Lightweight door panels (with netted storage pockets) and door pull straps instead of handles contribute to overall weight reduction.

The “Speedster” logo is embossed on the headrests and the central gauge. The gauges feature black dials with white needles and green numbers and markings, reminiscent of the Porsche 356 Speedster.

An optional Heritage Design Package is also available, developed by Porsche Exclusive, Porsche’s in-house customization division.

The interior features a two-tone black and cognac leather finish, gold-plated “Speedster” lettering, the “GT Silver Metallic” body color, and the option to add bonnet and door decals.

Engine and Features of the 911 Speedster

At its heart, the new 911 Speedster uses the engine from the 911 GT3. The 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six gasoline engine produces a maximum output of 510 hp at 9,000 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, with a top speed of 310 km/h.

Remarkably, to meet environmental standards, it is equipped with two Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPF), yet it delivers 10 hp more than the GT3 and features an exhaust system that is 10 kg lighter. My husband was concerned that adding GPFs might reduce power or add weight, but as expected from Porsche, they have brilliantly balanced environmental compliance with performance.

The 6-speed manual transmission includes an auto-blip function that precisely and independently matches engine speed during downshifts. This auto-blip can be turned on or off at any time, independent of the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system settings.

The GT philosophy behind the new Speedster is reflected in its chassis as well. It features 20-inch forged Speedster alloy wheels with central locking, sporty rear-axle steering, and dynamic engine mounts based on technology from the 911 GT3 and 911 R.

Control systems such as Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), Porsche Stability Management (PSM), and PASM with sport tuning are included. The ride height is lowered by 25 millimeters, and PCCB brakes (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes) come standard.

The 911 Speedster in Japan

Although not mentioned in the article, there is a rumor that air conditioning is not included to save weight (available as an option). It seems unbelievable for a car costing tens of millions of yen to come without air conditioning, but considering it is a model that truly embodies “purism,” it somehow makes sense.

My husband has already placed a reservation, but I doubt he will get a spot. Even though production has started, Japan’s allocation is reportedly only in the double digits. So, seeing a new 911 Speedster on the streets here is probably a rare sight. I wonder if any of the readers of this blog have one—haha.

*Article and images sourced from: PORSCHE NEWS “New 911 Speedster goes into production”