The Porsche 911 Speedster, a vehicle that sparked immediate excitement as a concept, is now a reality. Porsche is officially producing this open-top, two-seater marvel, blending the raw essence of a driver-focused sports car with motorsport technology suitable for everyday exhilaration. Drawing inspiration from the celebrated 911 R (2016) and the track-ready 911 GT3, the Speedster promises an unfiltered driving experience. At its heart lies a high-revving, naturally aspirated four-liter boxer engine, unleashing 510 PS and an emotionally charged soundtrack. Paired with a crisp six-speed manual GT transmission, the 911 Speedster is a direct connection to driving passion. Visually, it’s a tribute to Porsche’s heritage, echoing the iconic 356 “No. 1” Roadster of 1948, the very genesis of Porsche sports cars. In a nod to this legacy, production will be strictly limited to just 1,948 units, rolling out from the Zuffenhausen plant starting in mid-2019.
The 911 Speedster concept first captivated audiences at the “70 Years of Porsche Sports Cars” celebration in 2018 in Zuffenhausen. Subsequent appearances at prestigious events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Rennsport Reunion VI in Laguna Seca, and the Paris Motor Show further solidified its appeal. Many defining elements from the concept car have seamlessly transitioned into the production model, maintaining the Speedster’s distinctive character.
Central to the Speedster’s design is the striking convertible top compartment lid, featuring the signature double-bubble streamliners. This iconic styling cue, a hallmark of Speedsters since the 1988 911 Speedster, is not just aesthetic. This component is the largest and most complex single piece of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic ever utilized by Porsche in a road-going model. Integrated within the double bubbles are trim elements that cleverly house the standard roll-over protection system, mirroring the safety features of the 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
In place of the concept’s basic tonneau cover, the production Speedster employs a weight-optimized roof structure. Despite its purist design, the fabric convertible top is engineered for everyday usability. Combined with the shortened window frames, lower cowl top panels, and smaller side windows, it sculpts the 911 Speedster’s athletic stance. This low-slung silhouette is a direct nod to historical predecessors like the Porsche 356 Speedster from 1954, embodying a legacy of open-top driving pleasure.
Operating the convertible top is designed for effortless convenience. A central locking hook at the windscreen frame and side fins of the fabric roof release with a simple button press. The lightweight carbon fiber rear lid electrically unlocks and partially retracts, allowing manual positioning for stowing the Z-folding fabric roof behind the front seats. Closing the cover is equally straightforward once the roof is tucked away. Re-engaging the roof is just as easy; the roof fins on the streamliners are manually pressed into their holders until securely locked.
Lightweight Design and Aerodynamic Enhancements
The commitment to lightweight construction extends throughout the 911 Speedster’s body. The carbon-fiber composite bonnet, a significant two kilograms lighter than the 911 GT3’s, and the carbon-fiber composite wings are adopted from the 911 R. The front apron is derived from the GT3, but features a newly developed front spoiler lip. Departing from the concept vehicle’s Talbot mirrors, the production Speedster is equipped with electrically adjustable and heated Sport Design exterior mirrors, blending classic aesthetics with modern functionality. The aerodynamically optimized rear spoiler and rear apron are borrowed from the 911 GT3 Touring, ensuring stability at high speeds.
Driver-Focused Interior
Inside the 911 Speedster, black leather elements define the sporty ambiance. They adorn the side bolsters and head restraints of the carbon-fiber composite full bucket seats, the door trim armrests, and the shortened gear lever, creating a tactile and visually cohesive cabin. The seat center panels are upholstered in perforated leather, enhancing breathability and comfort. Lightweight door panels, featuring black door pulls and stowage nets, further contribute to weight reduction and a focused, minimalist interior.
“Speedster” logos are prominently displayed on the head restraints, visible carbon door sills, and the central rev counter, reinforcing the model’s exclusive identity. The rev counter and instrument dials feature black faces, white needles, and green numerals and scales, paying homage to the iconic Porsche 356 Speedster’s instrumentation. A limited-edition badge on the cross structure behind the front seats, displaying the unique serial number, emphasizes the 911 Speedster’s rarity, limited to just 1,948 examples worldwide.
Heritage Design Package: A Nod to the Golden Era
For those seeking an even deeper connection to Porsche’s past, the new 911 Speedster is optionally available with a Heritage Design package. This exquisite package, conceived by Style Porsche and meticulously executed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, reimagines classic design elements from the 1950s and 1960s. The interior adopts a sophisticated Black and Cognac color scheme, accented with elegant gold details, evoking a sense of vintage luxury. Externally, “spears” paintwork in White on the front fascia and front wings is applied over the GT Silver Metallic base paint. Historic motorsport-inspired decals for the doors and front lid complete the visual transformation. Owners can personalize their vehicle further by selecting custom two-digit start numbers, as showcased in promotional materials. Porsche crests and gold-colored logos, faithful to the designs of the 50s and 60s, further enhance the heritage aesthetic.
High-Revving 510 PS Engine: The Heart of a GT
The soul of the new Speedster is directly inherited from the 911 GT3 – its naturally aspirated, four-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine. This is a purebred GT engine, engineered for exhilarating performance. It achieves its peak output of 510 PS at a lofty 8,400 rpm, with the rev counter reaching a maximum of 9,000 rpm, delivering an intoxicating engine note. The engine produces a maximum torque of 470 newton meters at 6,250 rpm, ensuring potent performance across the rev range. The 911 Speedster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.0 seconds and achieves a breathtaking top speed of 310 km/h, placing it firmly in high-performance territory.
Compared to the previous 911 GT3, the Speedster’s engine is equipped with two gasoline particulate filters (GPF) and complies with the stringent Euro 6d TEMP EVAP-ISC (EU6 DG) emission standards. Remarkably, despite these additions, the engine still produces 10 PS more power, thanks to refinements like high-pressure fuel injectors with optimized spray patterns and a revised intake system with individual throttle valves. These enhancements result in even sharper throttle response. The newly developed lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system, including the two particulate filters, contributes to weight savings of 10 kilograms and enhances the auditory experience.
Manual Transmission and GT Chassis
Staying true to its driver-centric nature, Porsche exclusively offers the 911 Speedster with a manual six-speed sports transmission. It incorporates an auto-blip function, which precisely matches engine speeds during downshifts with automatic throttle inputs, ensuring smooth gear changes. Auto-blip can be engaged independently of the selected PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) setting. A mechanical rear differential lock with asymmetric locking further enhances the sporty power delivery and traction.
The GT philosophy of the new Speedster is equally evident in its chassis. Sharing technology with the 911 GT3 and 911 R, it features sporty rear-axle steering and dynamic engine mounts. Control systems like Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), Porsche Stability Management (PSM), and PASM with sports tuning and a 25-millimeter lower ride height are specifically calibrated to the Speedster’s demands. The open-top two-seater rides on 20-inch forged Speedster alloy wheels with center locks. Standard equipment includes PCCB brakes (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake) with internally vented and perforated ceramic composite brake discs, providing exceptional stopping power.
Pricing and Exclusive Timepieces
In Germany, the Porsche 911 Speedster starts at 269,274 euros, including VAT and country-specific equipment, and is available for immediate order. Reflecting its exclusivity, Porsche Design Timepieces has created special chronographs, also limited to 1,948 units, for 911 Speedster owners. The Porsche Design “911 Speedster chronograph” and the “911 Speedster Heritage Design chronograph” can be exclusively ordered by future Speedster owners at Porsche Centers worldwide starting May 2019, priced at 9,950 euros including VAT.
The Porsche 911 Speedster convertible is more than just a car; it’s a celebration of Porsche’s rich heritage and a testament to the enduring appeal of pure, unfiltered driving pleasure. With its limited production, powerful naturally aspirated engine, and driver-focused design, the 911 Speedster is poised to become a highly sought-after collector’s item, embodying the spirit of Porsche for generations to come.
