The next generation 992 911 is right around the corner, but Porsche typically likes to release a few special edition cars before putting a 911 out to pasture. Rumors were circulating that Porsche would revive the Speedster name, and it looks like the speculation was correct. The last Speedster was based on the 997 generation 911, and came out back in 2010. Unfortunately, this new 991.2 Speedster is only a concept car, and Porsche says it is a “potential series-production version.” That's Porsche speak for "we're building it, wink, wink."
As we expected, the chassis comes from the 911 GT3, which means this concept is powered by the same 4.0-liter flat-six producing more than 500 horsepower. Unlike the previous Speedster, which was PDK only, this Speedster will be offered with the option of a six-speed manual transmission. Inside and out, Porsche has focused on making the new Speedster as light as possible. The car ditches a traditional convertible top in favor of a light weight tonneau cover. The weight saving diet gets even more extreme with the removal of the infotainment system and air conditioning. This concept car is definitely for purists only.
As you'd expect, Porsche didn't just grab a GT3 off the line and cut the roof off. The body is based on a Carrera 4 Cabriolet, but the wings, hood, and rear deck are all made from lightweight carbon fiber. Of course, that rear deck features a double bubble, harkening back to the original 911 Speedster in 1988. Porsche says this concept was designed to pay homage to predecessors like the 356 1500 Speedster. Even the silver paint with brown leather interior is meant to harken back to classic Porsche Speedster models. Other small details from the past include a '50s-style central fuel cap on the hood and classic-style mirrors.
To finish it all off, Porsche placed the number 70 on the car to celebrate 70 years of the 911. Combine the livery with classic-style 21-inch Fuchs wheels, and the 911 Speedster looks remarkably retro. Although this is only a concept, we have a strong feeling that Porsche will build a few examples for a select group of lucky customers. We also expect that the loyal Porsche fans who can afford a Speedster are already on a list to buy one, and prices will instantly skyrocket as soon as they hit the used market.
