Porsche has confirmed the 911 Speedster concept, first shown in June, is to go for production early in 2019. Fully 1948 units of the open-top model will be made. Porsche says that number was chosen to commemorate the Porsche 356 “Number 1” that received its operating license on June 8th, 1948.
PORSCHE CONFIRMS NEW SPEEDSTER Goes on sale in 2019, 4.0-litre engine likely
The updated car you see here was shown at the recent Paris motor show and it remains a concept, officially. For the record, this new concept adopts Guards Red paint in what Porsche says is an homage to the G Series Speedster, along with a new set of cross-spoke 21-inch wheels. The final form of the production version has yet to be seen and it’s expected that not all elements of the concept cars seen thus far will survive the transition.
The new Speedster was developed at Porsche Motorsport in Weissach in cooperation with Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and 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 personalisation for the 911.
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. The concept cars’ body is based on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. The wings, as well as the front and rear bonnets, are made from lightweight carbon-fibre composite. The chassis, meanwhile, is largely taken from the current 911 GT3. Both cars come with a lightweight tonneau cover, fitted by Tenax buttons. In other words, the Speedster concepts have no convertible soft tops.
Whether the final production version will have a convertible top isn’t clear. The two ‘Talbot’-shaped exterior mirrors as well as the fuel tank cap – centrally positioned on the bonnet – are further details that may not make final production. What we do think probably will appear in the final car, though this isn’t officially confirmed, is the concept’s powertrain.
That involves the GT3’s 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six cranking in excess of 500hp and a manual six-speed gearbox providing drive to the rear axle. Question marks remain over Porsche’s ability or willingness to homologate the 4.0-litre engine under the new WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) emissions regime.
Likewise, it is as yet unclear how much impact the introduction of a petrol particulate filter, a measure being brought in parallel with WLTP, will have on Porsche’s motorsport-derived naturally aspirated engine. But Porsche’s emphasis that the new concept retains the engine while confirming the car is go for production is the first firm indication that the engine can survive in the post-WLTP era. Pricing for the new Speedster has not been confirmed.
The enduring appeal of the Speedster is rebooted again as the 911 Speedster concept unveiled earlier this year is confirmed for production.
