Three model generations have passed since Porsche discontinued the 964, which was the last model range to feature the “Speedster” bodystyle. Sixteen years later, the Speedster returns – resurrected in 997 form, and is set for international debut at the Paris Motor Show.
Based on the 911 Cabriolet, the Speedster pays homage to 356 Speedster with a “chopped top” – essentially a dramatically-raked windscreen 60 mm shorter than that of a 911 Cabriolet, but the rest of the bodywork is otherwise similar to that of any other 997 – apart from the “double-bubble” plastic tonneau cover aft of the cabin and wider rear fenders.
The roof is a flat fabric piece that has to be manually opened and closed to provide protection/or exposure to the elements, and as the Speedster has also been developed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Porsche Exclusive in-house personalisation programme, it also receives an additional chin spoiler on the front bumper, dark tinted indicator lamps, darkened headlamps surrounds and windscreen frame, and a rear bumper with 911 GT3-styled air vents behind the wheel arches.
The 911 Speedster is powered by the same 3,8-litre six-cylinder boxer that does service in the Carrera GTS (unveiled last week), which boasts maximum outputs of 304 kW and 420 N.m of torque – but rumour has it that the 911 Turbo’s powerplant could find its way into the Speedster’s engine bay at a later stage…
A seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels, while the Speedster’s suspension gains adaptive damping for enhanced handling characteristics and carbon ceramic discs for maximum braking performance.
