Porsche 911 Speedster spied

The 991 looks like it's going out in style, with a GT3-based roadster creation...

Remember the old Porsche 911 Speedster? Together with the Sport Classic, it marked the end of 997 production; along with slinkier styling and the chunkier Turbo rump, it added the Powerkit to the Carrera S engine and a few desirable options to create - wouldn't you know - a rather lovely drop-top 911. An expensive one, sure, but that was hardly a surprise to anybody.

Now it would seem that the Speedster is making a return, again as a valedictory special, this one marking the end of 991 production. However, rather than simply hotting up a Carrera S, this time around it appears like Porsche is building a Speedster from a GT3. There are some clear giveaways: see the bonnet vent, the front bumper, the wheels, the ceramic brakes, the intakes, the exhausts... there's a lot of GT3 here. Only without the roof.

Moreover, it's not just a regular cabrio, because the silhouette is sleeker. Look how far the roof extends back, and how much lower it appears as result. Is the windscreen at a shallower angle too, or is that just hopeful thinking?

Our spy sources have suggested that this "really big scoop" will be revealed in the second half of this year as a 2019 model. Given it's a Paris motor show this year (as opposed to Frankfurt; they alternate as the European autumn expo), it seems unlikely that Porsche would launch the car there. However, Porsche is celebrating 70 years at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, and where better to show off a 911 Speedster than the Duke of Richmond's back yard? You know where you heard it first if it does happen. Then we'll be into the discussion about who gets one, who deserves to get one and who won't be getting one despite their vocal protestations. What joy that will be.