Thursday 12th April 2018

Porsche 911 Speedster spied

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

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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.

[Gameface]

Not huge fan of 911's but I like that a lot.

[Dale487]

Now that looks like a proper Speedster - not a tarted up Carrera S. Please say you can have a manual gearbox.

Plus is that a vent free deck lid?

[steveb8189]

Love the look of that but what's going on with the exhaust? Looks rusty but I'm sure someone will tell me it's some sort of titanium/magnesium/kryptonite alloy thingy

[Andy-6ufnp]

That exhaust is made from unobtanium just like the rest of the car. Another flipper's dream car or maybe the OPC's Dealer prinicipal's retirement fund booster.

[PhantomPH]

steveb8189 said:

Love the look of that but what's going on with the exhaust? Looks rusty but I'm sure someone will tell me it's some sort of titanium/magnesium/kryptonite alloy thingy

Does look a little 'pea shooter' doesn't it? Perhaps just whatever they had around and would do the job during testing, before a proper GT3 exhaust gets fitted?

HIGH levels of desire for this. No hope of ever getting one, but still - it's nice to dream!

[Shiv_P]

erm is it just me or is that roof hideous?

Rest of it looks great

[virage11]

"You know where you heard it first if it does happen"

This is funny...this news has been on Rennlist for months...

[GranCab]

Looks like a photoshopped Coxster roof stuck on a 991 Cab ...

[GranCab]

My old (proper) 911 Speedster .....

[PhantomPH]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Yeah, I did think that after I posted - so I tried looking for a clear shot from the rear of a 2018 GT3 to see if there was an 'inner' exhaust that would explain it, but most pics seem to be pretty dark around that area, so couldn't find a good point of reference (before giving up and doing some real work!).

Pretty sure you're right tho.

[richs2891]

GranCab said:

My old (proper) 911 Speedster .....

Thats lovely !

[f1ten]

i was debating with an OPC only 2 weeks ago about when this car would come. it was inevitable...

the roof line from front side profile doesn't look much different from the standard car. I would say the previous gen car was a better looking machine. Although I note they had upped the ante on the power and spec to make it more than all show and no go.

[J4CKO]

Special edition 911's are like motorised Pokemons for rich petrolheads, seems to be a constant stream of them, sort of feels a bit contrived and predictable these days, compared to in the past, seemed more engineering and "because we can" sort of mentality, where now it is more "We better do some special editions"

[f1ten]

agreed like even things like the clio v6. fun and totally unnecessary but done because they could rather than trying to flog metal. The Carrera T by the way is a sham- Im a Porsche nut but I cant abide it. 20kg lighter, non motorsport engine, long gearing... yet people are trying to flip for 10k profit

[rampageturke]

the hunchback of notre dame is back

[Esceptico]

Great. Another 911 that I won't be allowed to buy. Yippee.

[Vocht]

Porsche sure know how to get the most out of a model don't they! Their 991 911's so far! (I think that's all of them?)

• 911 Carrera
• 911 Carrera S
• 911 Carrera Cabriolet
• 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
• 911 Carrera 4
• 911 Carrera 4S
• 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet
• 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
• 911 Carrera T
• 911 Targa 4
• 911 Targa 4S
• 911 Turbo
• 911 Turbo S
• 911 Turbo Cabriolet
• 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
• 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
• 911 Carrera GTS
• 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet
• 911 Carrera 4 GTS
• 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet
• 911 Targa 4 GTS
• 911 GT3
• 911 GT3 Touring
• 911 GT3 RS
• 911 GT2 RS
• 911 R
• 911 Speedster (incoming)

[Dale487]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

But the 356 Speedster was the light weight driver focused model at the time, I think the windscreen was removable - to lighten the car further for clubman racers. So, if the 991.2 Speedster is a convertible GT3 Touring it is in keeping with the original Porsche Speedster.

[Dale487]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Your not wrong

[hungry_hog]

Shiv_P said:

erm is it just me or is that roof hideous?

Rest of it looks great

I'm a huge 991 fan, but yes the roof looks like a DIY job or relic from the 80s!