from autoexpress.co.uk
TALK about a speed hump! A leaked document detailing Porsche’s product plans until the end of 2012 has revealed that the 911 Speedster is set to make a comeback. And our exclusive image shows how the style-
conscious two-seater could look.
Following hot on the heels of other recent retro-inspired special editions, such as the 911 Sport Classic and Boxster Spyder, the Speedster resurrects a legendary name not seen since the early Nineties. That model was the 964 Speedster which appeared in 1989 – a low-roof cabrio with unusual rear bodywork inspired by the
356 Speedster of the Fifties. Exactly 936 examples were built in standard and wide-body styles – a relatively short production run – and the modern incarnation will be an even rarer beast. Only 100 units will be produced, making it one of the most exclusive and distinctive Porsches ever to turn a wheel.
As you can see from our picture, the classic Speedster silhouette will be retained, albeit with a modern twist. The cut-down windscreen and wider bodywork add to the 911’s already low-slung appearance, while the oversize rear humps give the Speedster its signature shape and ensure it’s strictly a two-seater. Much like the Boxster Spyder’s tent-like canvas roof, a semi-permanent fabric hood is likely to be available – hence the red hoops you can see protruding from the bodywork.
Power will come from the same 3.8-litre flat-six as is used in the 911 Sport Classic. It’s based on the Carrera S unit, but engineers will liberate an extra 17bhp to take peak power to 402bhp. Performance-wise, expect the Speedster to live up to its name: 0-62mph will take around 4.5 seconds while a maximum of 190mph is possible. Rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential will ensure traditional Porsche handling, too.
However, exclusivity, excitement and a slice of the marque’s heritage won’t come cheap. Our sources say the Speedster is likely to nudge £200,000 when it goes on sale later this year.
And it’s not the only limited-edition model that Porsche is cooking up. A wide-bodied GTS version of the 911 is also due to go on sale next year. Featuring the Speedster’s more powerful 402bhp engine, it will come in both coupé and cabriolet variants costing around £80,000 and £90,000 respectively.
