The Porsche 911 Speedster has officially transitioned from a celebrated concept to a production reality, exciting enthusiasts worldwide. This open-top two-seater embodies the essence of puristic, driver-centric sports cars, seamlessly blending everyday usability with motorsport-derived technology. Drawing inspiration from the 911 R (2016) and 911 GT3, this new Porsche Speedster Convertible promises an unfiltered and exhilarating driving experience. At its heart lies a high-revving, naturally aspirated four-litre boxer engine, delivering a potent 510 PS and an emotionally charged soundtrack to every journey. Paired exclusively with a six-speed manual GT transmission, the 911 Speedster is a testament to driving purity. Visually, it forges a link to Porsche’s illustrious past, echoing the iconic 356 “No. 1” Roadster of 1948, the very genesis of Porsche sports cars. Reflecting this heritage, production of this exceptional Porsche Speedster convertible will be strictly limited to just 1,948 units, rolling out from the Zuffenhausen plant starting in mid-2019.
Design that Speaks to Heritage and Performance
The Porsche 911 Speedster convertible made its grand debut as a concept vehicle in 2018 during the “70 Years of Porsche Sports Cars” celebration in Zuffenhausen. Subsequent appearances at prestigious events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Rennsport Reunion VI, and the Paris Motor Show only amplified the anticipation. Now, many of the striking design elements first seen on the concept are faithfully translated into the production model, solidifying the Speedster’s unique identity.
A defining feature is undoubtedly the sculpted convertible top compartment lid, adorned with double-bubble streamliners. This iconic design cue, a hallmark of Speedster models since the 1989 911 Speedster, is executed here as the largest and most intricate single-piece carbon-fibre reinforced plastic component ever used by Porsche in a road car. Integrated within the double bubbles are discreet trim elements that house the standard roll-over protection system, mirroring the safety features of the 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
Replacing the concept’s basic tonneau cover is a meticulously engineered, weight-optimized roof structure. Despite its focus on purism, the fabric convertible top is designed for everyday practicality. Combined with shortened window frames, lowered cowl top panels, and smaller side windows, it lends the Porsche 911 Speedster convertible its signature athletic silhouette. This low-slung fly line is a direct nod to historic Speedster designs, most notably the Porsche 356 Speedster from 1954.
Operating the convertible top is designed to be straightforward. A central locking hook at the windscreen frame and side fins are electronically released at the touch of a button. The lightweight carbon fiber rear lid electrically unlocks and partially retracts, allowing manual positioning for stowing the Z-folding fabric roof behind the front seats. Closing the roof is equally simple, requiring only manual engagement of the roof fins into their designated holders.
Lightweight Construction and GT3 Touring DNA
Weight reduction is a key philosophy in the Porsche Speedster convertible‘s design. The bonnet, crafted from carbon-fibre composite, shaves off two kilograms compared to the 911 GT3, while the carbon-fibre composite wings are borrowed from the 911 R. The front apron originates from the GT3, but features a newly developed front spoiler lip. Replacing the Talbot mirrors of the concept, the production model incorporates electrically adjustable and heated Sport Design exterior mirrors. For optimized aerodynamics, the extending rear spoiler and rear apron are adopted from the 911 GT3 Touring.
The interior of the Porsche Speedster convertible is characterized by black leather accents on the side bolsters and headrests of the carbon-fibre composite full bucket seats, door panel armrests, and the shortened gear lever. Perforated leather seat center panels and lightweight door panels with black door pulls and stowage nets further contribute to weight reduction.
“Speedster” logos are prominently placed on the head restraints, visible carbon door sills, and the central rev counter. The rev counter, along with other instruments, features black dials, white needles, and green digits and scales – a nostalgic tribute to the iconic Porsche 356 Speedster. A limited-edition badge on the cross structure behind the front seats displays the unique serial number of each Porsche 911 Speedster convertible, reinforcing its exclusivity within the 1,948-unit production run.
Heritage Design Package: A Nod to the Golden Era
For those seeking an even deeper connection to Porsche’s heritage, the Porsche 911 Speedster convertible is optionally available with a Heritage Design package. This exclusive package, conceived by Style Porsche and executed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, reimagines classic design elements from the 1950s and 1960s. It features a distinctive interior color scheme in Black and Cognac, accented with gold details. Exterior enhancements include special “spears” paintwork in White on the front fascia and wings, applied over a GT Silver Metallic base coat. Historic-looking motorsport decals for the doors and front lid complete the visual transformation. Owners can personalize their vehicle further by selecting two-digit start numbers, as seen in promotional imagery. Porsche crests and gold-colored logos further enhance the vintage aesthetic, echoing designs from the 50s and 60s.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: GT3 Heart and Soul
The soul of the Porsche 911 Speedster convertible resides in its powertrain, directly adopted from the 911 GT3. The naturally aspirated four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine is a purebred GT powerplant. It unleashes a peak power of 510 PS (375 kW) at a thrilling 8,400 rpm, with the engine capable of revving to a staggering 9,000 rpm. Maximum torque is rated at 470 Newton meters, available at 6,250 rpm. This translates to blistering performance, propelling the Porsche Speedster convertible from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph).
Compared to the previous 911 GT3, the Speedster’s engine incorporates two gasoline particulate filters (GPF) to meet Euro 6d TEMP EVAP-ISC (EU6 DG) emission standards. Remarkably, it still manages to deliver 10 PS more than its predecessor, thanks to meticulous refinements including high-pressure fuel injectors with optimized spray patterns and a revised intake system with individual throttle valves for enhanced throttle response. A newly developed lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system, including the particulate filters, contributes to a weight saving of 10 kilograms.
Staying true to its driver-focused nature, the Porsche 911 Speedster convertible is exclusively offered with a manual six-speed sports transmission. It features an auto-blip function that precisely matches engine speeds during downshifts for smoother gear changes. This auto-blip system can be engaged independently of the selected PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) setting. A mechanical rear differential lock with asymmetric locking further enhances the sporty power delivery.
The GT philosophy extends to the chassis of the Porsche Speedster convertible. Utilizing technology from the 911 GT3 and 911 R, the chassis features sporty rear-axle steering and dynamic engine mounts. Control systems like Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), Porsche Stability Management (PSM), and PASM with sports tuning and a 25-millimetre lower ride height are precisely calibrated to the Speedster’s unique requirements. The open-top two-seater rides on 20-inch forged Speedster alloy wheels with center locks. Standard equipment includes PCCB brakes (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake) with internally vented and perforated ceramic composite brake discs, ensuring exceptional stopping power.
Pricing and Exclusivity
In Germany, the Porsche 911 Speedster convertible starts at 269,274 euros including VAT and country-specific equipment. Orders are being accepted immediately. Reflecting the limited nature of this exceptional vehicle, Porsche Design Timepieces has created exclusive chronographs – the Porsche Design “911 Speedster chronograph” and the “911 Speedster Heritage Design chronograph” – also limited to 1,948 pieces. These timepieces are exclusively available to future Porsche Speedster convertible owners, orderable through Porsche Centers from May 2019, priced at 9,950 euros including VAT. The Porsche 911 Speedster convertible is more than just a car; it’s a celebration of Porsche’s open-top heritage and a thrilling embodiment of driving passion, destined to become a coveted collector’s item.
911 Speedster: Fuel consumption combined 13.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 317 g/km
Note: The consumption and CO2 emission values are WLTP-determined, with NEDC values provided for the interim and not directly comparable to prior NEDC measurements. Consult official guidelines for further information on fuel consumption and emissions.
