Speedster – AUSmotive.com

Perhaps because they made such a hash of the arse on the 997 version (above), Porsche is reportedly readying itself to give the world another 911 Speedster.

It’s due in 2015, according to Auto Bild, and where the previous 911 Speedster paid respects to the 356, this new one will honour the 550 Spyder. As such production will be limited to 550 cars.

The 550 is one of the best looking cars Porsche has ever made, but you’ll forgive us if we don’t hold out much hope that the 991 911 spin-off will reach the same heights.

Apparently the 991 911 Speedster will feature shaved door handles, a lower windscreen and a fabric roof limited in function in much the same way we saw on the Boxster Spyder.

[Source: Auto Bild via Autoblog]

Porsche announces 911 Speedster

Porsche has continued to extract blood from the 911 stone by announcing a new Speedster model. Some details are bang on; the wheels, the black details in place of chrome and, yes, even that garish blue paintwork. But, is it just me, or does its arse look big in that Speedster outfit?

Never mind that, though, because this 911 Speedster will become an instant collector’s piece. A limited run of just 356 models will see to that. The sharper minds among you will see the relevance of that model count and Porsche reckon this is just the car to pay homage to the near perfection that was the original 1950s 356 Speedster.

Apart from bubble bum the new 911 Speedster gets a familiar 3.8 litre flat six engine tuned to offer a tidy 300kW. A 7 speed PDK transmission is standard fare and the front windscreen features a more aggressive rake, reducing the overall height of the Speedster by 60mm compared to a regular 911.

Sounds brill, I think I’d like one too please. Trouble is, I’ll need mid-500s to secure one. There’s always a catch! More detail after the break.

UPDATE: Also included below is the press release from Porsche UK. It’s pretty much the same as the presser from der fatherland, but it also includes a little tidbit of history on the 356.