Porsche wraps up production of the 991.2 with the introduction of its ninth iteration of the Legendary Porsche Speedster.
Key Points:
- Ninth iteration of the legendary Porsche Speedster
- It was built by the same group responsible for the Porsche GT3 and GT3 RS, Porsche Motorsports.
- It follows the race-proven recipe for performance, a powerful engine combined with weight savings
- Built with parts from the GT3 and GT3 RS parts bin, namely the engine and other performance parts.
When a given generation of Porsche 911 comes to the end of its life, Porsche may produce a Speedster of the outgoing generation of the 911. By 2010, Porsche had produced 8 derivations of its venerable Speedster. The last Speedster was produced in 2010 and was built on the 997 platform.
The ninth generation of the Porsche Speedster is being produced on the outgoing 991 platform as a 2019 model. It is powered by a 4.0 liter, 6-cylinder boxster engine producing 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine that powers the Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS.
The 2019 Porsche Speedster can rocket from 0 to 60 miles per hour in as little as 3.8 seconds accelerating through to a top speed of 192 miles per hour. In order to facilitate an engaging driving experience, the 911 Speedster combines a 9,000 rpm redline with a GT Sport six-speed manual transmission.
The legacy of the Porsche Speedster
The original Porsche Speedster began in the early 1950s, as a lightweight, and at the time, less expensive option for the emerging California market. Speedsters are designed to combine an open-top driving experience with unique driving characteristics.
The forefather to the Porsche Speedster, the 356 1500 America Roadster, had an aluminum body that was completely manufactured by hand. It weighed around 350 pounds, or 20 percent less than the 356 coupe it was based on. It had a 70 horsepower engine that was good for a top speed of 108 miles per hour.
The 991.2 Porsche Speedster
The 991.2 Speedster was developed by the Porsche Motorsports Department, the same team that built the Porsche GT3 and GT3 RS. It is easily identified as a speedster by the low-cut windshield, windows, and fabric top.
The Speedster is focused on performance through weight reduction. In other words, making the vehicle as light as possible. This is accomplished through the use of a front hood, front fenders, and rear decklid made of carbon fiber and front and rear fascia made of polyurethane. Weight savings extend to driving systems as well where the Speedster utilizes composite brakes over metal brakes for a weight savings of 50%, a manual transmission over PDK for a 40lb. weight savings, and a manual material roof system. The Speedster also has a custom lightweight exhaust system for a 22lb. weight savings. As a result, the 991.2 Porsche Speedster tips the scales at 3,230 lbs, about 300 to 350 lbs. lighter than a Porsche 991.2 Cabriolet.
When developing the Speedster, the magicians at Porsche Motorsports raided the GT3 parts bin for more than just the motor. It borrows the rear axle steering system, dynamic engine mounts and high performance wheels from the GT3.
For those with their hearts set on a 991.2 Porsche Speedster, it is priced at $274,500. With production limited to just 1,948 units Worldwide, they will not be available at dealers for long.