Porsche reveals 911 Speedster 22 | 09 | 2010

    SIXTEEN YEARS and three model generations after it last appeared, Porsche has resurrected the 911 Speedster; and don't be surprised if a hotter, turbocharged version could follow. The newcomer, just the third 911 Speedster to make it into production, follows tradition by being based on the existing cabriolet version of the 911.

    The new 911 Speedster pays homage to the car which kicked off Porsche’s fascination with the cabrio — the 356 Speedster, launched in 1953 — and uses standard bodywork. It does, however, have a 60mm shorter and more heavily raked windscreen than other 911s.

    And in keeping with tradition, the new Speedster's plastic tonneau cover behind the cabin also receives a double-bubble treatment reminiscent of the first 911 Speedster in 1988. The car's aggressive overall looks are further enhanced by Porsche's decision to adopt the widened rear bodywork of the latest 911 Carrera 4S cabriolet, with its 44mm wider wheel housings.

    Not really ideally suited to the demands of the Scottish weather, the Speedster comes with a flat, manually operated fabric hood. Sure it's designed to provide some protection from the elements, but it's definitely not as sturdy as the standard 911 cabriolet’s automatic roof.

    The latest 911, created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Porsche Exclusive — the company’s in-house personalisation programme — also receives an additional chin spoiler at the base of the front bumper, tinted indicator lamps, blackened headlamp surrounds and windscreen frame, unique side sills and a rear bumper with 911 GT3-style air vents behind the rear wheel arches.

    Power for the 911 Speedster comes from the same 3.8-litre motor that was unveiled last week in the 911 Carrera GTS, with 402bhp and 310lb/ft and standard equipment includes Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, a locking differential, adaptive damping and carbon-ceramic brakes.

    Whisper it, but a Super Speedster could well arrive shortly after the launch of the Speedster, of which just 356 models will be built priced at £144,100; the bigger model would, most likely use the 911 Turbo’s powerplant.

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