A tribute to 70 years of Porsche would not be complete without numbers such as 356, 718, 911, 917, 918 and 919. And yet a single word is a microcosm of everything the brand represents: Speedster. Because the concept embodies the original Porsche virtues of purism, lightweight construction, efficiency and unadulterated driving pleasure. Virtues that made Porsche a trademark in the USA. The 356 Speedster quickly gained great popularity from the mid 1950s. Californian students drove it to Stanford and Berkeley universities during the week – and to Laguna Seca at the weekend, where the ‘Pooorsch’ delighted in seeing off the established competition at the race track. And the vehicle concept also forms an elegant bridge from the 356 to the 911. Because many details of the latest 911 Speedster are reminiscent of its famous predecessor: its shortened windscreen, puristic hood and especially its characteristic streamliners, also lovingly known as ‘double bubbles’. The motorsport graphic and two-tone interior of the optional Heritage Design Package are particularly eyecatching. All Speedster models since 1954 have much to tell, as shown by the seven stories from seven decades of Porsche that are recounted throughout this brochure. They also confirm the truthfulness of an advertising slogan from the 1970s: “Nobody needs one, but everyone wants one.”
You can record an album. Make a film. Or build a car. The new 911 Speedster is our tribute to the 70-year-old dream of Ferry Porsche. Limited to 1,948 units, this special birthday gift pays tribute to an idea that runs through the history of Porsche like a long winding road. A tribute with no historic features? Inconceivable. In the new 911 Speedster, these are to be found in the shortened windscreen, flatter silhouette and unmistakable streamliners at the rear. This tribute is flawlessly powered by a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed engine. A gift from the 911 GT3 RS, with a whopping 375kW (510PS) and maximum engine speed of 9,000rpm. You can honour the dream of the sports car. Or bring it to life. As we have with the Heritage Design Package that makes its début with the new 911 Speedster. Committed to the Crest, this optional package has been enhanced with highquality details from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, thereby combining tradition and future into a timeless whole. The new 911 Speedster is therefore the leading actor in an exciting road movie. The plot: 70 years of Porsche. It’s time for the film to begin: action!
Clearly a 911. And then again not. The Speedster is probably the most individual 911 concept that you will see on the world’s roads. And definitely one of the most beautiful. There is no doubt that its proportions, lines and design language are unmistakable. Its CFRP wings are muscular and its headlights are round – as is typical of the 911. The front apron with its large cooling air intakes and black spoiler lip is also typical – of the 911 GT models. As is the contouring of the front lid made of carbon. No wonder, because the design and wide body are based on the 911 GT3.
But things get even more fascinating. The windscreen is extremely low, making the car even flatter, more compact and more athletic. This is a long tradition with the Speedster. For which there are three very good reasons: proximity to the road, constant flirting with the elements and unadulterated sporty driving. The 20-inch forged alloy wheels with central locking and Porsche Crest reveal the proximity to the race track. And allow a clear view of the standard Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). ‘The Speedster’ is essentially a Porsche GT model. With an exceptional design.