Only 356 will be made; only about 100 are headed to the U.S.
Porsche chose the Paris Auto Show to unveil its sleek new 2011 Speedster model. Those familiar with the German marque will know that there have been only three previous editions of the legendary Porsche Speedster,
the first of which was introduced in 1953 on the 356, followed by two 911-based variants, one in 1988 and the other in 1993. To mark the 25th anniversary of Porsche Exclusive, the German automaker’s bespoke division, the 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster returns with its trademark cut-down and steeply raked windshield, a 2.36-in. lower ride height along with a double bubble feature in the rear deck and only two seats.
the first of which was introduced in 1953 on the 356, followed by two 911-based variants, one in 1988 and the other in 1993. To mark the 25th anniversary of Porsche Exclusive, the German automaker’s bespoke division, the 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster returns with its trademark cut-down and steeply raked windshield, a 2.36-in. lower ride height along with a double bubble feature in the rear deck and only two seats.
The Speedster starts with the wide-body awd 911 Carrera 4 shell, which is 1.73 in. wider than the stock model. However, the Speedster is a rear-drive only model powered by Porsche’s normally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-6 delivering 408 bhp—23 bhp more than the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. The car is equipped with Porsche’s twin-clutch PDK sequential shift transmission and the factory claims 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 4.2 sec. and a top speed of 190 mph. Fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway, the same as the Cabrio. The PDK is the only gearbox available on the car.
In addition to the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and carbon-ceramic brakes, the Speedster is equipped with just about any imaginable option available including an exclusive color called “Pure Blue,” as well as Carrera White. The paint scheme is offset by tinted front lights, black headlight rings, a black windshield surround and other black body and interior accents. The cockpit also features black leather seats with a checkerboard design on the seat inserts and body-colored side bolsters.
The 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster is also distinguished by its special front and rear fascias and rocker panel extensions, which enhance the car’s lowered look. Only 356 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedsters will be built with about 100 earmarked for the U.S. The list price will be $204,000 when the car goes on sale early next year.
