New 911 Speedster celebrates 25 years of Porsche exclusive individualization program

Fourth Porsche Speedster features unique wide-body styling,more power, extensive customization

Low-slung, sporty and exceptionally rare, Porsche AG's exclusive new 911 Speedster pays homage to the first Porsche model that bore the name – the 356 Speedster – and matches it with a limited production run of just 356 cars worldwide. The ultra-rare special-edition 911 makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

The concept for the new Speedster was developed by Porsche Exclusive, a division devoted to the individual customization of Porsche production cars for customers as well as the creation of limited-run models. In fact, the new 911 Speedster celebrates the 25th anniversary of the department.

Following in the footsteps of the 911 Sport Classic, which was not offered in Canada, the 911 Speedster features almost all optional equipment from the 911 series as standard, along with many unique design features not available on other 911 models. As such, it is the ultimate example of a factory-customized 911, with upgrades to its exterior design, interior trim and performance features.

Markedly different from other 911 models, the Speedster comes exclusively in a two-seater configuration, with a windscreen that is more raked back and also lower by 60 mm. The sporty manual soft top with its flatter contours tucks beneath a new, characteristic double-bubble hard cover, while the rear wheelarches are 44 mm wider. The 911 Speedster also features a unique front apron, specific side skirts and a distinct rear apron. Top up or down, it is distinctive, instantly recognizable and unlike any other 911 model.

A large part of appeal of the 911 Speedster also comes from its meticulously hand-finished interior. Black smooth-finish leather is combined with numerous details to match the exterior of the car. These include decorative designs with chequered-flag patterns in the centre sections of the power-adjustable adaptive sports seats, leather side bolsters in the exterior colour and numerous painted trim pieces, also matched to the exterior colour.

Indeed, the exterior colour, Pure Blue, was developed exclusively for the Speedster, providing an intriguing contrast with the tinted front lights, black headlight rings, black windscreen surround and other black decorative designs. (Upon request, the Speedster is available in Carrara White.)

Under the hood, the 3.8-litre flat-six, fitted with Porsche's Exclusive Powerkit, delivers 408 hp, 23 hp more than a 911 Carrera S. Yet, in line with the Porsche Intelligent Performance development philosophy, it uses no more fuel on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmits power to the rear axle, which is fitted with a standard differential lock. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are also standard.

Exemplary protection for driver and passenger comes standard in the new 911 Speedster. Especially for this open-top model, Porsche engineers further improved the rollover protection system which is standard in all convertible Porsche cars.

The new Speedster is only the fourth model to wear the iconic name. In 1953, the Speedster series was launched with a puristic sports car based on the Porsche 356, which had two sports bucket seats, doors with slide-in plastic side windows, and a shortened, elegantly curved windscreen. In 1988, the first Speedster based on the 911 Carrera celebrated its revival with an added feature: for the first time, the hood compartment lid had the characteristic double bubbles. The last 911 Speedster was available in 1993-1994.

In Canada, just 15 911 Speedsters will be available starting in early 2011, priced at $245,900.