Bridge to Porsche heritage

911 ROADSTER: PRODUCTION STARTS AT ZUFFENHAUSEN

Only 1 948 units of this two-seater, open-top model will be made.

The 911 Speedster caused a sensation when it was presented as a concept vehicle and now Porsche is putting the open-top two-seater into production from mid-2019 at the Zuffenhausen plant in Germany.

The 911 Speedster combines the aspiration of a puristic, driver-oriented vehicle with motor sports technology suitable for everyday use. The 911 R (2016) and 911 GT3 served as a basis for development.

A high-revving 375kW four-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine delivers an emotive sound experience in the cockpit. The peak power is reached at 8 400rpm, with the maximum engine speed at 9 000 rpm. The engine delivers a maximum torque of 470Nm at 6

250rpm. The new 911 Speedster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 km/h.

Befitting its status as a driver’s car, Porsche only offers the 911 with a manual six-speed sports transmission. It features an auto-blip function which precisely and independently compensates differences in engine speed between the gears when downshifting through automatic throttle blips.

Visually, the new Speedster establishes a bridge to its own history – to the forebear of all Porsche sports cars, the 356 No 1 Roadster from 1948. The limitation to 1 948 units is reminiscent of this vehicle.

Numerous Speedster elements that characterise the concept vehicle can now be found in the same or similar design on the series production model. Taking centre stage is the aesthetically shaped convertible top compartment lid with its double-bubble streamliners – a quintessential feature of this sports car type since the 911 Speedster from 1988.

It is the largest and most complex component to date that Porsche has used in a road model made of a single piece of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. If needed, two trim elements in the double bubbles make room for the roll-over protection system which is included as a standard feature.

A weight-saving roof structure replaces the basic cover of the concept vehicle. Despite its puristic design, the fabric convertible top is suitable for everyday use.

The athletic profile is further enhanced by shortened window frames with lowered cowl top panels and the smaller side windows. The excitingly low fly line already characterised historic designs such as the Porsche 356 Speedster from 1954.

The interior is characterised by black leather elements for the side bolsters and head restraints of the carbon-fibre composite full-bucket seats, the armrests in the door trims and the shortened gear lever.

The centre panels of the seats are upholstered in perforated leather, while the lightweight door panels with black door pulls and stowage nets reduce the overall weight.

Porsche also optionally offers the new 911 Speedster with a Heritage Design package (pictured on Page 1).

The 911 Speedster is available for order and will set you back R5 161 000 which includes a threeyear/100 000km drive plan.