This is Porsche's Gift to Itself: Meet the 911 Speedster Concept

Porsche just gifted itself with an awesome birthday present in the 911 Speedster Concept. Produced to commemorate the German brand’s 70th anniversary, the 911 Speedster Concept is a road-ready study (i.e. we’ll produce it if you clamor hard enough) that puts driving experience as the main focus of the car.

The 911 Speedster Concept, with its stockier profile and low profile recalls the likes of the 356 1500 Speedster including elements such as the double bubble rear cover. However, this modern incarnation is made of high-tech stuff with the rear cover made of carbon fiber an a transparent Plexiglas wind deflector engraved with “70 years of Porsche.”

As dictated by the original, the 911 Speedster Concept also features a lightweight tonneau cover instead of a convertible top. This cover protects the car interior from rain when parked and is attached using eight Tenax fasteners. The lightweight principles of the Speedster philosophy continue through into the interior, where the navigation, radio and air conditioning systems have all been eliminated. The full bucket seats are made of carbon, and the light brown Aniline leather covers in Cognac 356 pick up on features from the car’s classic predecessors.

While the basic body is borrowed from the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, the 911 Speedster Concept does have more carbon fiber composite material—on the front hood and mirrors. It also harks back to Porsche’s early racing days with its GT Silver and White paint job. In addition, there’s also 50’s-style elements such as the central fuel tank, the Talbot-shaped mirrors, and the cross-like effect of the headlights.

Below the bodywork, the 911 Speedster Concept relies on state-of-the-art components. The chassis essentially comes from the 911 GT3 down to the 21-inch Fuchs design rims with center locks. It also has a unique exhaust system with titanium tailpipes. All in all, this lightweight concept should deliver over 500 horsepower at a 9,000 rpm redline from its flat-6 engine.

This isn’t the first-time Porsche has made a Speedster model. Aside from the forefather—the 356 1500 America Roadster, there have been 8 other Speedster models including the 997-series 911 Speedster in 2010.