Previewed by two concept cars in 2018, the Porsche 911 Speedster finally made its debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show. Based on the 991.2-series 911 that has been discontinued in 2018, this model marks the return of the Speedster nameplate after nine years.

The Porsche 911 Speedster is a unique convertible

The Speedster is the third 911-based convertible and the rarest drop-top in the lineup. Essentially a mash-up between the regular Cabriolet and the Targa, it has low-cut windshield and side windows and two flying buttresses on the rear deck lid. It also features a manually operated soft-top for weight-saving purposes, but also because Porsche conceived this convertible as a purist car.

Just like the 911 GT3, it features a number of lightweight components. The flying buttresses are made from carbon-fiber, while the front luggage compartment lid, the front fenders, and rear deck lid are made from carbon-fiber composite material, Both the front and rear fascias are made from polyurethane. The Speedster rides on 20-inch center-lock wheels, which are borrowed from the 911 GT3, that are wrapped in Ultra High Performance tires for enhanced grip.

The Porsche 911 Speedster has a no-nonsense interior

The Speedster's interior is also based on the 911 GT3, so it benefits from many of its race-inspired features. The regular door panels were replaced with lightweight units that feature storage nets and fabric door pulls. These are black as standard, but you can order them in red for a striking contrast. If you're a fan of carbon fiber, the Speedster has plenty on the dashboard and the center console frame.

Black leather is standard in the Speedster, while red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, ad gear shifter is optional. You can also opt for a red marker on the steering wheel, yet another race-inspired feature. The "Speedster" lettering on the headrests helps the interior stand out even more. The 911's air conditioning system is removed from the Speedster as standard, in order to save weight, but Porsche will be happy to put it back as a no-cost option.

The Porsche 911 Speedster is a GT3 under the shell

The Speedster shares many oily bits, including the engine, with the 911 GT3 and GT3 RS. The engine is the same 4.0-liter flat-six unit, but it features custom individual throttle bodies. The unit is rated at 502 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque, a mild two-horsepower and seven-pound-foot increase over the GT3. On the other hand, the Speedster slots below the GT3 RS output-wise, as the range-topping naturally aspirated model comes with 520 horsepower on tap.

The Speedster is available with a six-speed manual transmission only. That's because Porsche wants to keep it purist-oriented, but it's also because the six-speed manual saves almost 40 pounds compared to the PDK automatic. The sprint to 60 mph takes 3.8 seconds, identical to the manual 911 GT3, but six tenths slower than the PDK version. The Speedster's top speed is limited to 192 mph, a six mph decrease from the GT3. This is a normal downgrade for a vehicle that doesn't have a proper top.

Finally, Porsche's Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) package comes standard. These brakes not only save a lot of weight, but also improve stopping power and performance on the track.

2020 Porsche 911 Speedster drivetrain specifications

Engine

naturally-aspirated 4.0 liter flat-six

Horsepower

502 HP

Torque

346 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

3.8 seconds

Top Speed

192 mph

Transmission

six-speed manual

Weight

3,230 Lbs


The Porsche 911 Speedster comes with a special timepiece

Porsche created a unique chronograph for the 911 Speedster. Developed in-house, the Flyback-Chronograph watch with Werk 01.200 movement features specific elements inspired by the Speedster. It has a carbon-fiber dial, a rotor made after the car's center-lock wheel design, a strap made from the same leather with red stitching used inside the car.

The 2020 Porsche 911 Speedster is the eighth Speedster to date

The modern Speedster pays tribute to a nameplate that goes all the way back to 1957, before the 911 was designed. The first Speedster was based on the 356, the 911's predecessor, and it was called the 356 A 1500 GS Carrera GT Speedster. The first Speedster based on the 911 was introduced in 1988, while the most recent iteration was launched in 2010. Based on the 997-generation 911, the previous Speedster was limited to only 356 units as a tribute to the original car.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche 911 Speedster concept.

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Porsche 911 Speedster.

Read our full review of the 1955-1958 Porsche 356a Speedster

Read our full review of the 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster

Read our full review on the 1994 Porsche 964 Speedster.

Read our full review of the 2010 Porsche 911 Speedster