Porsche dusts off Speedster to thrill Paris show-goers

Porsche says the Speedster is the most stunning open- top it has ever built. Photo / Supplied

Porsche is signing off on its current 911 range with the limited-edition Speedster, an exclusive nameplate used only three times since it first appeared on the low-slung model 356 of 1953.

The Speedster badge was last seen on a Porsche in the 1990s, or three generations ago. The German carmaker dusted it off to honour the success of the latest line-up, known in-house as the 997 model range.

Porsche lifted the lid of the open-top Speedster 48 hours ago at the Paris motor show, alongside another just-released model built to salute the 997 collection, the GTS coupe and cabriolet.

The carmaker describes the Speedster as the most stunning open-top it has ever built, one reason why it will be priced as the second most expensive Porsche, behind the GT2 RS flyer. It is listed at £144,000 (NZ$310,000).

Global production will be held at 356 units, a deliberate tribute to the original 356. Only a handful of Speedsters will find their way into New Zealand and Australians hands.

Porsche reckons the car will be used purely for top-down thrills, although a lightweight canvas roof - which resembles that of the new Boxster Spyder - is stowed under the trademark Speedster's rear humps in case the weather turns bad.

The two-door features a windscreen 60mm lower than the standard 911, while the 1980s-inspired black stone guards on the rear arches hark back to original Speedsters.

Underneath, the new car shares its running gear with the new 911 GTS - a possible last hurrah for the 997 with rumours that the latest model is being readied for production.

That means the rear track is 44mm wider than on the standard Carrera 4, while power comes from an uprated (17kW) version of the 3.8-litre direct-injection flat-six engine, now producing 300kW.

That's delivered to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential for better control of the power, same as the GTS. The Speedster's top speed is 305km/h, while the benchmark zero to 100km/h sprint is dealt with in only 4.6 seconds.

Like the GTS coupe, the Speedster comes standard with Porsche's dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission, which Porsche claims helps the Speedster get a town-and-around fuel consumption of 10.3litres/100km, or 27.5mpg.

It will be available in just one specification, including a limited-slip differential, composite ceramic brakes, and Porsche's electronic stability system.

The "Pure Blue" paintwork has been developed especially for the Speedster, although buyers have the option of a special white hue. The hand-finished cabin features black smooth-finish leather, with colour-co-ordinated inserts.