2019 Porsche 911 Speedster: First Look

• Limited edition.
• Basically, a racing car with a soft top.
• The ninth Speedster model in Porsche's history.

The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster (recently unveiled at the 2019 New York Auto Show) is an all-new variant derived from the outgoing generation of 911, known by its factory code of 991. The company did virtually the same thing in 2010 with an earlier Speedster just as the 991 generation arrived. Apologies for the history lesson, but there's no escaping it when a company has a heritage as rich as Porsche's. 

What Is a Speedster?

It's a convertible version with a difference. The windshield is shorter. The manually operated lightweight fabric top is highly streamlined and the car's rear deck rises up behind the two seats to meet it. This newest Speedster (Porsche has built eight more before this) also has a high-revving, naturally aspirated, 4.0-liter flat-6 engine (the classic Porsche configuration) sending a mighty 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. There's no automatic option.

The 2019 Speedster is based on the track-focused 911 GT3 and Porsche has been diligent in saving weight. The company has even deleted the air conditioning, although it can be reinstated as a no-cost option. Various body parts are made of carbon fiber or composite materials, while door pockets are replaced by storage nets. Even keeping the gears to six speeds instead of seven saves around nine pounds. Total curb weight is 3,230 pounds.

What Kind of Performance Are We Looking At?

According to the manufacturer, the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is capable of sprinting from 0-to-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 192 mph.

Handling is enhanced by a rear-wheel steering system and dynamic engine mounts. Behind those black-finished, 20-in, center lock alloy wheels are carbon ceramic brake discs. They're extremely fade-resistant and weigh about 50 pounds less than their cast iron counterparts.

When Will It Be Available and How Much Will It Cost?

Here's another nod to Porsche heritage: this will be a limited run of 1,948 units worldwide. The reasoning behind that number comes from the year in which the original Porsche sports car, the 356, made its official debut. This car will no doubt become highly collectable. So unless buyers are quick to act, the 2019 911 Speedster may never be available.

However, Porsche is taking orders from May 7, 2019 and cars should reach dealerships later in the year. That doesn't leave much time to save up the $275,750 required to purchase the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster. Nor has it been announced how many will be allocated for the United States. There's also a matching 911 Speedster Chronograph with a carbon fiber face, a black titanium case and a strap of perforated black leather with red stitching (as found on the car's sport seats) available to buyers of the car. Find a Porsche 911 for sale