A WORHTY SEND OFF FOR THE 991 GENERATION?
Porsche’s 991 generation of the iconic 911 is one to be appreciated for not only its sleek styling that pays homage to the 911’s of the past while also bringing the design into the modern era, but also for its outright performance that it delivered. Now what could make the 991 generation even better? That’s right, A manual transmission! And that’s exactly what Porsche did when it came to the 991.2 generation Porsche 911 in 2016, they gave their diehard 911 and Porsche fans what they’d be asking for, and that was the return of the largely missed 6- speed manual transmission for the 911 GT cars, such as; the GT3, GT3 Touring, 911R and Speedster. Prior to this, the 997 generation 911 was the last to feature a manual transmission GT3, along with the GT3RS and GT3RS 4.0 all of which are classified as some of the greatest Porsche’s ever to leave the factory. Giving the 991.2 generation a lot to live up to when it comes to a ‘driver’s car’.
With the 992 generation arriving worldwide for 2020, Porsche had to create a car that would send off the 991 generation in the best way possible, that car was chosen to be the 911 Speedster which hadn’t been seen since the 997 Speedster in 2010. The new 2019 Speedster was based off the concept car that debuted at the 70th anniversary of the Porsche sports car in Zuffenhausen on the 8th of June 2018, commemorating the day in which the first Porsche 356 (No. 1) Roadster received it’s operating permit in 1948. The Speedster concept would become a reality in April of 2019 looking a lot like the concept with only small differences such as; the mirrors and fuel cap on the bonnet, I'd say being changed for both ease of use and regulation standards. The Speedster unsurprisingly bringing an unremovable smile to the face of anyone who got the chance to drive one. I say got the chance because the 2019 Speedster will be made in a limited quantity of just 1,948 cars, again going back to the trend of the year 1948 starting it all, all cars at this stage have been spoken for too, so if you want one you’ll have to keep an eye out on the second hand market in the proceeding years to come.
Porsche 991 Speedster Concept (2018)
Porsche 356 Roadster No.1 (1948)
Image by Motor1
Porsche 991.2 Speedster (2019)
The brand new Speedster features a 9000rpm rev limit, producing 503BHP at 8400RPM and 469NM of torque from its slightly updated naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-6 boxer motor that gives it roughly 10BHP more power over its sister car’s; the 991.2 GT3 and GT3 Touring and that is due to individual throttle bodies and higher pressure injectors being added to the already glorious 4.0 litre engine sitting at the back. For such a driver’s car it’s only natural that the Speedster comes with one gearbox option available, that being a 6-speed manual. The Speedster can be thought of as the missing piece to the present days greatest automotive puzzle, we have the manual 991.2 GT3 which covers track and spirited driving for those who are stick shift driving enthusiasts, the GT3 Touring to take the more subtle approach in the styling department, a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing, making it the most practical and best for daily driving use, and of course the last piece to Porsche’s version of the manual gearbox holy trinity, the Speedster which is best used out on the twisty roads on a nice day with the roof down listening to that incredible flat-6 engine produce its signature howl all the way up to 9000RPM. Porsche has really stayed true to it’s passion for driver’s cars and for that we cannot thank them enough.
Porsche 991.2 GT3 (2018)
Porsche 991.2 GT3 Touring (2018)
The styling of the Speedster takes much of its design from the already stunning 991.2 GT3 cars, parts such as; the front grille and bumper, rear bumper with the beautiful looking air ducts and the centre mounted exhaust tips to name a few. The rear deck lid is where the design changes in a big way, the deck lid itself is all carbon fibre making it the largest single piece of carbon fibre ever fitted to a Porsche road car and also keeping it lighter of course. For the first time as well the deck lid doesn’t look bulky and out of place like the previous models which is a major styling improvement since for me personally i found the old deck lid designs not very appealing at all, it in someway ruined an otherwise epic overall package. The interior is very typical 991 in design, however the subtle but effective ‘Speedster’ logo on the inside and the dark tan and black leather colour scheme make it feel like an elegant and very special place to be, and that is exactly how it should be.
Porsche 964 Speedster (1989)
Porsche 993 Speedster (Only 2 were made, one in 1995 and one 1997)
Porsche 997 Speedster (2010)
I think its fair to say that the word that best suits the 991.2 Speedster for me would be elegant, with it’s classy interior and ever so eye catching yet familiar exterior to match, there is no doubt its already an instant classic. So is the Speedster indeed the right choice for Porsche as far as the best send off possible for the 991 generation of 911? In my opinion the choice couldn’t have been any better if even chosen myself, we have no solid roof, a high revving naturally aspirated flat-6 motor and a manual gearbox, this is a petrolhead’s dream made a reality thanks to Porsche who are keeping the manual transmission and the naturally aspirated engine alive for us car obsessed individuals who truely believe we were made to drive, and for those who prefer a roof or a big wing sitting at the back, Porsche has catered to your needs too, the 991 puzzle has been complete just in time for the 992 generation to have its chance to live up to the hype of the ever so iconic 911 name.
Image by Motor1
Image by Motor1
Image by Motor1
Image by Motor1
Image by Motor1
Information sourced from; Car Advice.com.au, Carfection and Motor1.com