Last weekend Porsche celebrated the 70th anniversary of its sportscars by revealing the 911 Speedster Concept. Developed at the Porsche Motorsport Centre, the birthplace of the 911 GT2 RS and GT3 RS, the drive technology under the shell was derived from current GT models.
Dictated by its history, the 911 Speedster Concept features a lightweight tonneau cover instead of a convertible top, and is attached using eight Tenax fasteners.
Paying homage to the Porsche 356 1500 Speedster, the Speedster Concept is given a wider profile with a low fly line attributed by a shorter window frame, a more inclined windscreen and shortened side windows.
The broad body of the concept was borrowed from the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet but its wings, front bonnet and rear cover are made of lightweight carbon fibre material.
The new ensemble that sits on a 911 GT3 chassis, is finished with 21-inch Fuchs wheels – a signature-look on classic Porsches – held on by centre locks for the first time.
Other distinct features of the exterior includes a 50’s-inspired fuel tank cap on the front bonnet, classic Talbot shape of the exterior mirrors and headlights with a cross-like effect that pays tribute to Porsche’s early years in motorsport. At the time, the headlights on its race cars were taped before races to protect them against stone chips and prevent the glass from shattering.
The lightweight philosophy is also prevalent in an interior with no navigation, radio and even air conditioning. Their slots are instead replaced by storage compartments with full bucket seats made of carbon fibre and leather door-pull straps that adds more impact to the dramatic weight-shed.
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