A Closer Look at the 2019 Limited Edition Porsche 911 Speedster
Retro styling and modern performance made the special Heritage Design Package a highlight of the NY Auto Show.
For many automobile manufacturers, the 2019 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) was a step back in time. The event celebrates the history of some of the most iconic cars from the biggest brand names.
Porsche was no different. At the NYIAS, the 71-year old sports company unleashed the 2019 Limited Edition Porsche 911 Speedster with Heritage Design Package. The moment it rolled onto the stage floor at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, it became one of the highlights of the event.
“The 911 Speedster represents 70 years of Porsche and our commitment to pure, exciting sports cars,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. “For us, New York Auto Show is one of the two most important shows we have in the United States. One is L.A. and the other one is New York, so we’re proud to be here.”
When Porsche says limited, they mean it. According to Zellmer, a total of only 1,948 units are being produced worldwide. The series is limited to 1,948 as a tribute to the anniversary of the companies’ start in 1948.
“This particular car is limited. We will only produce 1,948 globally, and we have a lot more customers than cars that we can sell,” Zellmer said. “So it’ll be sold off pretty–well, it is sold off basically right now as we speak, because it’s a collector’s item and it’s from our Heritage, it’s from our motor-sport heritage.”
According to Porsche, the 2019 911 Speedster uses a chassis derived from the 911 GT3 models with a specifically-calibrated rear axle steering system and dynamic engine mounts to deliver a maximum amount of precision, stability, and driving pleasure.
The Heritage Design Package is available in conjunction with GT Silver Metallic paint, with the front bumper and front fender “arrows” painted in white. The graphics on the front luggage compartment lid and the doors were inspired by iconic Porsche 356 models.
The 20-inch center lock wheels of the 911 Speedster with Heritage Design Package are painted in Platinum Satin and can also be ordered in Silver.
“Details such as the short windshield and manual fabric top reminds us of the first 356 Speedster as well as the first 911 Speedster from thirty years ago,” Zellmer said.
Everything visual about the 911 Speedster is a look back at the history of the Porsche.
“The Speedster itself, it’s very much connected to the United States, because in the ’50s Max Hoffman, our importer at the time in the United States, came up to Ferry Porsche and said, ‘I need a light, open-top car that people can take to the racetrack over the weekend,'” Zellmer said. “And this is what was then presented in a different generation, of course. But we’re bringing it back decade after decade to also respect that kind of start that we had in the United States.”
The inside of the 911 Speedster features an elegant look with a two-tone leather interior in black and cognac. The standard full bucket seats are upholstered in Cognac leather and decorated with a historic Porsche crest that is embossed in the headrest.
The Porsche 911 Speedster is powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.0 liter flat-six engine that is capable of up to 9,000 rpm, 502 horsepower and 346 lb.-ft of torque.
The 911 Speedster is also available exclusively with a GT Sport six-speed manual transmission, which allows it to go 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds. It has a top track speed of 192 miles per hour.
“With a Speedster model, and the designations in gold, and a special two-tone leather interior, the heritage design package provides a distinct, classic look, both outside and in,” said Andreas Preuninger, director of the GT model line. “There’s an added twist: Porsche design is offering an exclusive set of timepieces. The chronograph 911 Speedster timepiece and chronograph 911 Speedster heritage design version. It is meant to evoke all the emotions of the Porsche experience and the living bond between our past and today.”
The 2019 911 Speedster is expected to reach U.S. dealers later this year. Price is expected to start at $274,500.
“I think you will see that one thing remains constant,” Preuninger said, “Whether it’s the heritage design package of the 911 Speedster, the new generation of the 911, or the Taycan, coming out soon, Porsche remains Porsche.”
Photos: Michael Kinney
