The History of the 911 Speedster The term Speedster first became associated with the 911 in 1988, as the swansong for the G-Series. 2,103 of these Speedsters existed with a 3.2l air-cooled flat-6, which produced 214 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. That meant 0-62mph in around 6 seconds and a top speed of around 150mph. 161 of these cars were based on the narrow Carrera platform, whilst the others were based on the Turbo, giving them a sort of bulging rear end. Read More 2025 Porsche 911 (992.2) GT3 hits the “Green Hell”: Potentially setting a new Record-Breaking Time over its predecessor at the Nürburgring The next Speedster was in the 964 generation and was a very different beast. It featured no creature comforts and seats from the Carrera RS. It now featured a 3.6l Flat-6 with 247 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. The result is a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds, a top speed of 162mph and a car now more focused on driving pleasure than cruising. The 936 cars that were eventually made were specifically for the Enthusiasts. Following this was the 993 Speedster, the rarest of all the Speedsters. Only two of these cars existed. One for comedian and Porsche enthusiast Jerry Seinfeld, which featured a wide silver body, and a 300 horsepower 3.8l Flat-6, which could achieve 175mph. The other was green, featured a narrow body shape and was powered by a 3.6l 272 horsepower Flat-6and maxed out at only 171mph. This was designed for Ferdinand Alexander Porsche himself. Read More Porsche’s Last 911 (992) Dakar: Specialised in Sonderwunsch Customization After a fifteen-year wait, Porsche brought back the Speedster in its 997 guise. 356 of these cars were built as this model was very much a homage to the original 356 Speedster. Inside it featured the same 408 horsepower 3.8l flat-6 found in both the Carrera GTS and Sport Classic. That meant 311 lb-ft of torque, 0-62mph in around 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 190mph. Also, most were sold in bespoke blue livery. The most recent Speedster came out in the 991 generation of 911. 1,948 of these cars were built in celebration of Porsche’s inauguration year. This one featured the same 503 horsepower 4.0l Flat-6 as the GT3. That meant 347lb-ft of torque, 192mph top speed, 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and a wailing red line of 9,000rpm. This was the Speedster which felt the most special. Read More 2026 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Spotted at the Nürburgring It’s clear from all five previous generations of Speedster that this model is a special car in the 911 range. From their iconic styling, to their bespoke drive-trains and engines, these cars do the unthinkable, they suddenly make the convertible 911 seem appealing and wonderful. Also, it's worth noting that most of these cars appear at the end of each respective 911 model's timeline. What Spy Shots Tell Us About the 2026 Porsche 911 Speedster? There are many things one can tell from the Spy shots of the 2026 911 Speedster. The sculpted front wings and air blades look as though they’re from the much-loved 911 S/T. The front bumper, vented bonnet, carbon-fibre front wings, and old-school door handles call back to Speedsters once gone. And of course, there’s that signature specialist twin exhaust at the rear. On a slightly sadder note, this Speedster seems to lack the signature rear buttress, low windshield and bespoke roof of the previous generations, which is likely down to safety regulations. Also, given this is a specialist 911, expect a six-speed manual to come with the car as opposed to a PDK. Also expect an interior composed of carbon-fibre bucket seats and analogue-style gauges, to reflect that driver-focused feel of the 964 and 991 Speedsters. Powering the car will, of course, be the naturally aspirated 4.0l flat-6 found in both the GT3 and S/T. So expect between 503 horsepower and 518 horsepower on tap. Also given this car’s spy shots, its likely to debut towards the end of 2025 and 2026, with prices starting from at least $250,000. Also, the build number will likely be around 1,956 Speedsters to reflect the year of the 1956 Speedster. Read More 2025 Porsche 911 (992.2) GT3: 6 Interesting Facts about the World's Ultimate Driver's Car Perhaps on a slightly sadder note, it might also mean that the end of the 992 generation 911 is coming, as traditionally Speedsters come out near the end of each 911’s model year. Especially, given that the next 911 model range will likely not use the 4.0l naturally aspirated flat-6 used in its bespoke models. So whilst this Speedster might not be a traditional Speedster styling-wise, it may very well be the final “true naturally-aspirated 911” ever. And it being a convertible only celebrates this incredible engine even more.Source: Autoexpress
