Porsche 911 Speedster Rumored To Debut In New York Next Week

Porsche is scheduled to hold a press conference at the New York Auto Show next week and it appears the company will use the event to introduce a new special edition.

While the automaker was originally expected to unveil the new Cayenne Coupe, a Porsche spokesperson told us the model won't be on display in New York. However, they did confirm plans to "premiere a new vehicle at the press conference on Wednesday, April 17th."

Porsche declined to name the mystery model, but CarBuzz says a 911 Speedster customer contacted them and showed the publication an invitation to a "charity cocktail party" on April 18th. That's one day after the press conference, so the timing makes sense for a New York debut.

Previewed by the 911 Speedster concept (pictured above and below), the production model will serve as sort of a last hurrah for the 991. Porsche hasn't said much about the car, but it should have a mix of components from the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and 911 GT3.

Some of the biggest changes will include a shorter and more rakish windscreen that pays tribute to the 356 1500 Speedster. The model will also have a unique rear cover which features two tunnels that are connected by a floating third brake light.

Performance specifications remain unconfirmed, but the 911 Speedster concept had a flat-six engine which produced more than 493 hp (368 kW / 500 PS). This suggests the production model could use an upgraded version of the GT3's 4.0-liter flat-six engine which develops 493 hp (368 kW / 500 PS) and 339 lb-ft (460 Nm) of torque. However, it remains unclear if the 911 Speedster's rating will surpass the output of the 911 GT3 RS which has 513 hp (382 kW / 520 PS) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque.

Regardless of the final numbers, Porsche has already confirmed production will begin in the first half of this year and only 1,948 units will be built.