I’m not sure how a 201,000-euro convertible Porsche sits alongside Max Hoffman’s 1950s concept of a light, lower-cost version of the 356, but Porsche will unveil a new ‘Speedster’ at this year’s Paris Show.

The fourth model to carry the famous name, the latest Speedster will also feature a cut-down, more raked windscreen and a manually operated hood covered by characteristic ‘double-bubble’ humps on the rear bodywork.

The car will come only in two-wheel drive, and the rear wheelarches have been extended by 44mm for an extra-butch stance on the road. Increased performance over standard comes courtesy of an engine specification from the recently announced Carrera GTS.

As standard, the limited-edition (to just 356 examples) roadster will have almost every extra in Porsche’s bulging catalogue. This includes Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake discs, a PDK 7-speed transmission, Porsche Active Suspension Management and a differential lock.

This, and the exclusivity, partly explains the eye-watering price: 201,682 euros including VAT in Germany.

The last limited-run car produced by Porsche Classic was the similarly expensive 911 Sport Classic. The offshoot of Porsche will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2011.

Inside the car, a chequered flag motif features large, with black and white inserts in the seats. A new colour - unique to the new Speedster - ‘Pure Blue’ is standard, although Carrera White is a no-cost option. The car will be available to order later this year for deliveries in 2011, the year when it is anticipated the Stuttgart manufacturer will launch an all-new 911.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos/Video: Porsche