Porsche 911 Speedster zooms in

We only just brought you news of Porsche's final-hurrah 911 Carrera GTS, but it seems the Zuffenhausen mob isn't quite done with its 997 Series derivatives.

Witness the 911 Speedster, a genre pulled out of mothballs 16 years and three model generations since the last one made an appearance (a low-roof convertible version of the 964 Series 911 that debuted in 1992).

The inspiration for that car (as with the latest iteration) obviously comes from the classic 356 Speedster of 1953, and to reinforce the link Porsche will build and sell just 356 examples of the new 911 Speedster.

It debuts at the imminent Paris motor show and goes on sale internationally in January, commanding a hefty premium over the regular 911 Cabrio.

As per the Carrera GTS, propulsion comes from an uprated 3.8-litre flat-six with 300kW (17kW more than the Carrera S) and 420Nm -- and these outputs enable it to bolt to 100km/h in 4.6sec and hit a v-max of 306km/h.

As with past Speedsters, the newbie is distinguished by its shortened windscreen and sleek tail; it features a 60mm lowered and raked windscreen and the characteristic 'double-bubble' hardcover for the manual soft top.

The Speedster uses the 44mm wider Carrera 4 body (even though it's a rear-driver), which adds to its image of muscularity. It also scores a bespoke front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron.

Porsche fans will also note the colour-coordinated black stone guard ahead of the rear wheels, reminiscent of prior editions of the 911, while the colour palette is enhanced by the 'Pure Blue' hue developed exclusively for the Speedster.

Befitting its bespoke status, the Speedster comes standard with a raft of features, including the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB).

Meanwhile, the safety roll-over protection system (standard in all open-top Porsches) has being tailored for the Speedster's unique design.

The hand-finished interior is trimmed in black smooth-finish leather with an assortment of painted details (in the same colour as the exterior) -- each one bespoke to the Speedster.

The Speedster is due in Australia early next year, priced at $519,800.

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