Topic: First Drive: 2012 Porsche 911 Speedster

[Autos_Editor]

This latest limited edition 911 Speedster 'feels no different than the regular 2012 911 GTS Cabriolet on which it is based....but costs 110 grand more,' reports Peter Bleakney.  All six 2012 Speedsters allocated for Canada have already been sold.

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[Mozeby]

The styling of the Speedster just seems so '80s and tacky.  Looks more like an aftermarket project than a factory job.

[Zombie]

Didn't you hear bell bottoms are back in. 
I think is looks pretty good but I also still like the 80's 911.

[johngenx]

Wow, talk about a margin maker for Porsche.  Not much more than a standard Cabrio, but the largest price increase ever.  This has to be the stupidest buy in the world.  356 people were swindled, and more power to Porsche for it.

[lebowski]

Wow, talk about a margin maker for Porsche.  Not much more than a standard Cabrio, but the largest price increase ever.  This has to be the stupidest buy in the world.  356 people were swindled, and more power to Porsche for it.

I agree, it's a shameless money grab by Porsche; a triumph of style over substance. But hey, if customers are rich and/or dumb enough to fall for it, then why not?

That said, If I were in the market for an overpriced Porsche, it'd have to be the Sport Classic:

http://www.porscheperfect.com/2010/07/27/porsche-911-sport-classic-happiness/

[5 Wheel Drive]

Wow, talk about a margin maker for Porsche.  Not much more than a standard Cabrio, but the largest price increase ever.  This has to be the stupidest buy in the world.  356 people were swindled, and more power to Porsche for it.

I agree, it's a shameless money grab by Porsche; a triumph of style over substance. But hey, if customers are rich and/or dumb enough to fall for it, then why not?

That said, If I were in the market for an overpriced Porsche, it'd have to be the Sport Classic:

http://www.porscheperfect.com/2010/07/27/porsche-911-sport-classic-happiness/

I was going to post the same thing.  The new Sport Classic is my favorite 911.  The wide body, the duck tail spoiler, the Fuchs wheels, rear wheel drive.  Oh baby!!!

[lebowski]

I was going to post the same thing.  The new Sport Classic is my favorite 911.  The wide body, the duck tail spoiler, the Fuchs wheels, rear wheel drive.  Oh baby!!!

Haha, great minds think alike It's true, everything about the SC is so perfectly done.

[5 Wheel Drive]

I was going to post the same thing.  The new Sport Classic is my favorite 911.  The wide body, the duck tail spoiler, the Fuchs wheels, rear wheel drive.  Oh baby!!!

Haha, great minds think alike It's true, everything about the SC is so perfectly done.

My new desktop.  How am I supposed to get any work done with that staring back at me!

[lebowski]

My new desktop.  How am I supposed to get any work done with that staring back at me!

Haha, yeah, that's drool-inducing. Actually this one's my own desktop background for now (918 RSR concept). I've been experiencing similar difficulties getting work done!

[The Mighty Duck]

Wow, talk about a margin maker for Porsche.  Not much more than a standard Cabrio, but the largest price increase ever.  This has to be the stupidest buy in the world.  356 people were swindled, and more power to Porsche for it.

If you can comfortable drop $250 000 on a car, I think "value for money" ceases to be an important factor.

Besides, one of six in Canada is pretty cool. Exclusivity doesn't come cheap.

[PlanB]

Wow, talk about a margin maker for Porsche.  Not much more than a standard Cabrio, but the largest price increase ever.  This has to be the stupidest buy in the world.  356 people were swindled, and more power to Porsche for it.

I agree, it's a shameless money grab by Porsche; a triumph of style over substance. But hey, if customers are rich and/or dumb enough to fall for it, then why not?

Of course us mere mortals are quick to say it is a money-grab.  But one could look at it as Porsche giving a certain customer segment exactly what it wants and the proof is that every example is gone.

You are super-rich, and your friend drives over in his Lambo, of which you know probably 10-12 other rich guys in your circle that have one, then you take him to your garage and say look at this, it is 1 of 6 in the entire country and there will be no more....that does not come cheap. 

[lebowski]

Wow, talk about a margin maker for Porsche.  Not much more than a standard Cabrio, but the largest price increase ever.  This has to be the stupidest buy in the world.  356 people were swindled, and more power to Porsche for it.

I agree, it's a shameless money grab by Porsche; a triumph of style over substance. But hey, if customers are rich and/or dumb enough to fall for it, then why not?

Of course us mere mortals are quick to say it is a money-grab.  But one could look at it as Porsche giving a certain customer segment exactly what it wants and the proof is that every example is gone.

You are super-rich, and your friend drives over in his Lambo, of which you know probably 10-12 other rich guys in your circle that have one, then you take him to your garage and say look at this, it is 1 of 6 in the entire country and there will be no more....that does not come cheap. 

To clarify, the Speedster is not a money-grab because it is expensive. It's a money-grab because it costs literally twice as much as a Carrera GTS convertible, a car with which it shares identical mechanicals. For what? Cool paint and a Speedster-style rear deck? I do appreciate the value of exclusivity, and that it comes at a price; but make the car worth the price. I don't know what Porsche's margins are on the Carrera GT, for instance, but that car seemed *worth* the $350,000 or whatever those things were going for. Another car that comes to mind, speaking of exclusivity, is the Singer 911:

http://www.singervehicledesign.com/

I'd go for one of those in a heartbeat.

[Triple Bob]

Interview with the man behind Singer...

http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=23832