2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is a 502-hp, limited-run stunner

The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster makes its debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show.

Visually it starts with a chopped front windshield and side glass, creating a lower stance that's picked up by the hulking new rear decklid. A pair of throwback aerodynamic humps stand proud but, in breaking the retro theme, that surface is made of carbon fiber. The front hood and fenders are also made of the stuff, while the front and rear fascias are cast of lightweight polyurethane.

Mechanically, the 911 Speedster boasts a version of the GT3's 4.0-liter flat-six engine, equipped with individual throttle bodies and rated for 502 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque.

The net result is a car that weighs 3,230 pounds. Sure, that's no Miata, but it is a roughly 200-pound savings over the standard 911 coupe.

Brakes are lightweight, carbon-ceramic and the only transmission on offer is a six-speed manual, 9 pounds lighter than Porsche's seven-speed box, 40 pounds lighter than the PDK and, in my experience, far more rewarding than either of those two.

The light-weighting continues on the inside, deleting the car's air-conditioning system -- though buyers who prefer comfort to purity can have it added back as a no-cost option. There may not be a need, however, as the car doesn't really have a roof. There is a manual, fabric top, but that's likely not the kind of thing you'll want to fiddle with every day.

All told, we're pretty eager to get behind the while of the new Speedster.

The Speedster is not exactly cheap, listing for $274,500, plus a $1,250 destination fee.

Just 1,948 copies of the Speedster will be built globally, with the order books opening on May 7, 2019.

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