One More Thing
A Vintage-Inspired Gen-2 Speedster
Boutique automotive coachbuilder Stärke Motor Company launched the Stärke Gen 2 Speedster earlier this year, calling it the company’s most advanced and refined Speedster yet.
Combining classic styling with the modern features of the 2017-up Porsche 718 platform, the builds mesh the soul of a classic 1950s icon with the comfort, reliability, performance and safety of modern 21st-century engineering.
“The Gen 2 Speedster represents the pinnacle of our design philosophy, delivering a fun classic Speedster experience without any of the classic car downsides,” says Seth Gortenburg, CEO of Stärke Motor Company. “I always admired the design of classics from the 1950s and ’60s and wanted to create a way to enjoy it with the everyday usability and drivability of a modern car. Our Speedster is for the enthusiast who wants something a little bit different from a typical restomod.”
Stärke prides itself as being at the forefront of the “classic car reimagined” movement, Gortenburg notes in a press release, utilizing 3D scanning and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to create a custom body that fits precisely over a 718 chassis.
Underneath the hand-sculpted body lies the option of either a 2.0L, 300-hp
Combining classic styling with features of the 2017-up Porsche 718 platform, Stärke Motor Company launched the Stärke Gen 2 Speedster earlier this year. (Photos courtesy Stärke Motor Company)
turbocharged flat-four; 2.5L, 350-hp turbocharged flat-four; or a 4.0L, 394-hp naturally aspirated flat-six engine, all with the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed paddle-shift transmission.
Virtually the entire drivetrain, suspension and crash structure are carried over directly from the 718, including all ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance System) features, when optioned with the original exterior rearview mirrors. All modern interior features are retained, including heated seats and a heated steering wheel, full power accessories and a power soft top, ensuring the comfort and livability of a modern sports car.
Each Stärke Gen 2 Speedster is handcrafted to order, offering a level of customization that reflects each owner’s individual vision, officials say. During the design process, client input includes exterior paint scheme, interior colors and materials, wheel design, drivetrain and individual details to ensure that every part of the Speedster feels unique to them.
