Essen 2009 Preview: 9ff Speed9 Based on Porsche 997 Turbo Cabrio Revealed

The Essen Motor Show always presents a plethora of European tuner cars. It's like SEMA, but mostly showcasing tricked out rides from Porsche, BMW, Audi and Mercedes instead of Camaros and Mustangs. 9ff always has something pretty wild for this event and this year will be introducing the Speed9. This fresh speedster takes its inspiration from the legendary 356/1500S Speedster from 1955 and will be the second complete vehicle offered by this German tuner.

Based on the Porsche 997 Turbo Cabrio, the 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat six engine was boosted from 473hp up to 650hp. The increase in horsepower comes by way of a tweaked ECU, new air intake, exhaust system and catalytic converter.  The tiptronic gearbox is controlled via integrated paddle-shifters. Handling gets improved through the use of adjustable stabilizer bars mouted in front and back along with double spings and aluminum spring plates. There is also a full brake system upgrade with new 380mm compound discs, 6-piston calipers and 9ff pads.

The most glaring change is the reworked body kit and styling package. The rear seats have been removed and the rear compartment bulge holding the folding roof has been exchanged with a flat hard cover. Together with the shortened windshield, this gives the car its speedster profile. There is also a new front air dam, side skirts and rear apron. Inside, there is an Alcantara dashboard, unique 9ff Speed9 sports seats and a new steering wheel. Pricing details and performance specs have not been released yet. We'll have further updates on the 9ff Speed9 closer to the show...

Source: 9ff via WCF