Porsche is one of the most renowned and respected brands in the automotive world, with a long and illustrious history of creating iconic sports cars that combine performance, design, and innovation. One of the most influential models in the brand’s history is the 356, which was Porsche’s first production car and the predecessor of the legendary 911. The 356 was a lightweight, rear-engined, two-seater that offered agile handling, elegant styling, and a distinctive sound.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the 356, which entered production in 1948, Porsche has revealed the Vision 357 Speedster Concept, a modern interpretation of the classic roadster that pays homage to its heritage while showcasing its future. The Vision 357 Speedster Concept is a purist, electric-powered sports car that combines the proportions and lines of the original 356 with the technology and aesthetics of the current Porsche lineup.

The Vision 357 Speedster Concept was designed by a team of young designers at Porsche’s Weissach development center, who were inspired by the simplicity and emotion of the 356. The concept car features a low-slung, open-top body with a minimalist cockpit, a central roll bar, and a rear decklid that houses the electric drivetrain. The front and rear fascias are reminiscent of the 356, but with modern touches such as LED headlights and taillights, aerodynamic elements, and a large Porsche logo.

The concept car is painted in a striking shade of blue that contrasts with the silver wheels and accents. The wheels are inspired by the Fuchs rims that were popular on the 356 and 911 models but with a futuristic twist. The interior is dominated by leather and carbon fiber, creating a sporty and luxurious atmosphere. The dashboard is minimalistic, with only a few analog gauges and switches. The steering wheel is a reinterpretation of the classic Nardi wood-rimmed wheel that was used on some 356 models.

The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster Concept is powered by an electric motor that delivers instant torque and zero emissions. The performance specifications have not been disclosed, but Porsche claims that the concept car offers “e-performance at its best”. The concept car also features a regenerative braking system that recovers energy and extends the range.

The Vision 357 Speedster Concept is not intended for production but rather as a design study that showcases Porsche’s vision for the future of sports cars. The concept car is part of a series of “Vision” projects that Porsche has been developing since 2012, exploring different scenarios and possibilities for its products. Some of these projects have been revealed to the public, such as the Vision Spyder Concept, the Vision Turismo Concept, and the Vision Renndienst Concept.

The Vision 357 Speedster Concept is a tribute to the first sports car from Stuttgart but also a glimpse into what Porsche could offer in the future: an electric-powered, purist, and emotional driving machine that honors its past while embracing its future.

What makes the Vision 357 Speedster Concept special?

The Vision 357 Speedster Concept is not just another electric sports car. It is a unique creation that blends classic and modern elements in a harmonious way. Here are some of the features that make it stand out:

• The design: The concept car has a sleek, curvy bodywork with a narrow passenger cell, a sloping flyline, and big broad shoulders. It also has black A-pillars that resemble a visor on a helmet, and titanium tailpipes with ceramic interiors. The front and rear lights are integrated into thin strips that emphasize the width of the car. The vertical grill pattern in the rear is another nod to Porsche’s first model.
• The color scheme: The concept car is painted in Marble Grey and Grivelo Grey Metallic, two grey tones inspired by historic motorsport forerunners. The darker metallic color is used on the front fenders, front wings, and front wheels to protect against flying rocks in race scenarios. The lighter color is used on the rest of the body to create contrast. The color scheme is complemented by Miami Blue accents on the quick-release mechanisms on the wrap-around front bonnet, the straps in the interior, and the anniversary logo with the large “75” and the two years “1948” and “2023”.
• The wheels: The concept car features 20-inch wheels in Grivelo Grey Metallic with Miami Blue center caps. The wheels are inspired by the Fuchs rims that were popular on the 356 and 911 models, but with a futuristic twist. They have five spokes that are split into two parts each, creating a dynamic impression.
• The interior: The concept car has a reduced and driver-focused interior that is fully tailored to the driver. The low-slung sporty seat position, the racing steering wheel, and the instrument cluster that sits atop the steering column as a transparent surface create a cockpit-like feeling. The entire dashboard is a carbon-weave finish, while the conventional glove box has been replaced with Miami Blue straps in the upper right section to save weight. The concept car also features cameras instead of exterior mirrors, which are displayed on two screens on the left and right of the dashboard.

How does the Vision 357 Speedster Concept compare to the original 356?

The Vision 357 Speedster Concept is a modern tribute to the original 356, which was Porsche’s first production car and the predecessor of the legendary 911. The 356 was a lightweight, rear-engined, two-seater that offered agile handling, elegant styling, and a distinctive sound. The 356 was produced from 1948 to 1965 in various versions, such as the coupe, cabriolet, speedster, and spyder.