After revealing the electric Vision 357 design concept in January as an homage to its iconic 356, Porsche has now revealed its drop-top sibling.
The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster will make its in-person debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Despite its throwback styling, it features thoroughly modern technology straight from the 718 GT4 e-performance.
That means inside beats the all-electric heart of the Mission R concept, while its chassis comes from the 718 GT4 Clubsport.
That’s in contrast with the fixed-head concept from January, which used a 4.0-litre flat-six.
For reference, the all-wheel drive 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance packs 735kW of power from its dual-motor powertrain in its most powerful mode, or 450kW in a drive mode designed to allow for 30 minutes of flat-out running.
Porsche says the Vision 357 concepts have a “monolithic” body, and this is emphasised in the Speedster by its shortened windscreen.
The right-hand side of the cabin is covered by a tonneau cover, once common on open-top sports cars, while the driver’s headrest sits ahead of a carbon roll-over element.
Other throwback design cues include the round headlight shape and the vertical grille pattern at the rear. The third brake light is integrated into this grille.
Cameras replace traditional mirrors, and are situated further forward on the fenders, while the tail lights sit behind a patterned array of points milled in the body.
The concept is finished in two grey tones: Marble Grey and Grivelo Grey metallic. The latter colour can also be found on the front wheels and fenders, while pops of Miami Blue provide contrast.
The wheels are 20-inch magnesium items, equipped with carbon-fibre hubcaps and central locks. They’re designed as a callback to the 356 A and 356 B wheels.
The brighter colour can be found on the quick-release mechanisms for the front bonnet, as well as within the giant numbers painted on the vehicle. It stands in contrast to the coupe concept, where highlights were red.
In a whimsical touch, comic unicorns are situated in front of the rear wheels; they were penned by Porsche designers specifically for this concept.
Inside, there’s a low-slung driver’s seat with Racetex-covered pads, a six-point belt with a Miami Blue strap, and a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic shell integrated into the monocoque.
The minimalist, driver-focused cabin also includes a transparent instrument cluster that sits atop the steering column.
The dashboard has a carbon-weave finish all over, and there are Miami Blue accents throughout the cabin. That includes straps in the upper-right section designed to secure accessories, in lieu of a traditional glove compartment.
Porsche has also nixed conventional door handles in favour of simple fabric straps.
“The Porsche Vision 357 is a nod to the first Porsche model line, Ferry Porsche’s dream sports car. And since the 356 has burned itself into the collective brand memory as both a convertible and a coupé, the same logic applies to the concept car: there can only be two,” said Porsche chief designer Michael Mauer.
“The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster embodies the essence of the brand.
“As with the Mission X that we presented just a few weeks ago, this model demonstrates that even with fresh design genes, the Porsche DNA shines through.”
Porsche is celebrating 30 years of the Festival of Speed not just with this concept, but also by showcasing six of its Le Mans winners; the 356 No. 1 Roadster, the brand’s first sports car; and the Mission X hypercar concept, among numerous other vehicles.
All up, it will have 15 new and classic models on display.
MORE: Porsche Vision 357 design concept reinterprets an icon
