The Vision 357 Speedster concept unveiled by Porsche at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed is a modern interpretation of the classic Porsche 356 Speedster from 1954.
Here are the key points
- Porsche has unveiled a new concept car, the Vision 357 Speedster, to mark the 75th anniversary of the company’s first sports car, the 356.
- The Vision 357 Speedster is a modern take on the classic 356 Speedster, with a sleek design, a minimalist interior, and an electric powertrain.
- The concept is based on the 718 GT4 e-Performance concept car, first shown at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
- The electric powertrain in the Vision 357 Speedster produces a combined output of 1,073 hp, which is enough to propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds.
- The interior of the Vision 357 Speedster is just as minimalist as the exterior. There are only the bare essentials, including a digital instrument cluster and a few controls for the climate system. The seats are carbon fibre, and the floor is covered in a rubber mat.
- Porsche has not said whether the Vision 357 Speedster will go into production. Still, the company has said that certain elements of the concept car could preview future design themes for upcoming production models.
- The Vision 357 Speedster will be displayed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 13-16. Porsche will also use the event to present the 718 Spyder RS and Mission X concept to the public for the first time.
The concept features a minimalist design with a windshield, a single headrest, and a roll bar for the driver, while a tonneau cover conceals the passenger side.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the design is stripped down to the essentials, with minimal controls and exposed carbon fibre surfaces. The driver is provided with information through a transparent panel that serves as a digital instrument cluster while maintaining a clear view of the road ahead.
The Vision 357 Speedster concept boasts several unique features, including hidden taillights integrated into a mesh pattern on the body panel, slender camera stalks instead of conventional side mirrors, and retro-style 20-inch wheels made from magnesium, topped with carbon-fibre hubcaps for improved aerodynamics.
Coupe
Unlike the coupe version, which shares its platform and engine with the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the Vision 357 Speedster is an all-electric vehicle. It is based on the platform of the 718 GT4 e-Performance, which serves as a test bed for Porsche’s upcoming electric 718 sports car, expected around 2025. The concept has an electric motor on each axle, delivering a combined maximum power of 1,073 horsepower.
While there are no immediate plans for production versions of the Vision 357 concept, Porsche’s design chief, Michael Mauer, has hinted that certain elements of the concept may influence future design themes for upcoming production models, including the electric 718 and potentially the next-generation 911.
Multiple models
At the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Porsche also presented the 718 Spyder RS and Mission X concept to the public for the first time, further showcasing their design and technological advancements.
Here are some potential pros and cons of the Porsche Vision 357 Speedster concept:
Pros:
- Modern Interpretation: The Vision 357 Speedster concept offers a modern interpretation of the classic Porsche 356 Speedster, combining iconic design elements with contemporary styling cues.
- Minimalist Design: The stripped-down cabin and minimalist controls create a clean, focused driving experience, emphasizing simplicity and reducing distractions.
- Electric Powertrain: As an all-electric vehicle, the concept aligns with the industry’s shift towards sustainable mobility. It features electric motors on each axle, delivering powerful performance with a combined maximum power of 1,073 horsepower.
- Advanced Technology: The concept incorporates advanced technologies, such as a digital instrument cluster, hidden taillights, camera stalks instead of conventional side mirrors, and carbon-fiber components, showcasing Porsche’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge design.
- Potential Influence on Future Models: Certain design elements from the Vision 357 Speedster concept could inspire future production models, potentially shaping the design direction of upcoming Porsche sports cars, including the electric 718 and next-generation 911.
Cons:
- Limited Practicality: The Speedster design with a tonneau cover and reduced cabin space might limit passenger and cargo capacity, making it less practical for everyday use or long trips.
- Conceptual Nature: The Vision 357 Speedster is a concept vehicle with no plans for immediate production. This means it may not be available for purchase, limiting its accessibility to car enthusiasts.
- Experimental Technology: While the electric powertrain is a positive aspect of sustainability and performance, it is still experimental. It may take some time before the technology is refined and ready for mass production.
- Potential Cost: Given the cutting-edge design, advanced technologies, and limited production prospects, the Vision 357 Speedster concept could potentially carry a high price tag if it were to be produced, making it less accessible to a wider audience.
- Design Preferences: While the concept showcases Porsche’s vision for a modern Speedster, personal design preferences may vary, and some enthusiasts may prefer a more traditional or different aesthetic for a Speedster model.
Conclusion
The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster concept brings a modern twist to the classic 356 Speedster, showcasing a minimalist design, advanced technology, and an all-electric powertrain. While the concept offers an exciting vision of Porsche’s future design language and sustainable mobility, it is important to consider its limited practicality, experimental nature, potential cost, and subjective design preferences.
While there are no immediate plans for production, the concept may influence future Porsche models, potentially shaping the direction of upcoming sports cars. Overall, the Vision 357 Speedster concept represents Porsche’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of automotive design and performance.
