Porsche is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its first sports car, the Porsche 356, by imagining what it would look like if it were designed in today’s world. The result is the Vision 357 concept, which was originally unveiled as a coupe in January and has now been revealed in speedster form.
The Vision 357 Speedster concept made its formal debut at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. It is a modern interpretation of the iconic 356 Speedster, which was first introduced in 1954 at the request of the famous US importer Max Hoffman, who was also responsible for convincing Mercedes-Benz to build the 300SL.
Unlike the coupe version, the Vision 357 Speedster removes the glass roof and features only a windshield, a single headrest, and a roll bar for the driver. The passenger side is concealed by a tonneau cover. The cabin has been stripped down to the bare minimum, with exposed carbon fiber lining most surfaces. One notable feature is the transparent digital instrument cluster that provides the driver with a clear view of the road ahead.
The exterior of the Vision 357 Speedster concept showcases several interesting design elements. The taillights are hidden beneath a mesh pattern milled into the body panel, giving them an invisible appearance. Retro-style 20-inch wheels made from magnesium, with carbon-fiber hubcaps, not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also improve aerodynamic efficiency. The concept also features slender camera stalks instead of conventional side mirrors.
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While the coupe version shares its platform and flat-6 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 was presented at the previous year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and serves as a test bed for the upcoming electric 718 sports car, expected to be released around 2025. The concept is equipped with an electric motor powering each axle, delivering a maximum combined output of 1,073 horsepower.
Although there are no immediate plans for a production version of either the Vision 357 coupe or speedster concept, Porsche’s design chief Michael Mauer has hinted that certain design elements seen in these concepts may influence future production models. This could include the electric 718 sports car or even the next iteration of the iconic Porsche 911.
In addition to the Vision 357 Speedster concept, Porsche also unveiled the 718 Spyder RS and Mission X concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The 718 Spyder RS is a high-performance version of the 718 Spyder, while the Mission X concept showcases Porsche’s vision for an electric hypercar.
Overall, the Vision 357 Speedster concept represents Porsche’s forward-thinking approach to design and technology. As the company celebrates 75 years since the introduction of its first sports car, it continues to push the boundaries of innovation and reimagine what a Porsche sports car can be. While it may be some time before we see a production version of the Vision 357 concept, it serves as a glimpse into the exciting future of Porsche’s lineup.
