Porsche Vision 357 Speedster shows new design direction Porsche

Undercarriage of the 718 GT4 Clubsport

The Vision 357 Speedster is technically based on the Porsche 718 GT4 e-performance. The electric motors and battery technology come from the Mission R, and it sits on the chassis of the 718 GT4 Clubsport. 

“The Porsche Vision 357 is a nod to Ferry Porsche’s first sports car. Like the closed version, this Porsche Vision 357 Speedster embodies the essence of our brand, combining driving pleasure and driving dynamics with purist forms. As with the Mission X we presented a few weeks ago, this model shows that the new design direction also has a clear Porsche DNA,” said Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche.

Exterior design: shortened windshield and tonneau cover

The study model features the stocky, shortened windshield typical of a speedster, further emphasizing the monolithic bodywork. On the right side of the car is a tonneau cover of the type once common on open sports cars. The driver’s headrest seems to float in the air.

The two-tone body in shades of Marble Grey and Grivelo Grey Metallic is inspired by historic predecessors with dark front fenders used during races to protect against flying stones. The front wheels are also painted in Grivelo Grey Metallic. Other striking details are the contrasts in Miami Blue, for example on the quick-release mechanisms of the hood.

The anniversary logo with the large “75” and the two dates “1948” and “2023” are done in Grivelo Grey Metallic and Miami Blue – a fresh alternative to the red decorative elements of the Vision 357 coupe. The exterior mirrors have been replaced by cameras that, like its classic predecessors, are not placed on the doors but further forward on the fenders. In the open 357, they have a new, aerodynamically optimized shape reminiscent of wings.

Other notable exterior details are familiar from the closed version of the concept car: the front lights have a round design reminiscent of the Porsche 356. The taillights are situated behind a pattern of cutouts milled into the body. Another nod to the classic Porsche is the vertical grille pattern at the rear. The third brake light is integrated into the design of the grille.

The large track width not only creates an impressive appearance, but also improves driving stability. The 20-inch wheels are made of magnesium and feature a carbon fiber finish and center wheel nuts. Visually, they also recall a legendary Porsche wheel: the 356 A and 356 B with drum brakes had rims with the remarkably large bolt circle of 205 millimeters.

Interior design: purist cockpit

The interior design has been reduced to the essentials and is completely focused on the driver. The low-slung chair has a CFRP seat shell integrated into a monocoque. A transparent instrument panel is attached to the top of the steering column. The racing steering wheel exemplifies lightness, and the individual controls are finished in the accent color Miami Blue that is also applied to the bodywork.

The entire dashboard is finished in carbon-weave and features straps in Miami Blue on the upper right side for securing accessories. This Porsche does not have conventional door handles but fabric loops to open the door, a feature derived from racing to save weight.

Porsche at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Porsche is showing the Vision 357 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this weekend in the South of England. The study model is in good company: highlights from Porsche at Goodwood include the 718 Spyder RS and the Mission X. The focus in developing the purist roadster, the 718 Spyder RS, was on maximum driving pleasure on twisty country roads. The Mission X concept car is the spectacular reinterpretation of a hypercar, with an electric powertrain and doors that open Le Mans-style.

And last, but not least … Porsche is also bringing a “Junior 108” diesel tractor to the motorsport festival. Indeed, at the time the original Porsche 356 was launched, tractor production was an integral part of Porsche’s portfolio. Between 1949 and July 1963, the sports car brand built some 120,000 tractors.