Porsche Vision 357 Speedster Pays Tribute To An Iconic Classic

Jul. 13, 2023 3:27 AM ET byJarryd Neves Concept /3 Comments

The gorgeous concept is powered by the battery and electric motors from the Mission R.

To celebrate 30 years of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Porsche has unveiled a new retro-flavored concept car dubbed the Vision 357 Speedster. Based on the718 Cayman GT4 e-Performanceand closely related to thePorsche Vision 357concept, the Vision 357 Speedster is inspired by the iconic 356, and you'd never guess it had the guts of a718.

This bewitching concept borrows its electric motors and battery from the Mission R, bundling that together with the taut chassis from the718 GT4 Clubsport. The automaker hasn't shared power or performance figures, but it's likely that the Vision 357 Speedster packs the same 1,072-horsepower punch as the Mission R. Therefore, it should hit 62 mph in around 2.5 seconds before charging all the way up to its 186 mph top speed.

While performance is important in a Porsche, the main highlight of this gorgeous concept is the exterior styling.

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Likethe original 356 Speedster, the 357 concept has a shortened windscreen which, says Porsche, lends "even more emphasis to the car's monolithic body." The passenger side of the cabin is covered with an old-school tonneau, the kind you would once find on sports cars from seven decades ago.

The curvaceous body wears a two-tone paint scheme comprised of Grivelo Grey Metallic and Marble Grey, a combination inspired by past motorsport contenders. Take the front fenders, for example, which echo protective elements used to fend off flying rocks on the racetrack.

The front wheels are also coated in Grivelo Grey, a color that is uplifted by lashings of Miami Blue on the release mechanisms on the front hood and the "75" decals, a nod to the brand and the original 356 turning 75 this year. The hood also has "1948-2023," in case your math is a little rusty.

Porsche

Sited just ahead of the rear wheels are specially designed unicorn motifs, created specifically for the 357 Speedster. As a nod to the future, the svelte drop-top has cameras instead of side mirrors. However, in keeping with the retro flavor, these have been positioned on the fenders and not the doors.

Porsche borrowed the lighting elements from the 357's coupe sibling. Again, this is a modern take on the iconic 356's cluster design, with four separate light signets creating a round design similar to the original Porsche. It's a similar story at the rear, where we can see a modern take on the vertical grille.

As for the wheels, they're 20 inches in size and fashioned out of magnesium, making them very light. Carbon fiber hubcaps and center locks hark back to an older Porsche wheel design, namely 356 A and 356 B models that were equipped with drum brakes.

Porsche

Thanks to the clever carbon fiber roll-over protection system, the 357 Speedster's headrest appears to be floating in mid-air, giving it a futuristic look. Just behind this, you'll find the anchor for the speedster's top, along with the charging port door.

Inside, you'll find a minimalist and beautifully designed cabin that has been "tailored to the driver." The Racetex-covered pads and six-point seat belt (finished in Miami Blue) should give you the best possible driving position, which was paced as low as possible; the CFRP seat has been integrated into the monocoque.

The dash has a carbon weave and features a transparent instrument cluster. To save weight, there are no door handles and no sign of a glovebox. Miami Blue straps are used for both; the latter has been replaced with straps that can secure accessories.

如果你想一睹357跑车, it is currently on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, along with several other special Porsche models.

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Porsche Vision 357 Speedster Pays Tribute To An Iconic Classic

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Porsche Vision 357 Speedster Pays Tribute To An Iconic Classic

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