In 2018, Porsche built a replica of its first 356 sports car to mark the 70th anniversary of its registration. The first humble 356, known as the No. 1, was the start of a sports car legend that continues to this day.
For its 75th anniversary this year, Porsche is looking back at the 356 again, this time imagining what the lively sports car would look like if it were launched today. The result is the Porsche Vision 357 concept car unveiled on Wednesday.
Porsche Vision 357 concept car
Porsche Vision 357 concept car
Naturally, there are multiple nods to the 356 in the concept design. These include the grille pattern at the rear, the design of the headlights and the carbon fiber hubcaps with center locks, reminiscent of the wheels with unusually large bolt rims fitted to the 356 A and 356 B.
The concept is based on the platform of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which means it’s powered by a mid-mounted 4.0-liter flat-six making 493 horsepower. The “eFuel” badge signifies that the concept is designed to run on Porsche’s carbon-neutral synthetic fuel, which recently started production at a pilot plant in Chile.
As a further nod to sustainability, the concept also features natural fiber-reinforced plastic made from flax fibres.
Porsche Vision 357 concept car
While the Vision 357 is unlikely to enter production, Porsche design chief Michael Mauer has hinted that elements of the car could foreshadow future Porsche design themes.
“The concept car attempts to coherently combine past, present and future, with proportions reminiscent of its historic prototype and details that reveal what the future holds,” he said in a statement.
The Vision 357 is the highlight of a special exhibition celebrating Porsche’s 75th anniversary. The exhibition was held at the Drive Forum of the Volkswagen Group in Berlin and opened to the public on January 27. The Porsche concept will be on display there until mid-February.