Porsche announced that it will unveil the ‘Porsche Vision 357 Speedster’ at this year’s 30th anniversary of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking its world premiere.
The Chief of Style at Porsche, Michael Mauer, stated, “The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster is a dream sports car of our brand founder, Ferry Porsche, and pays homage to the brand’s first sports car, the 356.” He continued, “This concept car has also been produced in two versions, convertible and coupe, just like the 356 model.” Additionally, he emphasized, “The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster seeks the essence of the brand and combines the joy of driving with dynamism in its purest form, reflecting the unique Porsche DNA along with new design elements, just like the Mission X we presented in June for the 75th anniversary of the brand.”
The Vision 357 Speedster is based on the technology of the ‘718 GT4 E-Performance.’ The electric motor and battery technology are derived from the Mission R, while the chassis is based on the 718 GT4 Clubsport.
The Vision 357 Speedster concept car emphasizes its monolithic body with the typically low and short windscreen of Speedster models. On the vehicle’s right side, a tonneau cover is fitted, commonly seen on open-top sports cars. The driver’s headrest appears to float due to the technically designed carbon rollover structure. Behind it are the charge port door and the iconic fixed anchor of classic Speedsters.
The two-tone concept of the Vision 357 Speedster, featuring Marble Grey and Grivello Grey Metallic, is inspired by motorsport history. A typical example is the front fenders and dark metallic front wing used to protect the driver from stones flying during race driving. Additionally, the front wheels in Grivello Grey Metallic are harmonized with the wrap-around front bonnet that incorporates a contrasting Miami Blue quick-release mechanism.
The prominently engraved anniversary logo featuring the number “75,” along with “1948” and “2023” reflects the red color of the Vision 357 coupe, replaced by Grivello Grey Metallic and Miami Blue. The impressive “Speedster” logo adorns the front of the rear wheels, showcasing a comic-style unicorn specially engraved by Porsche designers for the concept car. Exterior mirrors are replaced with cameras, positioned at the front of the fender rather than the door, just like in classic models. The open-top 357 is aerodynamically optimized, featuring a wing-inspired shape.
Another distinctive detail in the exterior design can also be found in the Vision 357 coupe model. The front’s four-point light signature features a round design reminiscent of the Porsche 356, while the rear lights are arranged within a point pattern engraved in the body itself. The vertical grille pattern at the rear is a homage to the very first Porsche models, and the third brake light is integrated into the grille design.
The wide track creates a strong impression and enhances driving stability. The 20-inch wheels are made of magnesium, featuring a carbon fiber hub cap and a central locking mechanism.
Visually, it evokes legendary wheels like the 356A with drum brakes and the 356B with a 205mm large bolt circle.
The interior is optimized for the driver, equipped with only essential elements. The low-inclined seat position emphasizes typical sporty performance. The CFRP seat shell is integrated into the monocoque, and the driver is secured with a six-point safety belt attached to a Miami Blue colored belt strap, sitting on a racing textile-covered pad. The instrument panel is located on a transparent surface above the steering wheel. The racing steering wheel intuitively showcases the vehicle’s lightweight design, with an impact absorption device that appears to be suspended. Personalization controls further emphasize the Miami Blue color of the vehicle’s exterior.
The entire dashboard is finished in carbon weave. Instead of a conventional glove compartment, accessories can be secured with a Miami Blue colored strap located at the top right. Additionally, a simplified fabric strap replaces the door handle. These racing-inspired details contribute to weight reduction.
Porsche will showcase over 15 new and classic models at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, alongside the Porsche Vision 357. A special Porsche parade will take place twice daily during the hill climb, featuring the 356 No. 1 Roadster leading a parade consisting of the 1983 928 ‘Trigem’ racing edition, Cayenne Transsyberia, 959, 911 Turbo S (Type 993), and a special 911 Carrera S (991) that marks the millionth production of iconic sports cars since its birth in 1963.
Porsche is also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Le Mans. With a total of 19 overall victories, Porsche will exhibit three class champion vehicles and three overall winners at Goodwood. These include the 718 W-RS Spyder, which won the 2.0-liter class in 1961, the 935 Martini, which won class honors in 1976, and the 911 RSR named “Pig,” which won the GTE Pro class in 2018.
The display will also include the 936/81 Spyder, the 911 GT1 ’98,’ and the 919 Hybrid from 2017, all of which are overall winning vehicles.
The 718 Spyder RS and Mission X, which were unveiled at the “75th Anniversary of Porsche Sports Cars” event, will also be publicly presented for the first time at the Goodwood Festival. The pure roadster 718 Spyder RS enhances driving pleasure on winding courses. The Mission X concept car reinterprets a hypercar with upward-opening, Le Mans-style doors, high-performance performance, and an efficient electric powertrain.
In addition to other latest models, Porsche will also present the Porsche “Junior 108” diesel tractor. Approximately 120,000 tractors were produced under the Porsche brand name between 1949 and July 1963.
The influential British weekly newspaper, Sunday Times, described, “The legendary hill climb of the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the intersection of the Monaco Grand Prix and Royal Ascot.” The 1.86 km track, covered with straw and narrow, poses a significant challenge for drivers and vehicles.
This course is located near the Goodwood estate established by motorsport enthusiast Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, the 11th Duke of Richmond, in 1993. Each year, about 180,000 motorsport fans visit this special event in West Sussex, England, dedicated to historical and modern racing cars. In honor of the 75th anniversary of Porsche sports cars, a sculpture by artist Gary Juda is featured as a centerpiece of the festival.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr