We Wish The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster Electric Roadster Was More Than A Concept
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, billed as "The world's greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture." That's not the only birthday being recognized, though.
Frequent Goodwood participant Porsche is also celebrating the 75th anniversary of its very first car, the 356 Roadster. To commemorate the occasion, Porsche displayed a modern interpretation of the open-roof sports car called the Vision 357 Speedster, a companion to the Vision 357 Concept coupe that the brand showed off earlier this year.
Though the retro styling between the two Vision 357 concept cars is similar, there's one major difference — besides the lack of a roof. While the Vision 357 Concept is based on an internal combustion engine powered 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the freshly revealed Vision 357 Speedster is all-electric. Specifically, the Speedster traces its roots to the 718 GT4 e-performance. According to Porsche, the underpinnings come from the brand's 718 GT4 Clubsport, while the electric motors and batteries are sourced from the Mission R race car.
Perhaps seeking to assuage Porschephiles who might question the brand's EV focus, Porsche's Vice President of Style Michael Mauer states, "The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster embodies the essence of the brand. Driving pleasure and driving dynamics combined with an extremely purist form. As with the Mission X that we presented just a few weeks ago, this model demonstrates that even with fresh design genes, the Porsche DNA shines through."
It might not make the best daily driver
Like with other track-oriented Porsches of the past, the Vision 357 Speedster has a minimalist cabin with a carbon fiber dashboard, fabric pull straps in lieu of door handles, and an aerodynamic tonneau cover spanning the portion of the interior where a passenger would normally sit. Maintaining the aerodynamic agenda, wing-mounted cameras replace traditional side-view mirrors and all external lighting shines through a series of holes milled into the Speedster's body.
The 357 Speedster rides on massive 20-inch diameter wheels constructed from lightweight magnesium with carbon-fiber hubcaps. Although the wheels fasten with a modern center locking nut, the styling mimics the classic "wide five" bolt pattern of early Porsches (and Volkswagens). A bespoke color scheme was selected for the Speedster, consisting primarily of Marble Grey and Grivelo Grey Metallic hues, with liberal doses of Miami Blue for a pop of color both inside and out. Finally, large 75th-anniversary graphics adorn the doors and front bonnet.
While no performance specifications were provided for the Vision 357 Speedster, the Mission R, on which its propulsion system is based, leaps from zero to 60 MPH in less than 2.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 MPH. After the Goodwood Festival of Speed concludes, U.S. residents will get their chance to view the concept car firsthand at the Rennsport Reunion near Monterey, California, in late September.