The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster Is a 1000-HP Electric Homage

• Porsche’s Vision 357 Speedster is a modern interpretation of one of Porsche’s legendary shapes.
• The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster borrows its electric powertrain from the GT4 e-Performance, which means it has a pair of electric motors that make over 1000 hp.
• The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster makes its debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Following the debut of the 356 Coupe-inspired Vision 357 earlier this year, Porsche is turning to its roster of historic vehicles to inspire another EV concept. Also inspired by the legendary Porsche 356, the Vision 357 Speedster loses its top. Debuting at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Porsche’s Vision 357 Speedster takes the vintage shape from its 356 Speedster and blends it with the modern Porsche 718 GT4 e-Performance power.

That’s right, this Porsche Vision 357 is based on a battery-electric platform. If you recall, the previous Porsche Vision 357 concept packed the 4.0-liter flat-six mounted midship. This Vision 357 Speedster puts an electric motor at each axle and sends 1073 hp to all four wheels in 718 GT4 e- Performance trim. The company also notes that the battery technology also comes from the 718 GT4 e-Performance. In that setting, the GT4 e-Performance uses an 82 kWh battery system that’s split into three sections to better distribute weight. Also like the 718 e-Performance, this Vision 357 Speedster is built on the 718 GT4 Clubsport’s chassis.

The most obvious difference (besides the Vision 357 Speedster’s electric powertrain) is its shape. The Speedster bodywork loses the top in homage to legendary Porsche speedsters of yore. This Vision concept now features a headrest behind the driver to help with rollover protection. Taking further inspiration from vintage race cars, the Vision 357 Speedster covers the passenger side of the cockpit. This tonneau cover might help reduce some drag at speed, but its visual impact is likely most important.

With half of the interior blocked off by a tonneau cover, you have to expect a driver-focused cockpit. In front of the driver, you’ll find a futuristic transparent instrument cluster. Looking through that transparent instrument panel, you’ll see carbon-fiber weave covering the dashboard. Strapping you into the Racetex-covered, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic seat is a Miami blue six-point harness. You’ll also find matching Miami blue accents on the steering wheel.

Porsche probably isn’t going to shuffle this Speedster into production, which means this Vision concept might be the closest we’re going to get to a modern 356 anytime soon. Of course, Porsche could also leverage this concept’s styling in future production. Still, that means those heading to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed should keep an eye out for this special Porsche concept while they’re walking around the event. If you aren’t in England right now, Porsche says it’s bringing this Vision 357 Speedster to the Rennsport Reunion later this year.

Do you think Porsche will release a production car inspired by these concepts? Tell us your thoughts below.

Wesley Wren has spent his entire life around cars, whether it’s dressing up as his father’s 1954 Ford for Halloween as a child, repairing cars in college or collecting frustrating pieces of history—and most things in between. Wesley is the current steward of a 1954 Ford Crestline Victoria, a 1975 Harley-Davidson FXE and a 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie. Oh yeah, and a 2005 Kia Sedona.