It was on June 8, 1948 when the Porsche sports car brand was launched, with the 356 No. 1 Roadster becoming the first automobile that bore the name Porsche.
As the well-loved brand turns 75 this year, Porsche is marking the historic celebration with the release of the stunning Porsche Vision 357—a tribute to the first Porsche model line, the 356. This concept car brings the monolithic form into the present day.
Breaking free from the restrictions of a production car, the Style Porsche Team explored potential expressions of its futuristic design. This includes enhancing their light signature in a progressive and visionary way that points towards what Ferry Porsche's dream of a sports car might look like today. Cameras are placed instead of traditional exterior mirrors, lights are integrated behind the panel work, and there are no conventional door handles. The fundamental concept reflects tradition and innovation, creating a unique blend of classic style and modern technology.
Using the 356 design DNA as its base, the Vision 357 evokes the lines of the 356—presenting an abruptly sloping flyline, broad shoulders, and a narrow passenger cell. On the side, a prominent ‘75’ logo stands out, and a 357 decal can be found on the front fender. Boasting of a wide track that shows off a bullish impression, and 20-inch wheels made of magnesium, and are equipped with aerodynamically advantageous carbon fiber central locks, and hubcaps, this concept is a true head-turner that promises great adventures.
As in its iconic predecessor, the windscreen extends to the A-pillars, pushing technological glass production boundaries. The early 356 sports cars had a split windscreen with a bar down the middle, later updated in 1952 with a single bend-down windshield. This same design element has been carried over to the Porsche Vision 357, where the A-pillars are blacked out, visually merging the side windows to create a visor-like effect.
Additionally, the design study features racecar-like attributes such as splitters upfront with threaded-rod support, integrated exhaust tips into the rear diffusers, and stickier rubber on aero wheels. Another nod to the original 356 is a grille-like pattern beneath the rear windscreen that integrates the third brake lamps.
For paintwork, the two-tone concept with Grivola Grey Metallic and Ice Grey Metallic harks back to grey tones which were popular in the 1950s.
Apart from its impressive design, the 357 carries the same powertrain and chassis of the powerful 718 Cayman GT4 RS—a magnificent 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine that is capable of delivering close to 500 bhp.
The Vision 357 will be presented at various international events throughout 2023 including the Volkswagen Group's “DRIVE” Forum in Berlin from January 27th until mid-February, and the South by Southwest in Austin from March 10th. This exhibition will provide a unique opportunity to appreciate how far Porsche has come and what it stands for today.
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