1948 Porsche 356 No. 1 The first Porsche, chasssis 356-001, was produced in Gmünd as two-seat roadster using VW parts. Work on the project started as early as 1947 and was authorized by Ferry Porsche to begin construction in March of 1958 of the new Sportwagen Typ 356. He was...
Porsche Concept Cars
Beyond the legendary 911s and track-dominating 917s lies a world of innovation often hidden from public view: the world of Porsche concept cars. These daring prototypes, sculpted from imagination and engineering prowess, offer a glimpse into the soul of Porsche, revealing its ambitions, its struggles, and its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive possibility. This is your ultimate guide to that world. From forgotten showstoppers to design studies that shaped automotive history, we delve into every Porsche concept car ever created.
Full Model List / Models In-Depth / Image Gallery / Best Porsche Concepts
Every Porsche Concept Car & Prototype Model
Several cars started out as prototypes, which became part of the Porsche lineup. Concepts are when technology and artistic minds go hand-in-hand to create a masterpiece. When it comes to Porsche we have found that their concepts are not just fanciful ideas, but very real visions of what the future holds for Porsche’s production cars. Over the years, Porsche has debuted more than a handful of different concept cars. First and most important is the 911 concept. Add some four door Porsche concepts over the years that sent a message about the Panamera’s direction as early as the 1980s. Add some crazy models like the C88 and Panemerica and Porsche really has some “unique” concepts we’ve seen over the years. Of course, no Porsche concept list would be complete without the 918 Spyder. The 918 Spyder was first shown as a concept at the 80th Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. That was well before people thought a mid-engined plug-in hybrid sports car was even conceivable let alone an absolute future classic. Powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, developing 608 bhp with two electric motors delivering an additional 279 bhp for a combined output of 887 bhp, the 918 blew us all away.
Finally, we have the latest and greatest Porsche concept, the Mission E sedan, Porsche’s first all-electric car. Electrification is here and our favorite carmaker is going in head first. The Mission E concept shows what the first purely electric sports car in the brand’s history could look like. it’s a sports car. There’s no doubt about that. But it’s not the sports car you might expect. Two permanent magnet synchronous motors similar to those in the 919 Hybrid that won Le Mans, propel the car and recover energy when braking. One of them powers the rear axle, the other the front axle. With a combined output of more than 600 hp, they catapult the Mission E to 60 in less than 3.5 seconds, and to 124 miles per hour in less than 12 seconds. The future looks good indeed.
Porsche 901
Porsche 911 2.0 Bertone Roadster
Porsche Tapiro Concept
Porsche 916 Concept
Porsche 917 16-Cylinder Prototype
Porsche 911 Turbo Prototype
Porsche 959 Gruppe B
Porsche 959 Prototypes
Porsche 965
Porsche 984 Concept Car
Porsche 928 H50
Porsche 969
Porsche Panamericana
Porsche 989
Porsche Boxster Concept
Porsche C88
Porsche Carrera GT Concept
Porsche Cayenne Cabriolet Concept
Porsche 918 Concept Car
Porsche 918 RSR Hybrid Concept
Porsche 917 Living Legend Concept
Porsche 904 V2 Concept
Porsche 918 Spyder Prototyp
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo (970.2)
Porsche Bergspyder Concept
Porsche 906 Living Legend Concept
Porsche 911 991 Safari Concept
Porsche Mission E
Porsche Mission 70
Porsche 960 Turismo Concept
Porsche Vision 916
Porsche 919 Street Concept
Porsche Sport Tourer Electric
Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Concept
Porsche 911 Speedster Concept
Cayman GT4 Rallye Concept Car
Porsche 551
Porsche Macan Vision Safari
Porsche Vision 918 RS
Porsche Vision 920
Porsche Vision E
Porsche Mission R Electric
Porsche Vision Gran Turismo
Porsche Vision 357
Our Favorite Porsche Concept Car Images
Porsche doesn't mess around when it comes to futuristic concept cars.
Best Porsche Concept Cars Ever Created
We Pick The Five Greatest Porsche Concepts
We love Porsche concept cars and here a handful of the best ever Porsche concept cars.
1. Porsche Boxster Concept (1993)
Porsche needed a volume seller to save the company. This was it.
Why Is This The Best Porsche Concept Car?
The Porsche Boxster Concept, unveiled at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show, was more than just a pretty face; it was a lifeline. Porsche, facing financial challenges in the early 90s, needed a hit, and this roadster delivered. Drawing inspiration from classic Porsche models like the 550 Spyder and 718 RSK, the Boxster Concept captured the essence of the brand's heritage while injecting a fresh, modern appeal. Its sculpted lines, mid-engine proportions, and distinctive air intakes created a sense of timeless elegance and sporty dynamism that resonated with enthusiasts and critics alike.
But the Boxster Concept wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about accessible performance. Powered by a mid-mounted 2.5-liter flat-six engine, it promised an exhilarating driving experience that was true to Porsche's DNA. The concept showcased a minimalist yet driver-focused interior, with a simple dashboard layout and prominent gauges, emphasizing the pure joy of driving.
The overwhelmingly positive response to the Boxster Concept gave Porsche the confidence to push the project forward. Remarkably, the production version, launched in 1996, remained remarkably faithful to the concept's design. The Boxster became a sales success, revitalizing the brand and proving that Porsche could deliver thrilling performance in a more affordable package. It solidified the Boxster's place as a modern classic and a testament to the power of a well-executed concept car.
2. Porsche 918 Spyder Concept (2010)
Hypercar that redefined the possibilities of hybrid performance.
Why Is This The Best Porsche Concept Car?
The Porsche 918 Spyder Concept, unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, was a groundbreaking hypercar that redefined the possibilities of hybrid performance. More than just a design study, it was a technological tour de force, showcasing Porsche's commitment to sustainable driving without sacrificing the visceral thrills the brand is renowned for. With its low-slung, aggressive stance and unmistakable Porsche design language, the 918 Spyder Concept immediately captivated audiences and signaled a new era for high-performance automobiles.
At the heart of this revolutionary machine lay a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine, derived from the RS Spyder LMP2 race car, generating over 500 horsepower. But the 918 Spyder was more than just brute force; it was a sophisticated hybrid system. Two electric motors, one on each axle, provided an additional 218 horsepower, bringing the combined output to a staggering 718 horsepower. This innovative powertrain allowed for multiple driving modes, from pure electric for silent city cruising to a full-throttle hybrid attack for unleashing its maximum performance potential.
The 918 Spyder Concept wasn't just about power; it was about efficiency. Porsche claimed it could achieve an astonishing 78 miles per gallon while emitting just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer. This incredible feat was achieved through lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics, and the intelligent interplay between the combustion engine and electric motors. The 918 Spyder Concept paved the way for the production version, which became a benchmark for hybrid hypercars, proving that performance and sustainability could go hand-in-hand.
3. Porsche Mission E (2015)
Porsche's stunning electric future in a close-to production suit.
Why Is This The Best Porsche Concept Car?
The Porsche Mission E, unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, wasn't just a concept car; it was a statement of intent. This sleek, four-door sedan signaled Porsche's bold leap into the world of all-electric vehicles, challenging the notion that sustainability couldn't coexist with exhilarating performance. With its low-slung silhouette, muscular haunches, and futuristic lighting signature, the Mission E was unmistakably a Porsche, yet it broke new ground with its innovative technology and zero-emission powertrain.
Underneath its captivating exterior, the Mission E boasted two permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) – technology derived from the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid race car. This setup delivered over 600 horsepower, catapulting the car from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and offering a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. But Porsche didn't stop at raw power; the Mission E also showcased groundbreaking 800-volt charging technology, allowing for incredibly fast recharging times.
The Mission E wasn't just about performance; it was about reimagining the driving experience. The interior was a minimalist haven of technology, featuring holographic displays, eye-tracking controls, and a driver-focused cockpit. This concept car paved the way for the Porsche Taycan, the brand's first all-electric production car, proving that Porsche's commitment to innovation could lead to a thrilling and sustainable future.
4. Porsche 919 Street Concept (2017)
Road-legal version of the marque's dominant Le Mans racer could have been
Why Is This The Best Porsche Concept Car?
Unveiled in 2017, the Porsche 919 Street Concept was a tantalizing glimpse into what a road-legal version of the marque's dominant Le Mans racer could have been. Born from the same DNA as the 919 Hybrid that conquered the 24 Hours of Le Mans three consecutive times, this secret study captured the essence of the track beast, translating its raw power and aerodynamic prowess into a package designed for public roads.
Beneath its sleek, sculpted exterior, the 919 Street housed the same carbon fiber monocoque and potent hybrid powertrain as its racing counterpart. 1 Imagine a 2.0-liter turbocharged V4 engine coupled with an electric motor, delivering a staggering 900 horsepower to all four wheels. While toned down slightly from the race car's 1,000 hp output, this would have been enough to propel the 919 Street to mind-bending speeds.
Despite its undeniable appeal, the 919 Street remained a concept. Porsche deemed the technology too complex for the average driver, citing the intricate hybrid system and the 45 minutes required by a team of mechanics just to start the LMP1 engine. While this dream car never saw the light of day, it stands as a testament to Porsche's relentless pursuit of performance and a reminder that even the wildest ideas can take shape in Stuttgart.
5. Porsche Tapiro Concept (1970)
Gullwing doors, wedge-shaped design and a mid-mounted flat-six engine
Why Is This The Best Porsche Concept Car?
Created by Italian designer Georgetto Giugiaro, who was named as the Car Designer of the Century three decades later, the Porsche Tapiro was a concept car produced for the 1970 Turin Motor Show exhibition circuit. Described as the first example of his influential "folded paper" style that featured in later car design (such as the DeLorean made famous in the Back to the Future films), Giugiaro named the car after the tapir because he felt that the design resembled it.
The car was based on the Porsche 914/916 platform and its most notable feature was the double set of gullwing doors - one set for the driver and passenger, and one set for accessing the storage area above the engine. The observant will have also noticed a Volkswagen badge on the front of the car: this concept car was not the only foray of joint VW-Porsche activity; indeed, the close connection between the two marques continues.The Porsche Tapiro, despite being a concept car, was actually a fully functioning car, thanks to its 914 base.
After the car had served its life as an exhibition piece, the car was sold to a Spanish industrialist in 1972, who used it as his daily drive until around 1980. The car was destroyed during an industrial dispute involving its owner - allegedly by employees of the industrialist's company, who blew it up with an explosive device placed under it. The wreck was purchased by Guugiaro's company Italdesign, where it remains on display in its unrestored state.
