Porsche has released “Porsche Unseen,” a book boasting 328 pages containing previously secret photos of and supplemental information on design studies which the legendary sports car manufacturer developed between 2005 and 2019. Through this collection, Porsche is offering an exclusive insight into its design process, starting from the first drawing to the finished model ready to go into series production.
Here are some of Porsche’s never-before-seen concept cars:
Porsche 919 Street (2017)
Based on the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, the 919 Street promises to bring endurance racing experience to enthusiasts. The car has a carbon-fiber monocoque, identical dimensions and wheelbase, and the 900 PS hybrid drivetrain as those found on the race car.
Porsche Vision Spyder (2019)
A minimalist cockpit, an iconic grille over the mid-mounted engine, red graphic elements and a hint of fins at the rear let the Vision Spyder channel James Dean’s Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder from 1954.
Porsche Vision Renndienst (2018)
With the Vision Renndienst, Porsche shows how it could transfer its design DNA to a six-seat family shuttle. The vehicle has a central driver’s seat, an all-electric drive and generous space promising passengers a travel experience in typical Porsche dynamics.
Porsche 906 Living Legend (2015)
Clearly inspired by the Porsche 906 street-legal race car, the 906 Living Legend plays around with the concept of having two bodies pushed into each other. The gap between these two then serves as a ventilation duct for a powerful mid-mounted engine.
Porsche Vision 918 RS (2019)
The Vision 918 RS evolves from the 918, the first hybrid super sports car. It features drivetrain and chassis technologies which were developed further, as well as an aerodynamically optimized body. It is envisioned to once again set standards on the road and the racetrack.
Porsche Vision 920 (2019)
How to combine the language of Porsche’s road cars with the functional design of a racing car? Porsche studies this in the Vision 920 whose aerodynamic body and central cockpit blur the boundaries between street performance and motor racing.
Porsche Vision E (2019)
Based on the Porsche 99X Electric, the Vision E is a radically light, single-seat racing car for privateers. The model aims to deliver an unmatched fully electric driving experience.
Porsche 917 Living Legend (2013)
Recalling the livery of the Porsche 917 KH that won for Porsche its first overall victory at Le Mans in 1970, the 917 Living Legend accompanied the brand’s return to LMP1 racing in 2013. Serving as the technical inspiration for the car was the Porsche 918 Spyder.
Porsche 904 Living Legend (2013)
This compact and lightweight sports car recalls the legendary Porsche 904 from 1963. With a monocoque chassis made from carbon-fiber, the car barely weighs 900 kilograms and could be powered by a high-revving motorbike engine.
Porsche Vision 916 (2016)
Like the Porsche 916 of the early 1970s, the Vision 916 is compact. Unlike the 1970s model though, it is powered by four wheel hub electric motors, paying homage to Ferdinand Porsche and his first Lohner-Porsche racing car from 1900.
Porsche Boxster Bergspyder (2014)
The Porsche 909 Bergspyder was the lightest car ever used by Porsche in motorsport—it weighed in at just 384 kilograms. With the Boxster Bergspyder, Porsche honors the race car in the form of a Boxster 981 series.
Porsche 911 Vision Safari (2012)
Based on the 991 generation 911, the 911 Vision Safari has a raised chassis, reinforced wheel arches, massive bumpers and motorsport-inspired cockpit evoking the legendary 911 Safari that competed in the 1970s in the East African Safari Rally.
Porsche Le Mans Living Legend (2016)
A Porsche Boxster heavily inspired by the groundbreaking Porsche 550 that competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1953, the Le Mans Living Legend has a front and rear hood that open in opposite directions, and a loud and powerful eight-cylinder engine.
Porsche Macan Vision Safari (2013)
Underscoring the fact that the Porsche Macan is as capable off-road as it is on pavement, the Macan Vision Safari is a three-door model with large all-terrain tires suitable for off-road racing.
The “Porsche Unseen” book, now available at the Porsche Museum shop and other retailers, features photos by Stefan Bogner and text by Jan Karl Baedeker.
