Porsche Concept Cars: Top 10 Breakdown

Breaking Down 10 Concepts Car by Porsche

Silver Porsche 984 concept car in a garage with rows of lights above and a red spotlight lightly covering the car in a glow — The 984 concept axed in the states.
Source: Porsche

#10 984 Concept: Between 1984 and 1987, the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach, Germany, worked on a top-secret project known as the Porsche 984. Conceived as a lightweight and aerodynamic roadster, the 984 aimed to offer an affordable entry point into the Porsche lineup without sacrificing the brand’s hallmark driving experience. Notable innovations included a folding hardtop roof, a cutting-edge feature for its time. With the declining value of the US dollar, this made the car’s intended price point unfeasible and ultimately shelved.

Side shot of a Porsche 984 concept car in a white room with large windows and two cars in the foreground under car covers. — *Source: Porsche*

Rear shot of a Porsche Le Mans Living concept car parked pointing away from the camera with grey clouds in the background and barrier waist high. — How do you create a concept that encapsulates Le Mans?
Source: Porsche

#9 Le Mans Living Legend, unveiled in 2016, is a concept car that masterfully blends Porsche’s racing heritage with forward-thinking design. Inspired by the 550 Coupé, the brand’s first sports car built specifically for racing, this concept pays homage to a historic icon while looking ahead to future innovation. Built on the Boxster platform, the Le Mans Living Legend is an extreme interpretation of a road-going sports car, showcasing design elements directly influenced by its predecessor. Notable features include a central fuel filler on the bonnet, oppositely opening front and rear hoods, and a louvred air vent on the passenger side, all nodding to the distinctive characteristics of the 550 Coupé. These design touches not only highlight Porsche’s motorsport DNA but also emphasize the brand’s focus on functional aesthetics and innovation. The Le Mans Living Legend would ultimately serve as the creative foundation for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, illustrating the pivotal role of concept cars in shaping future production vehicles.

Not the typical body design, but has spurned success in the 718 Cayman and more.
Source: Porsche

Green Porsche Panamericana concept car parked in dark garage with a red light casting a red glow on the car. — Check out the over fenders on these!
Source: Porsche

#8 Panamericana concept, revealed in 1989 as an extraordinary 80th birthday gift for Ferry Porsche, stands as a striking example of bold innovation and lasting influence. Named after the legendary Mexican road race, the concept was based on the 911 (964) Cabriolet and featured unconventional design elements, including a horizontal roof that could be unzipped and rugged oversized tires. While these features were never intended for production, the Panamericana served as a creative blueprint for two influential Porsche models: the 911 Targa and, more notably, the first Porsche Boxster. The concept’s emphasis on open-top driving and daring design directly inspired the Boxster’s development, a model widely credited with revitalizing Porsche’s fortunes and setting the brand on a course for future success. The Panamericana showcases the pivotal role of concept cars in blending experimental design with practical innovation, cementing its place as a transformative moment in Porsche’s history.

Green Panamericana concept car with a man driving the car with a convertible style roof driving the car on a road with grass in the background. — This thing is stylish! Open top & widened fenders, we wished it moved the needle in the consumer segment more than it did!
Source: Porsche

On the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1989, Ferry was presented with a study – the Panamericana – that would prove to be revolutionary. Based on the 911 (964) Cabriolet, its horizontal roof could be opened with a zipper. Like the chunky tires with which it was fitted, this highly individual design feature didn’t make it to the two cars it would later influence – the next 911 Targa and, even more importantly, the first ever Porsche Boxster. The Boxster proved to be stunningly successful and is now deemed by many as the car that set Porsche on its exciting future course.

White Porsche 919 Street concept car with large vents and a rear mounted spoiler parked with a red wall in the background. — An aero monster the 919 Street is definitely build for speed.
Source: Porsche

#7 Porsche 919 Street was an ambitious concept aimed at translating the record-breaking performance of the 919 Hybrid race car into a road-legal package. Powered by the same 887bhp hybrid drivetrain that shattered the Nürburgring all-time lap record, the 919 Street promised an unparalleled driving experience, blending cutting-edge hybrid technology with Porsche’s motorsport pedigree. This drivetrain, a marvel of engineering, was designed for maximum performance, making the 919 Hybrid one of the fastest cars in motorsport history. However, the complexities of the system—requiring a team of mechanics 45 minutes to start—and the sheer, uncontrollable speed for inexperienced drivers led to the project being shelved. While it never reached production, the 919 Street remains a powerful reminder of Porsche engineering.

White 919 Street concept car in a showroom floor with large windows behind it with black reflective floors. — Looks very similar to a Koenigsegg…
Source: Porsche

Red and white Porsche 917 Living Legend parked in a dark room with the car under a spotlight with white brick wall behind it. — Salzburg Livery 917 Living Legend concept car.
Source: Porsche

#6 Porsche 917 Living Legend, famed for its red-and-white Porsche Salzburg livery, holds a special place in Porsche’s history as the car that delivered the brand’s first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970, driven by Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this iconic achievement, Porsche unveiled a modern interpretation of the 917 at the 2019 Colours of Speed exhibition. Developed by the Weissach team, this 1:1 concept car, based on the Porsche 918 Spyder’s chassis, retained the distinctive design features of the 917, including the dramatic flared wheel arches, extended cockpit, and long rear end.

Black and white with red accents of a Porsche Vision E concept car pictured on a black background. — Yes its electrified, Porsche has pushed its boundaries in the alternative energy space.
Source: Porsche

#5 Porsche Vision E is a concept that embodies Porsche’s forward-thinking approach to electric motorsport. Drawing from Porsche’s experience in Formula E, where the brand has competed since 2019, the Vision E is designed to bring the high-performance, all-electric technology of modern Formula E racers to private customers. Built as a lightweight, single-seater race car, it features a central seat position and cutting-edge 800-volt technology, promising an unparalleled driving experience for privateer drivers. The Vision E aims to offer near-F1 levels of performance and driving dynamics, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in electric racing while showcasing Porsche’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. This concept car also highlights Porsche’s commitment to expanding its customer motorsport offerings, bringing track-level technology and performance to the hands of enthusiasts.