In its most recent episode of Porsche Top 5, the German manufacturer unveils 5 prototypes that it kept secret … until now.
Porsche Top 5 is a YouTube series that Porsche has on their channel. Since its launch last year, more than twenty videos have been posted. Each video covers a subject ranging from the wildest rear spoilers to the lightest cars in Porsche’s history. In short, a treat for any car lover.
As mentioned above, this episode relates five prototypes that we have never heard, but which have paved the way for models that we know of.
Porsche 984
From 1984 to 1987 engineers at Porsche worked hard on a prototype of a roadster that was to be compact, lightweight and aerodynamic. The results of these efforts gave the Porsche 984, a 135hp two-seater, with a top speed of 220 km/h and a weight of 880 kg. According to the Stuttgart company, the goal was to achieve dynamic driving characteristics through low driving resistances instead of high engine power.
Porsche 984 | Photo: Porsche
Porsche Cayenne “Cabrio”
It was in 2002 that Porsche looked at the idea of creating a cabriolet version of the fresh-out-of-the-oven Cayenne. The design has something quite unique, the rollbar from a 911 Targa. To add to its incongruity, the Porsche Cayenne Cabrio has two different rears. Indeed, Porsche mentions that instead of building two prototypes to show the rear designs, the designers put two on a single car. You must see it to believe it.
Porsche Cayenne Cabrio | Photo: Porsche
Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster
The concept of this 911 Speedster Clubsport dates back to 1987. Reminiscing of the 1950’s Speedster, this open single-seater is focused on the purest driving experience possible. During the transformation, the engineers replaced the windshield (and all other windows) to make way for one small deflector. This concept is the predecessor of the coveted and rare Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster.
Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster | Photo: Porsche
Porsche Panamericana
The Panamericana is a concept that was presented to Ferdinand Porsche for its 80th anniversary, in 1989. What makes it stand out is undoubtedly the design that seems to offer a seamless layout of lines. We can also add to that its zippered roof, which, strangely, has strongly influenced the development of the Targa.
Porsche Panamericana | Photo: Porsche
Porsche 918 “Rolling Chassis”
In first place of the 5 Porsche prototypes you did not know existed we have a rolling chassis of the 918 from 2012. Shown to a few journalists, it’s in Weissach that they were able to learn more about the plug-in hybrid system of the automaker. Although this concept looks more like an unfinished project, it still paved the way for the famous Porsche 918 Spyder that we know today.
Porsche 918 “Rolling Chassis” | Photo: Porsche
