The unseen Porsche's sportscar concept powered by motorcycle engine

Rare ONES - When an automotive company develops a car model and the results are then able to trigger motivation for similar companies to develop their own vehicles. We can see this, when Volkswagen (VW) launched the Volkswagen XL1, a futuristic electric-powered sportscar back in 2013. The mentioned car then made its compatriot automotive company Porsche amazed by the use of a carbon fiber chassis.

2013 Porsche 904 Living Legend Concept, the unseen Porsche's sportscar concept up to 2020 powered by motorcycle engine as a modern interpretation of its Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car of the 1960s. (Picture from: OtoJurnalisme)

Therefore, the German car manufacturer, which is both under the same banner of the parent company Volkswagen Group, decided to make the XL-1 chassis as the basis for the development of their next sports car at that time, ie a modern interpretation of their Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car which was launched in 1964. Shortly after then the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer managed to bring the Porsche 904 Living Legend Concept into reality. 

Actually, the similar modern interpretation project of the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car had ever been carried out by GWA, an American coachbuilder company, when rebuilding the 904 inspired classic car based on the Porsche 987 Boxster which was later named the Porsche P/904 Carrera in 2011.

The Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car that was present in the 1960s. (Picture from: RSF Motorport' Twitter)

Just an info about the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car that was present in the 1960s, the car was made as the successor of the legendary Porsche 718 race car. Although the Porsche 904 was built as a racing car, but it can and is legally driven on the public roads. Initially, the Porsche's two-seats race car were made only 100 units, but in fact the German company managed to sell 106 units because its demand at that time was high.

2013 Porsche 904 Living Legend Concept, the unseen Porsche's sportscar concept up to 2020 powered by motorcycle engine as a modern interpretation of its Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car of the 1960s. (Picture from: WSupercars)

Back to the Porsche's concept car developed in 2013 ago, if we could be seen its exterior, it is not too strange like most concept cars were at the time. At the front, the car looks thick with a typical Porsche design, with a rather long muzzle in which the oval-shaped headlights mounted that at a glance remind us of the Porsche Boxster or Cayman (now called Porsche 718). Meanwhile, the rear is quite simple and embedded in the current Porsche identity, which is a thin LED taillight.

Uniquely, the 904 Living Legend concept car is powered by a Ducati 1199 Panigale motorcycle engine, namely a 1.2-liter V-twin which is capable of producing a maximum power of around 200 hp @ 11,000 rpm. Can you imagine a sports car with an aerodynamic body built on a carbon fiber chassis and powered by a V-twin motorcycle engine?

2013 Porsche 904 Living Legend Concept, the unseen Porsche's sportscar concept up to 2020 powered by motorcycle engine as a modern interpretation of its Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car of the 1960s. (Picture from: OtoJurnalisme)

Well, most likely the Porsche's concept car whose inspired the birth of another VW's concept car made named the Volkswagen XL-Sport, due to both use a Ducati motorcycle engine. So no wonder if the technical specifications of the Porsche 904 Living Legend are basically identical to those of the XL Sport, that's includes an acceleration time of 0-62 mph (100 kph) in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph (270 kph).

From its very simple and casual appearance, at that time many thought this car concept was ready to enter the mass production line. The chances are the Porsche 904 Living Legend could be become a serious rival to the new Alpine A110, if only the German company made its production version and marketed it today. But what can I say, it turns out that the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer prefers to keep it a secret and save this concept car in the warehouse, its existence was only known to the public in 2020. *** [EKA [09062021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | TUNINGBLOG.EU | OBSCURESUPERCAR ]

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The unseen 5L Flat-Eight Twin-Turbo engined Porsche supercar

UNSEEN Before As we all know, car manufacturers are very rarely willing to talk about their canceled projects, let alone share so much information about ultra-secret cars that never see the light. But that's not the case with Porsche, because the German manufacturer is willing to share interesting info with renowned journalist of The Intercooler, Steve Sutcliffe about a supercar that should come after the 918 Spyder. It seems that two thumbs up deserves to be given as appreciation to this German automaker.

The 2016 Porsche 904 Le Mans Living Legend was known as one of the Porsche Unseen series. (Picture from: MSN)

The last 918 Spyder model was retired in mid-2015 after being produced since 2012. Then after that the Zuffenhausen-based car manufacturer actually gave birth to the four-cylinder Cayman. And when asked why that is, Marcos Marques, Porsche' eFuels Project Manager, gave a surprising answer. As it turned out, the original idea was to engineer an eight-cylinder engine for a completely different car. Well, of course you are very curious and want to immediately find out what car it is?

The 2016 Porsche 904 Le Mans Living Legend was an envisioned full-size clay-moulded rolling model powered by the "most incredible sounding" eight-cylinder engine. (Picture from: MSN)

Let's find out, the car in question was actually much more than an idea penned on a piece of paper, as it later evolved into a full-fledged experimental vehicle built based on the Cayman chassis. Furthermore, this coupe is powered by a twin-turbo, 5.0-liter engine which is reportedly capable of producing up to 750 hp and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque.

The company's executives stated that the 918 Spyder successor (in pictured was the 2016 Porsche 904 Le Mans Living Legend) would not be launched before 2025 and only be launched "when it's time." (Picture from: MSN)

As if it didn't sound exciting, the engine has a low rpm of around 9,000 rpm and is connected to a manual gearbox. However Marques further said that "it was a crazy car and the sound is roaring fierce." It said that Porsche was tested this flat-eight beast on the streets near Weissach for over a year before abruptly stopping the project. As to why testing and development was abruptly halted, Marques simply said that Porsche felt "it wasn't the right car for the time."

Until now, Porsche is still working on a worthy successor to the 918 Spyder, which was retired in 2015. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

He continued, "We are fundamentally an engineering company and we are always looking for new answers, different solutions, and sometimes those answers are not needed at the time. But it's all part of the engineering process. That's what makes Porsche unique as an automobile company."

However, the presence of the Porsche 718 Cayman Packs one badass 4-cylinder boxer engine shortly after the retirement of the 918 Spyder was deemed to have not met the public's expectations. (Picture from: HotCars)

The car pictured on top of this article is the 2016 Porsche 904 Le Mans Living Legend, one of the Porsche Unseen series. The car was an envisioned full-size clay-moulded rolling model powered by the "most incredible sounding" eight-cylinder engine.

The German automaker further says that an eventual 918 Spyder' successor is on the way because, according to CEO of Porsche, Oliver Blume, "hypercars have always been part of Porsche's strategy." The company's executives stated that the car would not be launched before 2025 and only be launched "when it's time." That is, this car must introduce new technology and not repeat the hardware that is already available. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MSN | THE INTERCOOLER | ID.MOTOR1 | HOTCARS ]

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The unseen before of Porsche 919 Street concept car

Recently, Porsche has showcased several concept cars that previously had never been shown off to the public. Of the many concepts that are displayed. And we have discussed some time ago, one of which is the modern minivan concept called the Porsche Vision Renndienst Concept.

Porsche 919 Street Concept which is known to be inspired by the Porsche 919 Hybrid prototype racing car made by Porsche to be competed in the Le Mans Prototype 1-Hybrid (LMP1-H) category in the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34npPlK)

And on this occasion we will discuss a concept car that has been said to have attracted the attention of many people due to has a quite phenomenal. The mentioned car is the Porsche 919 Street Concept which is known to be inspired by the prototype racing car of the Porsche 919 Hybrid.

Even though its design based on the design of the LMP1 car, it is known that this Porsche 919 Street Concept car could be used as an ordinary road car, so from that it comes the car's name.

Porsche 919 Street Concept which is known to be inspired by the Porsche 919 Hybrid prototype racing car made by Porsche to be competed in the Le Mans Prototype 1-Hybrid (LMP1-H) category in the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KgpHgX)

As it is known that the Porsche 919 Hybrid is a prototype racing car made by the German automaker Porsche to be competed in the Le Mans Prototype 1-Hybrid (LMP1-H) category in the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship for the manufacturer-supported hybrid car.

This prototype racing car succeeded in bringing success to the German company by claiming 3 by 3 victories, namely three times for both the constructors and the racing champions.

Porsche 919 Street Concept which is known to be inspired by the Porsche 919 Hybrid prototype racing car made by Porsche to be competed in the Le Mans Prototype 1-Hybrid (LMP1-H) category in the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34npPlK)

Yes, it is known that the car is shown as a hypercar with a futuristic body design and is very suitable to be used as an LMP1 racing car. Initially the car was planned to come with a power of 900 horsepower in 2017.

What does the car look like? Yes, it is a 1: 1 scale model made from clay which makes it look like a real car. It appears in a combination of white and black, so that it can make it look cool.

Porsche 919 Street Concept which is known to be inspired by the Porsche 919 Hybrid prototype racing car made by Porsche to be competed in the Le Mans Prototype 1-Hybrid (LMP1-H) category in the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2J1qIcf)

At the front, there are a pair of large headlights and a short hood that contrasts with the two protruding wheel arches. Like the LMP1 car, the cabin is very far forward and has a wrapped windshield and small side windows. A unique set of wheels was also designed for the concept.

The resemblance to the Porsche 919 Hybrid continues with the roofline shape and large shark fin. However, while racing cars have large rear wings, instead the Porsche 919 Street has smooth wings that connect the two rear thighs and are equipped with a wide LED light bar.

Those two vertical LED light bars which also double as aerodynamic elements, and makes the car look more futuristic. Porsche's wild 919 Street also includes a large diffuser and two exhausts that pop straight out of the engine cover.

Speaking of the powertrain, Porsche envisions the 919 Street using the same hybrid drivetrain as a race car, which consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged V4 engine with an energy recovery system. It also has the same carbon fiber monocoque, dimensions, and wheelbase as a race car.

That's too bad if we had to see the cool car never be produced at all by Porsche. By the way, it's known that later the clay model of the Porsche 919 Street Concept car will be displayed at a museum in the Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart in 2021. What do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PORSCHE | MOTOR1 | CARSCOOPS ]

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The unseen before of Porsche's minivan concept

Porsche is indeed known as a great car manufacturer, some time ago this German manufacturer made an unusual breakthrough through their electric car concept. Instead of making an electric car with a supercar aura, Porsche actually made an electric-powered minivan named the Porsche Vision Renndienst Concept as the company's study design.

Porsche Vision Renndienst concept is featured with the simple bumper without a grille, there is only an air-dam accent below, and a fog lamp overdraft on the left and right. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3kO6gbJ)

Actually, this concept car has been created since 2018, but it has only been introduced recently. It looks like the designers who worked at the Stuttgart-based car factory are getting bored of designing sports cars, and this concept might be one of their weirdest ideas.😅 And it's said that the car is a spacious 6-passenger family car concept inspired by spaceship design.

Porsche Vision Renndienst concept actually built in the 2018 as the company's design study to try translating the idea of the legendary Porsche car design into various types of vehicles. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3kO6gbJ)

Through the concept car, Porsche wants to try translating the idea of the legendary Porsche car design into various types of vehicles. And if You are felt curious about where Porsche got the inspiration for this concept, You can be seen in one of the pictures below where the Porsche MPV concept posing next to the Volkswagen T1 which is its ancestor and source of inspiration as well.

Porsche Vision Renndienst posing with the Volkswagen T1, which is its ancestor and source of inspiration as well. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3kO6gbJ)

Well, the design of the Vision Renndienst concept by Porsche is indeed inspired by the Volkswagen T1 (VW Combi), you know. So, the car's interior offers the occupants a spacious and comfortable modular cabin, while the driver sits in the middle of them like the McLaren F1. Meanwhile, the driving force of the Porsche Vision Renndienst is by using the electric motors. 

Porsche Vision Renndienst concept is an electric-powered minivan and offers the occupants a spacious and comfortable modular cabin. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3kO6gbJ)

Judging from the design, it looks like a van in general, it is boxy, tall, and long. Even so, the modern impression still radiates thanks to the slightly sloping fascia. The bumper looks very simple, without a grille, there is only an air-dam accent below, and a fog lamp overdraft on the left and right. The headlights are also very futuristic featured with an elongated lamp shape up and down, with a narrower center.

Porsche Vision Renndienst concept is boxy, tall, and long even the modern impression still radiates thanks to the slightly sloping fascia. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3kO6gbJ)

In addition, the windshield is also made like an airplane, which is wide in front and curves smaller in the side area. Even though it is a van, the sporty aura still radiates thanks to the side airflow design at the bottom that looks like a supercar. Besides that, the rims used are also sporty, typical of Porsche.

And in our opinion, the Porsche MPV concept design actually was not bad. Instead, if it is improved and refined, actually it is worthied and feasible to be marketed. Unfortunately, the production version of Porsche's first MPV never been realized and just left it.😞 However, what do you think about this minivan concept? Is the Porsche Vision Renndienst cool or not? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WORDLESS TECH | CARSCOOPS ]

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The unseen before of Porsche 551 Street Vision Spyder concept car

We were continuing to discuss concept cars that have never been presented by the German manufacturer Porsche. Apart from the Porsche 919 Street which is a road-legal version concept car of the Porsche 919 Hybrid, it turns out that the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer still has other concept cars inspired by their other legendary racing cars.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and inspired of the legendary Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder racing car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIaEK4)

This time, the German manufacturer is trying to take inspiration from their legendary racing car, the Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder which had participated and succeded in various racing events in the 1950s (precisely 1954). And then here's born a concept car called the Porsche 551 Vision Spyder in the form of 1:1 scaled model. As a concept car, it was first initiated in 2012 also has the same fate as the 919 Street concept  car figure, which has never been shown off to the public.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and inspired of the legendary Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder racing car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIaEK4)

The Porsche Vision Spyder has an exterior design that is completely different from the Porsche-made existing lineups. On the front, you won't see the circular headlamps that could be saw in the 911 or 718 models. The Porsche designer team affixed the headlights in a rectangular shape. In order for this concept car to look more aggressive and sporty like a real racing car, the German manufacturer added a gaping-wide air intakes, cooling ducts for the brakes, and two red tow hooks.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and inspired of the legendary Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder racing car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIaEK4)

To give the impression of a naughty speedster as its slogan 'Little Rebel', Porsche added a small-sized windshield. This concept car is also equipped with a roll bar which of course functions as a security system. The roll bar also makes the Porsche 551 Vision Spyder look even more boxy. Meanwhile for the rear, the taillights carry the current Porsche characteristic of a thin horizontal line.

Don't expect any futuristic interior design in this car. Because Porsche only presents a pair of bucket racing seats and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. Even though it will not enter the production line, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer said the Porsche Vision Spyder concept design could be the key to creating an innovative and timeless its future sports car designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]

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Audi Skorpion: The Diesel Le Mans Racer That Never Hit the Road

⚠️Unseen BEAST💥 - Audi's remarkable success in the world of motorsport is undeniable, particularly from 2000 to 2014. During this period, Audi prototypes triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 13 times. If such dominance had occurred in the ’90s, it's conceivable that Audi would have developed a road-going version of its best racing cars.

The Audi Skorpion Concept, a vehicle envisioned to outshine models like the 911 GT1 or CLK-GTR and based on the Audi DTM racing car, sat on display at the Horch Museum in Zwickau, Germany. (Picture from: TheDrive)

In 2013, Audi explored the concept of developing a high-end sports car named the Audi Skorpion, a vehicle envisioned to outshine models such the 911 GT1 or CLK-GTR and based on the Audi DTM racing car. Positioned as a halo vehicle above the Audi R8, the Skorpion aimed to combine track performance with luxury and exclusivity. However, due to unspecified challenges, the ambitious "Project Skorpion" was eventually shelved.

This non-functional design study of the Audi Skorpion provides a glimpse into what could have been if it had been brought into production. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

The Skorpion, as it was internally named, recently made an appearance in Audi’s Horch Museum in Zwickau, Germany. This non-functional design study offers a glimpse into what could have been. The museum shared several images of the Skorpion, evoking a bittersweet reflection on this unrealized vision. The Skorpion was envisioned as a street version of the R18 TDI series, similar to the Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion or the Mercedes CLK-GTR. It was intended to sit above the R8 in Audi's lineup of road cars.

The Audi Skorpion was envisioned as a street version of the R18 TDI series, similar to the 911 GT1 Strassenversion or the Mercedes CLK-GTR. (Picture from: TheDrive)

Like its sibling R18 in between 2010 and 2013, Skorpion featured a 3.7-liter turbocharged diesel V6 with hybrid power. This combination could have made the Skorpion a unique diesel hypercar, likely the only one of its kind. Audi had previously explored this concept with the R8 V12 TDI, which never reached production due to cost issues. The Skorpion project aimed to bring Audi’s race-winning diesel technology to a limited number of affluent customers, with plans to build only 333 units.

The Audi Skorpion's design resembles that of a Le Mans prototype but is more compact, featuring a shortened wheelbase and a chunkier body. (Picture from: TheDrive)

The Skorpion's design resembles that of a Le Mans prototype but is more compact, with a shortened wheelbase and a chunkier body. Unlike the R18, which was designed for maximum downforce with extensive air channels, the Skorpion’s design focused more on aesthetics suitable for road use. While the R18's design was not universally admired, especially towards the end of its career, the Skorpion’s design offered a much more appealing visual.

The Audi Skorpion’s design offered a much more appealing visual and focused more on aesthetics suitable for road use. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

By 2013, Audi's dream of a production diesel hypercar was shelved. Even if the project had progressed further, it would have faced significant challenges, especially following the Dieselgate scandal that impacted Volkswagen Group's plans. The cancellation of the Skorpion project remains a point of lament for automotive enthusiasts. For those who saw the rumors and renderings about a decade ago and wondered what happened, the Skorpion's appearance in the Horch Museum can at least provide some relief and logical answers.

Project Skorpion can be viewed as a road-going iteration of the Audi R18 e-tron Quattro, marking the pinnacle of Audi's endurance racing dominance. (Picture from: AutoRepublika)

Audi's exploration into creating a road-going hypercar from its racing technology highlights the brand's innovative spirit and ambition. Although the Skorpion never came to fruition, it stands as a testament to Audi’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. This glimpse into what could have been serves as a reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead in the automotive industry.

This is how the Audi R18 racing car looked by the end of its tenure while in raced the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans race. (Picture from: TheDrive)

The Skorpion’s story is a fascinating chapter in Audi's history. It symbolizes a blend of ambition and innovation, showcasing what happens when a brand dares to dream beyond conventional limits. Even though the Skorpion remains a concept, its legacy inspires continued innovation and serves as a beacon of what might be achieved with bold vision and engineering prowess.

Audi's journey in motorsport and their attempt to translate racing success into a road-going hypercar underscores the brand's dedication to excellence and innovation. The Skorpion, while never realized, represents a bold vision of what Audi could achieve. As we look to the future, Audi’s ambitious spirit continues to drive the company forward, promising exciting developments in automotive technology and design. The Skorpion will always be a symbol of what might have been, sparking the imagination and inspiring future endeavors in the automotive world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUDICLUBNA | ID.MOTOR1 | THEDRIVE | SUPERCARBLONDIE | AUTOREPUBLIKA ]

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