One of Porsche’s most iconic racing cars, the 550 Spyder, has made a comeback after the luxury carmaker and UK-based Hedley Studios reimagined it as an 80-percent-size electric racer with a top speed of 50 miles per hour (mph).
Designed as a smaller electric tribute to the original 1950s racer, the Porsche 550 J keeps the classic design, while replacing the combustion engine with a modern electric drivetrain. The two-seater measures 9.5 feet (2.9 meters) long and 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) wide.
It features acarbon-fiber body, a steel space-frame chassis, and a 48-volt electric drivetrain. According to Porsche, thestandard version’s motorwill produce about eight kilowatts (kW) of power, while the optional RS Package doubles the output to 16 KW.
The miniature machine can reach approximately 50 mph (80 kilometers per hour). Hedley Studios will reportedly hand-build just 250 examples ofthe 550 Jat its site in Bicester, UK. None will be legal to drive on public roads.
A classic goes electric
The 550 J was created as a tribute to the Porsche 550 Spyder, a racing sports car that the firm produced from 1953 until 1956. To recreate the classic racer, Porsche gave Hedley Studios extensive access to its archives. It also provided guidance throughout the whole development process. According to the automaker, the 550 J closely follows the design of the original racer but is smaller and powered entirely by electricity.
A smaller take on the original
At roughly 9.5 feet long and 3.9 feet wide, the 550 J, the 'J' standing for 'Junior,' is considerably smaller than the car that inspired it. Despite its reduced dimensions, however, it can accommodate two occupants. It features a steel space-frame chassis with a lightweight carbon-fiber body. "The Porsche 550 Spyder is far more than a legendary sports car," Deniz Keskin, Porsche director of brand management and partnership, said. "It embodies the pioneering spirit, innovative strength and passion that have defined Porsche from the brand’s earliest days to the present."
An electric boost
The vehicle's standard version features a fully electric 48-volt drivetrain that produces eight kW of power. Buyers wanting more performance can opt for the RS Package, which raises output to as much as 16 kW. That is reportedly enough to give the compact collector car a top speed of around 50 mph. However, the 550 J cannot be used on public roads and is intended mainly for collectors.
Inspired by racing history
The original Porsche 550 Spyder ranks among the most significant racing cars in the brand's. At the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, Porsche factory drivers Hans Herrmann and Jaroslav Juhan raced two 550 Spyders over a grueling 1,912-mile (3,077-kilometer) route. After five days, Herrmann finished just 36 seconds ahead of Juhan. The pair placed third and fourth overall, and secured a class victory despite competing against cars with substantially larger engines.
The story behind Carrera
The 550 Spyder's performance at the Carrera Panamericana inspired the use of the 'Carrera' designation for particularly sporty models. "The Porsche 550 Spyder marked a milestone in the company's history as it was the first Porsche developed specifically for motorsport; a car capable of competing with and beating the best in the world," Ben Hedley, Hedley Studios founder, noted. "It was not only fast, but also lightweight, driver-focused and characterized by a remarkably clear and honest design language. With the Porsche 550 J, we wanted to preserve that spirit while making it relevant for a new generation."
Each car can be personalized
Even though the car's production is capped at 250 units, the future owners will have extensive options for making their cars distinctive. The 550 J is offered in finishes ranging from classic Porsche Silver to heritage-inspired combinations of blue, white, yellow and red. Hedley Studios additionally offers a Bespoke program with broader personalization possibilities.
A Porsche for collectors
The miniature EV arrives ahead of the firm's 75th motorsport anniversary. It will combine the design of Porsche's early race car with modern electric technology. "The Porsche 550 J celebrates this unique heritage and brings the story of one of the most significant sports cars in our company's history back to life in a contemporary and inspiring way," Keskin concluded.
