5 Minutes
Porsche 959 reborn as a 3D concept — and maybe more
Nearly 40 years after the original hit production in 1986, the Porsche 959 keeps its status as one of Porsche's most iconic halo cars. Built as a Group B homologation special, the 959 was produced until 1993 in extremely limited numbers — roughly 337 road cars plus eight competition examples — and remains coveted for its advanced technology, distinctive styling and rare status.
A virtual designer in Modena has taken that aura and run with it. Luca Serafini, known online as lsdesignsrl, has released a high-quality 3D restomod study that imagines the 959 updated for the modern era. The project is unofficial and for now exists only in pixels, renders and social posts — but it hints at how a faithful yet contemporary reinterpretation could work without touching the originals.
What the reimagined 959 proposes
Serafini's concept asks a clear question: what if the legendary 959 were reinterpreted on modern 911 GT3 mechanicals? The idea is respectful of provenance: no original 959 chassis would be converted. Instead, the design wraps modern 992 GT3 underpinnings in a body that channels the 959's silhouette — broad haunches, integrated rear wing and a widebody stance — while aiming to preserve the feeling and presence of the classic.
Highlights of the concept
- A widebody look inspired by the 959's distinctive proportions
- Integrated rear wing referencing the original's aero
- A 992-series GT3 donor for modern driving dynamics and reliability
- Visual focus on paying tribute, not cloning, the original car
Powertrain and performance — GT3 heart, 959 soul
Central to the concept is the 992 911 GT3's naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six. Updated from the 991.2 GT3, the unit is rated at about 375 kW (503 hp / 510 PS) at 8,400 rpm, with roughly 470 Nm (347 lb-ft) of torque and a screaming 9,000 rpm redline. That package delivers modern supercar pace — around 3.4 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h) in factory GT3 trim — and keeps the analogue, high-revving character many enthusiasts crave.
Serafini also teases potential engine and performance upgrades in his concept renderings, though specific tuning details remain hypothetical. The principle is clear: marry the 959's legendary presence to a GT3 mechanical layout to get handling and responsiveness suited to today’s roads and tracks.
Why this matters to collectors and restomod culture
The 959 is both culturally important and incredibly scarce, which has made genuine restorations and restomods a delicate topic. Most owners and specialists avoid altering original cars; that’s why programs that use donor 911s—like some established restomod houses—are more palatable to collectors. Canepa, for example, has long offered sympathetic upgrades for rare Porsches without stripping provenance from originals.
This reimagined 959 concept follows that respectful approach: imagine new cars inspired by the past, leaving the original 959s untouched. That model reduces the risk to museum-grade examples while letting enthusiasts experience classic styling with modern reliability.
Could it become a production car?
At present the project is purely a digital exercise. Turning it into a real limited-run offering would require collaboration with specialist builders, rights holders and likely Porsche itself. Given recent interest in factory-backed continuations and sanctioned restomods across the industry, it’s not outside the realm of possibility — particularly if a builder used donor 911 GT3s as the technical base and worked closely with original design cues.
Quote from the designer: 'I designed this tribute to answer a question: what if we update the legendary 959 based on a modern GT3 mechanical layout? Imagine the widebody looks and the integrated 959 wing, but with the naturally aspirated scream and GT3 handling.'
Whether the project stays a stunning digital tribute or evolves into a limited real-world run, Serafini’s vision reinforces why the Porsche 959 still fascinates: it blends cutting-edge tech, striking design and a motorsport pedigree that continues to inspire builders and enthusiasts alike.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
v8rider
wow this 959 reinterpretation hits me different - modern soul, classic looks. if only it wasnt just pixels, i'd sell a kidney lol. that integrated wing is chef's kiss, but keep originals untouched pls
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