Porsche is one of the most famous and iconic car manufacturers of all time. Throughout history Porsche has managed to continuously progress into what is now known as Porsche’s superior engineering. Porsche is known for its luxurious, sporty vehicles, but a few times through history, Porsche also played with the idea of a Porsche minivan.
Back in the 1980s, Porsche took part in the gruesome Paris to Dakar Rally, a rally known for treacherous terrain and incredibly demanding vehicles. As a support vehicle, Porsche developed the Porsche B32, a VW minivan with a heart of a Porsche 911.
Nowadays, some companies like the Berlin-based TH-Automobile tuning company have come up with a VW Multivan powered by a Porsche 997 Turbo S engine. But the 523hp 997 Turbo S engine simply was not enough, so TH-automobile also added a pair of Porsche GT2 turbochargers, upping the power to 800hp.
Even though Porsche has never officially offered a 100% Porsche minivan, that might change in a couple of years as Porsche has revealed the Vision Renndienst, a fully electric Porsche luxury minivan for the future.
1980s Porsche B32 Paris to Dakar minivan
Between 1983 and 1985, Porsche built around 15 examples of the Porsche B32, including the prototypes. Porsche needed a minivan that could keep up with full-on rally cars, and equipping the VW minivan with a 3.2L flat-six 911 engine was the way to go.
This engine pushed out around 231hp, which enabled the B32 to reach a top speed of 130mph, and the 0-60mph time is just 8 seconds. In addition to the powertrain, Porsche also upgraded the B32 with a set of Fuchs wheels, bigger Porsche brakes, and racing suspension.
Porsche mated the flat-six engine with a gearbox from a 911 SC so the B32 could handle the power. Interior-wise, the B32 offered a bunch of Porsche components such as the steering wheel, the pedals, and the gear lever.
The B32 is extremely rare, but the interest for a Porsche minivan was rather minimal and the B32 was expensive to buy and maintain. Today, a few decades later, the B32 definitely earns the title of one of the best minivans you have never heard of.
TH-Automobile 997 Turbo S Porsche Minivan
If you want a more modern rendition of the Porsche B32, go ahead and contact the Berlin-based TH-automobile tuning company and ask for the TH2.997. Looking at the TH2.997, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s just a regular VW minivan, but under the skin, the TH2 is so much more.
Starting with the engine, the TH2 is powered by a 997 Porsche Turbo S engine equipped with a set of Porsche GT2 turbos. This 3.6L flat-six twin-turbo engine sits above the rear axle, and it pumps out a staggering 581hp, at the very minimum.
But, if for some reason the 581hp is not enough for you, TH-Automobile says the power can be raised to 800hp. The engine is mated to a manual gearbox, and the power can be sent to the rear wheels alone, or all four wheels, depending on what you want.
Just like the B32, the interior of this van is also kitted with a bunch of Porsche 911 parts such as the instrument cluster, steering wheel, gear knob, and a few interior buttons. Price-wise, the TH2 costs around $160k.
Porsche Renndienst concept minivan
A few years ago, Porsche published a book containing lots of secret Porsche products from 2005 to 2019. And one of the most interesting ones was the futuristic Porsche Renndienst EV concept luxury minivan.
This space-shuttle minivan is designed to offer seating for up to 6 people, and the idea behind this concept was to show that Porsche can indeed transfer all the Porsche design touches onto everything, including a people carrier or van.
The Porsche Renndienst concept offers a glimpse into what a future Porsche minivan might look like. Porsche says that the Renndienst concept offers an unmistakable Porsche DNA and that electric minivans don’t have to be boring or dull-looking.
One of the most interesting aspects of this minivan is that it offers a three-seat front row with the driver’s seat in the middle. This seating configuration was first introduced with the now legendary McLaren F1 and the successor of the F1, the amazing McLaren Speedtail.
FAQ
Why doesn’t Porsche make a serial production minivan?
Serial production minivans like the Honda Odyssey or the VW Sharan, for example, are made to offer people transporting capabilities way superior compared to a sedan or an SUV. As such, these cars don’t tend to be exciting or emotional in any shape or form.
But a Porsche, on the other hand, is always an exciting, desirable car. Building a minivan is a bad idea because it can severely damage the brand’s reputation and brand identity. Imagine Porsche being associated with minivans and driving kids to soccer practice.
Is the Porsche Renndiest ever going to be built?
The chances of Porsche actually producing the Renndienst concept are slim to none because the interest in such a car would never make the production financially feasible. The funny thing is that the name Renndienst means Racing service, which is a nod to the good old Porsche B32.
That being said, Porsche could potentially use the Renndienst as a support vehicle one day, just like in the case of the Porsche B32. As of right now, it is unclear what the future holds, and maybe Porsche will offer something like the Renndienst concept eventually.
Why should anyone buy a minivan?
Minivans are made for simply transporting lots of people, usually with an affordable entry price. Minivans are usually not luxurious or sporty, but rather the exact opposite of both. For family purposes, minivans are safe, spacious, and long-lasting, but they are also usually quite boring.
SUVs and estates offer characteristics most minivans do, but they also offer luxury, technology, and comfort. However, if you’re simply looking for a way to transport a larger family, a minivan might be exactly what you want from a vehicle. After all, a car is just a tool for getting around at the end of the day, so a minivan might be a great choice.
