PGO Hemera - modern interpretation of Porsche 356

The Porsche 356 is an impressive car. It was a re-engineered Volkswagen Beetle that launched the iconic Porsche brand. There are currently many imitators who make kits for the original 356, including a French company know as PGO. But just like its done with the Speedster, PGO has decided to go one step further and make a modern interpretation of the 356 coupe called the Hemera.

The base car is a Peugeot with a 140 hp 2.0-liter engine (the last original 356 Carrera Bs came with a 136 hp 2.0-liter engine.) Performance should be about 0 to 60 in 7 seconds and a 124 mph top speed. Sales should begin in 2009.

While it does carry some of the original shape of the 356, the Hemera’s best quality is probably the safety improvements. The 356 was built to 50s and 60s crash standards, which amounted to, well, nothing. So the tubular frame should provide some crash protection, which any protection is an improvement. Also important is that the Hemera’s engine is mid-mounted. The original 356 was a completely rear-engined car, which created a huge, sometimes dangerous, bias. In fact, many new Porsche 356 owners had to take courses on how to drive the car.