This is the 1994 Porsche Karisma by the famous Italian design and coachbuilding studio, Bertone. This highly unusual looking prototype was developed on the platform and mechanicals of current Porsche 911 at the time, and came many years after Bertone and Porsche’s first collaboration, the one-off 1966 Bertone-Porsche 911 Spyder. The Karisma was designed by automobile designer and constructor, Nuccio Bertone, who took over Carrozzeria Bertone from his father after World War II. While the Karisma was based on the familiar looking Porsche 911 model, it clearly represents more of a classy saloon, appearing nothing like any 911 ever seen before. The Bertone-designed Karisma features a number of unbelievably unique design elements such as a transparent roof, and huge gullwing-style doors that open up to allow for up to at least four passengers to climb inside. In every way, shape and form, the Karisma prototype demonstrates what a 964-generation 911 chassis from Zuffenhausen looks like with stunning bodywork from Turin, Italy in the Bertone studios. One of the main goals behind the creation of the Karisma concept was of course to showcase a longer 911 platform, with radical styling that would not only impress Porsche, but the entire automotive industry as a whole. The prototype took major design influence from the 1967 Lamborghini Marzal concept. Due to the additional interior space, and new design, the Karisma weighs in at a total of around 3,395lbs, in comparison to the donor 911’s weight of just about 2,975lbs. The interior of the Karisma also proves that no corners were cut during the creation of this automobile, as it’s trimmed elegantly with wood panels, Porsche gauges, and dark brown leather upholstery all throughout the cabin. Easily one of the most interesting Porsche projects of all time, and one that is bound to keep you staring for quite a while!
How many made? 1
Engine: 3,600 cc 6-cylinder - unknown power
Debut: 1994 Geneva Motor Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60: n/a
Photo Credit: @paolo_model_porsche
Research: @rarecarsonly