Porsche 993 · independent project
A familiar line.
New ideas on display.
Exploring a programmable rear panel that stays true to the spirit of the 993: a carefully finished red lens, simple messages and graphics, controlled from your phone.
Feasibility study · no product available
Visual concept / red display
The starting point
Replace the panel. Preserve the car.
The aim is to match the original part’s outer dimensions, mounting points and interfaces, without modifying the car. These still need to be measured on a real part: no final dimensions, resolution or compatibility have been established.
The project lead will handle all mechanical CAD work and final assembly of the proposed first production runs. Scanning and electronics specialists are needed to support measurement and prototype development.
Planned features
Easy to create. Carefully displayed.
Messages, graphics, animations
Text, patterns and simple animations. GIFs would be adapted to the resolution and capabilities of the chosen display.
From iOS or Android
Bluetooth control with secure pairing is planned. The app and phone compatibility still need to be developed and tested.
Now playing, further ahead
Access to the current track title will be studied separately, via the phone or head unit. This feature is not confirmed.
The optical challenge
Red is part of the design.
The lens should look right even when the display is off. But a red filter changes colours and reduces light transmission: placing an RGB matrix behind it does not guarantee faithful colour reproduction.
The first comparison will therefore use a small red monochrome display and an RGB matrix behind the same lens samples. OLED remains an option to investigate; no OLED solution has been selected for the panel.
A 1 mm LED does not imply a 1 mm pixel pitch. Component size and the distance between pixels are separate choices. Miniature components are preferred; pitch and resolution will be decided after testing.
The approach
A small sample first. The full panel next.
Each stage must provide measurements before the next one begins.
Measure the original part
Identify the variant, the panel’s functions and its markings. Scan the contours, mounting points and interfaces before creating the CAD model.
Test a small display
Compare red LEDs and an RGB matrix behind several lens samples. Measure readability, power consumption and temperature.
Build the prototype
Develop the PCB and mechanical design after testing the display sample. Plan for a protected power supply, a serviceable enclosure and replaceable components.
Validate before release
Check fitment, outdoor durability, radio performance and regulatory functions. Confirm costs and permitted uses with the relevant specialists.
Where we stand
A documented plan. Physical testing still ahead.
The preparation package includes a roadmap, an editable budget, a supplier shortlist, draft requests for quotations and a software simulator with GIF import. The simulator runs on a computer; it does not yet validate a physical display.
Acquisition and measurement of an original part remain unconfirmed. No physical prototype, fitment check or automotive test has been documented at this stage.
What comes next
The 993 comes first.
Other Porsche models with rear panels, RUF cars and selected restomods may be studied later. Each version will require its own measurements, interfaces and validation; compatibility is not assumed.
Project status as of 27 September 2026. Independent project, with no affiliation to or endorsement by Porsche AG.