Fans of the Renndienst vans that supported Porsche’s racing teams in the past, will be happy to know there is a modern reincarnation based on the fully electric VW ID. Buzz. As part of the celebrations for the automaker’s 75th anniversary this year, Porsche Netherlands created eight examples of the new Renndienst that will be exhibited in Dutch Porsche Centers.
Predictably, the special ID. Buzz units are painted in the signature Burgundy Red shade featuring contrasting white Porsche and Renndienst graphics on the doors and rear side windows – just like their T1 and T2 predecessors. The livery is undeniably cool and really suits the retro-futuristic styling of the electric VW van. Porsche Netherlands photographed the ID. Buzz Renndienst together with a Taycan Sport Turismo dressed in matching colors, creating a pretty solid two-car combo.
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All eight vehicles are based on the VW ID. Buzz 1st Max which means they are passenger versions than the more suitable cargo van. In any case, power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), while the energy is sourced in the 77 kWh battery. After spending some time in the showroom of Porsche Centers, the ID. Buzz Renndienst will be used as shuttle buses and attend events for promotional purposes.
The first Porsche Renndienst was deployed in the Mille Miglia race back in 1954, as a support vehicle. It was based on a T1, offering enough space for the racing team’s tools and spare parts. Numerous examples based on the VW Transporter (T1 and T2) were used between the ’50s and the ’70s, traveling hundreds of thousands of kilometers from track to track in order to support legendary racecars like the 904, 908, 910, and 917. The dependable air-cooled vans served not only as mobile service stations but also as makeshift hotels for the engineers and other team members. Today, some of the surviving Renndienst are exhibited in museums or safely stored in the garages of Porsche collectors.
The VW ID.Buzz Renndienst is not as sporty as Porsche’s own Vision Renndienst concept which was created in 2018 and revealed in 2020, but at least this one went past the prototype stage. Porsche made it clear it is not interested in vans, but VW has confirmed that an ID.Buzz GTX is coming with dual electric motors for those who seek extra performance and don’t want to compromise on space. The promotional stunt by Porsche Netherlands might inspire VW ID.Buzz owners to opt for a similar livery.
