Porsche has always been known for its innovative concept cars that pave the way for the future. Continuing this tradition, the renowned sports car manufacturer has unveiled its latest concept study: the Mission X. This extraordinary hypercar redefines the genre, featuring Le Mans-style upward-opening doors and a high-performance electric powertrain that combines efficiency with exhilarating performance.
The Mission X, a striking two-seater, will make its debut on June 8, 2023, on the eve of the opening of the '75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars' exhibition at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. This date holds great significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of the first Porsche car, the 356 'No. 1' Roadster, receiving its operating permit. This historic moment marked the birth of the iconic sports car brand.
Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, describes the Mission X as a technological beacon for the future sports car. He emphasizes that this concept car follows in the footsteps of legendary Porsche models such as the 959, Carrera GT, and 918 Spyder, providing crucial inspiration for the evolution of future vehicle concepts. Blume states, "Daring to dream and dream cars are two sides of the same coin for us: Porsche has only remained Porsche by constantly changing."
Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche, highlights the Mission X as a true embodiment of the brand's essence. It represents an enhanced expression of Porsche's product identity, combining unmistakable motorsport DNA with a luxurious overall impression.
With dimensions of approximately 4.5 meters in length and 2 meters in width, the Mission X concept study is relatively compact for a hypercar. Its wheelbase of 2.73 meters is reminiscent of the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. To optimize aerodynamics, the concept car features mixed-size tires, with 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear.
In terms of design, the Mission X embodies classic Porsche elements reimagined for the modern era. It represents the pinnacle of performance and luxury without relying on aggressive aesthetics. The low-slung bodywork, standing at less than 1.2 meters tall, is adorned with Rocket Metallic paint—a specially designed elegant color for this concept. Carbon-weave components below the beltline, finished with a satin coating, add a touch of distinction.
The wheels of the Mission X boast intricate details, including rear aeroblades designed like turbines to enhance brake cooling. The car's occupants are covered by a lightweight glass dome with a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic exoskeleton. The Le Mans-style doors, attached to the A-pillar and roof, open forward and upward, reminiscent of the iconic Porsche 917 racing car. The headlights feature a reinterpreted four-point graphic inspired by historic racing cars like the Porsche 906 and 908, creating a captivating light signature.
At the rear, a full-length light unit, seemingly suspended in the air, defines the Mission X's unique character. Transparent, illuminated Porsche lettering adds a distinctive touch, while a sculptural rear light stretches across the entire width of the vehicle in four segments. During charging, the 'E' of the Porsche lettering pulsates, exuding a sense of mystery. Notably, the Mission X showcases a modernized Porsche crest, featuring brushed precious metal, a three-dimensional honeycomb structure, and a subtle gold color, symbolizing the refined character of Porsche.
Inside the Mission X, the driver takes center stage. The asymmetrical interior design highlights a driver-focused approach, with contrasting colors for the two seats. The driver's seat, in Kalahari Grey, forms a unified color scheme with the center console and dashboard, complemented by Andalusia Brown leather pads. The passenger seat, in Andalusia Brown, provides a contrasting touch. The interior features CFRP seat shells, integrated six-point seatbelts, and an open-top steering wheel with mode switches and shift paddles, reminiscent of motorsport influences. Multiple cameras are present, with recording activated by the driver using the multi-purpose controller's Record button (REC).
An intriguing feature on the passenger side is the bayonet system embedded in the instrument panel, allowing for the attachment of a stopwatch module. Porsche Design has developed a special stopwatch module for the Mission X, featuring both analog and digital displays. Designed for racetrack and rally use, the stopwatch can display lap times and vital driver information, further enhancing the car's performance-oriented character.
The Mission X sets ambitious targets in terms of its technical specifications. Porsche aims for it to become the fastest road-legal vehicle to conquer the Nürburgring Nordschleife, boasting a power-to-weight ratio of approximately one horsepower per kilogram. Furthermore, the concept study aims to achieve exceptional downforce values, surpassing those of the current 911 GT3 RS. Charging performance is a priority, with the Mission X's 900-volt system architecture enabling a charging time roughly twice as fast as the Taycan Turbo S, Porsche's current electric flagship.
The battery is centrally positioned behind the seats, adopting an "e-core layout" that optimizes the car's mass distribution and enhances agility, akin to mid-engined conventionally powered sports cars.
The Mission X finds its conceptual roots in three groundbreaking Porsche models: the 959, Carrera GT, and 918 Spyder. The 1985 Porsche 959 introduced advanced technology, achieving a top speed of 317 km/h and setting a world record for a series-production sports car at the time. The Carrera GT, with its powerful V10 engine, stunning design, and unmatched driving experience, remains an enduring icon among super sports cars. The 918 Spyder, a hybrid marvel, set a new standard by becoming the first road-legal vehicle to complete the Nürburgring Nordschleife in under seven minutes.
Porsche aims to uphold this legacy of exceptional performance with the Mission X, aspiring for it to become the fastest road-legal vehicle to conquer the Nürburgring Nordschleife, solidifying its position as a pioneer in e-performance.
With its bold design, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to the Porsche legacy, the Mission X signifies another exciting chapter in the brand's history. As Porsche continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, the Mission X stands as a remarkable testament to the dreams and aspirations that drive the sports car manufacturer forward into the future.
