Porsche Mission X Hypercar
Porsche has always been driven by innovation, and the latest concept study, Mission X, embodies their vision for the future of sports cars. This remarkable hypercar concept combines Le Mans-style doors that open upward to the front with an ultra high-performance and efficient electric powertrain, creating a stunning reinterpretation of a hypercar.
As part of the 75th-anniversary celebration of Porsche sports cars, the Mission X concept car has been unveiled. While it is currently a design study and not available for sale, it provides a glimpse into what the future sports car could become.
Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, describes Mission X as a “technology beacon for the sports car of the future.” It pays tribute to iconic sports cars like the 959, Carrera GT, and 918 Spyder, which have played a crucial role in the evolutionary development of Porsche’s vehicle concepts. Porsche believes that daring to dream and creating dream cars are essential to their identity as a brand.
The Mission X concept study is a relatively compact hypercar, measuring approximately 177 inches in length and 78.7 inches in width. Its dimensions resemble those of the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder, with a wheelbase of 107.4 inches. The concept car features staggered tires, with 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear, optimized for aerodynamics.
In terms of design, the Mission X represents the pinnacle of performance and modern luxury. Its sculpted form and muscular lines showcase a non-aggressive yet powerful look. The low-slung body, standing less than 47.2 inches tall, is adorned with Rocket Metallic, an elegant paint color created exclusively for this concept study. Carbon fiber components with a satin finish accentuate the design below the beltline.
The wheels of the Mission X concept study incorporate intricate details, including almost transparent aero blades on the rear axle, resembling turbines for enhanced brake cooling. The lightweight glass dome, coupled with an exoskeleton made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), extends over both occupants. Inspired by the legendary Porsche 917 racing car, the Mission X features Le Mans-style doors attached to the A-pillar and roof, opening forwards and upwards. The headlights boast a reinterpreted Porsche four-point graphic, while the rear is characterized by a full-length light unit with transparent, illuminated Porsche lettering.
Inside the car, the driver takes center stage. The asymmetrical interior design showcases a driver-focused approach, with the two seats colored differently. The driver’s seat, in Kalahari Grey, forms a color unity with the center console and dashboard, while the passenger seat is in the contrasting Andalusia Brown shade. Motorsport influences are evident in the CFRP seat shells and the open-top steering wheel with mode switches and shift paddles. The interior also features multiple cameras for recording driving experiences.
A unique feature on the passenger side is the bayonet system integrated into the instrument panel, allowing for the attachment of a stopwatch module. Porsche Design has created a special stopwatch module with both analog and digital displays, designed for track and rally use, providing lap times and vital driver information.
Porsche envisions the Mission X to excel in three key technical aspects if it goes into series production. Firstly, it aims to be the fastest road-legal car around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Secondly, it targets a power-to-weight ratio of approximately one horsepower per 2.2 pounds. Thirdly, the Mission X should provide significantly improved charging performance, with a 900-volt system architecture enabling it to charge roughly twice as quickly as the current Porsche flagship, the Taycan Turbo S. The centrally positioned battery, part of the “e-core layout,” ensures excellent agility by optimizing the car’s weight distribution.
The Mission X concept car pays homage to Porsche’s innovative super sports cars that preceded it. The Porsche 959, introduced in 1985, set new standards as a technology platform, achieving a top speed of 197 mph. The Carrera GT, with its V10 engine and striking design, remains an iconic super sports car. Lastly, the 918 Spyder, a groundbreaking hybrid, set a new record by completing the Nürburgring Nordschleife in under seven minutes.
Porsche aims to maintain the highest standards of e-performance with the Mission X. Their vision, should it go into series production, is for it to become the fastest road-legal vehicle on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, combining power, agility, and charging capabilities into a remarkable sports car.