Porsche reveals hypercar-inspired Mission X Concept

Innovative concept cars have always laid the groundwork for the future of Porsche. The manufacturer is continuing this tradition with its latest concept study. Mission X is a spectacular reinterpretation of a hypercar, with Le Mans-style doors opening upward to the front, plus a high-performance, super-efficient electric powertrain.

The dramatic-looking two-seater celebrated its premiere on 8th June, the eve of the 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars exhibition opening at the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen. The date is significant: seventy-five years ago, on 8th June 1948, the 356 ‘No. 1’ roadster became the first car bearing the Porsche name to receive a general operating permit. This moment marked the birth of the brand.

“Mission X is a technology beacon for the sports car of the future,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “It picks up the torch of our iconic sports cars from decades past. Indeed, like the 959, the Carrera GT and the 918 Spyder, Mission X provides critical impetus for the evolutionary development of future vehicle concepts.”

Clearly inspired by the 919 Hybrid, Mission X is approximately 4.5 metres long and two metres wide, making it a relatively compact hypercar. The wheelbase of 2.73 metres matches that of the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. For aerodynamic purposes, the concept car makes use of mixedsize tyres wrapped around twenty-inch wheels at the front and twenty-one-inch wheels at the rear, each featuring elaborate details — the rear axle is fitted with almost transparent aeroblades, which are designed like turbines for better cooling of the brakes.

A lightweight glass dome with an exoskeleton made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic extends over both occupants. The Le Mans-style doors are attached to the A-pillar and the roof — they open forward and upward. This type of door was previously used on the legendary 917 race car. The vertical headlamps are inspired by the 906 and 908 racers. A high-tech support structure frames the LED light modules and presents the exposed narrow elements of daytime running lights and indicators.

BEST OF THE CREST

One special detail is the updated Porsche crest, which makes its debut on the Mission X. Brushed precious metal, a three-dimensional honeycomb structure, a refreshed heraldic beast and more subtle gold colouring — on close inspection, these are the differences between the modernised Porsche crest and its immediate forerunner. The new crest can be found on Mission X’s bonnet and steering wheel, as well as in monochrome form on the wheel centres.

Porsche exemplifies e-performance, yet is also a pioneer in sustainable mobility. The concept study meets both objectives in full measure. The visions: if the Mission X goes into series production, then it should be the fastest roadlegal vehicle around the Nürburgring, have power-to- weight ratio of roughly one PS per kilo, achieve downforce well in excess of that delivered by the current 911 GT3 RS and, finally, offer significantly improved charging performance through 900-volt system architecture. Will we see the day? It may be closer than we think — Mission E yielded the Taycan not long after reveal. Watch this space.