The exciting Porsche Mission X concept study will visit the U.S. for the first time this fall, celebrating its U.S. debut at Rennsport Reunion 7 at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, California from September 28 to October 1.
“Rennsport is the perfect location to mark the first US visit by one of the most exciting cars of the year – allowing our customers and fans to see it up close for the first time,” said Joe Lawrence, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Porsche Cars North America. “At the largest Porsche gathering worldwide, we are not just celebrating our rich Motorsport history and those who shaped it, but also look forward to an exciting future.”
Inspired by legendary Porsche hypercars such as the 959, the Carrera GT and the 918 Spyder, the Mission X is a collection of ideas, and shows a vision of what a Porsche hypercar of the future could look like. As a concept, it would be the fastest road-legal vehicle around the Nuerburgring-Nordschleife, have a power-to-weight ratio of roughly one hp per 2.2. lbs., achieve downforce values that are well in excess of those delivered by the current 911 GT3 RS and offer significantly improved charging performance with its 900-volt system architecture. “I can’t wait to see the reactions to this breathtaking all-electric concept” added Lawrence.
Measuring approximately 177 inches long and 78.7 inches wide, the Mission X concept study is a relatively compact hypercar. With a wheelbase of 107.4 inches, it has the dimensions of the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. For aerodynamic purposes, the concept car has staggered tires, with 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear.
The Mission X represents the pinnacle of performance and modern luxury. At the same time, its sculpted form and muscular lines demonstrate that hypercars do not have to look aggressive. The low-slung body, which is less than 47.2 inches tall, is finished in Rocket Metallic – an elegant paint color specially designed for the concept study. Design elements in a carbon fiber are found below the beltline. These components have a satin finish and are therefore slightly colored, but their material structure remains recognizable.
The wheels of the concept study feature elaborate details: the rear axle is fitted with almost transparent aero blades, which are designed like turbines for better cooling of the brakes.
A lightweight glass dome with an exoskeleton made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) extends over both occupants. Le Mans-style doors are attached to the A-pillar and the roof; they open forwards and upwards. This type of door was previously used on the legendary Porsche 917 racing car. Another eye-catcher is the light signature: for the Mission X, the designers have reinterpreted the characteristic Porsche four-point graphic. The vertical base form of the headlights was inspired by historic racing cars such as the Porsche 906 and 908 and drawn well down towards the road. A high-tech support structure frames the LED light modules and presents the exposed narrow elements of daytime running lights and indicators. When activated, the light opens up like an eye blinking open. Fully illuminated, the headlights make a confident statement.
The driver focus can be seen in the asymmetry of the interior and its color concept. The two seats are colored differently. Apart from the leather pads in Andalusia Brown, the driver’s seat is Kalahari Grey and forms a single unit of color with the center console and the dashboard. The passenger seat is in the contrasting Andalusia Brown shade. Beyond the CFRP seat shells, and their six-point seatbelts integrated into the monocoque, further motorsport parallels include the open-top steering wheel, which has mode switches and shift paddles. There are multiple cameras on board. Recording starts as soon as the driver presses the Record button (REC) on the multi-purpose controller.
Another highlight is found on the passenger side, where there is a bayonet system embedded in the instrument panel to which a stopwatch module can be attached. For the Mission X, Porsche Design has created a special stopwatch module with an analogue and digital display. The clocks are designed for both racetrack and rally use and can display the lap times or vital data of the driver, among other information.
The battery is installed centrally behind the vehicle’s seats. This ‘e-core layout’ centers the mass in the car. As with a conventionally powered mid-engine car, this provides the basis for excellent agility.
