Launched overnight, the Porsche Mission X is a dramatic-looking two-seater concept car that has one eye on the potential for series production. Should it happen, it will likely be the fastest road-legal vehicle to ever lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Well, that’s the plan. The new model has been developed to be a technology beacon for the sports car of the future, picking up where the likes of the 959, Carrera GT and the 918 Spyder have been before, and evolving to be the next compact hypercar icon.
Measuring approximately 4.5 metres long and two metres wide, the Mission X concept study features mixed-size tyres, with 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear, and low slung body work (less than 1.2 metres tall).
Finished in Rocket Metallic, it sports a rear axle 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 forwards and upwards. Another eye-catcher is the light signature, 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.
A full-length light unit characterises the rear of the Mission X. Transparent, illuminated Porsche lettering is a standout feature. The sculptural rear light emerges, as if suspended in the air. While charging, the ‘E’ of the Porsche lettering pulsates.
One special detail is the modernised 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 colour, all feature.
Inside, the two seats are coloured differently. Apart from the leather pads in Andalusia Brown, the driver’s seat is Kalahari Grey and forms a single unit of colour with the centre 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.
The ultimate goal is to build a car that is capable of 1HP per kilogram in downforce, rapid charging via a 900v charging unit (allowing it to power up twice as fast as the Taycan), and that can smash records.
While not much is known about the power to be delivered by the electric motors it will carry, the battery is installed centrally behind the vehicle’s seats. This ‘e-core layout’ centres the mass in the car.
As with a conventionally powered mid-engined car, this provides the basis for excellent agility. Further details on the Porsche Mission X will be provided as the car maker releases additional information throughout its concept study.
