Unveiling its latest technological marvel, Porsche has recently introduced the Mission X, an exemplar of motorsport and road engineering excellence, projecting a unique blend of prestige, performance, and prowess. With a lineage that includes the revered 959, the Carrera GT, and the 918 Spyder, the Porsche Mission X is poised to carry on the legacy, bringing forth an awe-inspiring one hp per 2.2 lbs, and setting its sights on the Nürburgring Nordschleife record for street-legal cars, given it enters production.
Defying traditional aesthetics of hypercars, Porsche has applied voluptuous curves and sculptural shaping to the Mission X, demonstrating that hypercars don’t have to sport an aggressive appearance. Although absent of the razor-sharp aerodynamic elements of a track car, the Mission X exudes a dominating aura with its muscular body, cab-forward stance, burrowing inlets and outlets, lower aero elements, and a glassy cockpit. The zen-like focus reflected in its mirrored slashed LED headlights underscores its readiness to dominate any non-race-spec vehicle sharing its time zone.
In an effort to realize its goal of one hp per 2.2 lbs, Porsche utilizes a distinctive exoskeleton structure in the Mission X. A carbon fiber beam extending back from the windshield surround provides support to the large-windowed butterfly doors, offering a dramatic entry and exit reminiscent of the iconic Le Mans-winning 917.
As of now, the Mission X is primarily an aesthetic exploration for a future all-electic Porsche hypercar, powered by the same style of permanently excited synchronous motors (PSMs) used on the 1,073-hp Mission R concept. The vehicle’s weight-optimized single-speed transmission drives the wheels, with the battery incorporated into the load-bearing structure behind the seats, contributing to a mid-engine-like stance.
The Porsche Mission X has been designed within the framework of a 900-V electrical architecture, enabling it to charge approximately twice as fast as the Taycan Turbo S. It translates to an estimated 80% charging time of a little over 11 minutes, potentially bridging the convenience gap between EVs and ICE vehicles regarding refueling on the go.
A likely constant track companion, the Mission X is expected to be driven to its limits, lap after lap. Any production model derived from this project would be developed with the intention of being the fastest street-legal car to circle the Nürburgring, a record previously held and prized by Porsche before it was snatched away by Mercedes’ revolutionary hypercar last year.
Aerodynamics play an integral role in the Mission X design, with adaptive aero elements strategically positioned around and beneath the body, modulating drag and downforce according to the mode, speed, and lateral acceleration. This innovative design allows the Mission X to potentially exceed the modern 911 GT3 RS in terms of downforce.
Enhancing the driving dynamics are staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, supported by a motorsport-derived, highly active suspension system. It offers four readily accessible settings on the steering wheel and allows for individual adjustments of rebounding and compression. The rear wheel design, reminiscent of a turbine, directs air at the brakes for efficient cooling.
The interior of the Porsche Mission X boasts a driver-centric two-seat cabin with monocoque-integrated CFRP seat shells padded ergonomically. A curved instrument cluster is placed behind the open-top steering wheel, while a dedicated dashboard for the co-pilot displays lap times, vital driver data, and other metrics through a blend of analog and digital displays. An interior multi-camera system captures the in-car drama from various angles.
In relation to its 1 ps/kg (2.2 lb) goal, Porsche indicates that this power-to-weight ratio is nearly double that of the revered 918 Spyder, which had a ratio of 1 hp/1.8 kg (4 lb) and was once a Nürburgring champion itself. This aspiration represents a significant leap forward in terms of performance, and if realized, it would place the Mission X at the pinnacle of automotive engineering.
Notably, the Mission X is the first Porsche vehicle to showcase Stuttgart’s modestly redesigned crest badge. The unveiling of this concept hypercar forms part of Porsche’s 75th-anniversary celebration. It’s safe to suggest that the influence of the Mission X will not just be confined to this milestone year but will significantly shape the company’s direction in the years to come.
Although no specific powertrain or performance specs have been released for the Porsche Mission X yet, the anticipation it has generated is palpable. If Porsche does give this ambitious project the green light for production, it would undoubtedly be a bold testament to the automaker’s commitment to innovation, advanced technology, and, above all, unadulterated performance.
Source: Porsche
