THE PORSCHE: MISSION X
Porsche’s history is one of laying the foundation for the future with its groundbreaking concept vehicles. The newest concept study from the sports car maker is a stunning reinvention of a hypercar, with up-and-forward-opening Le Mans-style doors and a powerful and economical electric drivetrain. The intriguingly designed two-seater was honoured at a premiere on the eve of the opening of the special exhibition “75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars” at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. On June 8, 1948, the 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster was issued the first-ever general operating authorization for a vehicle bearing the Porsche brand. In this moment, the sports vehicle manufacturer was established.
“The Porsche Mission X is a technology beacon for the sports car of the future. It picks up the torch of iconic sports cars of decades past: like the 959, the Carrera GT, and the 918 Spyder before it, the Mission X provides critical impetus for the evolutionary development of future vehicle concepts,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Daring to dream and dream cars are two sides of the same coin for us: Porsche has only remained Porsche by constantly changing.”
Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche, says: “The Mission X is a clear commitment to the core of the brand. The continuing, enhanced expression of our brand and product identity is an important compass for us to navigate the development of our series-production models. The concept study symbolises a symbiosis of unmistakable motorsport DNA with an overall sense of luxury.”
The Mission X concept model is a relatively small hypercar, measuring in at around 4.5 metres in length and two metres in width. Its wheelbase is 2.73 metres, making it comparable in length to the Carrera GT and height to the 918 Spyder. The concept car’s wheels come in two different sizes—20s up front and 21s out back—to improve aerodynamics.
When it comes to high-tech sports luxury, the Mission X is where it’s at. Yet its chiselled silhouette and strong lines prove that not all hypercars are intended to intimidate. The sleek paint job on the under-1.2-meter-tall bodywork is called Rocket Metallic, and it was created just for this prototype. Below the waistline, you’ll see carbon-weave pattern features that have been lacquered in a satin-finish Rocket Metallic, giving them a subtle colour while still revealing their underlying material structure. Much information is provided on the wheels of idea research. Almost invisible aeroblades, styled like turbines, are mounted on the back axle to enhance brake cooling.
The two people within are covered by a transparent glass dome with a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic exoskeleton. Doors in the Le Mans style are mounted to the A-pillar and the ceiling and swing outward and upward. The classic Porsche 917 racing vehicle originally featured doors like this. The light signature is another striking feature. The iconic Porsche four-point logo has been reimagined for the Mission X. The Porsche 906 and 908, two classic racing vehicles, served as inspiration for the low and vertical shape of the headlight bases. The LED light modules are showcased with the exposed, slim components of the daytime running lights and indicators, all of which are framed by a cutting-edge support framework. The light “blinks open” when turned on, like the opening of an eye.
The back of the Mission X features a full-length light unit that appears to float. One distinctive element is the Porsche logo, which is both see-through and lighted. The sculpted taillight spans the whole width of the car in four individual elements that seem to float in midair from a sleek, contemporary support structure. The ‘E’ of the Porsche emblem pulses to indicate charging, giving the brand an air of mystery.
The Mission X is the first Porsche to use a revamped version of the Porsche crest. The updated Porsche crest may be distinguished from its predecessor by its use of brushed precious metal, three-dimensional honeycomb structure, updated heraldic beast, and subdued gold colour. The revised crest expresses Porsche’s identity through a more streamlined and cutting-edge design. The Mission X has it in a monochromatic style on the hubcaps and on the front panel and steering wheel.
The driver-centric design is reflected in the interior’s asymmetry and colour scheme, which has two seats of contrasting hues. The driver’s seat is Kalahari Grey, as are the centre console and dashboard, with Andalucia Brown leatherette accents. Andalucia Brown, a contrasting hue, covers the passenger seat. The open-top steering wheel with integrated mode switches and shift paddles is another nod to motorsport, joining the carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) seat shells and six-point seat belts in the monocoque. Many cameras are available for use. When the driver hits the REC button on the multi-controller, recording begins immediately.
A stopwatch module may be added to the bayonet system built into the instrument panel on the passenger side, which is another standout feature. An analogue and digital stopwatch module designed by Porsche Design was included in the Mission X. The timepieces may be used on the track or the rally course and show the driver’s lap times or vital statistics.