09Jun
Porsche Is Creating History Again By Looking Back At The 959, Carrera GT, and 918 Spyder
Porsche recently unveiled its Mission X concept car at an event celebrating 75 years of the automaker's sports cars.
The Mission X is an electric coupe-style concept that provides a glimpse of what the next 75 years of sports cars might look like. With its lightweight glass-dome roof and doors that open forward, the vehicle resembles a hovercraft.
The design of the Mission X pays homage to iconic sports cars of the past, such as the 959, the Carrera GT, and the 918 Spyder.
The chairman of the executive board of Porsche, Oliver Blume, has stated that the Mission X "provides critical impetus for the evolutionary development of future vehicle concepts."
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Mission X Is A Poster Child Of Innovation
Mission X is a fast, light, and electric concept car that showcases Porsche's commitment to innovation and the future of sports cars. It features impressive LED lighting capable of mesmerizing even the most indifferent eye.
Although the vehicle is 177.0 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 47.2 inches tall, it should fit comfortably in most garages. Its wheelbase of 107.4 inches is similar to that of the Carrera GT and 918, and the headlight shape is reminiscent of racing cars, being long and placed low on the nose.
The LED lighting system is particularly noteworthy, as the headlights are designed as slim elements that are visible during daytime running. When the headlights are turned on, the full module opens "like an eye blinking open," according to Porsche.
Porsche Mission X Aerodynamic Design
The car is painted in a unique color called Rocket Metallic, and satin-finished carbon-fiber details highlight the lightweight construction of the vehicle.
In addition to its striking appearance, the Mission X concept car also boasts impressive performance features. Its aero elements are designed to generate more downforce than a 911 GT3 RS, and the staggered tires - 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear - make use of that downforce.
Overall, the Mission X is a combination of innovative design and impressive performance, showcasing Porsche's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sports cars.
Porsche's redesigned crest is a central feature of the Mission X concept car, appearing on the steering wheel, hood, and center of the wheels. While the changes to the crest are subtle, they are noticeable upon closer inspection.
The concept car also features a full-length light that floats across the rear of the vehicle, with the word "Porsche" spelled out across it. The "E" in the lettering pulses gently while the car is charging, indicating that something is happening.
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The Mission X Powertrain
Although Porsche has not provided many details about the propulsion system of the Mission X, it is known that the vehicle is an electric hypercar with a battery installed behind the seats to center the mass and create mid-engine dynamics.
The car is promised to have a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 1 hp per 2.2 pounds, and a 900-volt system that will allow for charging at twice the speed of the Taycan Turbo S, according to Porsche.
An Eye On The Nürburgring, A Glimpse Of The Future
Although it is still in the concept phase, the Mission X is a promising glimpse into the future of electric hypercars.
Porsche claims that the Mission X concept car's 900-volt system is capable of charging from 5 to 80 percent in just over 20 minutes, which is an impressive feat for an electric hypercar.
Inside the cabin, the driver and passenger seats are different colors, with the driver's seat blending into the Kalahari Gray of the dash to create a seamless connection between pilot and vehicle.
The passenger seat is Andalusia Brown, which could hint at Porsche's focus on providing a comfortable and luxurious experience for all occupants. The open-top steering wheel is inspired by motorsports and features mode switches and shift paddles, most likely for regenerative brake control.
Additionally, lap recorders and a stopwatch module are integrated into the cabin, allowing drivers to set their own lap times at the Nürburgring.
The current production-car lap record is held by Mercedes with the Mercedes AMG One, which set a lap time of 6:35.18 in 2022.
Mission Accomplished
This hovercraft of a car showcases Porsche's dedication to innovation and excellence in every aspect of its design, from the charging system to the luxurious interior and performance-oriented features.
Porsche has stated that the Mission X is simply a design study, that is, a test bed. However, given the success of the Mission E, which was subsequently released as the Taycan, there is optimism that the Mission X may eventually make its way to market.
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