Porsche Mission X hypercar concept revealed [PICTURES]

Porsche has just revealed its Mission X all-electric hypercar concept. On the back of the 100th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, and the firm’s 75th birthday, there’s plenty to celebrate. The Mission X takes over where the Porsche 959, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder supercars left off.

PORSCHE MISSION X: TELL US MORE

Porsche has added the caveat that it is concept car for now – one living somewhere between a 963 race car, Taycan EV and 918 Spyder. However, concept or not, Porsche loves a challenge and it says it wants to be the fastest production car at the Nurburging. A record currently held by the Mercedes-AMG One with a lap time of 6:30.70 sec.

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The number of e-motors, driven axles and power output is not officially confirmed yet, but dual electric motors for all-wheel drive is guaranteed. The problem is all-electric hypercars are heavy. The Rimac Nevera is 2 300 kg for goodness sake, so how Porsche plans to keep weight down is important!

Therefore, the next goal on the Mission X bucket list is a power-to-weight ratio of one horsepower per kg. Assuming they can keep the weight down (it hasn’t mentioned what the body will be made from) that should confirm power of 1 250 kW minimum.

When you combine that with more downforce than a GT3 RS, you will ensure a very fast all-electric hypercar. Bring on the lap records.

IT’S A LOOKER

Like its forebears, the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder, it measures 4.5 metres long, two metres wide and with a wheelbase of 2.73 metres. Perfect for that low, sleek, even hypercar weight distribution.

The colour featured here is Rocket Metallic with carbon-weave elements and the body shape is elegantly curved yet muscular. All the while, the Mission X concept looks low, lean and slippery as an eel. Vertical LED headlights are set low in the nose, inspired by classic Le Mans racers.

Up front, there are four-point LED light graphics and, at the rear, in true Porsche spirit, there’s a full-length light bar with illuminated Porsche lettering. 20-inch front and 21-inch rear tyres with near-transparent aeroblades have been fitted for aerodynamic purposes.

Passengers sit under a lightweight glass dome with a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic exoskeleton. Doors attached to the A-pillar and roof open upwards and forwards, inspired by Porsche’s 917 Le Mans winner of 1970 and ’71.

ELECTRIC IS THE FUTURE

Porsche has impressive claims for recharge times, saying the Mission X will be roughly twice as fast as the Taycan Turbo S, due to new 900V charging architecture. The battery sits behind the seats to mimic mid-engined weight distribution. Porsche has said nothing about the battery’s chemistry or size.

“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,”

Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.

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