After the Mission E concept paved the way for Porsche's path to electrification back in 2015, the German sportscar maker has embarked on a range of electrified projects, not least its ABB FIA Formula E World Championship-leading team.
Fresh from Porsche frontman Pascal Wehrlein's victory in Round 10 in Jakarta, the German manufacturer has pulled the covers off its latest halo car, dubbed the Mission X concept.
Built to celebrate 75 years since the iconic 356 'No 1' Roadster first hit the road, the slick, Le Mans racer-inspired concept made its debut in the days leading up to the 100th anniversary of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. A race in which Porsche has plenty of experience, typically at the front of the field - with the likes of Andre Lotterer a multiple winner.
Although no official performance figures have been released, Porsche has laid out some ambitious technical targets for the Mission X. The first is to be fastest road-legal vehicle around the notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany. Given the title is currently held by Mercedes' Formula 1-derived AMG One hypercar (6m35s), Porsche is confident its electrically-powered equivalent will take it to the top of the timing sheets. With lessons from nearly four seasons of all-electric racing to call on, the marque will be looking to bring some of its Formula E success to the road through the Mission X.
Second on the target list is a one-to-one power-to-weight ratio, which could result in north of 1000kW (1500hp), given the figures attached to similar electric hypercars like the Rimac Nevera. With that, its Nürburgring record dream could well be a reality should the 'concept' ever make it to production.
"The Porsche Mission X is a technology beacon for the sports car of the future," said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche at the car's unveiling. "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. Daring to dream and dream cars are two sides of the same coin for us: Porsche has only remained Porsche by constantly changing."
On top of the headline performance ambitions, the third target for the Mission X is to charge roughly twice as quickly as the current Taycan Turbo S. With 900-volt system architecture, rapid charging is a realistic possibility. Given the existing Taycan Turbo S can charge from five to 80 percent in just over 20-minutes when attached to an 800-volt charging station, the Mission X promises lightning-fast refills.
On the outside, design elements from the iconic 917 Le Mans racer can be seen in the fighter jet style glass canopy and upwards opening doors. It's lean, sleek and aero-influenced design is the work of Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche and his team. "The Mission X is a clear commitment to the core of the brand," he said at the concept's reveal. " The concept study symbolises a symbiosis of unmistakable motorsport DNA with a luxurious overall impression." With more than a nod to Porsche's many motorsport programmes, the Mission X promises to be a thoroughbred road-going racer.
Despite its futuristic looks, Porsche has an impressive track record in ensuring concepts make it out unscathed. With that, expect to see something very similar on the road should Stuttgart give it the green light it derserves.