Porsche Mission S vision model is a future product

From time to time, automakers show some of the design studies that are going on in secrecy in their studios. The purpose is to provide a preview of design ideas and features that will influence the brand in the coming years, and to get feedback from the public.

The Mission S vision model unveiled recently on a pier in New York (where the first photographs of the mid-engined 550 Spyder were taken in 1953) serves such a purpose. Part of the Sportwagenschmiede ‘35 strategic realignment, it is not presented as a limited hypercar but as a permanent and versatile addition to the company’s future range.

Influence of historic models
The Mission S is the result of a forward-looking, holistic design strategy, with a design language drawn from historic Porsche models. Dr. Michael Leiters, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, stressed that a Porsche must be recognisable as a Porsche at first glance. As such, the has emphasis placed on authentic, consequent and timeless design together with a strong connection between driver and car.

“This vision model illustrates a fundamental strategic direction that we will soon be translating into our future product portfolio,” said Dr. Leiters.

Mid-engine super sportscar
The Mission S combines a mid-engine super sportscar platform with an exterior that has familiar Porsche elements in updated form. Torpedo fenders, the characteristic roofline and a pronounced width-to-height ratio are central to the connection.

Surfaces are arranged to create what the company calls ‘floating volumes’. A continuous main line links the front and rear light signatures. Round headlights and the fender treatment reference the 911, while other details draw from the G-model shut lines, the flat front of the GT1 and the roofline of the 959.

The mid-engine layout allows the traditional flyline. Technical features include a cooling arrangement recalling the 917 and a fully integrated active rear wing. The wheels take the dial design of the 928 as a starting point and are developed with lightweight construction in mind.

Classic influences
The interior architecture looks back to cars such as the 550 Spyder and the 356. Two continuous lines run through the dashboard and doors, reinforcing the sense of sitting low in the car and linking the cabin to the exterior form. Classic switches and buttons sit alongside modern displays.

Driver controls are organised around a clear driver’s axis. Five round instruments sit behind the steering wheel, with the central tachometer featuring an analogue needle and a display behind it. The instruments can change position according to the selected driving mode.

The Sport Chrono element combines analogue and digital elements. There is no permanently fixed centre display or passenger display. A retractable MagSafe-compatible smartphone holder can be used when needed, and the My Porsche App allows selection of different instrument designs.

Colour choices of Fin White Metallic, Light Red Metallic, Black Chrome and Special Black reinterpret the white, grey and red tones long associated with Porsche racing cars.

Future product
The Mission S project is linked to Porsche’s motorsport experience and is presented as an early indication of a future product that will be positioned above the 911.

Origins of the Porsche badge