Previously, there was the Mission E that evolved into the Taycan we drove on Sepang International Circuit, and now Porsche has introduced the Mission R.
“The Mission R is the latest vision from Porsche. With this study of an all-electric GT racing car, the pioneer of sustainable mobility is revealing what customer racing could look like in the future.”
These were the words used to describe the vision for the new Porsche Mission R concept on the company’s Instagram page after it was launched at midnight last night. That should leave plenty to be excited for and loads of jealousy if you’re not on Porsche’s guest list.
Not much was disclosed except that it has over 1,088 hp and a top speed of 300 km/h. 0 to 100 km/h only takes 2.5 seconds. Unlike the Taycan’s 800V electrical system, the Mission R goes one up with a 900V system whereby allowing the batteries to be charged up to 80% in just 15 minutes. Porsche said the Mission R is capable of matching the 911 GT3 Cup on track.
See that “X” architecture that stretches across the roof? That’s actually an ‘integrated roll cage’ made out of carbon fibre that forms the roof structure. The transparent segments are made of polycarbonate, and also serve as an escape hatch for the driver as part of FIA regulations.
Porsche to locally assemble CKD cars in Malaysia by 2022. Read about it here!
At just 1,190 mm high, 4,326 mm long and 1,990 mm wide, the Mission R is shorter, lower and wider than a standard 911 Carrera 4S.
More than 85% of the Mission R’s add-on parts, such as the doors, front splitter, side skirts, rear centre section and diffuser, are made of natural fibre reinforced plastic (NFRP). It’s said to create 85% less carbon emissions than carbon fibre.
The natural fibres are produced from agriculture and are said to be as light as carbon fibre while delivering the same stiffness. This however isn’t something new as Porsche first introduced biofibre composite body panels in the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport back in 2019.
Those incredible 18-inch wheels are made of magnesium, wrapped in new slicks by Michelin exclusively for the Mission R. Additionally, the tyres can be fitted with sensors to indicate tyre wear and inform the driver of the next pit stop. At the end of their life cycle, the used tyres can even be recycled into new ones.
Brakes are 6-pot units in the front and 4-pot at the rear. Under its skin is a double-wishbone setup in the front and McPherson struts at the rear.
There’s plenty of aerodynamics too. The Mission R’s Drag Reduction System or DRS consists of three louvres in the air intakes on each side of the nose section as well as an adjustable rear spoiler. For maximum downforce, the louvres are closed and the spoiler is at its steepest position.
For now, the Mission R is only a working prototype and more development is needed according to the company, who hinted at a more complete unit by 2025/26.
GALLERY
