New Porsche Mission X concept is electric 918 Spyder successor

These include that Nürburgring lap record target – the current record is held by the Mercedes-AMG One, which lapped the 12.944-mile circuit in 6min 35.18sec. The focus will be as much on efficiency and lightweight design – a traditional challenge for performance EVs – with an intended power-to-weight ratio of one metric horsepower (1PS, or 0.986bhp) per kg. 

Porsche has not disclosed a target weight, but given the firm’s focus on lightweight design, the goal is likely to be close to a current 911 – around 1400 or 1500kg. That, in turn, would suggest a power output of close to 1500bhp.

Porsche has confirmed that the battery will be installed behind the vehicle’s seats – effectively where the engine in a traditional mid-engined hypercar would sit. Termed an ‘e-core’ concept, it mirrors the approach taken by Porsche with the Mission R, and helps to both centre the mass in the car for better handling and allow for a lower floor than with a traditional battery skateboard chassis.

Another engineering objective is for the machine to produce downforce levels “well in excess” of the current 911 GT3 RS – which can create 860kg at 177mph.

Meanwhile, Porsche says it is also chasing “significantly improved” charging performance for its 900V architecture, with a goal for the Mission X to charge twice as quickly as the Taycan. That can charge at a peak of 225kW, which suggests Porsche is aiming for a speed of 450kW. Such fast charging would help to enable the car to be offered with relatively small batteries, thereby reducing weight.

Porsche has given no details on what type or size of batteries the concept will use, but its hypercar performance means the firm is likely to be looking at high-performance units developed for motorsport or hypercars. 

The design of the car is intended to fuse performance with “modern luxury” and a number of design cues from Porsche’s ultra-successful Le Mans 24 Hours sports prototypes are evident. 

There is a lightweight glass dome with a carbonfibre-reinforced plastic exoskeleton that extends over both seats. Le Mans-style doors, similar to those used on the legendary 917 racer, are fixed to the A-pillar and open forwards and upwards. 

The machine features a reworked version of Porsche’s ‘four-point’ light graphic, with vertical headlights inspired by the 906 and 908 consisting of framed LED light modules. At the rear, there is a full-length light unit and transparent, illuminated Porsche lettering.

The aerodynamic design focus can be seen throughout the machine, in both its general presence and in smaller details, including near-transpired aero blades on the rear wheels, which feature a turbine-like design to offer improved cooling to the rear brakes.

Inside, the driver focus of the Mission X is signalled by the motorsport-style asymmetrical layout - and the use of different colours for the two seats. Both racing seats feature six-point harnesses, and there is a motorsport-style open-top steering wheel that has paddle shifters attached.