The new Porsche Mission R concept previews an electric one-make racing car that could debut in 2025 – and also gives strong hints as to the styling of the forthcoming electric 718 Cayman.
- Its twin electric motor setup makes 611hp in standard mode
- Qualifying mode pushed output up to 1,088hp
- 80-85kWh battery allows for around 40 minutes of racing
Porsche Mission R concept: what is it?
The new machine is a joint development of Porsche Motorsport and the Porsche Style design studio. The concept features a carbonfibre roll cage that is built directly into the bodywork, which helps to reduce both the weight and size of the car, particularly saving space in the roof. Current motorsport rules require cars to be fitted with steel roll cages, although Porsche hinted it hoped that might change before any production version of the car is launched.
Porsche Mission R concept: electric powertrain
Shown in Munich, it utilises powertrain technology from the Taycan, and has been developed to offer performance between a 911 GT3 Cup and GT3 R. The twin motor set-up features two settings, with the 611hp available in standard mode raised to 1,088hp for the special qualifying mode. The front motor produces up to 435hp, with the rear producing 653hp. Porsche says that the Mission R has a top speed of 300kph, and can achieve the 0-100kph sprint in less than 2.5 seconds.
Unlike the Taycan, the Mission R features a single gear, because the use of rolling start in most privateer-level racing events removes the need to optimise acceleration from a standstill. There is also an F1-style Drag Reduction System to reduce downforce, although because the car is intended for customer racing Porsche has twinned it with a two-stage rear wing and adjusting flaps on the front wing that help to balance the stability of the car to make it easier for amateur drivers to control.
Porsche Mission R concept: battery and charging
The Mission R is powered by a high-voltage 80-85kWh battery that Porsche says is intended to give around 40 minutes of race time. A front axle energy recovery system is used to help reduce the necessary battery size. It is said to hark back to a mid-engined design, with the battery mounted where the combustion engine would have previously sat. The target is for the car to weigh a total of 1,500kg, which would be close to current customer racing cars.
The car is engineered with 900V technology, which allows for charging at speeds of up to 340kW. Porsche claims this enables the car to be charged from 5 to 80 percent charge in 15 minutes.
Porsche Mission R concept: interiors
The interior is a pure racing design, with a single seat and most of the key controls located on the wheel and a single control panel. Many of the car’s ancillaries are located in easily removable panels where the passenger seat would usually be. There is also a built-in cooling duct and a special helmet holder.
To boost the car’s sustainability credentials, much of the bodywork is made from natural fibre reinforced plastic (NFRP).
Porsche Mission R concept: dimensions
The Mission R is smaller than existing Porsche racing cars, making it close in size to the Cayman and Boxster. At 4,326mm long in length, it is slightly shorter than the 718 Cayman series but it is wider (1,990mm) and lower (1,190mm).
Officially, the firm insists this is to help reduce the size and weight in order to achieve the required performance for a racing car – but it means this is a first glimpse at an electric version of those models.
While Porsche has yet to confirm plans, we previously revealed it is developing electric versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman that will be offered alongside the existing combustion-engined versions.
Also see:
Porsche Cayenne GTS, updated Macan India launch by end 2021
2021 Porsche Macan facelift revealed
Porsche 911 Turbo S-based Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien unveiled