Does "S" Stand for Savior?
Porsche's stunning new concept shows the struggling automaker hasn't forgotten what made it great...
Rumors of a new Porsche supercar to succeed the 918 Spyder (which end production in 2015) have been circulating for several years. The Mission X was an electric supercar concept shown in 2023, with production rumored for 2025, but that never happened. But now, with a new corporate strategy that includes a larger presence at the high end of the market, Porsche is breaking a 30-year rule that kept the 911 at the top of the performance ladder, ahead of any mid-engine cars.
The Mission S (one assumes there will be a new name, just as Mission E became Taycan) is a striking mid-engine two-seater that's as noteworthy for what Porsche announced as for what they omitted. Porsche's CEO said, "A Porsche must be recognisable as a Porsche at first glance" (Hear, that Ferrari?) and the Mission S does not disappoint. From the torpedo fenders, swooping roofline, and wraparound character line to the 917-inspired cooling fan and 928-inspired 'dial design' wheels, there's plenty here to appreciate. And Porsche has indicated this new design language will propagate across the portfolio in the future.
The interior design is equally inspired, with an 'anti-screen' approach that includes only a retractable magnetic smartphone mount if you need, for example, some navigational assistance. The racing seats feature a centrally mounted integrated seat buckle, and the colors are drawn from Porsche's Motorsport palette.
The classic five-gauge Porsche display remains, with a 21st-century twist. At rest, three gauges are visible, but upon starting, two additional gauges slide out from behind either side of the cluster; it's reminiscent of the animated gauges on the new Alfa Cuorerosso). Depending on drive mode, the center-mounted tach can move closer to the driver for better focus. And, yes, there's a "key" that slides into a slot just left of the steering wheel.
"But," you may ask, "What's powering all this?" That remains one of the big mysteries. There is a tach, a gearshift, and exhaust pipes, which seem to confirm some sort of internal combustion element. The 918 Spyder was a V8 plug-in hybrid, and earlier rumors suggested a unique flat-8 engine. But Porsche has remained mum on that question, along with any information on price or launch date.
One question has been partially answered, though. This won't be a limited run model like the 918 Spyder (918 units) or the Carrera GT (1270 units out of a planned 1500). It will be a true series production model ("a permanently available super sports car offer"), although with price rumors hovering around $500,000, it will still be a low-volume model compared to the 911.
Well done, Porsche!
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