At the forefront of innovation.
Competition breeds innovation and that principle is evident with the new Porsche Mission E Concept – a 600 horsepower all-electric, four-seat sports car that directly takes on the likes of Tesla. The new Porsche Mission E might be a concept but it showcases the bright, electric future for the German automaker.
Innovation is a key principle that can be seen in every body panel of the Porsche Mission E Concept. The car uses two permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) that are related to those used in the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrids and recover braking energy. The two electric motors generate over 600 horsepower and can still provide full power even after multiple acceleration in short intervals. The need-based all-wheel drive system with nimble Porsche Torque Vectoring and all-wheel steering makes it a quick and dynamic sports car with true Porsche DNA.
The power and drive system rockets the Mission E Concept to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds and to 124 mph in less than 12 seconds. The Nürburgring Nordschleife was also not a problem for the electric concept as it blasted through the course in under eight minutes.
Just like the 911, everyday practicality was key in developing the Porsche Mission E Concept. The lithium-ion-based battery mounted in the underbody holds a charge that gives the concept a 500-km range. Thanks to its new 800-volt technology, the battery can be charged for an approximate 400-km range in just 15 minutes. The 800-volt system reduces weight, reduces charging times compared to 400-volt systems, and uses smaller-gage copper cables. Charging is performed through the front left fender for the “Porsche Turbo Charging” port, connected to a 400-volt station or charged in the garage via a coil-embedded setup in the floor without the use of cables.
As with all Porsche models, dynamics are engrained into the Mission E Concept. Thanks to the flexibility of the drivetrain layout, the battery was stored in the underbody between the front and rear axles, giving it an optimum center of gravity and balance. Aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer make up the entire body of the Porsche Mission E Concept while weight is also cut through the use of 21-inch front and 22-inch rear carbon fiber wheels.
The exterior design of the Porsche Mission E Concept is unique and different yet distinctively recognizable. Traditional Porsche principles coupled with a low 130 cm height and sports sedan sculpture create an athletic and sporty vehicle. Aerodynamics are integrated throughout the body with aspects such as air inlets and outlets, air guides, and spoilers improve cooling, stability, and downforce.
The Porsche 918 Spyder and 919 Hybrid make their presence felt with the classic sweepback design cue. Smooth curves and a low-cut hood create a sexy figure. Aspects of the 911 such as the line of the side windows and low-cut hood distinguish it as a Porsche. The four-seat concept utilizes two counter-opening doors without a B-pillar while both of the side mirrors have been replaced with cameras.
Inside, technology and innovation are evident. The four single race bucket seats emphasize sport and athleticism. The lack of a traditional drivetrain gave designers the ability to create a more open and unique cabin. An all-new, high-tech display and control concept with curved, free-standing instrument cluster displaying five round instruments utilizes virtual OLED technology. Each instrument is set up depending on the driver’s choice of Connected Car, Performance, Drive, Energy, and Sport Chrono. A special eye-tracking system utilizes a camera to determine what instrument the driver is viewing and allow it to be activated via a steering wheel-mounted button. The display also follows the driver whether they move their seating position or move to either side to create a clear, unhindered view of every instrument. Porsche also integrated a camera in the rear-view mirror to recognize the driver’s mood and display it as an emoticon in the instrument panel.
The high-tech display also flows into the dashboard, where the upper-portion of the three-dimensional design shows a holographic display all the way over to the passenger’s side. A touch-free control system allows driver or passenger to select and use different apps on the panel. Drivers can also control and program the Porsche Mission E Concept via a tablet using Porsche Car Connect and change functionalities with ease. The system also allows owners to connect to a Porsche Center for remote diagnostics and schedule appointments.
The new Porsche Mission E Concept made its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt International Auto Show. While the car isn’t a production model, it will undoubtedly see some form of production in the near future and its technology will trickle down into the rest of the Porsche lineup.
Porsche Mission E Concept Gallery
Source: Porsche
Do you think the Porsche Mission E Concept is a Tesla-beater?
