The Porsche Mission R Concept Debuts As A Manic Electric Racer

• Dual-electric motors deliver 1088PS in Qualifying mode, with a 2.5-second 0-100kmph sprint time and a top speed of 300kmph.

• Tech wizardry includes electric power steering, brake-by-wire system, DRS, active aerodynamics, and Michelin slick tyres.

• It uses eco-friendly materials for the front splitter, roll cage, rear diffuser, side skirts, and the slick tyres.

• 82kWh battery pack allows it to compete in sprint races as long as 40 minutes.

With the current trend in motorsports slowly shifting towards electrification, Porsche has given its first take on an electric race car, unveiling the Mission R Concept. And this racer doesn’t compromise on performance thrills despite being an EV. 

For starters, the Mission R Concept is powered by two electric motors driving all four wheels to make a whopping 1088PS while using a dedicated ‘Qualifying’ mode. On a consistent race distance, it can deliver 680PS. This translates to a 0-100kmph sprint in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of over 300kmph. It also helps that the Mission R Concept is a lightweight 1,500kg. 

An 82kWh battery is enough to keep the Mission R Concept  in a sprint race lasting 25 to 40 minutes. Add on 900-volt technology, and it can be charged from 5-80 percent in just 15 minutes. It allows up to 350kW of fast charging.

Performance wizardry in this electric racer includes active aerodynamics as well as an F1-inspired DRS (Drag Reduction System) to give it more straight-line speed. There’s also 18-inch magnesium alloy wheels that are designed to aid airflow around the car and save weight. It also looks the part of a hardcore race car with a pronounced front lip spoiler, a massive diffuser at the rear and an adjustable two-section rear wing. 

Braking duties are handled by a brake-by-wire braking system, where a control unit manages the interaction between the hydraulic and electric brakes for optimal stopping power. Electric power steering gives the driver more responsive feedback, with a special set of Michelin slick tyres keeping the Mission R Concept glued to the racetrack. In fact sensors can be put on these tyres to communicate with the on-board electronics in real time and provide the driver with tyre wear information. Porsche boasts its track prowess is more than a match for the 911 GT3 Cup race car.

Not only is it clean under the hood, but it's also dressed in clean clothes, with bits such as the front splitter, the side skirts and the diffuser all made out of natural-fibre reinforced plastic. The roll cage structure uses carbon fibre reinforced plastic to aid driver safety. Even the Michelin slick tyres are made out of bio-based and renewable materials. 

Porsche is yet to divulge whether the Mission R Concept will go into production or not. But given the carmaker’s recent track record on concepts becoming a reality, we can safely assume there's a strong chance for the Mission R to become the full-fledged club race car that you’d want.