Porsche reveals the Mission R motorsport design study
Blending real world performance with e-sports thinking, Porsche’s Mission R offers a not so subtle peek at motorsport programmes of the not so distant future.
Sep 7, 2021
Looking part race car and part video game, Porsche’s Mission R is the latest vision from Porsche as to what future customer motorsport products, or indeed what a fully electric sportscar might look like from the brand.
The initial design study is a fully functioning, and quite lovely GT Racecar. And perhaps pointing to how close to reality the concept may be, has already been tested by accomplished endurance racer Timo Bernhard.
“It's indescribable; the immediate surge of power from the two electric motors is something you simply have to experience for yourself," says Bernhard, discussing the drive system of the Mission R. “The only time I've ever experienced such an amazingly powerful boost was in the Le Mans-winning Porsche 919 Hybrid car.”
The car offers a Race and Qualifying drive mode, the later gives the all-wheel-drive car a peak system output of more than 800 kW (1,088 Hp). The continuous system power in race mode is 500 kW (680 Hp). Top speed is more than 300 km/h. The lightweight electric racing car, which tips the scales at around 1,500 kg, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds.
The capacity of the battery, which also incorporates high-end cells and direct oil cooling, is designed for sprint racing. Thanks to 900-volt technology and fast-charging capability, it is possible to charge the battery from five to 80 per cent SoC (State of Charge) in about 15 minutes during a break from racing. Another highlight is the very high recuperation output of up to 800 kW.
On the exterior, the Mission R's doors, front and rear wings, sills/side panels and rear centre section are made of NFRP. The sustainable materials are based on agriculturally produced flax fibres – without interfering with the cultivation of food crops.
The natural fibres are roughly as light as carbon fibres and deliver the stiffness required for semi-structural components with a low additional weight of less than 10 per cent. Compared with conventional plastics, natural fibres have an ecological benefit: 85 per cent less CO2 is generated in their production than in the comparable process used for carbon fibres.
The ‘exoskeleton’ is the name Porsche’s engineers and designers have given to the eye-catching carbon cage of the Mission R. The carbon fibre composite cage structure combines high protection potential for the driver with low weight and a distinctive look.
The protective structure forms the roof section and is visible from the outside and it provides a framework around six transparent segments made of polycarbonate.
Physical racing and esports merge in the Mission R. This is due to its driver cell monocoque, which is designed as a self-contained module and can be used in exactly the same form outside the vehicle as a simulator.
Despite the futuristic appearance and concepts, it would appear the next generation of customer racing won’t be as far off as many may think.