Take a Peek Under the Skin Of the New Mission R Concept

Bare Chassis

Oftentimes, concepts are just that - vehicles meant to show off future design direction or even a new powertrain, but not in a truly functioning vehicle. That isn't the case with Porsche's all-electric Mission R concept, however. In fact, the Mission R is a fully-functioning, track-ready machine, something that Porsche demonstrated recently by showing off the EV racer's bare chassis as it was being driven around a track.

Photos: Porsche

Show and Go

Of course, the Mission R is really just a hint at Porsche's future design direction, a mere idea. But on the flip side, it's also a rolling laboratory. "That's the Porsche philosophy," says Mission R technical project manager Michael Behr. "This prototype is, of course, a show car at this point, yet it also meets the highest technical standards."

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the Mission R Concept right here in Rennlist.com.

Going Further

By Porsche's standards, it is not enough just to build a rolling chassis that merely gives shape to a vision from the design department. The spirit of Weissach demands performance in concept cars as well. During the creation process, every step of the computer-aided design (CAD) process is carried out with the same attention to quality as if it were a pre-production vehicle. 

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the Mission R Concept right here in Rennlist.com.

Highly Capable

The Mission R is a highly capable machine, one packing all-wheel drive and 800 kW (1,072 horsepower). Power is supplied by two electric motors, manufactured in Zuffenhausen along with the single-speed transmission. With a target weight of less than 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds), the racer is expected to rocket from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than 2.5 seconds. Depending on the choice of gear ratio, the top speed clocks in at more than 300 kmh (186 mph).

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the Mission R Concept right here in Rennlist.com.

High Tech

The technology here is no less impressive. Thanks to the direct cooling of the stator - the stationary element of the electric machine in which the rotor rotates - the units deliver exceptionally high continuous power. The futuristic racing car makes do with just one oil cooling circuit and without a single drop of water. The direct oil cooling of the high-voltage battery is based on an innovation developed for the three-time Le Mans winner, the Porsche 919 Hybrid. The chassis features advanced racing technology including a double-wishbone front axle. A heated wind­shield has even been fitted for good visibility in the wet.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the Mission R Concept right here in Rennlist.com.

Shaving Weight

Other notable elements include the 3D-printed transmission case cover, which is 30 percent lighter than a cast one, while the additional braking power during recuperation made it possible to shave 12 kg (26 pounds) off the braking system. But before the Mission R's final form, it was track tested using a hodgepodge of components from Porsche's racing bin, including the seat, steering wheel, and pedals.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the Mission R Concept right here in Rennlist.com.

Fun Experience

"There are certainly warmer days," development engineer Lars Kern said after a spin on the track in the naked Mission R. "But there are also significantly worse ones. Having the chance to participate in a project like this is such an emotional experience. I was like a kid in a candy store! What surprised me the most was how advanced the car already was. And of course the immediate availability of tremendous torque and overall driving dynamics. At that point it was clear: what's being created here is going to be a lot of fun."

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about the Mission R Concept right here in Rennlist.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.