Porsche launches Mission R motorsport concept study at IAA

Porsche has thrown a curve ball at this year's IAA Mobility Show in Munich, revealing a dedicated racing car for the future rather than an EV sports car as was expected – and we like it.

The Mission R is a concept study through motorsport, making use of the brand's history in racing to develop an all-electric race car for tomorrow with the technology available today.

Rather than borrow parts from the shelf at Weissach and Stuttgart, the Mission R features two new electric motors which can deliver a combined 800kW when the car is in qualifying mode, drawing power from an 80kWh battery which provides more than just one quick burst of power.

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Constant power sits at around only 500kW with a maximum of 320kW coming from the front motor while the rear can punch out up to 480kW, combining for the magic 800kW figure.

Being all-wheel drive, Mission R has the ability to accelerate from 0-100km/h in under 2.5 seconds, rivalling Formula 1 cars off the line while also being able to hit its top speed of over 300km/h, higher than any other current Porsche motorsport machine.

Quick recharges are possible with the car's 900-volt system, allowing for up to 340kW of charging which can take the battery from five to 80 per cent state of charge in just 15 minutes.

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It's not just what's under the skin which counts – taking inspiration from the 919 Evo, the Mission R features active aerodynamics similar to Formula 1's drag reduction system on its nose and rear wing, allowing the car to produce more or less downforce depending on the circumstance.

As a part of Porsche's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, a majority of the Mission R's body is made of natural fibre reinforced plastic (NFRP), a material which is also used inside the car.

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In the cabin it's the usual story – six-point harness, driver display with lap time delta and essential data feedback as well as a monitor above the steering column, connected to a series of cameras around the Mission R rather than mirrors.

Porsche claims the driver's module monocoque doubles as an e-sports simulator, made up of carbon fibre composite materials to lower weight and provide additional protection to the occupant.

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Although it's not designed to enter any competitions in the near future, elements of the Mission R will likely influence Porsche's next major foray into motorsport as it looks to rejoin the fight for the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2023, entering under the new LMdH rules for the World Endurance Championship and IMSA.

Given Porsche's last Mission vehicle – the Mission E – ended up as the Taycan, it would be surprising if the Mission R didn't find its way into racing in one form or another, even as a one-make series in similar vain to the Carrera Cup championship.