Porsche is preparing for a radical shift in its sports car design as it enters the electric era. The recently unveiled Mission X and Vision 357 concepts provide a glimpse into what we can expect from future Porsche models. Ingo Scheinhütte, the Head of Advanced Exterior Design at Porsche, explains how these concepts will influence upcoming production cars.
The Mission X and Vision 357 concepts showcase different design approaches. The Mission X is a development of the Porsche design language, while the Vision 357 pays homage to the original Porsche shape. According to Scheinhütte, both concepts incorporate essential elements of Porsche’s brand identity. For example, the continuous light arch, which now features the Porsche logo integrated into it, is likely to be seen in future production cars.
While the design of sports cars allows for more experimentation with 3D shapes, SUVs and limousines have certain limitations. However, Scheinhütte believes that Porsche can adapt some design elements from sports cars to its SUVs. For instance, the crease on the side of the Vision 357, which deviates from the usual roundness of Porsches, could be applied to SUVs.
When it comes to design, Porsche aims to balance tradition and innovation. As a brand with a 75-year history, Porsche wants to push the boundaries while maintaining its iconic design language. Scheinhütte acknowledges that the 911, with its strong heritage, poses a challenge when producing an electric version. The design team had to carefully consider different directions while designing the current 911 due to its deep connection to the original car.
The Vision 357 project provided valuable insights into the importance of headlights in shaping a car’s overall appearance. Scheinhütte notes that while headlights used to be considered the most crucial exterior element, recent concepts have shown that there is more room for experimentation. This realization gives Porsche’s designers more freedom to explore new ideas.
Creating halo electric vehicles (EVs) that are as special as their predecessors, such as the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder, is a priority for Porsche. Scheinhütte emphasizes that the shape of a car plays a significant role in making it stand out. However, the shape is heavily influenced by the technology and message behind the vehicle. The Mission X concept exemplifies Porsche’s confidence in making an impact with electric cars.
In terms of design direction, Porsche is not actively pursuing the old-school GT look characterized by a long bonnet and cab-back format. Scheinhütte explains that this design relies on symbols that are no longer relevant in the EV era. Instead, Porsche aims to create honest and appealing packages that align with the capabilities of electric vehicles.
As Porsche prepares for the electric era, its design philosophy remains rooted in evolution rather than revolution. The Mission X and Vision 357 concepts provide a glimpse into the future of Porsche sports cars, saloons, and SUVs. With a focus on balancing tradition and innovation, Porsche aims to create electric vehicles that are both technologically advanced and visually striking. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Porsche is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by the electric era.