Why Porsche’s Upcoming Hypercar Will Feature All-Wheel Drive

Porsche is considering putting its Mission X concept into production, but with an outstanding hardware change: switching from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive.

This decision may seem counterintuitive for a hypercar, but it’s driven by the need to improve efficiency and extend the range. By adopting an all-wheel drive setup, the car can recuperate more energy and put it back into the battery, allowing for a bigger range on the iconic Nordschleife track.

According to Mission X project manager Michael Behr, the goal is to achieve three laps on the ‘Ring without recharging, which may not seem like a lot, but considering the track’s length and the car’s performance capabilities, it’s a remarkable achievement.

Behr also hinted that the production version may have a longer wheelbase than the concept and will likely be sold only with a left-hand drive layout to reduce complexity.

The Mission X is a technological tour de force, with a 900-volt system architecture that enables fast charging speeds and a unique battery layout that allows for direct oil cooling.

If approved for production, the car must meet certain criteria, including generating more downforce than the 911 GT3 RS, achieving a power-to-weight ratio of 1 to 1, and setting a record for a street-legal production car around the Nürburgring. With its impressive specs and innovative technology, the Mission X has the potential to be a game-changer in the hypercar market.