Porsche Mission S concept, studio front three-quarter view. Photo: Porsche
Porsche’s future flagship sports car could offer a manual gearbox if customers ask for one. Speaking at the unveiling of the Mission S concept, Porsche chief executive Michael Leiters confirmed that the new platform is flexible enough to take a manual transmission.
“Customer demand will define what we build on this platform,” Leiters said. The remark does not commit the German car maker to a production clutch pedal.
Porsche Mission S concept parked against New York skyline. Photo: Porsche
Positioned above the 911
The Mission S points towards a future production model that will sit above the 911 in Porsche’s range, commanding a higher price tag alongside higher performance targets. Porsche has not disclosed a production timeline, powertrain type or performance figures for the concept, keeping technical details under wraps.
Visually, the concept has a low, wide stance with mid-engine proportions and what Porsche calls “Floating Volumes” bodywork, where individual exterior panels appear detached from the underlying structure. The design also incorporates lightweight wheels, an active rear wing and cooling fans inspired by the classic Porsche 917 racer.
Analogue cabin in a digital era
Inside, Porsche has deliberately pushed back against the industry trend towards sprawling touchscreens. The cabin eschews a large central infotainment display, relying instead on a dashboard smartphone dock.
Driver information is presented through five circular analogue dials set in front of slim digital displays, while primary switches remain tactile physical controls.
