Porsche CEO: Mission S platform can also take a manual gearbox
Porsche CEO Michael Leiters said the platform underpinning the new mid-engined Mission S supercar can support both a manual transmission and PDK, with customer demand to make the final call.
The Mission S, the mid-engined supercar Porsche plans to position above the 911, continues to make headlines with new details following its unveiling. The brand's CEO, Dr. Michael Leiters, said the platform underpinning the model has been designed to accommodate a traditional manual transmission as well.
According to remarks Leiters made at the launch event in New York, the platform was developed with the flexibility to accommodate different powertrain options. As a result, the Mission S can run on internal combustion engines alone or with hybrid systems. On the transmission side, both a manual and Porsche's PDK dual-clutch automatic can be used.
Customers will have the final say
Leiters stressed that the forms in which the production model reaches the road will be shaped by customer demand. In the CEO's words, it will be buyers' wishes that determine what is built on this platform. For that reason, whether a manual transmission will be offered in the production version has not yet been confirmed.
Beyond its retro-inspired design, the Mission S concept also stands out for traditional, driver-focused details such as a physical key. The choice is seen as a sign that Porsche places importance on a mechanical driving feel in its new flagship.
The CEO is directly behind the project
Leiters also explained that he played a personal role in the creation of the Mission S. He recounted that about six months ago he went to Tobias Sühlmann, who had recently been appointed design director, and told him the brand needed a mid-engined supercar with a new design language. Sühlmann, for his part, described the resulting car as one that makes people want to drive it and fully reflects the Porsche spirit.
Neither executive disclosed which engine is used in the concept. However, unlike many design studies that are moved onto the stage with simple electric motors, the Mission S was started up and driven onto the stage by Leiters. While the sound it made resembled a boxer engine, it was noted that it suggested an engine with more cylinders than is usual for that layout.
The Mission S is positioned as a project aimed at moving Porsche into higher segments while also strengthening the brand's ties to its heritage.
This article was compiled with the help of AI from information published by Car and Driver.
