"We want to avoid special effects and spectacles." Porsche’s CEO takes aim at the Tesla Roadster

On October 15th last year, Porsche unveiled the Mission S prototype, which previews the arrival of a hypersports car to succeed the lineup consisting of the 959, Carrera GT, and 918 Spyder. However, this German concept car had to share the spotlight with the Tesla Roadster, which was also introduced on the same day and grabbed headlines due to the impressive stunts it performed during its debut.

Just as happened nine years ago with the unveiling of the first prototype of the new Roadster, social media quickly filled up with Tesla fans comparing the new model to other vehicles. The Porsche Mission S was no exception, with posts from the Stuttgart-based company containing comments like, "It’s 2026 and it can’t even fly?"

Michael Leiters, CEO of the German brand, has now sent an indirect message to Tesla by stating that Porsche wants to “completely avoid any kind of special effects and spectacles,” as its priority is to showcase tangible technological innovations. According to some media reports, the executive also said that the Mission S and Roadster are not targeted at the same type of customer.

Truth is, Tesla still has to prove its ability to produce the Roadster: nine years have passed since the first prototype was unveiled, the new model has a range and top speed lower than what was promised in 2017, and it remains to be seen whether the versions equipped with cryogenic thrusters can even be approved for road use.

The Porsche Mission S Will Have a Internal Combustion Engine

In the Thrust version, rockets developed with SpaceX improve acceleration, while in the Rocket version they allow the vehicle to perform acrobatics or fly for a few seconds. Tesla has not yet announced prices or a release schedule; in fact, it has simply reopened blind reservations, stating that the Roadster Thrust will have limited production and that the Roadster Rocket will only be available by invitation. The standard model, called Roadster Performance, will not come equipped with cold gas thrusters.

The Porsche Mission S follows a more traditional approach. Positioned one tier above the 911, this model will feature a centrally located internal combustion engine, which is likely to be part of a hybrid propulsion system. Although the upcoming Cayman and Boxster models will be electric, it does not seem the company is interested in developing other zero-emission sports cars in the short term.

Beyond the media attention surrounding the Tesla Roadster, Leiters notes that potential customers’ response to the Porsche Mission S has been overwhelming. Therefore, we can practically be certain it will go into production as the new flagship of the range. In fact, to compensate for declining sales in China, Porsche might focus on more expensive vehicles with higher profit margins in the coming years.

Source | Motor1