Porsche Mission S Concept Foregoes Central Screen for Moving Gauges and Driver-Focused Controls

Porsche's new Mission S concept previews a future mid-engined supercar that will sit above the 911 as a permanent member of the brand's lineup rather than a limited-edition special. Beyond performance figures, the automaker has focused heavily on how the driver interacts with the vehicle, blending classic sports car elements with thoughtful modern technology.

One standout detail is a dedicated red button on the steering wheel that engages the "On your own" driving mode. Instead of forcing the driver to dig through multiple menus to disable intrusive electronic aids, this single shortcut immediately turns off the driver-assistance systems and puts the driver in full control.

Inside, the Mission S avoids the industry trend of massive, permanently integrated central touchscreens and passenger displays. Instead, Porsche fitted a retractable smartphone holder compatible with Apple MagSafe. Drivers can use their phone for navigation or media via the My Porsche app—which also allows customization of the heritage-inspired instrument graphics—and tuck the phone away when they want to focus purely on driving.

Physical interaction is further emphasized by a height-adjustable gear shift lever designed for strong tactile feedback. Although the concept features a PDK dual-clutch transmission, Porsche confirmed that the platform is being engineered to accommodate a manual gearbox if customer demand is strong enough. Additionally, the traditional ignition key slot to the left of the steering wheel—recently removed from the facelifted 911—returns here with a bespoke aluminum key.

Behind the steering wheel sit five round gauges that combine digital displays with physical movement. The central tachometer uses a real analog needle backed by a digital screen, and depending on the chosen driving mode, it physically moves closer to the driver while the surrounding dials rearrange themselves side by side or behind one another, reminiscent of the Lexus LFA.

Other notable design touches include sports seats with a motorsport-inspired seatbelt buckle integrated directly into the center bolster and repositioned electric adjustment controls. At the back, a functional central cooling fan pays direct tribute to the legendary Porsche 917 endurance race car, turning an essential mechanical component into a visible centerpiece of the exterior design.