Seven Automakers Unveil Retro-Inspired Concepts and Special Editions Led by Porsche Mission S

Automakers are increasingly turning to their own heritage when creating the cars of the future. In 2026, several brands simultaneously unveiled concepts and production special editions in which classic retro styling received a modern interpretation.

Porsche unveiled the Mission S mid-engine supercar concept, which showcases the brand's future design direction and previews the development of a dedicated platform for models capable of sitting above the 911 in the brand's hierarchy. This represents a lineup expansion rather than a one-off hypercar. The exterior of the Mission S combines features from several historic cars: the round headlights and front fenders reference the 911, the flat nose and rear structure recall the 911 GT1 race car, the roofline and the silhouette beneath the rear wing evoke associations with the Porsche 959, the wheels are inspired by the 928, and the cooling system resembles the radiator fan of the Porsche 917 race car. Inside the cabin, physical switches and buttons sit alongside digital displays, while the five-dial instrument cluster with a central analog tachometer can rearrange its gauges depending on the driving mode. Powertrain specifications and a release timeline for the production car have not yet been disclosed.

As part of its Twelve 4 Twelve limited-edition program, Jeep released the Wrangler Rewind special edition and a similarly styled Gladiator pickup. The design grew out of the eponymous concept shown at the Easter Jeep Safari in 2025 and is inspired by 1980s and 1990s culture, including arcade video games and vibrant prints. The vehicle received geometric body graphics, gold accents on the wheels and tow hooks, and heated Nappa leather seats with pixelated embossing, while retaining its steel protection and off-road tires.

Renault showed the two-seat electric 8 Gordini Concept coupe, dedicated to the famous rally car of the 1960s. Featuring a low body and a wide track, the concept is styled in a café racer aesthetic and is equipped with a 270 hp electric motor designed to convey the character of a classic rear-wheel-drive sports car. No production plans have been announced for this experimental project so far.

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the 3.76-meter-long Citroën 2CV Concept made its debut, reimagining the famous 1948 French model. With a bright, practical interior and modern lighting, the electric vehicle retains the original's philosophy of simplicity and versatility. By 2028, Citroën plans to launch a production model based on this concept.

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the British-Chinese brand MG demonstrated the retro-futuristic GO! compact electric hatchback concept, created by the London-based MG Design Centre with a nod to the mid-20th-century MGB GT coupe. The show car previews a B-segment production electric hatchback scheduled for 2027.

Marking the 40th anniversary of the Peugeot 205 T16 rally car's World Championship victories in 1985 and 1986 is the Peugeot E-T16 concept. Finished in matte gray with a red stripe, wide fenders, and a large rear wing, the car embodies the Feline Future design concept, which will form the basis for future models, including the next-generation E-208. A tri-motor powertrain (one electric motor at the front and two at the rear) develops 816 hp, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in 2.5 seconds and 0–300 km/h in 16 seconds. An 85 kWh battery provides a WLTP range of up to 400 km, while the steering uses steer-by-wire technology with no mechanical connection.

Rounding out the selection is the already on-sale Mini Paul Smith Edition series, created in collaboration with British designer Paul Smith. Featuring distinctive color schemes and trim, the special edition is available for the three-door (petrol and electric) and five-door Mini Cooper, as well as the convertible.