Porsche Mission A is an internship project developed by Janis Riehl in the summer of 2021 at the Porsche design studio in Weissach. The project sought to explore the concept of an automated future and its implications for a brand like Porsche, which is deeply rooted in evoking emotions through sporty driving experiences. The central question was: How can feelings be sustained in a future where driving is no longer a hands-on endeavour?
A New Architecture for Emotive Experiences
Automation opens the door to a new paradigm in automotive design and safety. As accidents become a rarity with autonomous vehicles, it allows for radical shifts in car architecture. Janis Riehl's vision was to create an emotionally charged journey even without the presence of a traditional steering wheel. At the core of the Porsche Mission A project lies the inspiration drawn from catamarans, known for their two-hull design, connected by a supporting deck. This configuration provides stability and agility on the water, making them fast and efficient. The catamaran's unique layout served as an ideal source of inspiration for the future of Porsche.
First Class Travel Redefined
Drawing from the catamaran's distinctive layout, the Porsche Mission A features two individual passenger capsules connected by a central supporting deck. The front and rear of the vehicle are united by a frame housing battery, sensors, and cameras, allowing for a shallow seating position to minimize air resistance. However, Mission A takes this concept further, elevating the idea of first-class travel. The vehicle's division into two capsules lets passengers enjoy their personalized space. The compartments can be isolated or connected as needed, offering various possibilities for various activities. Each passenger can control entertainment, temperature, brightness, and acoustics, tailoring the journey to their preferences.
Capturing the Landyacht Feeling
The design of the Porsche Mission A conveys a sense of elegance and luxury akin to first-class travel experiences. The distinctive DLO (Daylight Opening) design runs along the lower side of the vehicle, creating a sensation of gliding over the road. Furthermore, The cabins are enveloped by a shell that ensures privacy despite the lower seating position. At the rear, two light blades emphasize the vehicle's division, reminiscent of the iconic Porsche 911. The Porsche Mission A's ambitious design and thoughtful features aim to redefine the emotional connection between humans and machines in the era of automated driving. While the traditional steering wheel may disappear, the bond between the driver and the car's experience remains at the heart of Porsche's vision.
Conclusion
Janis Riehl's internship project, the Porsche Mission A, presents a compelling future vision where automation and emotion intertwine. The vehicle creates a unique experience for each passenger through catamaran-inspired architecture while embracing the comfort and elegance of first-class travel. As we move toward an automated future, Porsche continues to lead the way in designing vehicles that are not only cutting-edge but also emotionally engaging.
About Designer
Janis Riehl is a German car designer who completed his BA in Transportation Design at Pforzheim University in 2022. Soon after graduating, he embarked on his career as an advanced exterior designer at Opel in Rüsselsheim, where he currently works. Before joining Opel, he gained valuable experience through Porsche, Audi, and BMW internships.
