As part of its “Sportwagenschmiede 35” global realignment, Porsche will produce a new mid-engine sportscar that will slot above the 911. It will ride on a new super sportscar platform that will deliver the highest levels of engineering and flexibility. At the same time, it’ll hark back to a purer, more analog driving experience.

The Mission S is clearly inspired by past Porsche icons, including the 911 G-Series, the 911 GT1, 959, and even the 917. Whether or not details such as the exposed radiator fan, active rear wing, and the car-in-car concept survive series production remains to be seen, but it’s very clear that the sportscar maker is keen to connect it with its racing past.

What is likely to make the transition from concept to production would be the Mission S’ central characteristics such as the dramatic width-to-height ratio, the torpedo fenders, and the iconic roofline. Ditto the wraparound lighting and 928-inspired dial design wheels—these will also likely make it to production.

Inside, the Mission S marks a deliberate return to the core values of sportscar engineering. Basing the interior architecture on models such as the 550 Spyder and 356, there are two defining lines that run through the dashboard and doors. Moreover, there’s an absence of big screens; instead, it goes back to classic switches and buttons; even the central tachometer is an analog dial. The choice of color also hasn’t escaped scrutiny with the Firn White Metallic, Light Red Metallic, Black Chrome, and Special Black all reinterpret classic Porsche motorsports colors.

Porsche has deliberately chosen not to include a permanently integrated center display or a fixed passenger display in the dashboard. Instead, there’s a retractable smartphone system compatible with MagSafe technology. The user’s personal smartphone can serve as a navigation or information display if desired. A clearly structured and streamlined My Porsche App provides access to all functions and also allows users to select digitally rendered, historically inspired designs for the circular instruments.

Beyond being a design concept, Porsche has yet to confirm what will power the Mission S. There are plenty of rumors swirling about it sharing the 911’s flat-6 or perhaps sporting a new flat-8. Whatever the case, the carmaker says the platform can accommodate gas-, hybrid, and even plug-in hybrid powertrains. It can even accommodate a manual gearbox for those who aren’t fans of the dual clutch PDK.

A production version of the Mission S may arrive as early as 2027, and may go against the Ferrari 296 in both price and positioning.