Porsche Has Yet to Replace the 918, But This Designer Has Taken the Initiative | Carscoops

      A model such as the 960 GT RS could elevate Porsche back to the forefront of the hypercar hierarchy.

      A study by Ugur Sahin blends GT comfort with hypercar intensity.

      Design elements of the 960 GT RS draw inspiration from both the 918 Spyder and the current 911 range.

      The emergence of high-end hybrid competitors may prompt Porsche to reconsider its plans for the Mission X production.

      It has been over two years since the Mission X concept was introduced as Porsche’s take on an all-electric hypercar, widely believed to take the place of the 918 Spyder. Since its debut, the company has remained notably silent about its intentions to bring it to market. This silence might be strategic, as a solely electric flagship would now contend with a more competitive landscape featuring hybrid power from rivals like Ferrari’s F80 and McLaren’s W1.

      While the Mission X is still in limbo between being a concept and a production model, Dutch studio Ugur Sahin Design has created its own version of what a Porsche hypercar could resemble. The resulting design is the 960 GT RS, a digital concept envisioned as a successor to the 918 Spyder, taking a distinctly different direction from the Mission X.

      A Grand Tourer in Disguise

      Instead of being categorized as a purely basic hypercar, the designer has envisioned the 960 GT RS as a hyper-GT "that merges long-distance comfort with exhilarating performance.” It certainly possesses the exotic flair expected from a new flagship Porsche.

      The front features elements reminiscent of the 918 Spyder and is accented by slim LEDs located in front of two expansive air intakes. A pronounced splitter stretches across the lower edge, providing a determined look to the front end. The intricately designed wheels may be less convincing, but the overall profile is quickly redeemed by sweeping air intakes, sculpted side skirts, and vents behind the front wheel arches that add drama to the design.

      The rear of the vehicle is equally impressive, showcasing a detailed engine cover with numerous small cutouts, a deployable spoiler, and an LED light bar akin to that on the current Porsche 911. Additionally, a large diffuser and dual exhausts are incorporated.

      If Porsche does plan to introduce a successor to the 918 Spyder, it would be prudent to do so at the earliest opportunity. The demand for multi-million-dollar exotics has reached unprecedented levels, representing a market segment that Porsche is currently overlooking.