Proving that even a serious German automobile giant like Porsche has a sense of humor, just take a look at a news release the company issued on April 1, 2018:
Porsche announces Mission E Tractor
Plugging into the future of all-electric agriculture.
Porsche AG is delighted to announce the latest addition to the Mission E model line. Following the successful debut of the Mission E Cross Turismo at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, Porsche is heading even further off road with the all-electric Mission E Tractor.
This bold vision for 21st Century agriculture blends design cues from Porsche’s original mid 1950s tractors with the same advanced digital connectivity and 800v fast-charging architecture that powers the Mission E.
With a power output in excess of 700hp, the Mission E Tractor will be the fastest accelerating agricultural vehicle in the world, enabling farmers to harvest crops in record time with the added environmental benefits of zero emissions at source and significantly reduced operating noise.
Porsche’s newly developed FastFarm App
The Mission E Tractor will also benefit from Porsche’s newly developed FastFarm App, designed to provide 24-hour satellite-based weather updates and a mobile farmers’ forum.
Porsche is confident that the combination of tradition and innovation – and enough power to set a pretty good lap time on the Nordschleife – will make the Mission E Tractor a runaway sales success.
Of course, one look at the date the release was issued, and it becomes clear that this was an April Fool’s Day joke. The company admitted as much the following day. But it’s not entirely beyond the realm of possibility.
In the 1950s, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and his company were struggling to overcome the post-World War II economic slump. Of course, they were making iconic sports cars such as the 356 Roadster, but the firm was also looking at other revenue streams. Enter the Porsche 308 N Super. Designed by the good doctor himself, this beautiful piece of agricultural equipment was powered by a three-cylinder diesel engine that pumped out just under 40 horsepower. Interestingly, a 1600cc 356 produced during this time struggled to attain 60 horsepower. The company built around 125,000 units, ceasing production in 1963.
