Automotive

Porsche taking orders for the plug-in-hybrid 918 Spyder

View 3 Images
Porsche plug-in-hybrid 918 Spyder to go into production in 2013
Despite its wealth of horsepower, Porsche estimates that the 918 Spyder will consume just 3.0 L/100 km
Porsche plug-in-hybrid 918 Spyder to go into production in 2013
View gallery - 3 images

First shown as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show 2010, Porsche's highly innovative and deliciously proportioned Hybrid 918 Spyder is now available for order. Powered by a 500 hp V8 assisted by two electric motors, no more than 918 units of the new two-seater supercar will be made with production slated to begin in September 2013. The asking price: US$845,000.

The 918 Spyder;'s plug-in hybrid system is made up of a mid-mounted, 4.0 liter, 500 hp V8 engine based on the Porsche RS Spyder racing engine combined with two electric motors – one on each axle – which add another 218 hp to the package.

Despite this wealth of horsepower, Porsche estimates that the 918 Spyder will consume just 3.0 L/100 km based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

Despite its wealth of horsepower, Porsche estimates that the 918 Spyder will consume just 3.0 L/100 km

Preliminary performance specs put the car's top track speed of 199 mph with acceleration from zero to 60 mph taking approximately 3.1 seconds.

The car will be able to operate in electric only mode (though with a limited range of around 16 miles) at speeds up to 94 mph "for limited distances" and Porshe estimates that charging via a 110V/10A outlet will take around seven hours. The company will also investigate a quick-charge option in the lead up to production.

Porshe says that the production version of the 918 Spyder "remains faithful to the 2010 concept car" but will rather than the open-top configuration shown in Geneva, it will include a manual roof system that can removed and stowed in the front luggage compartment.

The production run will see the cars delivered in the same sequence they are ordered and delivery is expected to begin in November 2013.

View gallery - 3 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
6 comments
Michael Mantion
LOL, its electric.. LOL
Janet Bratter
Is it true that there is a direct proportional relationship between a million dollar car like this and the size of the d*** of the guy who drives it? I think we can find some Wall St. bankers who would be interested in this car. It might also look nice with some Middle Eastern sheik driving it while tooling around to check on his oil wells.
What was it that Louis XIV said....\"Apres moi, le deluge...\"
Facebook User
I\'ll take one in Blue. Can I get a 50 year mortgage on that?
Facebook User
I want one.... pleeeeeeze!
Chris7527
I\' m not sure why just putting two electric motors makes it an $800,000 car, I mean electric motors dont cost that much, they preexisted really the combustion engine. They are so old but because they started now putting them on cars, it has become innovative??? Cm\' on you had had electric generator on your bicycle since kid and it was running out of friction from the tire. just because they made them a little bigger and placed two of that stuff on a stupid car together with a 4L engine which I\' m sure it cannot put out 500HP, unless the car is super light. It would need superchargers to make this much HP and it doesn\' t say it has.
Facebook User
The fancy part is controlling it and charging the batteries off the braking energy...and it\'s a Porsche. Um, and if you put 400 Hp of surge electrical power on the tires with even 200Hp from the engine, you\'re going to be set back in the seat HARD when you stand on it.