Go Ahead, Order that Porsche Hybrid

After outstanding customer response from the concept study presented at 2010’s Geneva Motor Show, Porsche AG today announced that the order books are open for the 918 Spyder.
Featuring a V8 engine with over 500 horsepower in addition to two electric motors that will produce at least 218 hp, the plug-in hybrid supercar is estimated to consume just 3.0 L/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
Available for order now at a price of $845,000 (U.S.), production of the 918 Spyder will begin in September 2013 and will be limited to a maximum of 918 units. Orders from around the world will be produced, in the sequence they are received, at Porsche’s main factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The first Canadian deliveries are anticipated at the end of 2013.
Sharing genes with the Carrera GT supercar as well as the Porsche 917 and RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder’s design is very closely modeled on the 2010 concept study. Unlike the concept car, the production version of the two-seater, based on a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque, features a Targa-like manual roof system with removable panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment.
The 918 Spyder will be driven by a unique plug-in hybrid system that consists of a high-revving, mid-mounted V8 engine with a capacity of over 4.0 litres, producing more than 500 hp. The engine is based on the racing engine of the successful Porsche RS Spyder, a race car which demonstrated its combination of power and efficiency in the Michelin Green X Challenge in the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Power will be transferred to the rear wheels via Porsche’s compact Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) gearbox.
Two electric motors – one at the front axle and one at the rear – will add at least 218 hp to the mix and provide an innovative, variable method of all-wheel drive, which allows independent control of the propulsion force of both axles. The energy storage unit is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from a standard household outlet and which will allow a pure electric driving range of over 25 kilometres. In fact, under the right conditions, the 918 Spyder can be driven at up to 150 km/h on electric power alone.
When driven economically, the combined fuel consumption of the 918 Spyder on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC ECE-R 101) is expected to be 3.0 L/100 km, equating to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km. Nevertheless the 918 Spyder will deliver super sports car levels of performance, requiring a maximum of 3.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, with a top speed of more than 320 km/h. It will also be able to tackle Germany’s famed Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
Customers who order the 918 Spyder also have the opportunity to acquire a special-edition 911 Turbo S coupe or cabriolet whose exterior and interior design echo those of the hybrid supercar. The 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” features the same exterior colours, carbon-fibre elements inside and out, enhanced leather equipment and numerous acid-green accents, such as the brake calipers, illuminated sill plates, interior stitching and instrument cluster needles. A limited-edition plaque on the glovebox lid will feature the same production number as the customer’s personal 918 Spyder.

Click on www.autoserviceworld.com for more news.