Porsche announces completion of the 918 Spyder prototypes. Dressed in camouflage reminiscent of the 917, development focus now turns to the relationship between the sophisticated driveline components.
918 runs a combustion engine and two electric motors – one feeding each axle – but has been designed as a plug-in hybrid. Though the supercar will contain 770 horsepower, its fuel consumption should be respectable at an expected three litres per 100 kilometres. That’s three litres per 62 miles, or .66 imperial gallons per 62 miles. 62 miles on .66 imperial gallons works out to 93 mpg on my calculator, so I might have this wrong!
“What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG. “We have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation into this vehicle.
“The operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of Porsche’s core competences. Both have a major influence on the extreme driving fun to be had with the 918 Spyder, allowing a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.”
Porsche is also implementing a full carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. The hybrid hypercar is the perfect response to those who claim Porsche is now all about selling SUVs to China. Gotta love the corporate finger.
Fantastic! A real supercar, just wish that I would be able to afford one! Prob just be keeping my Cayman S.
Cheers Pete – nowt wrong with a Cayman S. It’ll be hard to argue against the case for Cayman as ultimate modern sports-purpose Porsche if the new one is as sharp as is rumoured.
That really is a great looking car. I love the 917 style graphics. I’m 100% going to Le Mans in 2014 if Porsche are taking that along. At least it will sound good – race cars should be high revving petrol screamers!
Totally mate – love that 917 paint! I wonder what they’ll use for 2014…