With so much anticipation built up around the 918 concept cars—wantonly brandishing the Spyder and RSR race trim in the show circuit—Porsche would have been borderline unscrupulous not to bring the sexy hybrid into production. As it turns out, Porsche will build the supercar in its Spyder trim, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque and all. Except for the presence of a new roof (manually operated with removable panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment.
But before you rush to put down a deposit, the 918 Spyder is a bit more expensive than a 911. Listed at $845,000, it’s the equivalent of four and an eighth 911 Speedsters. But don’t let the numbers deter you, there’s so much more than fuzzy math to the 918. Take, for instance, its output. With a maximum estimated at 718 hp, it comes courtesy of a midship 500-bhp V-8 and two electric motors both good for 218 hp. Mounted on the front and rear axles, the electric motors act independently and endow the 918 with variable all-wheel drive.
Hybrid Powertrain, Supercar Performance
Fitted with a 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox, the 918 Spyder has some lofty performance targets: 0–60 mph in 3.1 seconds, a 199-mph top speed and the Nürburgring in under 7 minutes, 30 seconds—that’s 2 sec. quicker than the Carrera GT. And don’t forget, these numbers are for a plug-in hybrid. Porsche is throwing out efficiency figures of 94 mpg and 16 miles of range solely on its lithium-ion batteries.
Limited to 918 units, production for the 918 Spyder doesn’t start until September 18, 2013. Think 2013 holidays, if you’re well behaved. For the impatient types, there’s the 918 Spyder-edition 911 to hold you over.
911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder
Photos: Porsche 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder >>
If you can’t wait until late 2013, Porsche is placating buyers of the 918 Spyder by offering them an exclusive opportunity to purchase an “Edition 918 Spyder” 911. Based on the 530-bhp 911 Turbo S, the special-edition Porsche has carbon-fiber trim inside and out, plus upgraded leather, badging and the exterior colors of the 918, including the use of Acid Green on the brake calipers, illuminated sill plates, interior stitching and instrument cluster needles. Also limited to 918 units, the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder will be available in Coupe ($160,700) and Cabriolet ($172,100) forms, making this one very expensive dealer option
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