Porsche has finally revealed the production-ready 918 Spyder at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
It was a very long trip from concept to final production guise but it finally happened as Porsche has unveiled the highly anticipated Carrera GT successor. Limited to 918 units, the new flagship from Stuttgart is motivated by a plug-in hybrid system encompassing a naturally-aspirated V8 4.6-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors, one mounted on the front axle while the other sits at the rear one.
The conventional power unit develops 608 HP (447 kW) at 8,700 rpm while the electric motors provide 286 HP (210 kW) at 6,500 rpm, resulting in an impressive combined output of 887 HP (652 kW) and a maximum torque varying between 917 Nm (676 lb-ft) and 1,280 Nm (944 lb-ft), depending on gear ratio. Power is transferred via a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic gearbox to the front axle when running on electric power or to all four wheels when used as a hybrid.
The electric motors get their energy from a 6.8 kWh lithium-ion battery installed at the lower back of the monocoque. The battery pack can be charged during braking or with a plug-in charger. When running in E-Power (electric mode), the 918 Spyder will complete the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run in less than 7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).
When the vehicle is used at its full potential (Race Hybrid mode), 0-100 km/h takes just 2.8 seconds, 0-200 km/h is done in 7.7 seconds while 0-300 km/h is achieved in 22 seconds, en route to a top speed of 345 km/h. Despite the mind-blowing performances, the 918 Spyder has a fuel consumption varying from 3.0 to 3.3 liters / 100 km.
The optional Weissach package comes with special colors inspired by the firm’s most important race cars and includes lightweight magnesium alloys which lower the car’s regular 1,634 kg (3,602 lbs) weight by approximately 35 kg (77 lbs). Other goodies part of this kit are the six-point harness seat belts, optional film coating instead of a paint finish, as well as several carbon fiber aerodynamic add-on parts.
The 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder is 4643mm long, 1940mm wide and 1167mm tall, with a 2730mm wheelbase and 20-inch front / 21-inch rear wheels shod in 265/35 ZR20 and 325/30 ZR21 tires, respectively. The fuel tank has a 70-liter capacity while the cargo area stands at around 110 liters.
As previously mentioned, the 918 Spyder has a starting price in United States of 845,000 USD which can increase to 929,000 USD once you add the aforementioned Weissach package.