Porsche has effectively started a new chapter in the history of supercars.The German carbuilder has confirmed that it will build the evolutionary 918 Spyder Hybrid supercar concept shown at the Geneva Motorshow back in March.
The dramatic concept is to be an indirect successor to the Carrera GT, sharing some design language with the legendary supercar. When introduced, the 918 will sit atop the Porsche range as both its halo hypercar and the ultimate showcase of Porsche hybrid powertrain technology.
The decision was made following overwhelming response from the public and customers, and the decision definately has something to do with Porsche's high-up decision makers being impressed with the GT3 hybrid's performance in recent races that it took part in, notably the Nurburgring 24-hour race where it look set to win only for the engine to pack-in 110 minutes from the chequered flag.
The 500hp V8 eco supercar is capable of some pretty incredible numbers both in terms of outright performance and overall fuel consumption. Two electrical motors that provide a combined contribution of 218hp to the overall figure are placed on the front and rear axle. The front unit powers the front wheels where else the other unit works with the engine to power the rear wheels, effectively making it an all-wheel-drive. And when in Hybrid mode, the two-electric motors team up with the combustion engine and depending on drive conditions and driver requirements, the 918 returns an incredible figure of 100km for every three liters of fuel.
On the performance end of the bargain, the 918 Spyder is powered by a 3.4-liter V8 producing 500hp channeled to all four wheels via a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungs-getriebe that also feeds the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a firm transmission ratio. With all that power making it to all fours, the 918 Hybrid sees of the 100km/h mark in just under 3.2-seconds and onto a top speed of 320km/h. It also outclasses the Carrera GT at the Nurburgring, posting a time of under 7min 30secs, the GT does it in 7min 32secs at an average speed of 164km/h.
The car is also able to travel 25km on battery power alone and is a plug-in hybrid. Visually it's similar in width and height to the Boxster and Cayman, but is said to be much wider than both of these. The body and shell are constructed from carbon fiber and an extensive use of magnesium and aluminum. The concept weighs in at 1490kg but we think the production model could just weigh less.
The hybrid supercar may end up being priced at around 500,000 euros (£420,000), just for the record the Carrera GT was priced at £321,000.
"Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts," said CEO Michael Macht. "We will develop the 918 Spyder in Weissach and assemble it in Zuffenhausen. This is also a very important commitment to Germany as a manufacturing base."
Source: Autocar
