Porsche’s hybrid supercar, the Porsche 918 Spyder is now available for ordering and the production will start on the 18th of September 2013 (9/18).
Initially presented as a concept car at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder received such a customer response from that Porsche has announced that dealers around the world will begin taking 918 Spyder customer orders. The production will be limited to 918 cars. Starting prices in the United States will be $ 845,000. In Europe prices start at € 645,000, subject to VAT and country-specific charges.
The 918 Spyder will be powered by a plug-in hybrid system that will include a high-revving, mid-mounted V8 engine with capacity of more than 4.0 liters and producing more than 500hp. The engine will be based on the Porsche RS Spyder racing. Power will be transferred to the rear wheels via Porsche’s compact, seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch gearbox.
This is complemented by two electric motors – one each on the front and rear axle – with a joint mechanical output of at least 218hp. This configuration offers an innovative, variable all-wheel drive with independent control of the propulsion force on both axles. The energy storage unit is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket, delivering a range in excess of 25km (16 miles) on purely electric power. The charging time depends on the country-specific mains network, being approximately three hours in Germany, or about seven hours in the United States. A quick-charge option is being evaluated to further reduce charging times.
The 918 Spyder’s combined total fuel consumption in is anticipated to be 3.0 liter/100km (94mpg imp.), equating to CO2 emissions of 70g/km (112g/mile). Despite that, the super sports car offers performance of the highest order. It accelerates from a standing start to 100km/h in a maximum of 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of more than 320km/h. According to Porsche, the 918 Spyder will be able to manage a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than seven minutes and 30 seconds – trumping the Porsche Carrera GT, which needs seven minutes and 32 seconds. The top speed on purely electric power is 150km/h.
Unlike the concept car, the production version of the 918 Spyder will feature a manual roof system with removable panels, these can be stored in the front luggage compartment.
To shorten the time the customer has to wait for the 918 Spyder, Porsche is offering everyone placing an order the exclusive opportunity to acquire a 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”, also limited to no more than 918 units. Visually, both inside and out, the special edition is inspired by the 918 Spyder’s characteristic individual features. That includes the distinctive acid green features such as the specific and part-embroidered model logos and seams, the instrument cluster needles, the specific PCM screen and illuminated door entry guards. The limited edition badge on the glove compartment lid bears the same number as the 918 Spyder the customer has ordered. The 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” can also be ordered in the same color.
Both the technology and basic equipment of the new 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” are based on the 530hp 911 Turbo S. In the case of the special edition, the already comprehensive standard equipment is complemented in particular by an enhanced leather interior, a special instrumentation version and additional carbon elements both inside and out.
The 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” is being offered to coincide with the commencement of sales of the 918 Spyder with deliveries starting in June 2011. The Coupé version of the special edition costs € 173,241 in Germany and € 184,546 as a Cabriolet – including VAT and country-specific equipment items respectively.
Another 911! When does it stop?
911 Edition 918 Spyder or in plain English a fake 918 for people who can’t afford a proper 918. So be it, screw that one. But the 918 is simply WOW! can’t wait to see it on the road but it’s rather sad that Porsche needs almost 10 years to make a good car and between these great cars there are a billion 911’s.
Nevertheless that’s some good news.
Price offensive not to many on the road then shame really,its a fantastic looking car, make it more accessable and Porsche will not be to build them fast enough.