Since the demise of the Carrera GT, Porsche’s top performing models have been the racing-derived 911 variants like the 205 MPH GT2 RS. While the 911 is better than most dedicated sports cars at walking the tightrope between ultra high performance and everyday livability, its appearance and familiarity strike some as too pedestrian. That will soon change with the advent of the production of the 918 Spyder, which was shown as a Concept Study at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
This exotic mid-engine sports car uses a gas/plug-in electric hybrid powertrain and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body, and it combines ultra-low emissions (70 g CO2 per KM/H) and impressive fuel economy (3.0L/100 KM) with amazing performance (0-62 MPH in 3.2 seconds, 198-plus MPH top speed). With a 9,200 RPM, 500hp V-8 engine linked to a lithium ion battery and two electric motors driving the front and rear axles and adding 218hp, this car will offer better performance than the V-10 Carrera GT, as well as microcar fuel efficiency.
Serious consumer interest has prompted Porsche’s supervisory board to give the green light to build the 918 Spyder. Michael Macht, President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG: “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. 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.”