Starting gun for sales of the
Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid
Today is the day that Dr. Ing. h.c. F.
Porsche AG, Stuttgart, puts on sale the 918 Spyder super sports car
with its innovative plug-in hybrid drive. Production development is
proceeding apace in the wake of the outstanding customer response to
the concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. Thanks to its
unique hybrid technology, the 918 Spyder is estimated to consume a mere
three litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (94 mpg imp.) based on the New
European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Its V8 engine delivers more than 368 kW
(500 hp), assisted by two electric motors with a total of at least 160
kW (218 hp). The 918 Spyder is available for immediate order priced
from 645,000 Euro – subject to VAT and country-specific charges.
To ensure a 918 Spyder’s
exclusivity, the two-seater is limited to no more than 918 units. The
earlier a customer orders his vehicle, the earlier it will be
delivered, as production is initialised in the same sequence in which
orders are received. Production of the 918 Spyder is scheduled to
commence on 18 September 2013 – 9/18 in US date convention – in a quasi
manufacturing operation at Porsche’s main plant in
Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Delivery of the initial vehicles will commence
in November 2013.
The design’s DNA is derived
from the Carrera GT and Porsche 917 sports car as well as the RS Spyder
and is very closely modelled on the 2010 concept car. Unlike the
concept car, however, the production version of the two-seater, based
on a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque, features a manual roof
system with removable roof panels that can be stowed in the front
luggage compartment.
The 918 Spyder is driven by a
unique type of plug-in hybrid system. It comprises a high-revving V8
engine with a displacement exceeding four litres and output of more
than 368 kW (500 hp). The mid-engine power unit is based on the racing
engine of the successful Porsche RS Spyder, which provided impressive
proof of its efficiency with its multiple victories in the Michelin
Green X Challenge in the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series
and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Power transmission to the rear wheels is
by means of a compact, seven gear Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe
(PDK). This is complemented by two electric motors – one each on the
front and rear axle – with a joint mechanical output of at least 160 kW
(218 hp).
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 25 km (16 miles) in the NEDC on purely electric power. The charging
time depends on the country-specific mains network, being approximately
three hours in Germany, for example. A quick charging option is planned
to reduce charging time yet further.
The 918 Spyder’s combined total
fuel consumption in the NEDC (ECE-R 101) is anticipated to be 3.0 l/100
km (94 mpg imp.), equating to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km (112 g/mile).
Despite that, the super sports car offers performance of the highest
order. It accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a
maximum of 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of more than 320 km/h (199
mph). That means the 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 150 km/h (94 mph).
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 colour.
Both the technology and basic
equipment of the new 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” are based on the
530 hp (295 kW) 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 Euro in Germany and
184,546 Euro as a Cabriolet – including VAT and country-specific
equipment items respectively.
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