Every so often, Porsche releases a highly-exclusive, extremely-expensive supercar to showcase its latest capabilities in automotive performance, design and technology.
The German automaker is now putting the finishing touches on the latest such supercar, which will go on sale in the near future in limited numbers with a stratospheric price tag.
Though the new 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder isn’t likely to be a common sight on many roads, the advancements housed within its lightweight body will, one day, likely become common on more affordable models.
On the absolute technological brink of the automotive industry, the new 918 Spyder embodies the absolute core of Porsche’s identity in a highly-advanced new package, according to officials.
Blending proven racing technologies with 365-day-per-year utility and combining low emissions with maximum performance, this striking two-seater leads the brand into the next decade of advanced performance cars.
It’ll also be a flagship for the latest in performance hybrid technology, delivering crushing power output and low fuel consumption.
Main propulsion comes from a 4.6 litre 8-cylinder engine with 608 horsepower. The redline of 9,150 RPM is supported by a dry-sump lubrication system for optimal oiling at all speeds and g-force levels.
The gasoline engine is teamed with a 115 kilowatt electric motor, with output from both systems is combined inside of the 918-specific PDK dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shift.
Interestingly, to fit the 918’s body shell and lower its centre of gravity, engineers installed the transmission ‘upside down’ from a traditional configuration.
Up front, a separate electric motor provides power to the front wheels as well, adding stability and traction when required.
Combined output of the gas and electric propulsion systems tops out at 887 horsepower, which is good for 0-100 km/h runs of less than 2.8 seconds.
All of that in a car rated to achieve an average fuel consumption of around 3.1L / 100km.
As a plug-in hybrid, the 918 Spyder can drive up to 40 kilometers on electric power only in its most economical drive mode with a full battery charge.
Electric-only speeds approaching 160 km/h are possible. A driver-controlled mode selector enables the switching between drive configurations which calibrate the 918’s various powertrain systems for maximum efficiency or performance, depending on the conditions at hand.
For all-out performance, drivers can select ‘Qualification’ mode, which readies all systems for motorsports driving on a closed circuit.
The Porsche Active Aerodynamics system, further, deploys various aerodynamic flaps and spoilers to optimize airflow around the 918 Spyder in response to various speeds and conditions.
Though the 918 Spyder has no direct competitors per-se, it should compete with other extreme exotic models from manufacturers like Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren and Pagani.
Pricing will start around $845,000 USD, with the limited-edition, performance-enhanced 918 Spyder Weissach Package starting at nearly $100,000 more than that.
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