Since the first showcar made its debut in 2010 and video footage was seen on the internet, positive public reaction has prompted Porsche to fast track its 918 Spyder hybrid sportscar into production. Delivery of the first vehicles will commence in November 2013. If you must know, the price of this all-new model is $897 550 (roughly R 6,2 million).
Porsche will build 918 examples on an order basis with production beginning on 18 September 2013 at Porsche’s main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. 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.There is a very stringent ordering process in place to ensure that cars are not bought by speculators. Almost 50 per cent of the total value will have to be paid even before production begins on your specific car, provided that your local dealer actually has a 918 to sell.
The 918 Spyder is powered by a unique type of plug-in hybrid system. A high-revving V8 exceeding four litres in displacement with over 368 kW on tap is supplemented by two electric engines – one per axle – with a combined total of 160 kW. Power is transmitted by means of Porsche's twin-clutch PDK system with seven forward gears. Energy storage for the electric motors is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a domestic power socket, delivering a range in excess of 25 km in the NEDC purely on electric power.
Thanks to the hybrid technology, the 918 Spyder's estimated fuel consuption is a hardly believable 3,0 litres/100 km equating to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km. Despite that meagre fuel consumption figure, claimed performance has it accelerating from standing start to 100 km/h in 3,2 seconds with a top speed in excess of 320 km/h. Top speed on purely electric power is 150 km/h.
For the impatient 918 buyer Porsche is offering everyone placing an order the opportunity to acquire a limited edition 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”, also limited to no more than 918 units. This special edition sports acid green features such as the specific and part-embroidered model logos and seams, the instrument needles and illuminated door entry guards. A limited edition badge bears the same number as the 918 Spyder the customer has ordered. The 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” is based on the standard 911 Turbo S.