Green Drive: Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Plug-in

Today is the day that Porsche confirms further details regarding 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) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Its V8 engine delivers more than 500 hp, assisted by two electric motors with a total of at least 160 kW (218 hp). The 918 Spyder is available to order priced from Euro 645,000 – subject to VAT and on-the-road charges.

To ensure the exclusivity of the 918 Spyder, the two-seater is limited to no more than 918 units. Production of the 918 Spyder - which will be offered in left-hand drive only - is scheduled to commence on September 18 2013 at the main Porsche factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Delivery of the first vehicles will commence in November 2013.

The design DNA is derived from the Carrera GT and Porsche 917 race 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 4.0-litres and an output of more than 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 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 via a compact, seven speed 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 25km (16 miles) in the NEDC on purely electric power. The charging time depends on the country-specific mains network, being approximately three hours from a 230v domestic power supply, for example. A quick charging option is planned to reduce charging time yet further.

The Combined total fuel consumption of the 918 Spyder in the NEDC (ECE-R 101) is anticipated to be 3.0 l/100 km (94 mpg), equating to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km. 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 lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than seven minutes and 30 seconds – ahead of the Porsche Carrera GT at seven minutes and 32 seconds. The top speed on purely electric power is 150 km/h (94 mph).

Credits: wilswong