Delivering Expected Performance

At the time of our last report,the "918 Spyder" was unveiled with a chassis partially covered by a dummy body. The completion of its first prototype model has now been reported. This time,concept modelit has acquired a monocoque body shell made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), similar in design to the concept model, and is adorned with camouflage that Porsche itself mentioned evokes the racing car "Porsche 917".

The technical highlight of the "918 Spyder" is the coordinated operation of three powerplants: a motor with a maximum output of 80 kW driving the front wheels, a motor with a maximum output of 90 kW driving the rear wheels, and a V8 gasoline engine boasting a maximum output of over 570 ps. The tests are proceeding smoothly, and the prototype appears to be delivering performance that meets expectations.


Indeed, the announced figures match previous projections: a combined maximum output exceeding 770 ps, 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3 seconds, a top speed of over 325 km/h, and over 150 km/h on electric motors alone. Simultaneously, it is remarkably ecological, with fuel consumption below 3.0 L/100 km (33 km/L) and CO2 emissions of 70 g/km according to NEDC standards.

Production of the "918 Spyder" is scheduled to begin in September 2013, with deliveries expected by the end of 2013. At the time of its announcement in May 2011, the price was 684,300 euros (approximately 69.73 million yen), with a limited production run of 918 units.