|
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).
Adding further appeal to the unique 918
Spyder experience, Porsche is offering every customer placing an order
the exclusive opportunity to acquire a 911 Turbo S ‘Edition 918 Spyder’,
also limited to 918 units. Both the technology and standard equipment of
the new 911 Turbo S ‘Edition 918 Spyder’ are based on the 530 hp 911
Turbo S. Visually, both inside and out, this model is inspired by the
characteristic individual features of the 918 Spyder. This includes
distinctive acid green features such as part-embroidered model logos and
upholstery seams, the instrument dial needles, unique PCM screen and
illuminated door entry guards as well as an enhanced leather interior
and additional carbon elements both inside and out. The badge on the
glovebox 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 the customer has chosen for their 918 Spyder.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘Edition 918
Spyder’ is being offered to coincide with the start of orders for the
918 Spyder, with deliveries starting in June 2011. The Coupé version
costs £125,865 and £133,553 as a Cabriolet. |
