(continued from above)
After outstanding customer response to the concept car first shown at the
2010 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche today announced that dealers around the world
will begin taking 918 Spyder customer orders. This is a significant step toward
actual production of the company's next super sports car, a Porsche that marries
unique plug-in hybrid technology and outstanding performance in a visually
stunning and purely Porsche package.
The 918 Spyder will feature a high
revving 500-plus horsepower V8 engine assisted by two electric motors with a
total of at least 218 horsepower, yet Porsche estimates it will consume only 3.0
l/100 km based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Official EPA fuel
economy figures or estimates will be announced just before the first customer
cars begin arriving in the United States near the end of 2013.
To ensure
the 918 Spyder's worldwide exclusivity, Porsche will produce no more than 918
examples. Start of production at Porsche's famed factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen
is planned for September 18, 2013, and the U.S. base manufacturer's suggested
retail price is $845,000 (excluding destination and handling charges). The price
across Europe is 645,000 Euro - subject to VAT and country-specific charges.
With its design inspired by past Porsches like the Carrera GT super sports
car and the legendary 917 and highly successful RS Spyder race cars, the 918
Spyder remains faithful to the 2010 concept car. Unlike the concept car, the
two-seat production version, based on a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic
monocoque, will feature a manual roof system with removable panels that can be
stored in the front luggage compartment.
918 Spyder: Super High Performance with Low Fuel Consumption
The 918 Spyder will be powered by a unique plug-in hybrid system that will
include a high-revving, mid-mounted V8 engine with capacity of more than 4.0
liters and producing at least 500 horsepower. The engine will be based on the
Porsche RS Spyder racing engine that demonstrated its impressive performance and
efficiency through multiple Michelin Green X Challenge victories in the American
Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Power will be
transferred to the rear wheels via Porsche's compact, seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplung
(PDK) double-clutch gearbox.
Two electric motors - one each on the front
and rear axles - together will provide approximately 218 additional horsepower.
This configuration also will offer an innovative, variable all-wheel drive
system with independent control of the drive forces on both axles. Electrical
energy will be stored in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be
recharged from a standard household outlet. Electric-only driving range is
expected to be more than 16 miles on the NEDC. Recharge time will depend on each
country's electrical power network, but charging is expected to take about seven
hours at 110V/10A in the United States. A quick-charge option is being evaluated
to further reduce charging times.
With anticipated combined fuel
consumption of just 3.0 l/100 km on the NEDC, this equates to CO2 emissions of
only 70 g/km or 112 g/mile. On the other hand, the Porsche 918 Spyder will
deliver super sports car performance. It is estimated that the final production
version will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 3.1 seconds on its way to
an estimated top track speed of 199 mph. It should also tackle Germany's famed
Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds, two seconds
faster than the Porsche Carrera GT. Under the right conditions, the 918 Spyder
will be able to drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 94 mph for limited
distances.
