Porsche · digital presskit
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The 918 Spyder: Genetic blueprint for future Porsche sportscars
Record-breaking super sportscar offers the best of both worlds
In the 918 Spyder, Porsche is launching the future of the sportscar: As the first vehicle to boast global road homologation, the model beat the record of seven minutes set for a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, achieving a time of 6:57 minutes. What's more, the 918 Spyder can glide through the city without releasing any emissions, and virtually without a sound.

The maximum level of performance delivered by the vehicle, namely through its system output of 887 hp and minimal consumption figure of three litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC), is the result of a unique plug-in hybrid concept. To meet the driver's requirements, the 918 Spyder exhausts all possibilities offered by the combined drive of combustion engine and electric motor.

Hybrid drive enhances dynamic performance

Porsche hybrid drive technology offers efficiency and uncompromising dynamic performance in equal measure. Porsche had already taken on this pioneering role in the development of plug-in hybrids with the Panamera S E-Hybrid. Now Porsche is expanding this role in the super sportscar segment thanks to the 918 Spyder. The key to this is the targeted use of the combustion engine and two electric motors while exploiting the specific benefits offered by each power unit. Drivers can choose from five driving modes that allow optimum control of the single or mixed drive through the 4.6-litre, eight-cylinder engine delivering 608 hp (447 kW) and the two electric motors with a combined 286 hp (210 kW). The vehicle's range extends from pure electric driving over a distance of 30 kilometres and more, through to the uncompromising configuration for the race track. The 918 Spyder fulfils its claim of being capable of setting records for top racing drivers, while at the same time being an uncomplicated sportscar for day-to-day use.

The dynamic performance of the 918 is possible courtesy of the unique all-wheel drive concept with a combined combustion engine and electric motor drive system on the rear axle and a second electric motor on the front axle. This concept is based on Porsche's motorsport development work for the successful 911 GT3 R hybrid. The additional, individually controllable front-wheel drive enables new driving strategies to be used for extremely high yet safe speeds through bends in particular. What's more, the advanced Boost strategy provides an intelligent means of managing the energy of the electric drive. The strategy ensures that all it takes for the unrestricted total power of the 918 Spyder to be harnessed is by fully depressing the accelerator pedal, to have maximum acceleration at every burst of speed.

Porsche's future generations of sportscar will benefit from the pioneering achievements in this technology benchmark. The 918 Spyder embodies the traditional Porsche virtue, while providing impressive evidence of the potential provided by plug-in technology for maximum coverage between performance and efficiency. In short, the 918 Spyder contains the genetic blueprint for the Porsche sportscar of the future.

A new super sportscar for a new decade

The 918 Spyder has been developed fully consistently and from the ground up as a performance hybrid with plug-in technology. In summer 2010, the Advisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG gave the green light for the sportscar's series development. The concept study of the hybrid super sportscar – which combines the performance of a high-performance sportscar of over 600 hp with the low-emission three-litre consumption of a compact car – made its début at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010.

After just three years in development, the 918 Spyder is now continuing the series of super sportscars in Porsche's history. Following the ultimate sportscars of their decade – the 550 Spyder, the Carrera GTS, the first Porsche 911 Turbo, the 959, the 911 GT1 and the Carrera GT – the 918 Spyder is providing new and key momentum for developing future vehicle concepts.




Less weight for improved performance
Porsche is offering drivers who want a more performance-oriented finish the “Weissach” package in the 918 Spyder. Modified super sportscars are also recognisable from the available special colours and designs inspired by legendary Porsche race cars. Roof, rear wing, rear-view mirror and windscreen frame are made from visible carbon fibre. Parts of the interior are trimmed with Alcantara instead of leather, and in many cases, visible carbon fibre replaces the aluminium. Sound insulation measures have also been reduced. more ...
Press film
Porsche 918 Spyder
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Production of the Porsche 918 Spyder
High-tech craftsmanship
The Porsche 918 Spyder is setting new standards: Firstly, as a small series super sportscar powered by two electric drive systems and a V8 sports engine to achieve a system performance of 887 hp. And secondly with its unique production process: Porsche is pioneering a new methodology with its 4000-square-metre workshop in which 100 selected employees assemble the vehicles by hand. The unique workshop is located at the heart of Plant 2 in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, which has been the nucleus of Porsche's operations since 1948 and the production site of the iconic 911 sportscar for 50 years now. more ...
A new decade, a new super sportscar
The super sportscars from Porsche
A super sportscar for every decade: Porsche has developed an exceptional sportscar every decade since the 1950s. These sportscars have always led the way in the premium segment and remain an impressive testament to the brand's innovative power. more ...
 

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