Finally, Porsche showed the production version of the Porsche 918 Spyder, but this is specially important because we already knew almost everything about this hybrid sports car. And the final values, announced by the German car manufacturer, are pretty amazing.
Like most of the newer sports cars, the 918 Spyder is also built from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), meaning, it is lightweight and extremely rigid. This type of construction allows it to have an unladen weight of around 1675 kilograms (3693lb) in the standard trim, while the Weissach package reduces that weight by 35kg (77lbs) and also removes the air conditioning system, audio system and the glove box, but it adds magnesium wheels and a cool paint job.
The hybrid power-train consists of a 4.6-liter, eight-cylinder, petrol engine that produces 617PS (453kW or 608bhp), a hybrid module comprising of a 156PS (115kW or 154bhp) electric motor and a decoupler that allows for both units (petrol engine and electric motor) to work independently, and a 129PS (95kW or 127bhp) electric motor that drives the front wheels.
When all the parts of this system are working together, this car has a total power output of 899PS (661kW or 887bhp). The torque figure wasn't reveal but is should be massive thanks to the electric motors. To finish, the power goes to the rear wheel through a seven-speed automatic transmission (PDK).
A 7kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery powers the electric motors and can be fully charged in just 25 minutes with the optional Porsche Speed Charging Station (DC), while with the Porsche Universal Charger (AC) it can take up to four hours. This battery allows for an electric range between 16 and 32km (10 and 20 miles).
Porsche announces a combined fuel consumption (NEDC) between 3.0 and 3.4l/100 km (94.16 UK mpg or 78.4 USA mpg and 83.08 UK mpg or 69.18 USA mpg). It only takes 2.8 seconds to reach 100km/h (62mph) from standstill, and the acceleration only stops when the car reaches 340km/h (211mph).
To get the best out of the car, Porsche offers five driving modes. E-Power, this one is obvious, Hybrid, the electric motors and combustion engine work alternately for maximum efficiency and minimum fuel consumption, Sport Hybrid, the combustion engine is always working and the electric motors are only activated when needed, Race Hybrid, the same as before but everything runs to their limit, and Hot Lap, both the petrol engine and electric motors are always working together at their maximum power.
The independent all-wheel drive features a rear-axle steering system. When driving at low speed the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels (has the effect of shortening the wheelbase), while at high speeds the rear wheels are turned in the same direction as the front wheels (creates the same effect as increasing the distance between axles).
Outside, Porsche fitted a Active Aerodynamic system comprising several adjustable aerodynamic elements working together for optimum efficiency and maximum down-force, depending on the chosen driving mode.
How much will this cost? Well over €700.000 ($900.000 or £600.000) for the standard version and even more for the Weissach package.
Source: Porsche
