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17th
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So, you've got a million dollars. Where to spend it? Well, how about on Porsche's latest venture into supercardom: the Porsche 918 Spyder? Really, why look anywhere else at this point?
First introduced to the world back in 2010 at the 80th Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder Concept has since sparked a buyer's brochure that leaked online late last year. So, it's the real deal, and we're so glad it is.
Let's start with a few highly impressive numbers: The name isn't just a coincidence. Only 918 will be produced and sold (same goes for the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder). Porsche means business when it comes to numbers, so here are a few more: The Porsche 918 Spyder will sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of over 198 mph (and 93 mph in full electric mode). And yet, it's not like another other gas-guzzling supercar you've come to know. This is a hybrid, plug-in monster capable of estimated (read: not yet finalized or fully tested) mileage numbers in the 3.1L/100km range. Yup, you read that correctly.
So, after you spend your million dollars, you'll save money at the pumps. Ironic? Slightly.
How does it do so well on performance and gas mileage? Well, the 918 Spyder is powered by a 4-cylinder V8 that pushes out over 500 hp as well as a permanently energized electric motor located on the front and rear acels which provides a total mechanical output of over 218 hp. The gas engine can work together with the electric motor, or they can perform separately.
All this power in the Porsche 918 Spyder is controlled via their fabulous PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) 7-speed dual-clutch system that offers up blisteringly fast gear changes and a smooth, even acceleration for maximum performance behind the wheel.
And you can achieve that maximum performance on the road or track with the help of Porsche's reknowned PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) together with the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Unlike any other “nanny” system out there, Porsche's stability systems ensure you stay precisely where you need to be: on the road, pointed in the right direction.
When it comes time to wind down and come to a stop, Porsche's got you covered there as well. Equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and calipers painted a bright acid green, you'll have the Porsche 918 Sypder's 20” front and 21” rear wheels haulted in mere seconds.
Because performance was key with the Porsche 918 Spyder, the position of the engine and the lithium-ion battery pack are low and centralized to keep the balance of the vehicle close to perfection. Positioned behind the passenger cell, the Porsche's battery can be charged while driving (the car's kinetic energy via braking and propulsion is converted back to electrical energy via a recovery mode system), or via your household socket in your garage or at the track, as it is a plug-in hybrid.
The Porsche 918 Spyder can travel in full electric mode for up to 15 miles before the gas engine kicks on.
Of course, the hybrid engine isn't the only interesting thing about the Porsche 918 Spyder -- far from it. To ensure the car was as light as possible for optimal performance and fuel numbers; the 918 Spyder's lightwight monocoque structure is fashioned from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP). Ideal for the best power-to-weight ratio and high-performance driving, the Spyder's two-piece roof can also be removed and the pieces stored in the luggage compartment.
No word on when the Porsche 918 Spyder will be available for purchase in Canada.
First introduced to the world back in 2010 at the 80th Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder Concept has since sparked a buyer's brochure that leaked online late last year. So, it's the real deal, and we're so glad it is.
Let's start with a few highly impressive numbers: The name isn't just a coincidence. Only 918 will be produced and sold (same goes for the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder). Porsche means business when it comes to numbers, so here are a few more: The Porsche 918 Spyder will sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of over 198 mph (and 93 mph in full electric mode). And yet, it's not like another other gas-guzzling supercar you've come to know. This is a hybrid, plug-in monster capable of estimated (read: not yet finalized or fully tested) mileage numbers in the 3.1L/100km range. Yup, you read that correctly.
So, after you spend your million dollars, you'll save money at the pumps. Ironic? Slightly.
How does it do so well on performance and gas mileage? Well, the 918 Spyder is powered by a 4-cylinder V8 that pushes out over 500 hp as well as a permanently energized electric motor located on the front and rear acels which provides a total mechanical output of over 218 hp. The gas engine can work together with the electric motor, or they can perform separately.
All this power in the Porsche 918 Spyder is controlled via their fabulous PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) 7-speed dual-clutch system that offers up blisteringly fast gear changes and a smooth, even acceleration for maximum performance behind the wheel.
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| Photo: Porsche |
And you can achieve that maximum performance on the road or track with the help of Porsche's reknowned PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) together with the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Unlike any other “nanny” system out there, Porsche's stability systems ensure you stay precisely where you need to be: on the road, pointed in the right direction.
When it comes time to wind down and come to a stop, Porsche's got you covered there as well. Equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and calipers painted a bright acid green, you'll have the Porsche 918 Sypder's 20” front and 21” rear wheels haulted in mere seconds.
Because performance was key with the Porsche 918 Spyder, the position of the engine and the lithium-ion battery pack are low and centralized to keep the balance of the vehicle close to perfection. Positioned behind the passenger cell, the Porsche's battery can be charged while driving (the car's kinetic energy via braking and propulsion is converted back to electrical energy via a recovery mode system), or via your household socket in your garage or at the track, as it is a plug-in hybrid.
The Porsche 918 Spyder can travel in full electric mode for up to 15 miles before the gas engine kicks on.
Of course, the hybrid engine isn't the only interesting thing about the Porsche 918 Spyder -- far from it. To ensure the car was as light as possible for optimal performance and fuel numbers; the 918 Spyder's lightwight monocoque structure is fashioned from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP). Ideal for the best power-to-weight ratio and high-performance driving, the Spyder's two-piece roof can also be removed and the pieces stored in the luggage compartment.
No word on when the Porsche 918 Spyder will be available for purchase in Canada.