Many sightings of the soon-to-be-launched Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid super car have been made across the world. Reportedly, Porsche wishes to complete the design of the vehicle in China, having filed for a trademark. Over the prototypes that have been seen so far, there would be minor changes to the final production version.
The 918 Spyder is expected to be powered by a staggering 4.6 litre engine, capable of producing a maximum power output of 480bhp. As it is a hybrid vehicle, it would also have two electric motors that would together produce a power of 245bhp. The Spyder would thus be able to generate a total of 795bhp with 780 Nm of torque. A 6.8 kWh lithium-ion batter pack with a 3.6 kw on-board charger will be planted in the vehicle and a universal charger will handle external charging. Torque will be available from 1000 to 4000 rpm.
The vehicle gets a 7 speed PDK gearbox and gets Electric Porsche Traction Management. It also would have technology such as Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, auto stop/start and a 'Sailing' fuel-economy mode. An electric parking brake will be present in the vehicle.
From the exterior, one can see marker lamps integrated within the front bumper, with the left side having a clear finish and the right side looking amber-coloured. LED headlights in this vehicle look simpler and better-fitting than the arrangement seen in the Spyder concept (Geneva Motor Show 2010). Hidden door handles may be a possibility on the Spyder and green brake callipers may also be used, as per a recent leaked brochure.
Reportedly, the Porsche 911 Spyder is expected to be available only in left hand drive. A similar policy has also been followed by the company for the Carrera GT. Prices would start at 7,68,026 or 8,39,426 Euros, after being fitted with the Weissach package. The package includes the following: lightweight construction which has reduced the weight of the vehicle by 35 kg, use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CBFP) and magnesium, foil wrap for paint (currently being development) and magnesium wheels.
With all the above mentioned features, the 918 Spyder will definitely be a super car worth spending on, and will also not harm the environment with its breakneck performance.
