Concept-Porsche 918 Spyder Preview
Highlights:- All-new design and possible successor to the Carrera GT
- 500-horsepower, 3.4-liter, gasoline V-8 engine
- Achieves 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds with 198 mph top speed
- 7-speed "Doppelkupplungsgetriebe" (PDK) dual-clutch transmission
- All-wheel drive and 4-mode driving program
- Likely to see production in a few years
- "Race Hybrid" mode uses "E-Boost" button to enable additional electrical power for even more acceleration
- 218-horsepower twin electric motors
- One electric motor in rear and one up front
- Front electric motor drives the front wheels independently when needed
- Estimated 78 mpg
Porsche has an established track record of developing its concept cars into production vehicles-especially when it comes to supercars. In 1983, Porsche introduced the 959 Concept, which went into production in 1986 as the world's first all-wheel-drive turbocharged sports car. In 2001, Porsche displayed a Carrera GT concept. That open-top roadster went into production in 2004 as the company's first 10-cylinder sports car.
For 2010, Porsche has unveiled an all-new flagship coupe concept, named the 918 Spyder (paying homage to the original Porsche 550 Spyder of the 1950s). The 2-door sports car boasts a plug-in hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain-a very unique attribute in a segment full of competitors boasting 10- and 12-cylinder engines.
Serving to demonstrate that hybrid technology can be adopted to meet the needs of driving enthusiasts, this Porsche concept vehicle is fitted with a single gas-powered V-8 engine and two electric motors. The total combined power exceeds 700 horsepower, says the automaker. As an added benefit, thanks to its efficient hybrid powertrain, this sports car can achieve 78 miles per gallon, according to Porsche. If history repeats itself-which is likely-the 918 Spyder may see production within the next three years.
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