Porsche 918 Spyder finally debuts at Frankfurt motor show

Porsche initiated the final act in its drawn-out 918 Spyder introduction, revealing the production version of the 214-mph gasoline-electric hybrid two-seater at the Frankfurt motor show.

The car will be produced on a dedicated line at Porsche's Zuffenhausen factory in Germany starting Sept. 12. No more than 918 examples, all left-hand drive, will be built over the next 18 months.

The car will wear a breathtaking $845,000 sticker, more than four and a half times the price of a new 911 Turbo S. Porsche claims orders for its new performance flagship are already ahead of expectations, saying the company has accepted deposits for more than two-thirds of the planned volume.

The Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1-rivaling supercar was first revealed as a concept at the 2010 Geneva motor show. Based around a carbon-fiber monocoque, the 918 boasts composite plastic body panels and uses a lightweight aluminum and magnesium chassis. This combination has helped Porsche achieve a 3,602-lb curb weight.

Porsche
Removable roof panels and a high-tech interior mark the new Porsche 918 Spyder.

Removable roof panels that stow in the nose section allow the new Porsche to be used either as a coupe or a roadster. An optional “Weissach” performance package brings a series of aerodynamic modifications, including winglets to the bumpers for added downforce as well as a number of lightweight components such as magnesium wheels. The Weissach package trims 16 pounds.

The 918 Spyder is the most powerful Porsche road car ever thanks to its plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid driveline. A mid-mounted naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 direct injection gasoline engine is the main power producer, with output of 599 hp at 8700 rpm. Two electric motors support the V8, one in the front axle and another at the rear. The total system output is 875 hp at 8,500 rpm. Maximum torque is 943 lb-ft. Drive is channeled through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox either to the front wheels under electric power or all four wheels with a combination of gasoline and electric power.

Porsche
A hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain motivates the new Porsche 918 Spyder.

A 6.8kWh lithium-ion battery mounted low at the rear of the car provides energy for the electric motors. It is charged by both plug-in means and electrical energy produced under braking. There are five driving modes: E-power; Hybrid; Sport Hybrid; Race Hybrid and Hot Lap.

E-power provides zero-emission propulsion in front-wheel drive all-electric mode for up to 19.9 miles. In Race Hybrid mode Porsche says the 918 Spyder will storm from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds, with 124 mph coming in 7.7 seconds and 186 mph in 22.0 seconds. Top speed is 214 mph, making it not only the most powerful Porsche road car of all time but the fastest, too.

About the show

The 2013 Frankfurt motor show will be held Sept. 10-22 in Germany. Premium automakers appear ready to try to outdo each other with eye-catching electric supercars. Green technology and fuel efficiency will take center stage on the stands of most automakers at the show. For news, reveals and photos straight from the floor in Frankfurt, check out our special Frankfurt motor show section here.

By Greg Kable