Porsche 918 Spyder Concept

The 918 Spyder prototype combines high-tech racing features and electro-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities: An emission level of just 70 grams CO2 per kilometre on fuel consumption of three litres/100 kilometres (equal to 94 mpg imp) truly outstanding even for an ultra-compact city car, on the one hand, combined with the performance of a super sports car and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph) plus, and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT, on the other.

Powered by a 3.4-liter V-8 engine and a hybrid drive system, the 918 Spyder Concept could preview a new supercar from the company. We're not expecting it for another year or two at the earliest, however, as its 9,200-rpm, 500-horsepower output and 78-mpg efficiency are sure to prove difficult to render in production. Performance isn't hampered by the hybrid drive system, however: 3.2 seconds to 62 mph, 198 mph top speed, and a promised Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of under 7:30--faster than the Carrera GT that preceded it. Electric motors on the front and rear axles contribute 218 horsepower to the mix.

The power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch unit, while the front wheels are driven by a fixed transmission ratio.
Drivers lucky enough to hop behind the wheel can choose from four driving modes, including E-Drive, which maximizes efficiency by using electric power only for up to 16 miles. Hybrid mode uses both systems in conjunction to deliver an efficienct around-town ride. Sport Hybrid mode adds some spunk to the system, using Torque Vectoring to improve the car's dynamics further. Finally, there's Race Hybrid mode, which pulls out all stops and maximizes performance of both systems. The hybrid system becomes a push-to-pass system in Race Hybrid mode, helping to boost power for overtaking.

A high-tech exterior of lightweight materials is complemented by the latest in Porsche interior design and features, indicating the car is in fact headed down a production path despite its current concept-car status.

Source: Press Release (Highly Efficient and Ultra-Fast: Concept Car with Plug-In Hybrid), Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG; 2010 Geneva Motor Show Preview: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept by Nelson Ireson