Porsche 918 Spyder prototype revealed

The wait for the Porsche's most radical sports car yet, the plug-in hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder is nearing its end with the Stuggart-based automaker having completed the development of the pre-production prototypes, the first photos of which have been released on to the Internet. With this, Porsche has officially concluded the first phase of development and will now commence the second phase, which involves taking the sports car out on the track.

The 918 Spyder was first seen in concept form at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and is expected to enter production by the end of September 2013 with first customer deliveries getting through before the end of 2013. 

With the camouflage inspired by the liveries of the iconic Porsche 917 racecars, the 918 Spyder prototype seen here with full body work, gives us our best look yet, at the final design of the limited edition sports car. The styling of the pre-production 918 Spyder remains close to the original concept with changes including the new headlamp fixtures, different wheels, the addition of full size exterior mirrors, the subtly redesigned rear end and the relocation of the exhaust pipes from the sides to the top part of the engine compartment. Porsche has also designed a manual roof system with removable panels that can be stowed away in the front luggage compartment.

The hybrid powertrain of the Porsch 918 Spyder involves a mid-mounted 4.6-litre V8 engine, a 90kW hybrid module on the rear axle and an 80kW electric motor on the front axle. The total power output will be in excess of 574kW, while peak torque will exceed 750Nm. The engine will come mated to a 7-Speed dual clutch transmission.

The 0 to 100km/h mark is achieved in 3.0 seconds and the 0 to 200km/h mark is reached in less than 9.0 seconds with a top speed of 325km/h. It will launch beyond 150km/h in electric mode before the petrol engine kicks in, and has a total EV range of 25km-plus when driven more sedately. The Porsche 918 Spyder will be made in low numbers and only in left-hand-drive.

Porsche says the technology developed for the 918 Spyder, including its full carbonfibre-reinforced polymer monocoque, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear axle steering and upward-venting ‘top pipes’ exhaust system, offer a glimpse of the brand’s capabilities for its future full-scale production cars.