By David Ponce
Gas electric hybrids don’t mean “pedestrian underpowered gas sippers” in the world of luxury race cars. The Porsche 918 Spyder is a prime example of this. While word of its existence is not new, early prototypes are now hitting the track and getting ready for production. The car now officially gets from 0 to 62mph in less than three seconds, and sets its top speed at a blistering 200mph. The combined power of the 4.6 litre V8 and the electric motors work out to a staggering 770 bhp, which propels the car through the Nurgburgring in 7 minutes and 22 seconds. This is a full 10 seconds faster than the Carrera GT. The body is light and rigid thanks to its carbon reinforced plastic monocoque and of course braking regenerates the battery while the ceramic brake system takes care of the bulk of the stoppage. And while these kinds of numbers would normally be associated with some serious gas guzzling… the 918 Spyder sips 3 litres per 100kms. This works out to 94mpg! Yeah, you’re not going to get that figure if you drive with your pedal to the metal, but no mileage figure ever refers to that driving style.
Now for the fun bit. Porsche is only making 918 of these, and chances are, you won’t be able to afford one. It’s expensive highway robbery: $845,000. Yeah, that’s almost a cool million.
[ Porsche’s Website ] VIA [ Engadget ]
