2012 Porsche 918 SPYDER The almost-too-great-to-be-real 918 Spyder no longer holds concept status and has been confirmed for a limited production run that will likely be somewhere near 750 to 1,250 units. The 918 Spyder combines racing design with electric motors to offer a fascinating range of qualities. Porsche plans to provide super-low emission levels with an estimated fuel consumption of approximately 94 mpg. Despite its green car rating, it is also intended to offer the performance of a super sports car with a lap time on the Nürburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT.
This open two-seater is powered by a high-revving V-8 developing more than 500 horsepower and a maximum engine speed of 9,200 rpm as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 horsepower. The V-8 combustion engine is the next step in the evolution of the highly successful 3.4- liter power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned mid-ship, in front of the rear axle, giving the car excellent balance and the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track. The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell.
Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed PDK transmission that feeds the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a fixed transmission ratio.
A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode, the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful. The Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the drive power goes to the rear wheels, with Torque Vectoring serving to additionally improve the car’s driving dynamics. In the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track, running at the limit to their power and dynamic output. With the battery sufficiently charged, a push-to-pass button feeds in additional electrical power (E-Boost), when overtaking or for even better performance.
Like the drivetrain, the lightweight body structure of the Porsche 918 Spyder also bears DNA carried over from the track. The modular structure with its monocoque bodyshell made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFP) and liberal use of magnesium and aluminum not only reduce weight to below 3,285 lbs. but also ensure supreme driving precision thanks to a high level of torsional stiffness.
The driver and passenger are not only embedded in contoured sports bucket seats but also form part of the cockpit. The cockpit offers a glimpse at the potential interior architecture of future Porsche super sports cars. The three free-standing circular dials for road speed (left), engine speed (middle) and energy management (right) would appear to come directly from a racing car in the 60s.
The Porsche 918 Spyder concept also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover, naturally allowing the driver to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance.
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