Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/118649
918 Units of fUtUre technology Article & Photos courtesy of Porsche AG Starting gun for sales of the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid super sports car Stuttgart. Today is the day that Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, puts on sale the 918 Spyder super sports car with its innovative plug-in hybrid drive. Production development is proceeding apace in the wake of the outstanding customer response to the concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. Thanks to its unique hybrid technology, the 918 Spyder is estimated to consume a mere three litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (94 mpg imp.) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Its V8 engine delivers more than 368 kW (500 hp), assisted by two electric motors with a total of at least 160 kW (218 hp). The 918 Spyder is available for immediate order priced from 645,000 Euro ��� subject to VAT and country-specific charges. To ensure a 918 Spyder���s exclusivity, the two-seater is limited to no more than 918 units. The earlier a customer orders his vehicle, the earlier it will be delivered, as production is initialised in the same sequence in which orders are received. Production of the 918 Spyder is scheduled to commence 32 April 2011 on 18 September 2013 ��� 9/18 in US date convention ��� in a quasi manufacturing operation at Porsche���s main plant in StuttgartZuffenhausen. Delivery of the initial vehicles will commence in November 2013. The design���s DNA is derived from the Carrera GT and Porsche 917 sports car as well as the RS Spyder and is very closely modelled on the 2010 concept car. Unlike the concept car, however, the production version of the two-seater, based on a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque, features a manual roof system with removable roof panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment. The 918 Spyder is driven by a unique type of plug-in hybrid system. It comprises a high-revving V8 engine with a displacement exceeding four litres and output of more than 368 kW (500 hp). The mid-engine power unit is based on the racing engine of the successful Porsche RS Spyder, which provided impressive proof of its efficiency with its multiple victories in the Michelin Green X Challenge in the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Power transmission to the rear wheels is by means of a compact, seven gear PorscheDoppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). This is complemented by two electric motors ��� one each on the front and rear axle ��� with a joint mechanical output of at least 160 kW (218 hp). This configuration offers an innovative, variable all-wheel drive with independent control of the propulsion force on both axles.