This past year’s Geneva Motor Show was all abuzz with the unveiling of the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept, a vehicle that, once it hit production, would be the successor for the Carrera GT. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long to receive confirmation that this concept would indeed be hitting the production block, and now we get to have a look at the first step to seeing the Spyder in its full form with this image of the first scale clay model.
Once that clay model turns into something a little less arts and crafts and a lot more mind-bendingly powerful, Porsche has announced that they will be investing around 150 million euros in a high-tech wind tunnel, that will help "to maintain Porsche’s top position in the fields of aerodynamics and design and to further extend our lead."
In a previous statement Porsche announced that the production version will deliver more power than the concept. Michael Macht, President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG said: "Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts. We will develop the 918 Spyder in Weissach and assemble it in Zuffenhausen. This is also a very important commitment to Germany as a manufacturing base."
Exterior and Interior
Porsche has made no bones about the fact that the production 918 Spyder will stay faithful to the design cues found on the concept version. However, there will be minor changes such as the replacing of the concept’s 22-inch alloys, the elimination of the concept’s camera to fit in side mirrors, and the moving of the exhaust from the side to the rear. The production version will also make intense use of carbon fiber and aluminum for improved crash safety.
The Porsche 918 Spyder will be offered with both hard and soft tops, but there will be no RS version. For the interior, Porsche will offer sports bucket seats, a touch-sensitive surface for intuitive control of the car’s functions, and a three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel.
The Engine
The Porsche 918 Spyder concept is powered by a 500-horsepower V8, along with a pair of electric motors with 109 horsepower each. There is also a lithium-ion battery back that could give drivers 16 miles of emissions-freedriving. However, for the production version things will be a little bit different as rumors are suggesting that the power and displacement of the petrolengine will be increased. Also, like with all the other Porsche models, the 918 Spyder will be offered with PDK for improved fuel consumption.
When Can I Get One?
Expect to see a production version of the Porsche 918 Spyder revealed in 2012 with sales beginning at a price of $650,000. There will be only 1,200 units built.
The Competition
With the 918 Spyder, Porsche will bring the Carrera GT into the 21st century. However, it won’t be the only electric supercar on the market so competition will definitely ensue.
So far, the competition will stand with the R8 E-tron that Audi has promised will go into production and the SLS AMG electric. Both of these vehicles will be fine competitors, but neither one promises to deliver the same performance as does the Porsche. The Audi R8 Etron concept is powered by four different motors, but those motors combined can only deliver 313hp. TheMercedes SLS AMG E-Cell has a better chance against the Porsche as it is scheduled to produce 526hp and 649 pound-feet of torque. The only problem with using it as a competitor is that it won’t be gracing us with its presence until 2015, a full three years after the Porsche 918 Spyder hits the market.
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