Porsche’s shots look exactly like our spy photos — save for the dramatic camera angles — but the automaker did shed some light on the 918 Spyder’s unique camouflage. Porsche says the 918′s camo livery is actually a throwback to the Porsche 917 racing cars.
Under that race car camouflage, we can tell that the production version of the 918 Spyder will remain nearly identical to its show car counterpart. However, there are a few changes, including a longer body to accommodate a roomier cabin and the concept’s race-ready rear spoiler has been altered.
The 918 concept’s upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system will make the transition to production.
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The car in question may look like a 918 Coupe, but the matte black camouflage is actually hiding a removable carbon fiber roof. The roof is expected to come off in two sections, which explains the line down the center of this prototype’s roof.
Power for the 918 Spyder will likely be provided by a 4.6L V8 mated to two electric motors — one at the front axle and one at the rear. Early estimates pegged system output at 759 hp and 568 lb-ft. of torque, but Porsche says the 918 Spyder will deliver more than 770 hp. Despite that power, the 918 Spyder will be capable of hitting 78.4 U.S. mpg.
The 918 Spyder will be able to accelerating from 0-60 in under three seconds, carrying on to a top speed in excess of 200mph. Porsche says the car will lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife in under 7:30 – besting the Carrera GT.
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Power from the V8 is transmitted to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Power from the electric motors is controlled by computer and sent directly to the front wheels. The car will also feature adaptive rear-axle steering.
The 918 Spyder will have several drive modes, offering different levels of performance and efficiency. E-Drive minimizes fuel consumption by using the batteries to power the car for up to 16 miles. Hybrid mode uses both electric and gas power for a blend of efficiency and longer range. Sport Hybrid adds Torque Vectoring for more performance-oriented driving. And, lastly, Race Hybrid maximizes both gas and electric output, without regard for efficiency.
Porsche has fielded at least 1,000 interested buyers for the 918 Spyder, which is a pretty amazing feat considering the car is expected to arrive with a $630,000 price tag. Porsche says it will begin production of the 918 Spyder in September 2013.