Report: Porsche really, really wants to build 918 Spyder. Really.
Porsche 918 Spyder Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
We still haven't stopped drooling over the Porsche 918 Spyder concept, a car that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show. It's a sexy infusion of both Boxster and Carrera GT influences, with a dash of hybrid power thrown in for good measure. What's not to love about a 500-horsepower, V8-powered roadster that can hit 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds? Oh, and did we mention that, because of its additional electric motors, Porsche claims that the 918 can also achieve up to 78 miles per gallon? We highly approve.
According to Autocar, we aren't the only ones swooning over the 918. In fact, Porsche is apparently fully committed to building a serial version of the Spyder. No official confirmation has been made, but in speaking to Autocar, Porsche boss Michael Macht says, "There is no one inside Porsche who doesn't want to build the 918," later adding, "The 918 Spyder proves the answer to whether there can be high-performance cars in the future." If this concept does get the green light for production, we could likely see it hit the streets within the next five years. We'll do our best to remain patient.
Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
SpecV 11:41AM (3/10/2010)
Yes do it. Do it without Electric powertrain.
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zamafir 1:49PM (3/10/2010)
lmao, yeah, right. Porsche's not going to spend a decade developing the most advanced and beautiful supercar since the McLaren F1 and NOT bring it to frution with all the tech they've spent a decade developing. nice try. This thing's gunna rock, and totally rewrite the supercar book.
BoxerFanatic 2:46PM (3/10/2010)
There is nothing saying they have spent a decade developing this particular system.
Or that they can't build a traditional drivetrain version of the car, minus the weight, complexity, and cost of the rest of the stuff.
McLaren F1 was the epitome because it left everything un-necessary out... and what it did include, was the BEST it could possibly, feasibly be. No gimmicks allowed, no extra weight or compromises allowed.
If Porsche builds the 918 that way... it will likely approach the Big Mac's mantle of ultimate supercar.
Bugatti Veyron may be faster, and more "over-the-top", but it is not a purer machine, merely a more complex one.
Porsche could build the 918 as a pure machine.
fmwso 8:48PM (3/10/2010)
Why not? The specs seem great, I should say awesome. I mean, it's not easy to make a supercar that is really fast and yet it can achieve a good mileage.
SimpleCar 2:16PM (3/16/2010)
I agree with SpecV. NO HYBRID! Just do another awesome engine like the Carrera GT. People who buy hybrids also opt for touchscreens, steering wheel radio controls, and refrigerators in their backseat.
andre lavoie 11:41AM (3/10/2010)
Even though I'll likely never be able to afford one, YES PLEASE.
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c0w 7:09PM (3/10/2010)
Yeah I can't imagine it selling for less than $200k.
"we could likely see it hit the streets within the next five years". But I want it now!
Marknn 11:45AM (3/10/2010)
With all of these runaway Toyota's on the road,I think we all need either these Porsche's to runaway from them or maybe Full size Heavy Duty trucks if we are stuck in traffic !!!
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Throwback 11:47AM (3/10/2010)
They would be crazy not to. Unless their new masters determine that they don't want a Porsche blowing away Lambos and R8s.
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SpecV 11:48AM (3/10/2010)
Aren't they in Auto Union?
Yaroukh 12:43PM (3/10/2010)
@SpecV: I believe you have mistaken VAG with Auto Union, the later is basically Audi while Porsche is now part of VAG.
sparrk 12:59PM (3/10/2010)
@ Yaroukh , VAG owns the rights to the Auto Union name and some say that will be the name of the new company that will be created when VW and Porsche will merge.
@ Throwback , actually Piech and the VW guys want Porsche to build hypercars, Piech is the mastermind behind the Veyron, and he was in charge of Porsche's racing department when they built the legendary 917. why do you think they chose the 918 name for the new car ?
zamafir 1:47PM (3/10/2010)
masters? lol. You might want to read up on the soapopera that is the fueding familys of porsche and vw.
anywho, they'll build it.
Yaroukh 6:21PM (3/10/2010)
@sparrk: And exactly how does that mean that Porsche==Auto Union?
Yaroukh 6:23PM (3/10/2010)
@sparrk: my bad, i have now noticed i've read the SpecV's comment wrong
Turall 11:51AM (3/10/2010)
I really, really want to buy a 918 Spyder. Reall.
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Desifinado 11:50AM (3/10/2010)
Clarkson will still say it looks like a beetle
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Almo 11:50AM (3/10/2010)
Would be great to see this in production. Getting tired of the same shape cars for generations.
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spin cycle 11:55AM (3/10/2010)
But it's a derivative shape from a car they already produced, the Carrera GT.
Imag 12:43PM (3/10/2010)
Agreed. It would be nice if some of this design could rub off on the next Boxster.