Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Porsche 918 Spyder officially priced from $845K, Weissach package $84K more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/porsche-918-spyder-officially-priced-from-845k-weissach-packag/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/porsche-918-spyder-officially-priced-from-845k-weissach-packag/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/porsche-918-spyder-officially-priced-from-845k-weissach-packag/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Porsche has released official pricing for its entire lineup of 2013 models, which just happens to include the upcoming 918 Spyder hybrid supercar. The 795-horsepower advanced-technology-lab-on-wheels is now officially confirmed to have a starting price of $845,000 in the US, which is the exact amount we were told earlier when we had the opportunity to ride shotgun in some 918 Spyder pre-production test vehicles.

What we didn't know at the time was the cost of the Weissach trim package, which is a high-performance upgrade to the standard vehicle that includes the deletion of some interior amenities and addition of lighter-weight carbon fiber appointments, magnesium wheels, flame-resistant upholstery, racing belts and aerodynamic aids - it's meant for track-going folk who intend to use their 918 Spyders as God, country and manufacturer intended.

All told, the Weissach package should drop the 918 Spyder's curb weight by some 80 pounds, while also lightening your wallet of an additional $84,000 - the car's MSRP with the Weissach package is $929,000. These prices don't, however, include destination charges, which, for something like the very limited edition 918 Spyder (only 918 will be made), could very well cost considerably more than your average Porsche.

The official pricing list can be found below and also includes base MSRPs for new models like the 2014 Cayman ($52,600), Panamera S Hybrid ($96,150), Cayenne Diesel ($55,750) and Cayenne S Hybrid ($69,850).

Continue reading Porsche 918 Spyder officially priced from $845K, Weissach package $84K more

Porsche 918 Spyder officially priced from $845K, Weissach package $84K more originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 918 spyder918 spyderporscheporsche 918 spyderporsche 918 weissach packagepricingweissachWed, 23 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435260/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/porsche-918-spyder-officially-priced-from-845k-weissach-packag/20435260/article-detail.xml 20435260 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/06-2014-porsche-918-spyder-fr-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/06-2014-porsche-918-spyder-fr-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Production Porsche 918 Spyder images leak out of Chinese patent office]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/production-porsche-918-spyder-images-leak-out-of-chinese-patent/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/production-porsche-918-spyder-images-leak-out-of-chinese-patent/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/production-porsche-918-spyder-images-leak-out-of-chinese-patent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



A few images of what looks to be the production Porsche 918 Spyder are here to say hello, courtesy of a patent office in China. If these provide an accurate look at what the hybrid supercar will look like, there are a few differences between it and the latest examples of the pre-production prototypes our spy shooters have seen.

The jerry-rigged turn signals inside the headlight enclosures and on the front fenders on the prototype are replaced with more polished units inside the headlamps located underneath the main beams. Behind that, the door handles have been swapped from horizontal latches on the door to vertical openings located just behind the door shutline.

We've also seen a Martini-liveried version of the 918 Spyder that has extra carbon elements that don't appear on this car. It was at the Nürburgring with carbon lips on the front fenders and another carbon element that hung from the rear fenders and ran down to the rear diffuser. When we saw the car on our Deep Dive piece, the front lips were gone but that rear piece remained, and we can't tell from the brochure and options sheet that we've seen so far what it comes with. The wheels from the concept and the green brake calipers, minus the polycarbonate covers, should be the standard fitment while the ten-spoke magnesium wheels will be a 29,750-euro (about $39,000 US) option.

Production Porsche 918 Spyder images leak out of Chinese patent office originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 porsche 918 spyder918918 spyderchinapatentpatent officeporscheWed, 26 Dec 2012 11:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410676/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/26/production-porsche-918-spyder-images-leak-out-of-chinese-patent/20410676/article-detail.xml 20410676 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/918spyderpatent_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/918spyderpatent.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Auto Express</em>: Porsche confirms Ferrari 458-fighting 961 supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/auto-express-porsche-confirms-ferrari-458-fighting-961/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/auto-express-porsche-confirms-ferrari-458-fighting-961/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/auto-express-porsche-confirms-ferrari-458-fighting-961/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The haze around the mid-engined Porsche supercar being bred to fill the space between the 911 and 918 Spyder is clearing. A few months ago, combined intel from Automobile and Car was that the 960, a challenger to the Ferrari 458, would either be a coupe or a "four-door coupe" powered by a twin-turbo flat-six and priced "on the creepy side of 200,000 euro." Auto Express has just reported that the new car is "set to be called the 961" and cost in the area of 250,000 pounds, reflecting a lower price than was supposed last year.

Exotic technology runs downhill and Auto Express suggests the 961 will be a heavy study from the 918's chapbook, utilizing a monocoque chassis from the same CFRP materials and the 918's 4.6-liter V8. The deep haze returns again in the predictions of how those details will come together, though. Theorized output is 570 horsepower, which is the horsepower number of the engine in the 918 but less than the 620 hp in the current 911 GT2 RS, the 961 going without the electric motors of its hybrid brother. The sprint from naught to 60 miles per hour is pegged at just above three seconds, which would put it in the same bracket as the 918 and nearly a second faster than the GT2 RS.

We await more word from The Oracle to know where the 961 will get its looks from - the 911 or 918 side of the family.

Auto Express: Porsche confirms Ferrari 458-fighting 961 supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 gt2 rs918918 spyder960961gt2 rsporscheporsche 961Fri, 02 Nov 2012 11:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/02/auto-express-porsche-confirms-ferrari-458-fighting-961/20368407/article-detail.xml 20368407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gt2rs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gt2rs.jpg <![CDATA[Unofficial Porsche 918 Spyder pricing pops up on web]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/unofficial-porsche-918-spyder-pricing-pops-up-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/unofficial-porsche-918-spyder-pricing-pops-up-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/unofficial-porsche-918-spyder-pricing-pops-up-on-web/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The gents on the Rennteam forum have come upon unofficial pricing for the Porsche 918 Spyder. By now, in view of the prices of barrier-crushing, hybrid exotics and since we've already talked about Porsche considering a mid-engined supercar priced between the 911 and the 918, the 768,026 euro ($997,585 US) price to join the 918 Spyder club shouldn't be all that surprising.

Also not surprising? Having seen the options list for a traditional Porsche, ticking the 918's options boxes is a way to send the adding machine to infinity and beyond. Adding the Weissach Package takes the price to 839,426 euro ($1.09M US), a combination of other a la carte options such as coating the car in foil instead of paint (11,900 euro or $15,480 US on its own), magnesium wheels (29,750 euro or $38,700 US) and a six-point-harness (2,975 euro or $3,870 US). It also deletes some features like the air conditioning, Burmeister stereo and the standard door handles. By way of these deletions and swapping standard parts for carbon fiber and magnesium, weight is reduced by about 77 pounds and the 'Ring time is shortened by two seconds.

Other options include a liquid metal paint for 47,600 euro ($61,918 US) - you can add that to the foil for a total of 59,500 euro ($77,397 US) - a lift system for the front axle for 8,925 euro, a special German leather for 23,800 euro and a five-piece set of luggage for 17,731 euro. This is couch change compared to the cost of the car - for buyers who find Benjamins and gold ingots in their La-Z-Boys. Assuming these prices are correct, we don't know how they'll compare to US numbers, but it's not like it matters; once you're near seven figures for the entry-level model of a car, well, who's really worried about the cost?

Unofficial Porsche 918 Spyder pricing pops up on web originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>918918 spyderporschepriceThu, 25 Oct 2012 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20360106/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/unofficial-porsche-918-spyder-pricing-pops-up-on-web/20360106/article-detail.xml 20360106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/918price_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/918price.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Chris Harris get his turn riding in the Porsche 918 Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/watch-chris-harris-get-his-turn-riding-in-the-porsche-918-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/watch-chris-harris-get-his-turn-riding-in-the-porsche-918-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/watch-chris-harris-get-his-turn-riding-in-the-porsche-918-spyder/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chris Harris ride-along in Porsche 918 Spyder prototype - cabin shot

Like our man Michael Harley, Chris Harris recently got a chance to ride shotgun in the Porsche 918 Spyder, and he brought along a few cameras to share the experience with the rest of us. While Harris admits to being averse to producing videos where he's only riding around in the passenger seat, he seems to be no less taken with the technological marvels on display in the newest Porsche hypercar. Harris even goes so far as to compare it to the groundbreaking 1987 Porsche 959. He does have a point in that both the 959 and the 918 Spyder were arguably ahead of their time and built to show off Porsche's technical brawn in their respective eras.

While Harris touches on interesting engineering tidbits like the 918's carbon fiber engine cradle and specially formulated tires, the really interesting bits come while riding around not on the infamous Nürburgring but while silently whirring around on a few secondary roads. Take a look below to see what we mean.

Continue reading Watch Chris Harris get his turn riding in the Porsche 918 Spyder

Watch Chris Harris get his turn riding in the Porsche 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Supercar Out To Trigger A Paradigm Shift

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder

The Porsche 918 Spyder has top-mounted exhaust pipes in similar fashion to the flare launchers on the original 1966 Batmobile. How bitchin' is that?

Not nearly as fascinating as what lies beneath the coupe's carbon fiber skin.

The all-new supercar, arriving late next year, is the most complex vehicle Porsche has ever designed. The hybrid gasoline-electric exotic features a race-bred 4.6-liter V8 supplemented by two electric motors drawing power from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack. It boots up like a computer, glides combustion-free like something out of a science-fiction movie and then ignites its fuel-fed engine to blast in excess of 200 mph.

The 918 Spyder's existence is as significant as the Le Mans Porsche 917 and as technologically groundbreaking as the 1986 Porsche 959 - it suggests that hybrid supercars will not only prevail, they will dominate.

Continue reading 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche has just updated its Facebook page with new information regarding how quickly its upcoming 918 Spyder can go around the famed Nürburgring in Germany. According to its maker, the 770-horsepower hybrid supercar can lap the 'Ring in seven minutes and 14 seconds.

Unfortunately, Porsche didn't provide the tenths of a second needed to determine exactly where the 918 Spyder falls on the unofficial list of production car lap times for the 'Ring, but even without that, we can say that it lands in the company of the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package (7:14:64) and Donkervoort D8 RS (7:14:89), but falls behind the Dodge Viper ACR (7:12:13), Gumpert Apollo Sport (7:11:57) and a pair of Radicals that hardly meet our criteria for being called production cars, but nevertheless can tame the 'Ring in under seven minutes.

Porsche also didn't divulge other salient details like which 918 Spyder achieved this feat and what sort of tires it was fitted with. Our guess is that the car was a test mule, as that's all we've seen on the 'Ring so far, but as for tires, that's a big question yet to be answered. The time as it stands will be all the more impressive if Porsche reveals it was achieved on street tires meant for the production car.

UPDATE: Porsche has issued an official press release confirming that the 918 Spyder's lap time was achieved on "standard tires," and that the car began the lap from a standing start. Porsche also says the car was fitted with the optional "Weissach" package that improves driving dynamics, but didn't elaborate further.

Continue reading Porsche claims 7:14 lap time for 918 Spyder on Nürburgring [UPDATE]

Porsche claims 7:14 lap time for 918 Spyder on Nürburgring [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 918 Spyder brochure

Porsche appears to have let slip a rash of 918 Spyder images that look to be lifted from a company brochure. The shots give us a better idea of what buyers can look forward to when they plunk down their fat stacks of cash. We are particularly smitten by the Martini livery wrap, though a Salzburg Racing exterior is also available. Those who prefer pricier paint can cough up a little over $65,000 for Liquid Metal Grey or Liquid Metal Blue finishes. The lifted images also show that the 918 Spyder will come with a clear-coat carbon fiber targa roof panel.

More importantly, the 770-horsepower Porsche hybrid supercar will bow with an optional Weissach Package. There's no word on how much the pack will cost, but it will feature six-point harnesses, upgraded brakes and a focus on saving weight wherever possible. As such, bits like the armrest, door storage, air conditioning and stereo all get the boot to cut the vehicle's curb weight by 77 pounds. Check out the gallery for a closer look, and be sure to have a peek at a new video of the 918 Spyder caught on city streets in the video below.

Continue reading Porsche 918 Spyder brochure leaks onto web [w/video]

Porsche 918 Spyder brochure leaks onto web [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 918918918 spyderbrochureferrari+f70ferrarif70hybridmartini racingporscheporsche+918porsche+918+spyderporsche+918+spyder+brochure+leakedporsche918porsche918spyderporsche918spyderbrochureleakedspydersupercarvideoWed, 19 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20327640/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/19/porsche-918-spyder-brochure-leaks-onto-web-w-video/20327640/article-detail.xml 20327640 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-porsche-918-spyder-brochure-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-porsche-918-spyder-brochure-628.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche 918 Spyder prototype looks delicious in Martini livery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-looks-delicious-in-martini-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-looks-delicious-in-martini-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-looks-delicious-in-martini-livery/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Porsche 918 Spyder in Martini racing livery - overhead front three-quarter shot

As much as Gulf Racing livery may be synonymous with the Porsche 917, Martini racing is an equally famous Porsche sponsor of years gone by. The livery has adorned both 911 and 917, and now, its graced upon the all-new 918 hybrid supercar.

We had seen spy shots of the 918 in classic race guise at the Nürburgring, but here are the first official photos from Porsche. With permission from Martini owner Bacardi & Company of Switzerland, the German automaker has grafted the iconic livery onto its high-performance green machine.

Martini has been involved with auto racing since as far back as 1968, sponsoring a Formula Two race at the Hockenheimring, and their first support of Porsche came in 1969, entering two 907s in several races. It was a Martini-liveried 917LH that won the 1971 Le Mans 24 Hours, but it was not until 1973 that Martini became a factory partner of Porsche. That partnership lasted until 1978, and during that time, Martini-shod cars won the Targa Florio in '73, the Sports Car World Championship in '76, and Le Mans in '76 and '77.

The red, white and two-shades-of-blue could be found on almost every racing Porsche of the 70s, including the 908, 917, 935, 936 and 911 RS and RSR models.

Hopefully Porsche brings the 918, in standard or RSR form, to the motorsport world. If so, though, it's probably unlikely that the plug-in hybrid supercar will wear a livery as tied to the brand's heritage as a company that makes vermouth.

Continue reading Porsche 918 Spyder prototype looks delicious in Martini livery

Porsche 918 Spyder prototype looks delicious in Martini livery originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 918 spyder918918 spyderbacardiliverymartinimartini and rossiporscheporsche 918vermouthTue, 31 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20289869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/31/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-looks-delicious-in-martini-livery/20289869/article-detail.xml 20289869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/918-martini-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/918-martini-628.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche 918 Spyder prototype looks sensational in Martini livery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-looks-sensational-in-martini-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-looks-sensational-in-martini-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-looks-sensational-in-martini-livery/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Porsche 918 Spyder in Martini livery spy shot

We've got to hand it to Porsche - the company certainly knows how to pull our heart strings. As if we weren't already been smitten with the 918 Spyder, the automaker has the audacity to wrap one up in its historic Martini livery before sending it out to the Nürburgring for testing. Up above you can see it lifting a wheel at the Little Carousel.

We're not sure what motivation is behind Porsche's nostalgia, but whatever it is, it works.

The monochromatic white and matte black finish looks phenomenal on the 918's sinuous curves, and despite the fact that this is clearly no show car, it's our favorite look for the 918 yet. Under the bodywork sits a hybrid powertrain pushing out 770 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque (up to 700 lb-ft for short periods using overboost), which is enough grunt to hit 60 in 3.1 seconds.

All that's left to do now is wait and save our pennies - it will cost $845,000 when it goes on sale in September of 2013. So. It's a little out of our price range. We can dream, can't we?

Porsche 918 Spyder prototype looks sensational in Martini livery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 porsche 918 spyder918918 spydermartinimartini and rossimartini liveryporscheporsche 918porsche 918 spyderspy shotsWed, 18 Jul 2012 13:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20280891/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/18/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-looks-sensational-in-martini-livery/20280891/article-detail.xml 20280891 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/porsche-918-martini-spy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/porsche-918-martini-spy.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche shows off 918 Spyder Prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/porsche-shows-off-the-918-spyder-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/porsche-shows-off-the-918-spyder-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/porsche-shows-off-the-918-spyder-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Porsche 918 Spyder prototype - front three-quarter dynamic view - black and white livery

Porsche has officially put the finishing touches on the first prototypes of the company's 918 Spyder, complete with a black-and-white livery scheme that pays homage to the 917 racers of old. Production is set to commence in a little over a year, and the German sportscar manufacturer says buyers can look forward to taking possession of the first examples by the end of 2013. The plug-in hybrid will command a heady price tag, though. Porsche has confirmed the company will ask a whopping $845,000 per model, each with a 500 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine and two electric motors.

Altogether, the gas-electric drivetrain should be good for a 3.1-second 0-60 sprint and a top speed of 199 mph. Perhaps even more impressive is the news that the 918 will be able to propel itself with electric power at speeds of up to 94 mph. That little fact helps account for the news that the vehicle should be able to return around 78 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. Scroll down for the brief press release, but not before checking out the high-res gallery.

Continue reading Porsche shows off 918 Spyder Prototype

Porsche shows off 918 Spyder Prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 porsche 918 spyder918918 spyder918 spyder photosporscheporsche 918 spyderporsche 918 spyder prototypeTue, 15 May 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238315/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/porsche-shows-off-the-918-spyder-prototype/20238315/article-detail.xml 20238315 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/porsche-918-spyder-prototype-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch and hear a Porsche 918 Spyder running chassis with <i>Evo</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/watch-and-hear-a-porsche-918-spyder-running-chassis-with-evo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/watch-and-hear-a-porsche-918-spyder-running-chassis-with-evo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/watch-and-hear-a-porsche-918-spyder-running-chassis-with-evo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Porsche 918 Spyder Video

We can't quite explain why we're so drawn pre-production test mules. Maybe we just like the thought of seeing a vehicle as it grows from concept to reality or being able to take a peak into the engineering behind a car that will hit production soon. Either way, videos like the one after the jump flip all the right switches for us. Like Wired, EVO recently got the chance to ride along in an early version of the 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder. With two electric motors and kicking V8, the car is good for a dizzying 770 horsepower combined.

EVO gives us our closest look yet at the vehicle's driveline, including the 80-kW electric motor in the front and the 90-kW motor in the rear. Interestingly, as Evo points out, the 918 can be powered purely on the front-mounted electric motor that drives the front wheels. That's right, this is the first production front-wheel drive Porsche, even if it's only likely to operate as such a sliver of the time. Even with all the technological whizzbangery on board, the 918 still sounds like a true Porsche when the 570 horsepower V8 barks to life. Porsche has worked to keep as much of the vehicle's weight below the center line as possible, and as a result, the engineers had to resort to some cleverness when it comes to exhaust routing and the like. Hit the jump to see what we mean.

Continue reading Watch and hear a Porsche 918 Spyder running chassis with Evo

Watch and hear a Porsche 918 Spyder running chassis with Evo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 918 spyder video2013 porsche 918 video918918 hybrid918 spyder918 videoporschevideoWed, 21 Mar 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20197988/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/watch-and-hear-a-porsche-918-spyder-running-chassis-with-evo/20197988/article-detail.xml 20197988 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/posche-918-spyder-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/posche-918-spyder-628.jpg <![CDATA[Development of Porsche 918 supercar progressing nicely]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/development-of-porsche-918-supercar-progressing-nicely/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/development-of-porsche-918-supercar-progressing-nicely/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/development-of-porsche-918-supercar-progressing-nicely/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche 918 prototype

"This is most definitely not a Prius." So says ex-Autoblog staffer Damon Lavrinc in a story written for Wired. The non-Prius-esque vehicle to which he's referring? The Porsche 918.

We know all about the concept and how it stole the show at the at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. We know that interest in the plug-in hybrid supercar was so strong that Porsche pulled out all the stops to get the vehicle into its production plans as soon as possible. We know it will cost $845,000 and be able to hit 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.1 seconds. What we hadn't known until now, though, is how far along into its development Porsche's team of engineers had gotten.

It seems there are currently three 918 development mules in existence, and Lavrinc got to ride shotgun at the Nardo Test Track in one of them. Though it was limited to half its available power - full power being a generous 770 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque with an overboost offering up to 700 lb-ft for short periods - it was still an exciting ride, and it's telling that Porsche was confident enough in its Franken-mule to allow anyone to go on record this far ahead of September 18, 2013, the car's official launch date.

We suggest you head on over to Wired to peruse the full article, and feel free to mosey on back to let us know what you think of the 918's potential.

Development of Porsche 918 supercar progressing nicely originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 9182014 porsche 918918918 spyderdamon lavrincporscheporsche 918 prototypeporsche 918 spyderwiredMon, 19 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196500/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/development-of-porsche-918-supercar-progressing-nicely/20196500/article-detail.xml 20196500 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/porsche-918-proto-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/porsche-918-proto-2.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche pondering supercar to bridge gap between 911 GT2 RS and 918 Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/porsche-pondering-supercar-to-bridge-gap-between-911-gt2-rs-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/porsche-pondering-supercar-to-bridge-gap-between-911-gt2-rs-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/porsche-pondering-supercar-to-bridge-gap-between-911-gt2-rs-and/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
2011 Porsche GT2 RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even though Bloomberg describes Porsche sales as "flagging," what that really means is that they aren't growing as much as they were - the maker of go-fast cars should still have a record year. Porsche is apparently considering two ways to remedy that: one is to stagger its new unveilings so that each year births a new model, and the other is to create a supercar to occupy the space between the $245,000 911 GT2 RS and the forthcoming $845,000 918 Spyder.

There are quite a few other contestants in that space, from relative newcomers like McLaren and BMW (well, soon), to rivals like Ferrari and cousins like Lamborghini (even sooner). At least one analyst doesn't think Porsche should be having such thoughts, saying "Development costs for such showcase vehicles are huge. It requires some very creative mathematics to make a plausible business case for such a car." But apparently, said analyst hasn't been paying attention to the creative developments Porsche has applied to the 911 for decades now. This is a company that all but sold out of a $170,000 car that could only be bought in combination with that $845,000 car.

Such a supercar remains but a consideration, so it's a long way from being anything close to real. However, the brand's sales chief did talk about more editions of the Cayman and Boxster, as well as extended-wheelbase and convertible versions of the Panamera "four-door coupe" which would add more runts to Porsche's litter.

Porsche pondering supercar to bridge gap between 911 GT2 RS and 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>918 spydergt2 rsporscheporsche 911 gt2 rsporsche 918 spyderporsche supercarMon, 11 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19987709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/11/porsche-pondering-supercar-to-bridge-gap-between-911-gt2-rs-and/19987709/article-detail.xml 19987709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/gt2rsporschenewsupercar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/gt2rsporschenewsupercar.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/2012-porsche-911-turbo-s-edition-918-spyder-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/2012-porsche-911-turbo-s-edition-918-spyder-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/2012-porsche-911-turbo-s-edition-918-spyder-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Porsche's Buy-One-Get-One-For-$160K Offer

2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder
2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

If nothing else, the 2012 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder wins the contest for the Porsche with the longest and perhaps clumsiest name ever. But after a day of driving it on good roads all around Stuttgart's farm country and blasting along the no-limit Autobahn, however, we break down like always and decide it's pretty damned cool to possess any 911 Turbo S whatsoever.

What's ultimately best about this admittedly opportunistic offering from Porsche's marketing department is that it doesn't cost one red cent more than the standard 530-horsepower 911 Turbo S - $160,700 for the coupe or $172,100 for the convertible. You just know that they talked about charging more in a meeting. "Perhaps we should charge $10,000 more, c'mon. That's a cool $10 million!" You know they did.

Besides, even more than a normal 911, you probably can't afford one anyway, so there's no reason to start bellyaching. That's because only 918 units of this special Turbo S trim are being shifted out the door at Zuffenhausen, and they are offered only to those magnates who will have their "people" stand in line to fetch a $845,000 Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid. You do not have to buy the accompanying Turbo S 918 edition, but as a Porsche spokesperson tells us, "so far, all 918 Spyder customers have taken their matching-number Turbo S." (A report we have been given reason to doubt, but...) Naturally, the numbers on the little badges inside match, which is totally cute. Our tester was numbered "000," which automatically made us cooler than anyone.

Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder

2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 porsche 911 turbo s edition 918 spyder911911 turbo911 turbo s918918 spyderfeaturedporschequick spinquickspinFri, 24 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19974113/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/24/2012-porsche-911-turbo-s-edition-918-spyder-quick-spin-review/19974113/article-detail.xml 19974113 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/000-2012-porsche-911-918-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/000-2012-porsche-911-918-opt.jpg <![CDATA[First details of Porsche's next 911-based flagship, the 961]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/first-details-of-porsches-next-911-based-flagship-the-961/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/first-details-of-porsches-next-911-based-flagship-the-961/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/first-details-of-porsches-next-911-based-flagship-the-961/#commentsFiled under: ,

Porsche logo

According to German site AutoBild.de, Porsche is prepping a new V8-powered flagship, and it could be wearing three digits on the back that'll strike a chord with motorsports fans. Rumor has it that this next Porsche superstar will be called the 961. If those numbers ring a bell, that's because Porsche created a 961 race car that only saw limited action. Based on the 959, the 961 ran three races before ultimately finding a home in Porsche's Stuttgart-based museum.

It's being reported that this modern 961 will be modeled after the 918 Spyder, yet will arrive in coupe form. Power will be provided by a V8, however, an electric motor will also be available to provide boost and push output up to 600 horsepower. We expect to see the flagship Porsche 961 by 2013.

First details of Porsche's next 911-based flagship, the 961 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>918 spyder961porscheporsche 918porsche 961Tue, 03 May 2011 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19929587/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/03/first-details-of-porsches-next-911-based-flagship-the-961/19929587/article-detail.xml 19929587 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/392010911turboreview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/392010911turboreview.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche bookmarks new flagship with special 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/22/porsche-bookmarks-new-flagship-with-special-911-turbo-s-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/22/porsche-bookmarks-new-flagship-with-special-911-turbo-s-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/22/porsche-bookmarks-new-flagship-with-special-911-turbo-s-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche 911 Turbo S
Porsche 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder" - Click above for high-res image gallery

The big news from Porsche lately is the go-ahead and pricing attached to the production of the 918 Spyder. But if you read the fine print on the official announcement, you may have noticed the German automaker's current performance flagship mentioned.

To celebrate the launch of the 918 Spyder, Porsche is offering a special edition of the 911 Turbo S. Called, appropriately enough, the 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder", it's essentially the same as the standard Turbo S, only with some extra decals, special colors and unique trim. The model will be available exclusively to customers ordering the 918 Spyder, can be had in either coupe or convertible, and carries the same sticker price.

So what's the point? To keep customers who are waiting for delivery of their 918 happy in the meantime. Now that's one heck of an appetizer if we've every seen one. And at $160k+ (on top of the $845k price of the 918) one very pricey option as well.


Gallery: Porsche 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder"


[Source: Porsche]

Porsche bookmarks new flagship with special 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 turbo s918918 spyderporscheporsche 911porsche 911 turbo sporsche 911 turbo s edition 918 spyderporsche 918 spyderTue, 22 Mar 2011 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19887602/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/22/porsche-bookmarks-new-flagship-with-special-911-turbo-s-edition/19887602/article-detail.xml 19887602 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-turbo-918-ed_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-turbo-918-ed.jpg <![CDATA[How Porsche dealers will order the 918 Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/how-porsche-dealers-will-order-the-918-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/how-porsche-dealers-will-order-the-918-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/how-porsche-dealers-will-order-the-918-spyder/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche 918 hybrid
Porsche 918 Hybrid - Click above for dealer ordering information

Getting a 918 Spyder out of Porsche's supercar death-grip is going to take some serious doing. First of all, you have to come up with the $845,000 Porsche is asking for the car in the U.S. and Canada, not including destination charges. Once you've gotten over that little hurdle, you'll need to find a Porsche dealer authorized to sell the 918.

According to Porsche, you can buy a 918 Spyder from any Porsche dealer anywhere in the world, provided they've signed a participation agreement with Porsche. Details are few and far between on what that agreement entails. What Porsche is saying, though, is how dealers who sign the agreement will order their cars.

Dealers who want to place an order for a 918 will have to submit an "Allocation Request Form." Porsche will reply with an "Allocation Response Form," which tells the dealer whether there's a car available for them. Once that's done, the dealer submits an order form, along with a $200,000 down payment. Porsche will respond with a confirmation and an estimated month for production.

The next step is another $200,000 deposit 12 months before the production date. The balance - $445,000 plus shipping, if you're counting - is due when Porsche says the car is done. Porsche says the car will not be shipped until it has been paid for in full. The reason, apparently, is that it won't be building any of the hyper-expensive 918s on speculation, and that each car needs to have an owner before it is built.

Despite all that rigamarole, we'll bet Porsche sells out of these things quickly, even if the production shape is yet to surface. Thanks for the tip, Anon!


Gallery: Porsche 918 Hybrid dealer information

Porsche 918 Hybrid dealer informationPorsche 918 Hybrid dealer informationPorsche 918 Hybrid dealer informationPorsche 918 Hybrid dealer informationPorsche 918 Hybrid dealer information

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder


[Source: Porsche]

How Porsche dealers will order the 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 918918918 hybrid918 spyderporscheporsche 918porsche 918 orderingporsche 918 spyderMon, 21 Mar 2011 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19886737/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/21/how-porsche-dealers-will-order-the-918-spyder/19886737/article-detail.xml 19886737 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/porsche-918-spyder_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/porsche-918-spyder.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: Porsche releases 918 hybrid details, priced from $845,000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/officially-official-porsche-releases-918-hybrid-details-priced/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/officially-official-porsche-releases-918-hybrid-details-priced/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/21/officially-official-porsche-releases-918-hybrid-details-priced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Porsche 918 Spyder
Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche has announced that dealers the world over have begun taking orders for the company's 918 Spyder. The plug-in hybrid will boast a 500-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8 engine and two electric motors capable of a combined 218 horsepower. Porsche says the hybrid powertrain will consume a mere 3.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers - or around 78 mpg. The German automaker hasn't released any fuel economy estimates based on U.S. testing standards, though EPA figures are said to be on the way. Look for the gas-electric Porsche supercar to touch down on U.S. soil by late 2013.

If you want one, you better drop what you're doing and get in line right now. The automaker says that it's only planning to build 918 examples of the vehicle and that each of them will carry a lofty price tag of $845,000 plus destination and handling.

That's a lot of coin, but with an electric motor at each axle, the 918 Spyder is projected to be able to launch to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. Top speed is said to be 199 mph, and Porsche believes that under the right conditions, the 918 will be able to drive on pure-electric power at speeds of up to 94 mph. Hit the jump for the full press release and check out the official renderings above.


Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Officially Official: Porsche releases 918 hybrid details, priced from $845,000

Officially Official: Porsche releases 918 hybrid details, priced from $845,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>918918 spyder918 spyder sketchesbreakingporscheporsche 918porsche 918 spiderporsche 918 spyderporsche 918 spyder sketchesMon, 21 Mar 2011 09:48:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19886176/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/21/officially-official-porsche-releases-918-hybrid-details-priced/19886176/article-detail.xml 19886176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-630-1300714658_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-630-1300714658.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Porsche 918 road car will be the Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/report-porsche-918-road-car-will-be-the-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/report-porsche-918-road-car-will-be-the-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/report-porsche-918-road-car-will-be-the-spyder/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Porsche 918 Spyder concept
Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche has unveiled two very different versions of the enticing 918 project. First came the 918 Spyder at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, and then the German automaker took the wraps off the 918 RSR in Detroit. While the former was Porsche's vision for a roadgoing hybrid roadster, the latter took the form of a fixed-roof racing coupe. The question on everyone's minds, though, is what form the eventual production version will take.

According to reports, while the racing version will retain the fixed roof and upwards-hinged doors of the RSR concept, the roadgoing version will offer the wind-in-your-hair experience of the Spyder. Autocar states that the production model will feature a removable roof panel, much like the Carrera GT. Confirmation reportedly comes from Wolfgang Dürheimer, Porsche's outgoing VP for product development who is switching to head up Bentley and Bugatti, not to mention taking the reigns at Volkswagen Group's motorsports division.


Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept


[Source: Autocar]

Report: Porsche 918 road car will be the Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>918918 rsr918 spyderdürheimerdurheimerporscheporsche 918porsche 918 rsrporsche 918 spyderwolfgang dürheimerwolfgang durheimerMon, 24 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19812153/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/24/report-porsche-918-road-car-will-be-the-spyder/19812153/article-detail.xml 19812153 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/918-spyder_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/918-spyder.jpg -1 2