Autoblog

Porsche shows off 918 Spyder Prototype

Zach Bowman — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Luxury

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.

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Development of Porsche 918 supercar progressing nicely

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche

"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.

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Porsche pondering supercar to bridge gap between 911 GT2 RS and 918 Spyder

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Porsche, Luxury

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.

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Autoblog Podcast #222: Chevy Colorado, Porsche 918, Tata Nano for U.S. and J.D. Power Reliability

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Chevrolet, Porsche, Tata

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #222 is ready to go, and the crew this week is Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman and Dan Roth. Joining this trio is Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific, and topics range from the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado, to the Porsche 918 Spyder, the possibility of the Tata Nano in the States and J.D. Power Reliability results. Your feedback in our Q&A module winds us up, and we've embedded that in the post below, as well. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #222: Chevrolet Colorado concept, Porsche 918 Spyder, Tata Nano in the U.S. and JD Power Reliability

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Jeep Patriot
2011 Audi A8
2011 Hyundai Equus

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Guest: Dave Sullivan

Runtime: 01:28:10

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Autoblog Podcast #222: Chevy Colorado, Porsche 918, Tata Nano for U.S. and J.D. Power Reliability originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche bookmarks new flagship with special 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder"

Noah Joseph — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

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.

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How Porsche dealers will order the 918 Spyder

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Porsche, Earnings/Financials

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

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.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #222

Dan Roth — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:43:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Chevrolet, Chrysler, Lincoln, Porsche

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

We record Episode #222 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, so check out our discussion topics below. You can use the forum below to drop us your own feedback and questions, or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what else we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #222

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #222 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Zach Bowman — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:48:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Technology, Porsche, Luxury

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.

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Report: Porsche 918 road car will be the Spyder

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche, Racing

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.

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Porsche to unveil competition-spec 918 in Detroit?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Motorsports, Porsche, Racing

2013 Porsche 918 RSR renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some automakers are in it for the racing. Others make cars to preserve some sort of legacy. But most are in the business, like any other company, to make money. And Porsche is certainly no exception. But while its road car division rakes in the dough hand over fist, the German automaker has made a science out of making its racing division profitable.

How is that, you ask? Because unlike some of its rivals, Porsche first and foremost provides factory-built racing machines to privateer customers. That's how the 911 dominates GT racing grids around the world with such variants as the recently unveiled GT3 RSR. And if the latest reports from Germany are anything to go on, Porsche could be preparing a new racer at the rapidly approaching Detroit Auto Show.

Now we already knew that Porsche was planning something big for its return to the NAIAS after a four-year absence. And the signs seemed to point towards a new variant of the 918 Spyder concept we saw in Geneva last year. But the latest word from Auto Bild suggests that instead of a roadgoing production coupe version as some had suspected, Stuttgart will instead unveil a racing version of the new mid-engine flagship supercar in Cobo Hall.

The reports further suggest that the race-spec 918 will carry a more conventional V8 powertrain than the hybrid setup of the previous concept, and that the car will - like the rest of Porsche's aforementioned customer racing paddock - be available to privateer teams to purchase and campaign on the world's racing circuits. Sounds tempting - and profitable - and fortunately we won't have long to wait before we find out one way or another.

[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority | Images: TeamSpeed]

Porsche to unveil competition-spec 918 in Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you a production-bound Porsche 918 Spyder teaser?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Design/Style

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

Porsche may have inadvertently given us our best glimpse yet at the upcoming production version of the company's 918 Spyder. The German sports car manufacturer has announced its intention to invest mountains of cash in its Weissach facility, and has released a bevy of images from inside the studio walls to mark the occasion. Tucked among the images of designers furiously sketching away and engineers toying with crash-test dummies is one very interesting shot of a 918 clay model. Of particular interest is that single, massive side-exit exhaust nestled behind the passenger door; clearly a different design from the double-stacked tips of the concept. Could this be a 1:3 scale clay of the future production car? Or is it just an older take on the 918 that predates the eventual showcar? We won't know one way or the other until the eventual production car makes its debut.

Porsche says that it intends to invest €150 million (around $202M USD) in its Weissach facility through the addition of a new wind tunnel. Additionally, the company plans to open a new state-of-the-art design center and what it calls an "electronic-integration center." We aren't positive, but our guess is that portion of the facility will play a big role in the Porsche hybrid program moving forward. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Porsche Weissarch Research and Development

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Are you a production-bound Porsche 918 Spyder teaser?

Are you a production-bound Porsche 918 Spyder teaser? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche considering new model between 911 and 918 Spyder?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche - which currently offers the Boxster/Cayman twins, umpteen different variations of the 911, the Cayenne SUV and the Panamera sedan - is endlessly rumored to be considering more models. Most often, speculation seems to revolve around another nameplate to slot in below the entry-level Boxster, and certainly that's still a distinct possibility. We already know a smaller 'ute called the Cajun is (probably) on its way, along with the show-stopping 918 Spyder.

But Porsche chief Matthias Müller has apparently hinted that he sees room between the 911 and the upcoming range-topping 918. It seems that the high(ish)-end sports car would be based on existing components, which makes us wonder if it could possibly be a mid-engine car on the 918's platform that eschews that car's hybrid configuration for something more traditional... a flat-six from the 911, perhaps?

Whatever the case, Porsche's plans call on sales of roughly 150,000 units per year, which is nearly double what the marque manged to sell last year. Considering that each of Porsche's current models sell at a pretty decent clip for their individual classes, that much of an increase is likely certain to come from new machines in new segments. We just have a hard time seeing Porsche do anything that might diminish the relevance of the 911 range.

[Source: Autoweek.nl]

Porsche considering new model between 911 and 918 Spyder? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche commits to a hybrid model in every vehicle line

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Porsche

2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fuel efficiency is a big deal for small sports car manufacturers. Boutique automakers and sports car specialists like Porsche figure to have a particularly hard time meeting rising efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions regulations all around the world because they don't manufacture vehicles that play in more fuel-efficient segments of the market.

With that in mind, it doesn't come as a surprise that Porsche is keenly interested in hybrid technology. Starting with the 2011 Cayenne and following with a similar hybrid system for the Panamera, Porsche plans to roll out fuel-saving technology across its entire model range.

That transition won't be an easy one. Both the Cayenne and Panamera use a front-engine layout and automatic transmission with an electric motor sandwiched in between, and such a system wouldn't work on the company's mid- and rear-engined models.

That's where the upcoming 918 Spyder comes in. According to Porsche development chief Wolfgang Duerheimer, "We want to learn how we can electrify all our sports cars in the future with the help of this short production run" of the hybrid 918 Spyder. In fact, all of Porsche's models are slated to be hybridized, says Duerheimer.

Other efficiency-raising efforts will include a 10-percent reduction in weight, increased use of carbon fiber bodywork and possibly even the return of four-cylinder engines, likely with forced induction and direct injection.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Report: Porsche commits to a hybrid model in every vehicle line originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit puts an MP4-12C on the police force

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Porsche, Toys/Games

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trailer - Click above to watch video after the jump

Halo Reach has already grabbed gobs of attention and Gran Turismo 5 is waiting to lure any remaining bloodshot eyeballs and fatigued thumbs away, but they're not the only new video games on the block. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit will have a playable demo available on October 26, and it hits store shelves November 16.

While you're waiting and deciding whether you want to play the part of a cop or speeder (and deciding whether to play the game on your Playstation 3, xBox 360 or PC), you can check out the latest trailer for it after the jump, wherein a McLaren MP4-12C in black and white is called on to apprehend a scofflaw in a Porsche 918 Spyder. Hat tip to Yaroukh!

[Source: YouTube via VG247]

Continue reading Video: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit puts an MP4-12C on the police force

Video: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit puts an MP4-12C on the police force originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche, not Audi, will build sports car platforms for VW

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Volkswagen BlueSport Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There was said to be some tussling going on between Porsche and Audi over which brand would provide the platform for the Volkswagen Group's future sports cars. A report in Automobilwoche declares that Porsche is the winner. No one should be surprised at Porsche, now a Group company, winning such a competition.

The real coup, however, is in what Porsche plans to provide: a Modular Standard Platform that will place the engine directly over the front axle and fit both longitudinal and transverse engine arrangements. The MSB, as it's called, will be put into use for the next Porsche Cayenne and Panamera as well as a future Bentley, and its flexibility could quickly see it spread throughout the Volkswagen portfolio of brands. Group CEO Martin Winterkorn called it an advantage that would put VW "years ahead of the competition." But let's get to the real question: Does this get us any closer to the BlueSport? Bueller... ?

On another note, the same report states that Porsche has fast-tracked development of the 918 Spyder, with plans to produce 918 of them and have them appearing at the end of 2012, not 2014 as previously reported.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

[Source: Automobilwoche (translated) via TTAC]

Porsche, not Audi, will build sports car platforms for VW originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 918 Spyder to get more power when it reaches production?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche

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

What could be better than a mid-engine Porsche with a 500-horsepower 3.4-liter V8 and an additional 218 ponies courtesy of a pair of electric motors? More power, obviously. And that's exactly what a report from Autocar alleges is going to take place for the upcoming 918 Spyder. According to the report, Porsche is said to be enlarging the displacement of the gas-swilling engine in order to extract more grunt from the mill.

The Brit pubs goes on to posit that the production 918 Spyder, which was first seen moving under its own power at Pebble Beach, will sport both soft and hard tops along with a somewhat beefier front end in order to provide adequate crash resistance. Also, somewhat predictably, the concept's 22-inch wheels are very likely to be downsized and the side exhausts may be rerouted to the rear when the hybrid supercar hits the market.

Assuming all goes according to schedule, Porsche is said to be planning a run of about 1,200 918 Spyders, each costing over $625,000 (£400,000) when it finally goes on sale sometime around 2014.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Porsche 918 Spyder at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Porsche 918 Spyder to get more power when it reaches production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder

John Neff — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Videos, Porsche

Jay Leno's Garage gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above to view video after the jump

One of the things we like most about Jay Leno, aside from being a hugely knowledgeable car guy, of course, is his access. Who else would Porsche pick for some private time in a hangar with its forthcoming hybrid supercar, the 918 Spyder, during last week's festivities in Pebble Beach? Certainly not us. We waited by the phone, but sadly Porsche never rang.

Jay did get the call, however, and in addition to being allowed to place his all-denim outfit within inches of the 918 Spyder, he also got face time with Michael Mauer, Head of Design for Porsche. Jay didn't have total access, however, as Mauer shot down his request to open the hood and view the car's high-tech secret powertrain. Ah, well.

Follow the jump to hang with Leno as he learns more about the 918 Spyder straight from the designer's mouth.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Porsche 918 Spyder at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder

Video: Jay Leno gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 918 Spyder moves under its own power in Monterey [w/videos]

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Videos, Porsche

Porsche 918 Spyder Concept at Pebble Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery

While we've heard rumblings that Porsche was going to show its hot new 918 Spyder Hybrid Concept here at Pebble Beach, it appeared that the car was only going to be shown to a select few at private events scattered around the Monterey Peninsula during the week.

Well, today at the Pebble Beach Lodge, site of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the company surprised us by driving the hybrid supercar up to the concept lawn for all to see - and hear. They did a quick turn around after sitting still for a second and as the V8 rumble died away, the car started moving forward again. A couple of people were taken by surprise as they thought the driver may have forgotten to engage the parking brake, but no, the car had switched over to battery power.

We shot a little video and took a few pics as we pushed through the massive scrum surrounding the car when it finally came to rest. Follow the jump to see the video and click below to see our high-res images.

UPDATE: Porsche has revealed that the 918 Spyder actually made its driving debut a couple days earlier on a closed road in Monterey. The company kept the drive a secret, though produced a nice video of their own that really shows off how the car sounds under its own power. Added after the jump.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Porsche 918 Spyder at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Continue reading Porsche 918 Spyder moves under its own power in Monterey [w/videos]

Porsche 918 Spyder moves under its own power in Monterey [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Porsche 918 Spyder lapped the 'Ring in 7:20?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche, Rumormill

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

The Porsche 918 Spyder is an impressive vehicle in almost every conceivable way. The stunning, production-approved drop-top should be motivated by something close to the concept's 500-horsepower V8; almost weak by supercar standards but the still-powerful mill is only part of the powertrain story. The 918 concept also featured a pair of 109-hp electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery capable of EV-only propulsion that theoretically enables the 918 to drive 16 miles on electricity alone. Then there is perhaps the most awesome statistic: the 918's rumored €500,000 ($650,000 in U.S. dollars) price tag.

What could make the 918 still more impressive? How about a 7:20 lap around the famed Nürburgring? That's the word coming out of the Teamspeed forums, where an image quoting the 'Ring time (see it here) was allegedly used in a presentation by Ferdinand Piëch. If true, the 918 would best 'Ring kings like the Corvette ZR1 and Nissan GT-R. A lap time of 7:20 would even best the time of the last exotic Porsche, the Cerrara GT, by eight seconds.

Such a quick lap isn't out of the realm of possibility, especially since we're talking about a $650,000 Porsche, but we're not inclined to believe it until we see some in-car video. For one, we don't even know if the 918 Spyder has actually been to the 'Ring yet, let alone laid down such quick times. If it had, we would expect our spy photographers to have caught it on film, which they haven't... yet. Second, the forums are also claiming that Piëch once said his hybrid supercar did a simulated lap of the Nürburgring in 7:30, which further adds to the confusion. Finally, the 7:20 lap time could also just be a target for the production 918 Spyder, something not yet achieved but that Porsche hopes the car will do on the other side of its development.

Whatever the case may be, even the mention of being that quick around Germany's Green Hell implies that Porsche is developing the production 918 Spyder to compete like no Porsche has before.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Teamspeed forums via World Car Fans]

Rumormill: Porsche 918 Spyder lapped the 'Ring in 7:20? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Porsche approves 918 Spyder for production

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Porsche, Electric

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

As expected, the Porsche supervisory board has approved the development of the 918 Spyder concept into a series production model. The 918 debuted as a concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show with a plug-in hybrid powertrain claimed to provide 78 miles per gallon.

The concept used a 500-horsepower V8 along with a pair of electric motors with 109 hp each and a lithium ion battery that can provide 16 miles of emissions-free driving from grid energy. The powertrain is not expected to be changed much for production and Porsche has not announced when 918 will be available. There has been speculation that the production model could cost up to €500,000 (about $650,000 USD), although if it comes to the States, it should be eligible for a federal tax credit. Even with up to $7,500 it still makes the Chevrolet Volt look downright cheap.

Before you start looking in your couch cushions for a down payment, check out the official press release after the jump and our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading BREAKING: Porsche approves 918 Spyder for production

BREAKING: Porsche approves 918 Spyder for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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