Autoblog

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder

Michael Harley — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche, Deep Dive

The Supercar Out To Trigger A Paradigm Shift

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 918 Spyder brochure leaks onto web [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST

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

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.

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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

Photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/AOL
[Source: Autocar]

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

Photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/AOL

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

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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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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Porsche 918 Spyder reportedly to fetch half a million euros apiece

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche

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

Say what you will about Porsche, its diversification into four-door sedans and SUVs at the cost of its racing program, and its plot to take over the world. Push come to shove, the German automaker isn't the type to roll out a show car just to raise some eyebrows before relegating it to a museum somewhere - nice as its new museum is. So when Porsche took the wraps off the 918 Spyder concept in Geneva, people took notice.

How many people, and to what extent, exactly? Bloomberg reported back in April - mere weeks after the car's debut - that Porsche had already received expressions of interest from 900 well-heeled folks. Now Bloomberg is back on the record saying that, over the past few months, that number has ballooned to over 2,000.

Having built 1,500 examples of the Carrera GT, Porsche will reportedly put the 918 Spyder into production with 1,000 firm orders in place. So if half those interested parties put their money where their proverbial mouths are, production looks like a distinct possibility. And just as the 918 Spyder is tipped to eclipse the Carrera GT's performance (to say nothing of its environmental credentials), so is the 918 expected to trounce its predecessor's price: at half a million euros (approximately $630,000), the production 918 Spyder would be the most expensive vehicle ever offered by Zuffenhausen.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Porsche 918 Spyder reportedly to fetch half a million euros apiece originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alleged Porsche dealer meeting notes point to many new models

Zach Bowman — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Rumormill

If you thought Porsche was going to cool its jets after rolling out the Panamera, you've got another thing coming. A quick hit of information has crept out of a sales managers' meeting that says we can expect a rash new models to head our way soon. Supposedly, Stuttgart is eying the creation of a new 911 Speedster with a $200,000 price tag and a 408 horsepower mill at the tail end. If true, the car will sport widebody sheetmetal and come equipped with the PDK and two-wheel drive.

There's more. Early 2011 just might bring the 620-horsepower GT2 RS to the US. Buyers will have the option of equipping the car with carbon fiber fenders, but that will likely add to its $245,000 base price.

If that's a little too rich for your blood, you can always opt for a widebody version of the Carrera called the GTS. With center-lug wheels, a sport exhaust and 408 horsepower, the coupe will set you back a still heady $103,100. Porsche also supposedly mulling a Cayman with the same sort of treatment given to the Boxster Spyder - less weight, more power - for around $65,300.

And what of the mighty 918 Spyder? According to the post, dealers haven't heard word either way, but they expect a final answer by the time Pebble Beach rolls around later this summer. We've asked Porsche to verify the above claims, but have yet to hear back, so stay tuned.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Team Speed]

Alleged Porsche dealer meeting notes point to many new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thirteen-year-old renders Porsche 918 RSR racer

Zach Bowman — Tue, 25 May 2010 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche, Design/Style, Racing

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

Like most of the motoring world, our automotive lives really got off the ground at age 13. We suddenly realized that in just three short years, we would be legally allowed to drive our very own cars, and that revelation started a chain reaction of magazines, posters and models that eventually led to our first set of keys. We may have even been known to sketch a barely recognizable dream car or two. We weren't, however, cranking out professional-grade renderings of a Le Mans version of the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept.

Here's the deal: Team Speed forum user PorscheCarreraGTMay6 has been so kind as to share his vision of what a genuine Porsche hybrid racer might look like. That's all fine and good. After all, the internet is awash with plenty of Photoshopped what-ifs, but what makes these really special is that A) the person claims to be 13 years-old and B) the renders are drop-dead gorgeous and C) there's a good chance we're going to see a 918 Spyder racer within the next few years. The user even cranked out a YouTube video and a solid description of the reasoning behind the model.

You can check out the full forum thread here, and be sure to hop the jump to see the video for yourself. Keep your eyes out. If this kid is actually 13 years-old, they're going to set the auto world on fire.

Gallery: 2013 Porsche 918 RSR Renderings

[Source: Team Speed]

Continue reading Thirteen-year-old renders Porsche 918 RSR racer

Thirteen-year-old renders Porsche 918 RSR racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche 918 Spyder to contest 2011 Nürburgring 24

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Hybrid, Europe, Porsche, Racing

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

Porsche made an impressive showing at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year with its 911 GT3 R Hybrid. But don't think for even one power-boosted second that its hybrid initiative was a one-time affair for the Stuttgart-based automaker. Not, at least, if the latest reports from Germany prove accurate.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, mere days after the conclusion of this year's race, Porsche is already preparing to campaign a competition-spec version of the 918 Spyder at the Ring next year. The 918 Spyder concept debuted just a few months ago at the Geneva Motor Show to rave reviews. Derived from the same program that gave birth to the 917, 911 GT1 and RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder packs 718 horsepower of combined output, 90 miles per gallon and a simulated Nordschleife lap time of 7:30, making it an ideal machine to contest the grueling endurance race. We'll just have to wait a year to find out whether it lives up to its promise or falls victim to arch-rival BMW.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport (translated)]

Report: Porsche 918 Spyder to contest 2011 Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Hybrid Lexus LFA in the works?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Lexus, Porsche, Luxury

Look what the Prius hath wrought. Even just a few years ago it was a poster child for the overly hip and crazy-eyed eco warriors, now its wake is full of hybrids from the Ford Fusion to the... Lexus LFA? Brenda Priddy's viewfinder settled on an LFA mule with a flap on the hood that, theory holds, could be covering up a plug-in socket.

The context supposes that Porsche is serious about making the 918, and Lexus, with the conventionally-powered LFA already proving itself in customer hands, could jump the lights with a hybrid and get ahead early in the eco supercar stakes. It's all conjecture for now, but not entirely impossible to believe. However, if Lexus makes U.S. buyers jump through flaming hoops for the standard LFA, who knows what kind of wire-walking act they'll need to pull off to get an LFA Hybrid.

[Source: SEMA]

Spy Shots: Hybrid Lexus LFA in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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900 people reportedly on the books for Porsche 918 Spyder

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:39:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche, Earnings/Financials, Electric

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

It sounds as if Porsche may be dangerously close to crafting a solid business case to build the fast and frugal 918 Spyder. After stealing the show in Geneva, it was revealed that the German automaker was seriously interested in bringing the hybrid supercar concept to market, if only it were able to find enough applicants willing to plunk down their hard-earned cash.

According to Bloomberg, Porsche has recorded nearly 900 potential buyers for the 918 Spyder. Wolfgang Duerheimer, development chief for Porsche, said in an interview, "I'm confident that we will soon reach the threshold of 1,000," he said in an April 24 interview. "We need 1,000 seriously interested people to make a sound business case."

Don't doubt that Porsche will put such a low-volume halo car into production, either. Nearly a decade ago, the automaker employed a similar tactic with its Carrera GT, which began life as a racing car prototype but was eventually offered for public sale after sufficient interest was generated. We've said it before and we'll say it again - Porsche: build it and they will come.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Bloomberg]

900 people reportedly on the books for Porsche 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Porsche highlights Intelligent Performance of 918 Spyder, 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Porsche, Electric, Racing

Porsche 918 Spyder at the track - Click above to watch the video after the break

No doubt about it, the Porsche 918 Sypder was both one of the biggest surprises of the Geneva Motor Show and one of its most memorable vehicles. No surprise, then, that the German automaker has signaled its desire to put the hybrid sportscar into production.

Speaking of which, Porsche is once again hinting at its production goals for the 918 Spyder with a latest advertising campaign, calling the sportscar "The future of motorsport and series production." Doesn't get much more straightforward than that, eh? To go along with the new round of marketing, Porsche has released a new video that offers a bit more information about its showstopper, which you can find after the break.

In addition, there's a second video highlighting Porsche's new 911 GT3 R Hybrid, which managed an impressive sixth-place finish in its racing debut last weekend. Wanna see for yourself? Click past the break to watch both videos from Porsche.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Video: Porsche highlights Intelligent Performance of 918 Spyder, 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Video: Porsche highlights Intelligent Performance of 918 Spyder, 911 GT3 R Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche building business case for 918 Spyder

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:55:00 EST

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

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

If you build it, they will come. That's our advice to Porsche regarding a production version of the 918 Spyder Concept that wowed attendees at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. Somehow, though, we'd imagine that the German automaker would want a more solid business case than our personal opinions. Good news, then.

Rumor has it that Porsche is actively working with its dealers to find enough buyers ready and willing to plunk down their hard-earned dollars on the next halo car from the quintessential sportscar maker. Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Dürheimer says that the company would be rather pleased "if customer feedback is positive and we end up over time with about 1,000 firm orders."

If Porsche were to put its hybrid 918 Spyder into limited production, it wouldn't be without precedent. Back in the early 2000s, Porsche used a similar tactic to put its awesome Carrera GT on the market... and we all know how that turned out. As we said before: If you build it, they will come. Trust us. Oh, and there's a bunch of new images in our high-res gallery below... just in case you're in the market for a new desktop background.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Automobile]

Report: Porsche building business case for 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Porsche casts father Ferdinand in 918 Spyder concept video

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Porsche, Electric

Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Porsche just released a video showing the new 918 Spyder concept - setting the stage by taking a look back at the very first car designed by a Porsche way back in 1900. The Porsche 918 was a bit of a surprise leaking out just ahead of this week's Geneva Motor Show launch. Porsche is telling us that we can have our cake and eat it too with the 918. It's a parallel hybrid with both a 500-horsepower V8 and a pair of electric motors adding another 218 hp. That's enough power to launch this Carrera GT-like supercar from 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds as it charges on to a 198 mph top end. The best part about it is that Porsche says it can also return 78 miles per gallon while emitting just 70 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.

We knew all of that already though. What we didn't know was that Porsche was going old school with their video pitch for the 918. Click through and you'll find a video after the jump. In it you'll see turn-of-the-20th-century citizens gazing in wonderment at the revolutionary Porsche electric vehicle that could go a scandalous 50 kilometers per hour! Imagine that. The video transitions to talk of the newest Porsche, and it's pretty revolutionary in its own way. We have to say that this vid would be way cooler if the 918 Spyder concept were actually a pure EV with wheel hub motors, just like the 1900 original, but it is still pretty cool.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Video: Porsche casts father Ferdinand in 918 Spyder concept video

Video: Porsche casts father Ferdinand in 918 Spyder concept video originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: The Porsche 918 Spyder Concept is sexy hybrid madness

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, Luxury

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

We hate to go back to the well-used well on this one but we have no choice: The Porsche 918 Spyder Concept is even hotter in person than it is in photos. About the size of a Boxster, it's a little wider and a lot meaner. Underneath all that sharkness you get a 500-horsepower V8 in addition to 218 overall horsepower from the two axle-mounted electric motors. And that will get you to 60 in 3.2 lickety-split seconds as well along with the feelgood factor of 94 mph. How badly do we want this car made? Have a read of the press release after the jump and the gallery of high-res photos below while we think about it... but it starts with "OMG so @#$&! want..."

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept

Geneva 2010: The Porsche 918 Spyder Concept is sexy hybrid madness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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