Video: Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid undergoes shakedown drive, production version will be more powerful

The Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid lit up the stage at the Geneva Motor Show and was easily one of the most memorable and surprising sights found at this year's event. The car's appearance in Geneva triggered positive responses from both the press and the car-buying public. Almost immediately after its stage debut, Porsche signaled its intent to produce the lusty hybrid sportscar. A few months later, the German automaker followed up with an official announcement stating that the 918 Spyder was approved for production. Even better for fans of Porsche's racing roots, the production 918 Spyder will reportedly be even more powerful than the concept.

Now, we've got video of the 918 Spyder in action. The vehicle was flown in from Germany, put through some secretive shakedown tests and sent off for its appearance at the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, CA. This concept uses a 500 bhp V8 gasoline engine and electric motors that put out a total of 218 bhp. Porsche will reportedly make 1,200 of these vehicles for the low, low cost of £400,000 (that's just $625,600 U.S. at current exchange rates). Follow the jump to see and hear the Porsche 918 Spyder in action. Simply put, the 918's soundtrack is aurally amazing.

[Source: Wired, YouTube, Autocar]

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