I second that...I think it is quite an interesting marketing idea...there may be some people needing to show off with the limited ed. Turbo, for the others, it's just a nice little reminder...I mean, what are the statistics for the potential 918 owner? That they have at least 3 - 4 others cars in the stable to choose from ? At least, this is a NEW marketing idea...just my 2 cts......
Hey guys,
I've posted up the official blurb along with more pics at blyfooze.com
I have to say, I think it is about time someone dragged the marketing goons out of Stuttgart and gave 'em a good kick in the pants!
Current steeds in the stable include: Porsche 996/911 (2004) '40 Jahre' Anniversary - 363bhp, Porsche-VW 914 (1973) 1.7 - 78bhp, Volkswagen Tiguan (2008) 2.0TFSi - 200bhp, Volkswagen Touareg (2009) V6 - 280bhp, Volkswagen Golf Mk3 (1993) VR6 - 189bhp
Porsche is going the wrong way. Sure, these "special" editions boost their profits when released, but IMHO, I think it will have a negative impact on them in the future.
I always think of those of us who bought a C2s and were hit in their face (and wallet) when the GTS came out.
Then I think of those who bought a carrera and find out that there's a better equipped end cheaper "black edition" on sale.
Then, you have the turbo S owners. They just bought their cars and they discover - at their own expense - that there's some stupid P marketing department that thought "let's just add some green yellowish paint to it and sell it as a "special edition".
I'd be pissed. Not because this one looks better, but because it will have an impact on resale value of other "turbo S".
There are too many special editions for them to be specials.
You will never see Ferrari or Aston martin do that. "Special editions" like this one rips a brand of its exclusivity, and adds a "cheap" feel to it.
Lars997:
For me this sounds like the biggest rubbish I ever heard. Next we probably will see is a "Boxster - 911 Turbo editon". This is not tempting at all - seeing every time you walk to the car what you do like to own but dont own
This is what Porsche has to say:
To shorten the time the customer has to wait for the 918 Spyder, Porsche is offering everyone placing an order the exclusive opportunity to acquire a 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”, also limited to no more than 918 units. Visually, both inside and out, the special edition is inspired by the 918 Spyder's characteristic individual features. That includes the distinctive acid green features such as the specific and part-embroidered model logos and seams, the instrument cluster needles, the specific PCM screen and illuminated door entry guards. The limited edition badge on the glove compartment lid bears the same number as the 918 Spyder the customer has ordered. The 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” can also be ordered in the same colour.
So is this Edition limited to 918 Spyder customers only?
Or if there is not enough take up, others could buy too?
"Form follows function"
Here's the official press announcement from Porsche:
Today is the day that Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, puts on sale the 918 Spyder super sports car with its innovative plug-in hybrid drive. Production development is proceeding apace in the wake of the outstanding customer response to the concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. Thanks to its unique hybrid technology, the 918 Spyder is estimated to consume a mere three litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (94 mpg imp.) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Its V8 engine delivers more than 368 kW (500 hp), assisted by two electric motors with a total of at least 160 kW (218 hp). The 918 Spyder is available for immediate order priced from 645,000 Euro – subject to VAT and country-specific charges.
To ensure a 918 Spyder’s exclusivity, the two-seater is limited to no more than 918 units. The earlier a customer orders his vehicle, the earlier it will be delivered, as production is initialised in the same sequence in which orders are received. Production of the 918 Spyder is scheduled to commence on 18 September 2013 – 9/18 in US date convention – in a quasi manufacturing operation at Porsche’s main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Delivery of the initial vehicles will commence in November 2013.
The design’s DNA is derived from the Carrera GT and Porsche 917 sports car as well as the RS Spyder and is very closely modelled on the 2010 concept car. Unlike the concept car, however, the production version of the two-seater, based on a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque, features a manual roof system with removable roof panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment.
The 918 Spyder is driven by a unique type of plug-in hybrid system. It comprises a high-revving V8 engine with a displacement exceeding four litres and output of more than 368 kW (500 hp). The mid-engine power unit is based on the racing engine of the successful Porsche RS Spyder, which provided impressive proof of its efficiency with its multiple victories in the Michelin Green X Challenge in the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Power transmission to the rear wheels is by means of a compact, seven gear Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). This is complemented by two electric motors – one each on the front and rear axle – with a joint mechanical output of at least 160 kW (218 hp). This configuration offers an innovative, variable all-wheel drive with independent control of the propulsion force on both axles. The energy storage unit is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket, delivering a range in excess of 25 km (16 miles) in the NEDC on purely electric power. The charging time depends on the country-specific mains network, being approximately three hours in Germany, for example. A quick charging option is planned to reduce charging time yet further.
The 918 Spyder’s combined total fuel consumption in the NEDC (ECE-R 101) is anticipated to be 3.0 l/100 km (94 mpg imp.), equating to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km (112 g/mile). Despite that, the super sports car offers performance of the highest order. It accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a maximum of 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of more than 320 km/h (199 mph). That means the Spyder will be able to manage a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than seven minutes and 30 seconds – trumping the Porsche Carrera GT, which needs seven minutes and 32 seconds. The top speed on purely electric power is 150 km/h (94 mph).
To shorten the time the customer has to wait for the 918 Spyder, Porsche is offering everyone placing an order the exclusive opportunity to acquire a 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”, also limited to no more than 918 units. Visually, both inside and out, the special edition is inspired by the 918 Spyder's characteristic individual features. That includes the distinctive acid green features such as the specific and part-embroidered model logos and seams, the instrument cluster needles, the specific PCM screen and illuminated door entry guards. The limited edition badge on the glove compartment lid bears the same number as the 918 Spyder the customer has ordered. The 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” can also be ordered in the same colour.
Both the technology and basic equipment of the new 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” are based on the 530 hp (295 kW) 911 Turbo S. In the case of the special edition, the already comprehensive standard equipment is complemented in particular by an enhanced leather interior, a special instrumentation version and additional carbon elements both inside and out.
The 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” is being offered to coincide with the commencement of sales of the 918 Spyder with deliveries starting in June 2011. The Coupé version of the special edition costs 173,241 Euro in Germany and 184,546 Euro as a Cabriolet – including VAT and country-specific equipment items respectively.
911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder" Interior Photos
neunelf:
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/porsche-981-spyder-confirmed-production-911-2011-03-21 Time for a 918 forum :)
Our 918 forum is up and running since 2010.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW
reginos:
Thanks!
But this limited edition 911 Turbo S ‘918 Spyder edition' mentioned in the article is a joke on behalf of Porsche.
Why? Compare the price tag, I think it is a good offer.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW
intouch1:
they are overdoing it...........
They have no other choice because the 991 is just around the corner and they need to keep the production up and running. Even the GTS, in my eyes a bargain, didn't seem to sell as well as they have hoped for.
Luckily, there are not only special editions but in Germany, the lease offers have improved too, so one can actually get a good deal after all.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW
Mar 21, 2011 2:04:33 PM
Mar 21, 2011 2:08:47 PM
Ron (Houston):
Lars997:
Next we probably will see is a "Boxster - 911 Turbo editon".
Lars,
Now you're talking, I'll get one of these if they make it
You seem to miss the point here, Ron. "Turbo edition"...sans the turbo.
Seriously: I know that Porsche put a lot of 911 special editions on the market lately but some are really good deals (GTS, Black Edition to some point) and even this Turbo S isn't a bad deal at all, considering. I'm not sure I like the "radioactive green" stuff too much and I also don't get at all what the 911 Turbo S has to do with the 918 Spyder but whoever wants something special, the Turbo S is still an amazingly fast Porsche, should get it. It isn't a bad deal at all but I would probably remove the 918 Spyder stickers on the car.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW
Mar 21, 2011 5:53:30 PM
yes just going to comment on the price, that is STEEP!!!
This new special limited Turbo S is nice and all, but now they have to offer the 918 with these poison green details
indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine.. I happen to like both :)
Mar 21, 2011 8:05:32 PM
waitin on a casio rolex edition
either one want a 918 and can afford it or one wants a turbo.
what does 918 edition have to do with a 997
even from a strict marketing point of view it does not make sense as it does not gap the bridge.....
Mar 21, 2011 8:10:50 PM
Mar 21, 2011 9:55:18 PM
Forget about this 918 special edition Turbo S, I will waite for the new "Ultimate 997 Spyder Classic speedsturbo S2 GTSR White Pearl Hyper-limited edition" which is just around the corner. It comes with white steering wheel, white wheels and seat bealts and an even exclusive white special tires produced by Goodyear. The rest is the same as Turbo S, but you get only a Hyper-limited number of 666 cars in memory of the Devil who took care of Porsche marketing department team.
J.Seven
Mar 21, 2011 10:03:03 PM