PORSCHE REVEALS 918 SPYDER HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCEPT
If you thought hybrids were boring, think again. Of the trio unveiled on the manufacturer’s stand at this year’s Geneva Motor Show (including Porsche’s new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV and the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racing car) the manufacturer revealed its jaw-dropping 918 Spyder High-Performance Concept.
Porsche’s latest revelation is further evidence it’s taking its hybrid technology drive very seriously, combining low-emission drive technology with a massively exciting concept. Make no mistake; this concept is a very serious machine. Porsche is quoting 0-62mph in under 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 198mph, plus it’ll lap the Nordshleife in less than 7:30 minutes. That’s quicker than a Carrera GT folks.
So what is the 918 Spyder concept all about? In typical Porsche fashion this latest, two-seater mid-engined racer blends new and old with emphatic results. Powering the concept is a 500hp V8 revving to a stratospheric 9200rpm as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218bhp.
While the V8 is a further development of the 3.4-litre combustion engine found in Porsche’s RS Sypder racing car, mounted midship in front the rear axle, the seven-speed PDK transmission transmits the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle also. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a firm transmission ratio.
Then we get to the technical bit. Seated behind the passenger is the energy reservoir, a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery. Porsche’s plug-in hybrid technology has the advantage of being able to charge the battery on the regular electrical network, while the car’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery when the brakes are applied, providing additional acceleration akin to the KERS system debuted in the 2009 Formula 1 season.
At the touch of the button on the steering-wheel the driver is given access to four different running modes- ranging from running the car under electric power alone (E-Drive) to Race Hybrid mode where the systems are focused on pure performance, running at the absolute limit of their power and dynamic output.
Just as the drivetrain does, the lightweight body structure of the 918 Spyder benefits from Porsche’s experience in motor sport, including its monocoque body shell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic and the appropriate use of aluminium and magnesium keeps the car’s weight to below 1490kg.
In terms of styling Porsche has taken inspiration from both the legendary 917 and its current RS Spyder race car. The results are fairly staggering, blending the latest technology with Porsche’s motor sport experience to produce a truly tantalising concept.
Both innovation and tradition are reflected effectively in the cabin’s architecture, including the three free-standing circular dials for road speed (left), engine speed (middle) and energy management (right) reminiscent of a 60’s racer. The centre console features touch-sensitive buttons with the majority of the control’s the driver will need to access being positioned ergonomically on the three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel.
The 918 Spyder also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Master. Once activated in the centre display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover.
In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone. Very green indeed.
The 918 Spyder is a definite milestone for Porsche, setting a precedent for the future of its electro-drive program.
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