Maybe it would have been a better idea for Porsche, from the start, to offer two versions of the 918: The hybrid and the pure raw Weissach edition without any hybrid technology. I get it, Porsche wants to offer something unique and something which could calm down green activists and critics but in the end, I think that most 918 potential buyers couldn't care less about "green technology" but about performance.
I would offer the 918 Hybrid and 918 Weissach at the same price, so people are not tempted to get a cheaper "Weissach" version. This Weissach version could have at least 300 kg less than the current 918 Hybrid and if Porsche tweaks the gasoline engine to 700 hp, this should be more than enough to provide an amazing performance. I also think that a Nordschleife time below 7 minutes would be much more likely with such a car.
I'm no marketing expert but if I were to get a 918, I couldn't care less about the hybrid technology or fuel consumption. I would want the best performance possible for my money and of course a somewhat good daily driver capability. Period. Nothing more and nothing less.
I'm not surprised the 918 seems to be undersold, the weight is really something Porsche should worry about. I also think that many potential buyers actually want a slightly more spectacular design, which could be introduced with an optional "Aerodynamics Package" or whatever.
Also: 918 cars are a lot these days...500 would have been enough (not sure however if this would cover their development expenses).
Speaking of the current 25 prototypes: Do you really think McLaren and Ferrari do the same development work? Can you even imagine 10 prototypes of each, the P1 and the LaFerrari? To be honest, I think that both companies would have maybe 3-5 prototypes driving around, maybe more but under 10. Is this the kind of car you would trust your life with? Yes, they may be kept in a garage only but if driven hard, could they really be as safe and reliable as the 918? I highly doubt it, sorry.
A last word about something else: Why hasn't Porsche never considered to develop some sort of 959 successor. Some sort of "Ueber"-911 with 900 hp, 1500 kg weight and a sophisticated AWD, air suspension, etc.? I bet they could develop such a monster 911 based on the new 991 Turbo, price it at 400-500k EUR and they have a winner, from any possible point of view. This car would kill most of the competition, performance-wise and Porsche would spend much less money for development (hybrid and all). Just imagine a 911 which does 0-100 in 2.5 seconds, 0-200 kph in 7 seconds and 0-300 kph in 20 seconds, to speed at 350 kph. Nordschleife in 6.59 minutes...
Just saying...I think that Porsche put to much emphasis on the green technology and reveiled the 918 too early.
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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche Panamera Turbo S, Cayenne GTS (958), 991 Turbo S (ordered), BMW X3 35d (2013)