Porsche 918 Spyder

Introduction

Porsche 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid sports car designed by the renowned German manufacturer Porsche. This limited edition sports car was launched on September 18, 2013, and would be available till the stock lasts. With only 918 units, the Porsche 918 is the second hybrid car from Porsche after the 2014 Panamera S E-Hybrid. The production model was made available in December 2014 while it was initially unveiled at 80th Geneva Motor Show in March 2010 with the production version showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013. With stunning design and brilliant performance, Porsche 918 Spyder is an impressive machine that offers the best Porsche heritage for the present and future.

Engine, mileage & variants

Porsche 918 Spyder with hybrid system uses a combination of a compact and potential 4.6-litre V8 engine that generates a peak power of 887 hp at 8600 rpm and a maximum torque of 530 Nm at 6500 rpm. It can further accelerate from 0-100kmph within a time frame of just 2.6 seconds touching to the top speed of 345kmph. The engine with 32 Valve DOHC is connected to an AC synchronous electric motor which delivers efficient high power for any sports car to run energetically. This engine is mated to a 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung transmission. The additional Weissach Package for Porsche 918 helps in weight reduction and adds an additional thrill to the drive with three seconds quicker from the standard car. The mileage delivered by this engine counts to 32.5 kmpl in combined driveways.

Exteriors

Porsche 918 Spyder is a pure sports car that borrows its shape from the Carrera GT launched a decade ago. 918 is a car known for its light weight and high strength body construction material. It has been designed and produced by Porsche engineers and production specialist who build sports cars. The structure of the car is dominated by a clean unfussy lines and gorgeously curvy wheels arches at the front and rear. The LED headlights at the front are wide and extend up to the strong bonnet. The rear of the 918 looks more striking with the rear spoiler above the stylish taillights. Standard features include heated mirrors, automatic windshield wipers and aerodynamic body panels. The sporty body of this drive measures at 4643 mm x 1940 mm x 1167 mm (L X W X H) along with wheelbase counting to 2760 mm. Coming to the wheels and tires of this drive, there are 20-inch wheels with 265/35 R20 tires at the front and 21-inch wheels alongside complementing 325/30 R21 tires at the rear side.

Interiors

The interiors of the car feature a major difference than its hypercar rivals. Rather than the fixed roof, 918 have removable panels that can be stored in the front luggage. The cabin is rather simple and organised neatly with add-on prerequisites. The centre console in between the seats brings the dashboard and transmission tunnel at an equal angle to that of Carrera GT console. The infotainment system comes with features like USB/AUX/FM and Bluetooth integration with Bose and Burmester audio system. It includes multi-function sports steering wheel along with map switch and circular instruments. The operating and display concept in 918 displays the information on its 7-inch touchscreen allowing navigation and entertainment on-board. The standard luggage space given in this drive is 107-litres along with some petty cabin storages.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

Porsche 918 Spyder, in terms of its safety, offers the best state of art technologies for its customers. The load bearing machine is made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) with additional crash elements to reduce the energy of the collision. The multi-link chassis is associated with systems like PASM adaptive shock absorber system that results in a secure and stable handling. The Porsche side impact protection system (POSIP) further helps to compromise the side impact in each door. Moreover, it is equipped with driver and passenger full-size airbags which make sure of the optimum safety after a hit or collision. with this, traction control, brake assist and electronic stability control features are also packed in this drive which keep it stable and under the control of the driver. Also, headrests, an energy absorbing steering column, three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and energy absorbing elements at the dashboard are equipped in this Porsche car for the protection of the passengers.

Verdict

Porsche 918 Spyder offers fascinating performance and technology along with an accent to comfort and safety. However, the cargo space and rear visibility might be troublesome along with the enormous price tag.