Porsche hybrid 918 Spyder prototype to produce 700 hp, does 78 mpg

There’s been a lot of hype surrounding hybrid cars lately. With gas prices soaring, there seems to be no other option than to go hybrid or electric. Thankfully, modern hybrid vehicles no longer sport the boxy appearance they were once known for and with the likes of the Chevy Volt and the Toyota Prius making waves with the masses, hybrid seems to be the new conventional. Joining the list of hot hybrids is Porsche’s latest plug-in called the 918 Spyder. Unlike the rest, however, the Spyder is a super sexy beast that rides low and generates a massive 700 plus horses.

Porsche’s 918 Spyder Hybrid

Porsche has just finished work on the prototype and has released images of its latest baby. The gorgeous ride imitates the concept very closely which is just as well. Low, wide and sleek define the 918 and will undoubtedly be on the must-buy list of cars for automobile lovers. Further defining its supercar status are twin exhaust pipes placed right atop the engine as well as racing-inspired livery from the legendary Le Mans-winning 917 'Kurz' cars.

Getting down to business surrounding the specs, the 918 Spyder sports a powerful V8 engine that generates a hefty 570 horsepower. Couple that with electric motors that deliver 200 horses and you have a machine that offers you the chance to tap into a staggering 770 hp of pure power. To ensure that it tries to remain as fuel efficient as possible, the 918 offers users various drive modes to choose from.

So, just how fast can the 918 go? With a peak torque in excess of 750 Nm and over 750 horses of power, the new Spyder can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in only 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of over 325 kmph. The 918 goes beyond 150 kmph in electric mode after which the petrol engine takes over. With a range of over 25 km in electric-only mode when driven more slowly, it appears that Porche has outdone itself with its latest offering.

The completed prototype comes well ahead of the company’s September 2013 production startup. Customers are said to be able to receive the first cars by 2013 end. Like its 918 namesake, the new Spyder will be a limited edition supercar with just 918 units slated to go into production. The projected price is a handsome $850,000.

One of the most amazing qualities of the 918 is its fuel efficiency. The combined cycle fuel consumption is pegged to be 3 liters per 100 km. We don’t know how Porsche managed to come up with the numbers and we’re praying fervently that the estimates will be true. If so, then the dawn of the hybrid age for supercars has arrived.

The 918 Spyder first debuted as a concept back in 2010 at the Geneva Auto Show. It was unveiled with ‘Porsche Intelligent Performance’ capabilities designed to make driving experience fun, efficient and with a huge potential for performance. The 918 has been built using the latest technologies and a tough but lightweight carbon fiber reinforced monocoque body. Coupled with rear axle steering and adaptive performance, the supercar looks set to change the way performance vehicles are manufactured.

Spyder Hybrid

918 Spyder Hybrid

Porsche’s 918 Spyder Hybrid

Porsche’s 918 Spyder Hybrid

Via: Businessinsider