2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach

• Most powerful Porsche ever produced.

• Hybrid powerplant with 18 miles of electric-only range

• More environmentally friendly than a Prius

Porsche was founded in 1948, renowned for building four-cylinder sports cars with 40 horsepower. Nearly 70 years later, the 2015 groundbreaking design for the hybrid-V8 powered 918 was unveiled with nearly 900 horsepower, by far the fastest car the company had ever released. The 918 represented a peek into the future for Porsche, introducing much of the hybrid technology that most Porsche’s will utilize for the next decade.

The all-wheel drive 918 Spyder features a mid-engine 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 mated to two electric motors that help propel the car 0-60 in 2.4 seconds. This speed is aided by Porsche’s 7-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK), which offers lighting fast gear changes. The 918 is one of the few hybrid sports cars that can be also driven on electric mode only. If the owner chooses, they can charge the car at home, gaining up to 18 miles of fully electric range. The carbon ceramic brakes also have regenerative braking capability, recharging the electric batteries every time the brakes are used.

In September 2013 a 918 set a Nürburgring lap time of 6:57 on the 20.6 km (12.8 mi) road course, reducing the previous record by 14 seconds, and making it the first street-legal production car to break the 7-minute barrier. Although the 918 is not a light car due to its electric batteries, the technology it utilizes has been calibrated so well, the car feels much lighter than it really is. The car produces instant torque at each axle, and the adaptive all-wheel drive ensures the car is making as much grip as it can. The active aerodynamics minimizes drag under acceleration, and uses the rear wing as an air brake to slow the car down. Its carbon fiber monocoque chassis creates a very firm and direct driving experience, giving the 918 a stiff backbone.

Like the record setting car, this specific 918 has been equipped with the Weissach package, an $84,000 factory option in the US, which reduces weight by 100 pounds. Specific features include the addition of magnesium wheels, a lighter brake design, ceramic wheel bearings, and titanium bolts for the chassis. The windscreen frame, roof, rear wings, and rear-view mirrors were also made of carbon fiber. There are also add-on parts, mainly to aid aerodynamics, and even a thin vinyl film for the exterior instead of regular paint to save on weight.

Despite having nearly 900 horsepower, the 918 Spyder emits 70g/km of CO2, making it more environmentally friendly than a Toyota Prius. Launched in 2013, it was the most technologically advanced Porsche ever made and remains so, With the use of hybrid technology, and incredible performance, it set a new precedent for hybrid cars of the future.

Porsche 918 Specifications:

Configuration: Mid-engine, all-wheel drive

Powertrain: 4.6 Liter V8, flat-plane crankshaft, two electric motors front & rear axle.

Horsepower: 887 @ 8600 RPM

Torque: 944 ft./lbs. @ 5000 RPM

Transmission: 7-speed PDK dual-clutch

Top Speed: 214 MPH

0-60 MPH: 2.5 seconds

Weight: 3602 lbs