2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

Jan 5

Written By Katelyn McSherry

Hybrid power, all electric mode, fastest production car of its day. Is it Super?

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 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.

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.

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. Interior parts are covered in Alcantara instead of leather. 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 exception to the GT2RS. With the use of hybrid technology, and incredible performance, it set a new precedent for hybrid cars of the future.