Porsche unveiled an ultra-efficient, low-emission, mid-engine 918 Spyder featuring hybrid and electric drive technology today at the Geneva Auto Show. The 918 Concept combines high-tech racing features with electric-mobility to offer a unique range of qualities. For example, it is planned to provide an emission level of just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer while delivering approximately 78 mpg!
This car, however, is engineered to deliver the performance of a super sports car with acceleration from a 0 to 100 km/h in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph), and a lap time on Nürburgring’s Nordschleifein of less than 7:30 minutes (faster than even a Porsche Carrera GT)!
Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Racecar
The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche models with hybrid drive making their world debut in Geneva. Also being shown are the new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV with parallel full-hybrid drive and the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racecar with a flywheel mass battery and electric drive (on its front axle).
The 918 Spyder showcases an innovative race-bred V8 engine with electric drive. Porsche’s high-revving V8 develops more than 500 horsepower and has a 9,200-rpm redline. Electric motors on the front and rear axles boast an overall mechanical output by 218 horsepower (160 kW). The V8 represents the next step in the evolution of the highly successful 3.4- liter engine in the RS Spyder racecar and is positioned mid-ship, in front of the rear axle. This layout gives the car excellent balance for maximum performance on the track. Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed Porsche-(PDK) transmission that feeds the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a fixed transmission ratio. The Spyder’s fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery is positioned behind the passenger compartment.
A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode, the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the V8, offering a range from econo-car all the way to supercar. The Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the drive power goes to the rear wheels, with Torque Vectoring serving to additionally improve the car’s driving dynamics. In the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track.
With the battery sufficiently charged, a push-to-pass button feeds in additional electrical power (E-Boost), when overtaking or for increased performance. With the hybrid drive system offering this wide range of individual modes and applications, the 918 Spyder is able either to achieve lap times comparable to those of a thoroughbred racing car, or the extremely low emissions and high fuel economy figures of a plug-in hybrid.
The 918 Spyder has a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFP) monocoque body shell with magnesium and aluminum components. It’s been engineered to not only reduce weight to below 1,490 kg,or 3,285 lb, but also ensure a high level of torsional stiffness for outstanding safety and track performance.
For more information about the 918 Spyder Concept and production Porsche models, please visit http://www.porsche.com/