A blueprint for the future – The 918 Spyder

Radical thinking breeds radical breakthroughs. Such is the 918 Spyder, the essence of the Porsche idea: it combines pedigree motor racing technology with everyday utility, and maximum performance with minimum consumption. The result? The most advanced plug-in performance hybrid which boasts striking curves and futuristic engineering.

For Porsche, high-level performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. In fact, these are perfectly matched synergies that have led Porsche to create a sports car ahead of its time with very distinctive engineering. One is its unique drive concept. Within its all-carbon body, two electric motors work in tandem to liberate the high-performance combustion engine, which can generate 887 hp and achieve a top speed of 345 km/h — in other words, heart-racing power most people never get a chance to experience. Combined with its regenerative braking system, the 918 Spyder converts more kinetic energy into electric energy than any other hybrid vehicle, allowing for dynamic driving experiences while significantly minimising the fuel consumption.

While these breakthroughs are integral to the 918 Spyder experience, they ultimately change the course of future sports car developments as well. The 918 Spyder’s drive concept uses five drive modes conveniently mapped to five buttons on the steering wheel. For example, the zero-emission all-electric E-Power Mode is the ultimate in elegance and sustainability, providing a quiet crisp ride perfect for neighbourhood streets. Hybrid Mode achieves maximum efficiency, alternating between the combustion engine and electric motors for dynamic driving with minimal fuel consumption. And of course, there is the Race Hybrid mode, capable of delivering a thrilling racing experience at top speeds of 345 km/h. Each mode is controlled by algorithms shaped by Porsche’s unique understanding of hybrid technology.

Another breakthrough is the thermal management and regenerative braking systems of the 918 Spyder, which have already inspired changes. A similar form of this energy recovery system is implemented in the LMP1 prototypes of the 919 Hybrid, the very model which triumphed a one-two victory at the 24 hours of Le Mans. The 918 Spyder’s technology platform also blazed new trails with spectacular design solutions like its all-carbon body, fully variable aerodynamics and adaptive rear axle steering, with these last two examples already available in production sports cars such as the 911 Turbo models, 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS.

Uniting these technological breakthroughs into one, the 918 Spyder set history at the Nürburgring in September 2013 with a lap time of 6 minutes and 57 seconds, a feat that stands unrivalled even today for road vehicles. Yet its fuel consumption is just 3 l/100 km, a number that not only beats most of the small vehicles of today, but also sets a benchmark for what is possible for the future. With the 918 Spyder, the potential of plug-in hybrid technology is clearly showcased for all to see — not only for more economical, sustainable driving, but more importantly for the unparalleled sports car experience it can offer.

Only 918 editions of the 918 Spyder exist in the world. As such, it is not only the pinnacle of modern sports car design and technology representing an important turning point in hybrid engineering; it is also a collector’s item and a masterpiece in its own right.

All legacies start somewhere. One starts right now with the 918 Spyder.

Text: Nicholas Echevarria

918 Spyder

Power: 652 kW (887 hp)
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h: 2.6 secs
Top Speed: 345 km/h
Fuel Consumption Combined: 3 l/100 km
CO2 Emission Combined: 70 g/km