2015 Porsche 918 'Weissach' Spyder
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- Said to be one of only a handful of 918 Spyders with Salzburg livery finished in white rather than red
- Showing 1,500 miles at cataloguing time
- Specified with the ultra-desirable weight-saving Weissach Package
- Further optioned with front-axle lift system, dual-zone climate control, and Burmester surround sound infotainment system
- Accompanied by factory books and original window sticker
The Porsche 918 Spyder, a brilliant leap forward when it debuted in 2013, marks an inflection point in the automotive world with its advanced plug-in hybrid-electric technology. It defined a new paradigm for ultimate automotive performance, where efficiency and power need not be mutually exclusive.
Beneath the beautifully proportioned and understated carbon-fiber reinforced composite bodywork, a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 drives the rear wheels. Based on the engine from the championship-winning RS Spyder LMP2 Le Mans Prototype, it revs to a lofty 9,000-rpm redline thanks to its flat-plane crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, four valves per cylinder, and dry-sump lubrication. Direct fuel injection and Porsche’s patented Variocam intake system create an exceptional 133 horsepower per liter of displacement.
A pair of electric motors supplements the engine—one mated to the V-8 itself and another driving the front axle. Offering an additional 284 horsepower, they bring total output to 887 horsepower and 944 pound-feet of torque. Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission channels power to the rear wheels while five drive modes—selected with a dial on the steering wheel—tailor the chassis dynamics and power output around different parameters, ranging from fully electric to “Hot Lap,” which squeezes every ounce of performance out of the potent hybrid powertrain.
A dizzying amount of technology, including innovative all-wheel steering and self-adjusting aerodynamic elements, work seamlessly with the all-wheel drive and superbly balanced carbon-fiber reinforced composite chassis to create an incredibly approachable driving demeanor that belies the massive power output. Even more stunning, the hybrid powertrain imbues a Jekyll-and-Hyde effect, where the 918 Spyder can instantly take you from near-silent, fully electric cruising to adrenaline-pumping sprints, with the full sound and fury of the race-bread V-8 reverberating throughout the cabin. Zero to 60 mph takes less than 2.5 seconds, making the Porsche quicker than both of its contemporary hybrid rivals, the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1.
Enthusiasts in pursuit of even more extreme performance could choose the weight-saving Weissach Package, which included magnesium alloy center-locking wheels, titanium chassis hardware, ceramic wheel bearings, fabric door-release pull straps instead of conventional handles, lighter Alcantara trim instead of leather, fire-resistant fabric, and six-point harnesses. Air conditioning, the Burmester stereo, and even the glovebox were removed, but could be added back at no cost. These weight-saving measures helped to shed some 100 pounds.
Buyers who chose the $84,000 Weissach Package had the option of selecting factory-applied wraps evoking historic Porsche livery. A handful of owners went a step further, forgoing the wrap and having their desired livery painted directly onto their new 918 Spyder. Among the various livery options was the distinctive red and white pattern of the famous Porsche Holding Salzburg-backed 917 Kurzheck that won the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This remarkable example, number 821 of 918, is said to be one of only a handful of 918 Spyders bearing the factory-applied Salzburg livery finished in white rather than red. Delivered new to Porsche of Roslyn in Upstate New York, it was further specified with the front-axle lift system, two-zone automatic climate control, HomeLink, cup holder, carbon-fiber-look floormats with Acid Green piping, seatbelts with Acid Green striping, Burmester high-end surround-sound audio system, glove box and center console storage compartment. Acquired by the consignor from its original owner, it remains in superb condition, showing less than 1,500 miles on the odometer as of cataloguing time.
With its low mileage, excellent condition, superb factory specification with the ultra-desirable Weissach Package and iconic Salzburg livery in a special color scheme, this 918 Spyder holds immeasurable appeal. It is accompanied by its original window sticker, factory books in a leather pouch, an indoor car cover with storage duffel, and a zippered folio with pen.