PORSCHE’S 21ST CENTURY SUPERCAR

In the 21st century, more than ever, cutting-edge automotive technology has been playing a massive role in the design and development of supercars. While the 21st century’s first batch of supercars, the Porsche Carrera GT, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and Ferrari Enzo, all sported large, naturally-aspirated engines, the next 10 years would see sweeping changes and developments in hybrid technology.

Manufacturers quickly realized that hybrid powertrains could not only be used to reduce emissions and create highly fuel-efficient vehicles but could also be used to increase performance in ultra–high performance sports cars. By using the electric powertrain to support the conventional powertrain at its weakest, performance could be pushed to boundaries never thought possible, all while decreasing emissions in an industry becoming ever more scrutinized for carbon pollution. While McLaren’s P1 and the Ferrari LaFerrari sought to use hybrid technology to bring their customers the ultimate performance car, Porsche believed it could bring their clients a more well-rounded yet equally impressive hybrid-hypercar.

Rather than taking a no-frills approach to speed and performance like the Carrera GT before it, the 918 would be a technological tour de force that was as comfortable as it is fast. Following the 959’s route of a relentless pursuit of technical innovation, the 918 Spyder offers numerous firsts for Porsche and stands proud when compared against the LaFerrari and P1. Not only did the car employ a four-wheel drive system to put its 887 brake horsepower to the ground, but it also boasted a rear-axle steering system, giving the car a smaller turning circle at low speeds and increased stability at high speeds. With electric motors at both axles, the car is able to recover energy normally lost at braking to recharge its own batteries. Like the Carrera GT, the roof can be fully removed, allowing the driver and passenger to experience the 918 as a coupe or convertible.

The 918 is powered by a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, producing 608 brake horsepower, and the electric powertrain, powered by two electric motors, producing 279 brake horsepower, making for a total hybrid output of 887 brake horsepower. Mated to the incredible Porsche’s Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, performance is breathtaking to say the least. It could accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 2.6 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 345 km/h. Furthermore, the car can be run solely on electric power with a maximum range of 31 km.

In an effort to further intensify the 918’s driving experience, buyers could opt for the Weissach package for their 918. For a price of $80,000, numerous modifications were made to make the car as light as possible. Many parts of the interior normally swathed in leather were replaced with lighter Alcantara, and carbon fiber replaced a large portion of aluminum components. Super lightweight magnesium wheels were fitted, and the windscreen frame, roof, rear wings, and rear-view mirrors were also made out of carbon fiber. This accounted for a reduction of 99 lbs. of weight over the standard 918 Spyder and an instantly discernible increase in performance.

THIS 918

Produced in late 2014 as a 2015 model, this particular 918 Spider is an incredibly highly optioned example. First and foremost, it is outfitted with the desirable Weissach package, further increasing its performance. Its exterior color is a “paint to sample” Metallic White that is unavailable as a standard color, and the interior is Black with Acid Green highlights with Alcantara and seat belts with matching Acid Green accent stripes. Furthermore, the car is fitted with the front-axle lift system, the glare reducing interior package, automatic air conditioning, Porsche’s wonderful Burmester surround sound stereo system, and the optional cup holder.

It was delivered new to the United States and is currently in the hands of its second owner. Sparingly driven, the car’s odometer reads less than 1,500 miles from new. Following a full clear-bra wrap, the car remains in flawless condition inside and out.

As Porsche’s most high-tech supercar since the 959, the 918 Spyder is sure to become a future collectible. Yet, as a fully roadworthy and capable automobile with four-wheel drive, it is considered by many to be the easiest to drive of the hybrid-hypercar trio and could be driven on a daily basis if so desired. Presented with the Weissach package and in a paint-to-sample color scheme, this is a true collector-grade 918 and an automobile that any Porsche collector should strive to own, as it continues Porsche’s wonderful tradition of automotive innovation coupled with world-beating performance.