The 918 Spyder was Porsche’s second production sports car (the Carrera GT being the first) whose chassis was almost entirely constructed of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic composite, creating an extremely strong and rigid structure. However, it is what is beneath the skin that makes the 918 one of the most desirable sports cars ever created.

The 918’s drivetrain consists of an exotic and very compact all-alloy water-cooled engine nominally based on those used in the company’s hugely successful RS Spyder LMP2 Le Mans racing prototypes. The normally aspirated 90-degree V-8, capable of spinning to more than 9,000 rpm, features a flat-plane crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, four valves per cylinder, and dry-sump lubrication. The unusual top-exiting exhaust system reduces operating temperatures. Porsche’s patented Variocam intake system and direct fuel injection help produce an impressive 608 hp, which works out to a mind-boggling 133 hp per liter of displacement.

If that is not enough power, bringing the 918’s two electric motors into the fray – one partnered with the V-8, the other providing drive to the front axle – brings an additional 284 horses to the party, for a total of 887 hp and 944 pavement-melting foot-pounds of torque. Power is transmitted to the ground through Porsche’s innovative dual-clutch (Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or “PDK” for short) seven-speed transmission that can be operated manually or automatically. The driver can select from among five drive choices via a switch on the steering wheel: The liquid-cooled 312-cell 6.8 KwH lithium-ion energy storage system alone yields a range of about 18 miles in E-drive; “Hybrid” activates an economical combination of electric and the combustion engine; “Sport Hybrid” makes the V-8 engine the primary power source, and “Race Hybrid” provides maximum performance. There is also a “Hot Lap” option for brief bursts of extreme power. Zero to 60 mph arrives in less than 2.5 seconds, and the top speed is a claimed 211 mph.

Stopping power is immense; Porsche’s huge carbon-ceramic disc brakes with Acid Green-painted calipers behind special light-alloy center-lock rims – 20 inches by 9.5 in front, and 21 inches by 12.5 in the rear – are among the best, if not the best, on the planet. The 918 also features Porsche’s Active Aerodynamic system of adjustable aerodynamic elements, including a rear wing, a pair of under-floor flaps in the nose, and flaps in the headlamp area. Their positions vary from optimal efficiency to maximum downforce, all linked electronically to the operating modes of the hybrid drive system.

Ordered from Porsche of Walnut Creek, California, on 23 March 2011, this incredibly sophisticated high-performance Porsche is the 89th to leave the factory and one of the first 918 Spyders sold in the United States. It is believed to be the first delivered in California. Finished in stunning Basalt Black Metallic paint (Z4) with an Onyx Black interior, highlighted by Acid Green piping (53) and Acid Green seat belt accent stripes (XGX), it was also ordered with Porsche’s optional electro-pneumatic front-end lift system (474). The car was delivered on 13 August 2013 to its first and only owner, a resident of the Bay Area, then was displayed at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

This wonderful 918 has been properly maintained since delivery almost three years ago and was last serviced by Porsche of Walnut Creek in April of 2017. It is supplied with all its original tools, accessories, and documentation.

With fewer than 300 examples having been sold in the United States, this 918 Spyder presents a rare opportunity for the astute collector to acquire a brilliant example of Porsche’s 21st century engineering expertise – an automobile offering the utmost combination of performance, comfort, and style.