Porsche 918 Spyder begins testing
Posted 15th May, 2012 in Porsche | Leave a comment
Following on from evo’s video featuring the 918 Spyder prototype, these photos of the car, now wearing more bodywork – along with camouflage in the style of the historical 917 racing cars, have been released with new details of the Spyder’s development.
Due to the car’s complex drivetrain, component and software testing poses a new set of demands for the company. The real heart of the 918 is a 425 kW (570 hp) 4.6-litre V8 engine, which is complemented by a 90 kW (121 hp) electric motor on the rear along with a 80 kW (107 hp) unit driving the front wheels. The lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque makes the most of that power, resulting in a sub-3 second 0-100 km/h time, a claimed 326 km/h (202 mph) top speed, and a fuel consumption figure of around three litres every 100 kilometres.
Other notable features include adaptive rear-axle steering, fully adaptive aerodynamics and those ascending ‘top pipes’ exhaust system.“What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Porsche board member, Wolfgang Hatz.
Due to go into production by September 2013, Porsche will begin deliveries before the end of next year. Check to see if you have € 780,000 floating around in your bank account before ordering one.
[Source: Porsche]
