Automotive Cars: Porsche 918 Spyder

Episode 1 of Automotive Cars explains stuff about the Porsche 918 Spider. Here are some facts: The 918 Spyder is a mid-engined two seater sports car, designed by Michael Mauer, that is powered by a 4.6liter V8 engine (580 hp/430 kW) which is a development of the engine used in the RS Spyder Le Mans Prototype racing car. This is supplemented by two electric motors delivering an additional 280 horsepower (210 kW). The transmission is a 7-speed gearbox coupled to Porsche's own (PDK) double clutch system delivering power to the rear axle. Two electric motors drive the front wheels directly through a fixed ratio while a third electric motor is connected to the transmission and gives additional power to the rear wheels. This gives the 918 Spyder a 0--100 km/h time in just under 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 330 kilometres per hour (210 mph). The energy storage system is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. In addition to the plug-in recharge the batteries can also be charged by regenerative braking and by excess output from the engine when the car is coasting. CO2 emissions are 70 g/km and fuel consumption is 3 L/100 km (94 imperial mpg/78 us mpg). The 918 Spyder offers 4 different running modes: E-Drive allows the car to run under battery power alone, using the rear electric motor only, giving a range of 20 miles (32 km). Three hybrid modes (Hybrid, Sport and Race) use both the engine and electric motors to provide the desired levels of economy and performance. In Race mode a push-to-pass button is available to deliver additional electrical power. The chassis is a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque. Magnesium and aluminium are extensively used in the construction of the car which helps keep the 918 Spyder's weight down to 1,490 kilograms (3,300 lb). On July 28, 2010, after 2000 declarations of interest, the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, gave the green light for series development of the Porsche 918 Spyder. The 918 will be produced in a limited series. It will be developed in Weissach and assembled in Zuffenhausen.

Added 13 Apr 2026