Exciting News from Porsche

Porsche confirmed this week that its 918 prototype is continuing along its path to production.  This stirring press release certainly confirms that all the anticipation felt to date is worth it.  

The gestation of the 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder is progressing, it was confirmed by Porsche recently.  As the car enters its next phase of development, the official report gave even more cause for enthusiasm.  Dr Wolfgang Hatz, member of Porsche AG’s Executive Board for Research and Development published his interpretation of what we can all look forward to.  ‘What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance’ he said spotlighting their next flagship supercar.’     

Accompanying his words, Porsche also published some stunning shots of the testing of this very-much-alive prototype.  Whilst the embryonic 918 was seen wearing camouflage similar to that sported by the 917 race cars, they provide an excellent image of what is to come.  Since they are official shots, there is no imagination necessary.  A full carbon fibre-reinforced monocoque is displayed.  As the successor to the Carrera GT it enjoys a removable roof.  It features fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering, and an exhaust system characterised by upward-venting ‘top pipes’.

The car will be powered as a plug-in hybrid.  It makes use of a 570 hp 4.6-litre V8 and two electric motors.  The rear motor is rated at 120hp with the front one rated at 110hp.  Overall, Porsche believe the car makes 800hp available.

Plans to commence production in autumn 2013 were discussed, with the first cars available for deliverable late that year or early in 2014.  As a limited edition, only 918 cars will actually be produced, and pricing is expected over half a million pounds each.