Porsche 918 Spyder prototype out on trial runs

Porsche has revealed the first proper prototype version of the 918 Spyder. It is currently doing rounds of test tracks, and the car seen here is close to what the final version will look like.

Porsche have confirmed the US$ 845,000 price tag for the 500 hp supercar, more than Dhs 3 million, which is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine and two electric motors, the latter good for 220 hp.

The 0-100 kph run takes a scanty 3.1 seconds while top speed is a claimed 320 kph. The interesting fact however is that the car can travel at speeds of up to 151 kph on electric power alone and can return a fuel economy of 3 litres/100 km.

Propulsion comes from a combustion engine and two independent electric motors, one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels.

The 918 Spyder is truly a marvel, courtesy of the technology that has gone into the body and chassis. Some examples are the full carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system.

Paying homage to the legendary 917 racer, production of the 918 is set to commence in 2013, and the manufacturer promise customers delivery of their cars before the end of next year.