Porsche showcases 918 Spyder

Porsche has showcased the 918 Spyder prototype, a high-performance mid-engined concept sports car that uses an ultra-efficient and low emission drive technology.

The prototype combines high-tech racing features and electro-mobitily. The 918 Spyder is powered by a V8 engine producing 500bhp at 9200rpm, coupled with electric motors on the front and rear axel with an overall mechanical output of 218bhp. The V8 engine is a further development of the 3.4-litre power unit featured in the RS Spyder racing car.

Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed PDK gearbox that also feeds the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a firm transmission ratio. The energy is saved in a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. With the application of brakes, the car’s kinetic energy also gets converted into electrical energy.

A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose from four different driving modes. The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine.

The 918 Spyder can accelerate from 0-100kph in just under 3.2 sec before touching a top speed of 320kph. The car has an efficiency figure of 33.33kpl with Co2 emissions of 70g per km. A monocoque bodyshell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic with magnesium and aluminium helps the sports car weigh less than 1500kg.

The Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the power goes to the rear wheels, with Torque Vectoring improving the car’s driving dynamics. And in the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track, running at the limit to their power and dynamic output. With the battery sufficiently charged, a push-to-pass button also feeds in additional electrical power for overtaking moves and better performance.