First Look
If you have the money and the urge to flaunt it, then the best way to do so is by indulging in luxury items. What could be better than to splurge in a high end car from Porsche which is eco friendly at the same time. And, that too at a time when it is available in a revamped model? Sounds good, right?
Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid, as the name suggests, may look like a changed version of the Carerra GT, but it uses a hybrid drivetrain to ensure outstanding performance and economical use of fuel. The first look guarantees a bird’s eye view of the exterior as well as the interiors design.
The exteriors comprise of rear hoods and retractable air intakes along with a ram air function while at the same time, the interiors would give you sports bucket seats, a touch sensitive surface for manning the car controls and three spoke multi function sports steering wheel.
The machine
Run by a 4.0l V8 engine, the car can generate around 500 horsepower once it’s fully charged (full charge takes around 7 hours and can be done so by a normal household power socket). The electric motors have been placed appropriately at the front and the rear axles to ensure equal distribution of 160 KW.
918 Spyder can accelerate upto a speed of 0-60 mph in a matter of 3.1 seconds with the top speed ranging between 199 mph (if running on fuel) and 94 mph (if being run on electric power).
What’s good?
With a consumption rate of 3.0L per 100 kms which is equal to a CO2 emission rate of 70 g/km. Race up with your buddies while on the highway. Just press the push to pass button feeds for an additional electric kick to the car’s engine, but do make sure that the battery is fully charged. The weight of the car has been controlled by its Monocoque Bodyshell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP) and the appropriate use of magnesium and aluminium.
What’s not so good?
Keeping all the god points aside, the only problem arises when we compare the 918 Spyder with Nissan’s ESFLOW. Being of the same modifications and run by dual electric motors as well, Nissan’s car delivers 240kms on one charge while the Porsche version delivers around 16 miles on an electric charge. However, if we consider it’s a high end luxury car with all those comforts and big pones, the deal doesn’t seem bad either.
Price and Availability
918 Spyder would be available for the first time in September of 2013 at Porsche’s main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany for a price of $845,000. Being the most expensive model built till date, surely it demands a bit of wait and respect.
The bottom line
Being a moderate emitter of CO2 and other harmful gases, the new Porsche machine promises to pave the path for better future sports cars while at the same time, taking into consideration nature and the factors affecting it.