Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

The 918 Spyder the newest hybrid car by Porsche is making their world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Spyder relies on an electric-gasoline engine with a high-speed V8 (500 bhp), and one electric motor per axle, making a total of 718 horsepower under the hood targeted for low gas consumption. Further the V8 combustion engine has a 3.4-litre power unit (which already featured in the RS Spyder racing car) giving the car the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track through its good balance.

The energy reservoir in this two seater, is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. The big advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that the battery can be charged on the regular electrical network. Also when the brakes are applied the brakes, the car’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery providing additional energy for fast and dynamic acceleration.

The 918 Spyder Hybrid can hit 100kph in 3.2 seconds and can hit a max speed of 300kph with a lap time in less than 7:30 minutes, (faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT). It has a maximum mileage of 78 miles per gallon, with an emission of 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer. A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running 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 as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.

Due to lightweight body structure of the 918 Spyder created by reinforced plastic (CFP) and with appropriate use of magnesium & aluminium, it only weighs  1,490 kg. It also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system giving information on the remaining range of the car that can be covered blending with the driver’s instinct to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance. In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone. Applying all this information and also using further info on the availability and location of special energy filling stations, the driver can choose his personal style of driving as well as the right battery charge and filling strategy.

With all these features and unique combination of functionalities like extremely low fuel consumption, superb performance and long electric range, the Porsche 918 Spyder represents a relevant step towards building a genuine environmental friendly electro-mobility.