2015 Porsche 918
"Spyder Weissach Package"
Specifications
Configuration: Longitudinal mid-engine hybrid
Engine: Naturally aspirated V8
Displacement: 280.7 cu. in./ 4.6L
Horsepower: 608 hp gas + 279 hp electric = 887 total hp
Torque: 944 lb. ft.
Max RPM: 9,150 RPM
Transmission: 7-speed PDK dual clutch
A Little History
The 918 Spyder was developed as the next-generation Carrera GT for the more environmentally conscious era. It is Porsche’s second hybrid car, following the 2014 Panamera S E-Hybrid, and Porsche’s first ever hybrid hypercar. It was first introduced as a concept car at the 80th Geneva Motor Show in 2010. The actual production car was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013. It went into production December 2013 and was sold out entirely by December 2014. Only 918 models were built, hence the denomination “918,” of which 297 were sent to the US.
The 918 Spyder was much better reviewed than the Carrera GT as it is a supercar designed to assist every caliber of driver.
The Design: Many people disliked the handling and overall difficulty associated with driving the Carrera GT, so Porsche included all-wheel driving and all-wheel steering on the 918, which, when combined, allow for quicker turn-in response and rear wheels that steer in phase with the front at higher speeds. The 918 is also equipped with several movable aerodynamic devices including two front undercar flaps to create a ground effect on the front in Race mode, shutters in the front bumper air intakes that close in E-mode or Hybrid to allow for as little drag as possible, a rear spoiler, and an adjustable rear wing to create downforce at high speeds, or act as an airbrake when slowing down. All of these devices can be set to automatically deploy, or be controlled on the 7-inch touch screen display found on the center console in the interior.
This 918 Spyder is equipped with the even more powerful Weissach Package, which trims 88 pounds from the overall weight. Porsche did this by making the roof, the rear wing, side mirrors, and windshield frame from clear-coated carbon fiber. There are also carbon-fiber accents on the dissipation grills, and the rear diffuser. The magnesium center-lock wheels save an additional 30 pounds. The car is also wrapped in full-body film instead of traditional paint, which cuts a further five pounds. Typical Weissach packages include the removal of the glove box, audio system, and air conditioning, but the owner requested that those items remain in this model.
On the Track: The Porsche 918 RSR, the racing variant of the 918 Spyder, debuted at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. While it bears many similarities to the Spyder, it has yet to be put into production for the GT racing circuit. For the time being, most critics are comparing its track performances to the famed McLaren F1.
Did you know?
The Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package did the 12.8 mile Nürburgring lap in 6:57, reducing the previous record by 14 seconds! This made it the first series production street-legal car to do a sub-7 minute lap.
Our 918 Spyder was custom ordered to match the color combination of our Carrera GT.
The term Weissach refers to the city in Germany by the same name that houses the Porsche factory that built the 918 series..
