Porsche Begins Testing the 918 Spyder Hybrid Supercar

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Photo: Porsche

Prototypes of the upcoming Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid have already hit the road and now Porsche has confirmed that the first delivers of its new super sports car will take place by the end of 2013. The prototypes of the 918 Spyder feature styling that draws styling cues from the Porsche 917 racing cars.

The 918 Spyder will be more than a traditional supercar, since its powered by a combination of a V8 engine and two independent electric motors. “What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG. The V8 engine and one of the electric motors sends its power to the rear wheels, while the second electric motor sends its power to the front wheels.

Photo: Porsche

Although Porsche expects the 918 Spyder to put out more than 770 horsepower from its plug-in hybrid system, its also expected to get up to 78 mpg U.S. Porsche also states that the 918 Spyder will reach 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of more than 200 mph. The plug-in hybrid system also gives the 918 Spyder the ability to travel around 15 miles on electric power alone.

Photo: Porsche

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