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03-03-2010, 09:48 AM
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Tomorrow Porsche will unveil what it calls the 918 Spyder Concept, a plug-in hybrid that gets 78 mpg and can lap Germany’s famed Nürburgring in less that 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Yup, faster than a Carrera GT. This info is, of course, theoretical.
The 918 Spyder concept is a plug-in hybrid and in priciple works like a traditional two-mode hybrid, using a gasoline engine, electric motors (two of them) and a lithium-ion battery pack. What makes it so special, however, is that the gasoline engine is a 3.4-liter 500-hp V8 derived from the Porsche RS Spyder race cars and the electric motors (one of each rear wheel) make a combined 218-hp. The gasoline engine powers the rear wheels, while the electric motors work on the front two wheels. Porsche claims a 0-62 mph time of just 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 198-mph. Possibly more amazing, however, is this concept’s capability to achieve 78 mpg.
With all those electronics weighing quite a bit, the 918 Spyder uses extreme measures to keep weight to a minimum. As a result, the car gets a carbon fiber monocoque and extensive use of aluminum and titanium, for a total weight of 3,285 lbs.
Porsche has equipped the car with four driving modes, ranging from the most efficient at saving fuel, to the most efficient at saving gas. A pure electric E-Drive mode delivers 16 miles of emissions free driving, while a Hybrid model operates like a traditional Prius-type two-mode hybrid. Next up is a Sport Hybrid setting, where the electric power is used more as a boost to assist the gasoline engine. Finally, a Race Hybrid mode delivers maximum gasoline and electric power, along with an added boost of electric power after hard braking (much like a Formula One KERS-equipped car). It is in this final mode that Porsche claims the 918 Spyder Concept can out-pace the famed Carrera GT on the Nürburgring.
Oh… and did we mention it looks amazing!
We’ll be sure to bring you plenty of live photos after the official reveal tomorrow, March 2nd.
More: 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage (http://www.autoguide.com/auto-shows/2010-geneva-auto-show-coverage-1301.html) on AutoGuide.com
Tomorrow Porsche will unveil what it calls the 918 Spyder Concept, a plug-in hybrid that gets 78 mpg and can lap Germany’s famed Nürburgring in less that 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Yup, faster than a Carrera GT. This info is, of course, theoretical.
The 918 Spyder concept is a plug-in hybrid and in priciple works like a traditional two-mode hybrid, using a gasoline engine, electric motors (two of them) and a lithium-ion battery pack. What makes it so special, however, is that the gasoline engine is a 3.4-liter 500-hp V8 derived from the Porsche RS Spyder race cars and the electric motors (one of each rear wheel) make a combined 218-hp. The gasoline engine powers the rear wheels, while the electric motors work on the front two wheels. Porsche claims a 0-62 mph time of just 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 198-mph. Possibly more amazing, however, is this concept’s capability to achieve 78 mpg.
With all those electronics weighing quite a bit, the 918 Spyder uses extreme measures to keep weight to a minimum. As a result, the car gets a carbon fiber monocoque and extensive use of aluminum and titanium, for a total weight of 3,285 lbs.
Porsche has equipped the car with four driving modes, ranging from the most efficient at saving fuel, to the most efficient at saving gas. A pure electric E-Drive mode delivers 16 miles of emissions free driving, while a Hybrid model operates like a traditional Prius-type two-mode hybrid. Next up is a Sport Hybrid setting, where the electric power is used more as a boost to assist the gasoline engine. Finally, a Race Hybrid mode delivers maximum gasoline and electric power, along with an added boost of electric power after hard braking (much like a Formula One KERS-equipped car). It is in this final mode that Porsche claims the 918 Spyder Concept can out-pace the famed Carrera GT on the Nürburgring.
Oh… and did we mention it looks amazing!
We’ll be sure to bring you plenty of live photos after the official reveal tomorrow, March 2nd.
More: 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage (http://www.autoguide.com/auto-shows/2010-geneva-auto-show-coverage-1301.html) on AutoGuide.com