In a pure German press release, the Zuffenhausen-based automaker is announcing us that its top execs have given the thumbs up to the hybrid supercar project during a meeting held earlier today - now that’s one cool thing to be introduced in the “while you were out” happenings category.
The company has not released any information about the production and sales schedule, only saying that “the Supervisory Board gave Porsche’s Board of Management the mission to develop a production model based on the car already presented”. Porsche added that “This concept made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and at Auto China in Beijing, hitting the headlines worldwide,” - see? we helped!
However, Porsche did mention that the 918 will be created in Weissach and will come to life in Zuffenhausen. Earlier media reports indicate that the 918 Spyder would be priced at $630,000 (EUR500,000).
We’d like to remind you that the concept version of the vehicle uses a gasoline-powered V8 delivering 500 hp and three electric motors offering a combined output of 160 kW (218 hp). The hyper-hybrid promises to leave the 62 mph (100 km/h) mark behind in 3.2 seconds and top at 198 mph (320 km/h), while emitting 70 grams of Co2/km and returning a fuel efficiency of 3l/100 km or 78 mpg (for the New European Driving Cycle).
“Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts. We will develop the 918 Spyder in Weissach and assemble it in Zuffenhausen. This is also a very important commitment to Germany as a manufacturing base,” said Michael Macht, President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG.
The 918 Spyder is the icing for the electric cake that Porsche is currently baking. This includes the development of three electric Boxster prototypes and the race testing of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. The supercar will be the third hybrid model in Porsche’s range, following the petrol-electric version of the Cayenne and the Panamera (due to be launched in 2011).
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