The 918 Spyder is Porsche's answer to sports car of the future

The 918 Spyder marks a new generation of supercar - one that significantly reduces carbon footprint without compromising on performance. It follows a long tradition of sports and race cars that wore the Stuttgart coat of arms - from the 917 which claim Porsche's first victory in Le Mans, to the more recent Carrera GT sports car.

Like its predecessors, the parallel hybrid super sports car utilises technologies which are proven on the race track, combining the efficiency and performance of a hybrid drivetrain to give the driver the best of both worlds.

At the heart of the 918 Spyder is a 4.6-litre V8 engine, mid-mounted to provide unparalleled sports car driving dynamics. The petrol engine alone delivers 612bhp - an outstanding 132bhp/L, which is also the highest power extracted from a Porsche naturally aspirated engine thus far. In comparison, the Carrera GT puts out 106bhp/L.

The 918's electric drivetrain is made up of two electric motors and a 312-cell lithium-ion battery. The setup heavily borrows technical knowledge gained from the GT3 R Hybrid racecar, featuring independent all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and driving dynamics. The hybrid module churns out 155bhp, and together with the petrol engine, produces 887bhp. Other vital figures include 0-100km/h sprint in 2.8 seconds, a consumption figure of just 2.76L/100km, and 79g/km of CO2 emission.

The 918's showcase of cutting edge technology continues in the chassis department. It features a carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) monocoque for extensive weight savings. The multi-link chassis of the Spyder, too, is inspired by Porsche's motorsports efforts.

All drivetrain components are designed to be located as low and as central as possible. The result is a slightly rear-biased axle load distribution of 43 percent (front) and 57 percent (rear), and an unladen weight of 1,640kg (with 'Weissach' package).

The 918 can be driven in five different preset modes, ranging from the quiet and eco-saving 'E-Power' to the most hardcore 'Hot Lap', which let loose all horses and energy from the battery pack. To handle the power and put them safely and effectively in the hands of the driver, the 918 is packed with tech gizmos such as Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Active Aerodynamic (PAA), as well as rear axle steering. 

For even higher performance, a 'Weissach' package is available for the 918 Spyder. Part of the package includes roof, rear wings, rear view mirrors and windscreen frame that is finished in naked carbon. The rims are now made of lightweight magnesium, further improving the unsprung weight of the car. A selection of exterior paint works featuring iconic Porsche racing colours can also be specced on the car.