Not many names are bigger than Porsche in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to the manufacturing of high-performance vehicles including sports cars, SUVs, and modern supercars.
Although it debuted in 2010, the Porsche 918 Spyder is still a standout supercar today. The supercar maximizes the hybrid technology so brilliantly that it has been compared with The McLaren P1 by many gearheads. The supercar sold out in 2014, just a few years after it was announced, and the plan for a successor was immediately announced. It was a gamechanger, and here are some of the reasons the Porsche 918 Spyder is so awesome.
8 Five modes? High Five
The Porsche 918 Spyder provides a fascinating experience with its five defined operating modes. These five modes — E-Power, Hybrid, Sport, Sport Hybrid, Race Hybrid, Hot Lap — are engaged via a 'map switch’ on the steering wheel. The quiet and elegant ‘E-Power' is the default operating mode when you start up the Porsche 918 Spyder, as long as the battery is sufficiently charged. It runs on electric power but switches automatically to hybrid mode as the battery’s charge drops, meaning zero to low fuel consumption.
The ‘Hybrid’ mode alternates between the electric motors and combustion engine to provide maximum efficiency and minimum fuel consumption. In the ‘Sport Hybrid' mode, the combustion engine operates continuously, providing the main propulsive force, while the electric motors provide support in the form of electric boosting. Meanwhile, if you want the ultimate sports car feeling, the ‘Race Hybrid' is your go-to mode. It gives the best possible performance for the race track. Finally, the ‘Hot Lap’ mode pushes the traction battery to its maximum power output limits for a few fast laps using all of the available energy in the battery.
7 What’s Up? The Exhausts
One of the best features of the Porsche 918 Spyder is its top-mounted dual exhausts. By designing the exhaust pipes at the top of the car, the engineers did not only decide to be unconventional, but they also produced an extraordinary perfection. These top-mounted dual exhausts are not merely aesthetic, but they also help to optimize the functions of the car. Apart from reducing the car’s overall weight, for instance, this design improves its aerodynamics, which is brought into sharper focus by the bare underbody.
Placing the exhausts at the top of the car also helps to reduce the backpressure, and it's tuned for aural quality. Moreover, having a top-style exhaust system also works great for managing the enormous heat production of the Porsche 918 Spyder. With exhaust that can exceed 850 degrees in temperature, the top-mounted dual exhausts help get the heat out of the engine faster.
6 Elegant, Lightweight Design
The Porsche 918 Spyder is elegantly designed, utilizing then-state-of-the-art technologies. Though not extremely flamboyant, the car deftly combines simplicity with durability, which is evident in its use of additional crash elements at the front and rear to absorb and reduce the energy in a collision.
The use of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer works great for extreme torsional rigidity. Despite these benefits, the 918 Spyder boasts an excellent low weight; approximately 1,640 kg of unladen weight. Its sleekness and subtle angles bespeak its understated beauty. At the rear of the car is the fender which, alongside the top-mounted exhausts, further highlights the elegance of the 918 Spyder.
5 Powerful Engine Meets A Hybrid Drivetrain
The Porsche 918 Spyder combines a V8 combustion engine with 608 horsepower and two electric motors. One of the electric motors, capable of a 127 hp output, is on the front axle, powering the front wheels. The second is a 154 hp unit, powering the rear axle. This dynamic powertrain is undoubtedly the source of its speed, making this supercar a favorite of many car freaks.
The V8 engine delivers engine speeds of up to 9,150 rpm. A fascinating feature of the 918 Spyder is its ability to run purely on electric power. In the E-Power mode, the supercar can cover over 18 miles (30 km) on purely electric power. Even in pure electric mode, the 918 Spyder accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in less than seven seconds and can reach speeds of up to 93 mph.
4 Seamless Transmission, Insane Speed
The Porsche 918 Spyder was built for speed. It’s up there with the fastest and best supercars. From its Sport Hybrid and Race Hybrid to its Hot Lap modes, the car runs at a mindblowing speed. A 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission handles power delivery to the rear axle.
The electric motors also produce maximum power to deliver the best possible performance for the race track. When starting the vehicle, the electric motors further boost the instant torque, which launches the car off at a breathtaking pace of 60 mph in about 2.4 seconds and allows it to complete the quarter-mile run in a blistering 9.8 seconds at 148.5 mph.
3 Brake Into More Power
The Porsche 918 Spyder has regenerative breaks which, as an energy recovering mechanism, conserves kinetic energy that would have been lost. It then converts this energy into electric energy for maximum performance while also minimizing fuel consumption.
The high-performance hybrid brake system with adaptive recuperation is internally ventilated. It also contains perforated front ceramic brake discs (PCCB) which are not only responsive but also reduce the vehicle’s weight, among other things.
2 Behold The Sky Above
The 918 Spyder also boasts a detachable roof. The roof can be removed and tucked into the car boot located at the front of the vehicle.
The removable roof allows the driver to enjoy the high-revving V8 engine as the car speeds off into the road. This experience makes convertibles generally more appealing than fixed-roof cars. The 918 Spyder confidently offers the 'best of both worlds.'
1 Less weight For The Lightweight Car
For anyone desiring an extra performance from the 918 Spyder, the optional Weissach Package is a necessary feature. The car’s weight can be reduced by 90 pounds by getting the optional carbon-fiber roof and magnesium wheels. The difference might seem little until you realize how much better and faster it makes the Porsche 918 Spyder.
It results in an unladen weight of approximately 1,640 kg. The drivetrain components, and all other components weighing over 50 kg, are located as low and as centrally as possible within the vehicle, contributing further to its reduced weight.