The 918 Spyder was first shown as a concept at the 80th Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. Ten years later we return to Geneva to drive and experience this one of a kind hypercar. One thing is clear: Porsche has set a standard of how supercars need to be built in the future. Read on to know why!
The Porsche 918 Spyder's story
Just three months after revealing the concept at the Geneva Motor Show, Porsche managed to collect 2,000 declarations of interest by car enthusiasts. Following, the supervisory board of Porsche AG went ahead and swiftly approved series development of the 918 Spyder.
The production version was eventually unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was produced in a limited series of, you guessed it, 918 cars. Development took place in Weissach, before being assembled in Zuffenhausen. The first deliveries were made beginning of December 2013 with the cars bearing a price tag of EUR 611'000 and USD 845'000 respectively.
Would you have guessed that the country with the most orders was the United States with 297 units? The US were followed by China and Germany with around 100 orders each.
Hypercar of the future
Powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6 L V8 engine, developing 599 hp, the 918 Spyder has to be added to the category of hypercars. The Germans even added two electric motors delivering an additional 282 hp for a combined output of 875 hp. With these specs one just has to admit that is plays in the same league as the McLaren P1 and LaFerrari. In fact, the trio is making up the so-called holy trinity of hypercars.
Although the 918 Spyder is carrying heavier and more powerful electric motors and more battery capacity than either of its hypercar competitors from Ferrari or McLaren, it capitalizes on its 21st-century zero-emissions technology to appeal as a driver's car that neither could quite level with.
Actually, the 918 Spyder can be driven for around 24 kilometers on electric power alone. This is a pretty impressive stat for such a heavy car. At the same time it also has a motorsport-derived normally aspirated V8 engine that revs to almost 9000rpm and makes the car both raw and exciting. Add four-wheel drive and more than 900lb ft of torque into the mix and you have a truly amazing hypercar that sets new standards in the industry.
Touring around in Geneva
As we take the 918 Spyder on the road we are totally amazed by the spine-tingling roar of the V8 engine. At the same time, we are happy that we can make use of the hybrid in the city since loud cars are not particularly liked by everyone. Actually, this mode is especially useful in places like Monaco. There, the police regularly confiscates Supercars from drivers who let the engine roar too loudly.
While in Geneva, we stop for coffee at Oh Martine before enjoying a long drive along the Lac Léman with beautiful views of the Swiss and French Alps. In the evening, we have a reservation at La Terrace, the restaurant inside the Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève. Here, we enjoy a wonderful dinner with magnificient views over the Jet d'Eau and the Old Town of Geneva. The perfect way to end an eventful day with the Porsche 918 Spyder.
If you want to read more about Supercars, please check out this blogpost about the Lamborghini Aventador.
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