Porsche: We'll Build 918 Spyder Hybrid If Enough Prospective Buyers Step Forward
By Scott Doggett March 10, 2010
Porsche is committed to building the 918 Spyder Concept plug-in hybrid, the British publication Autocar reported today, citing remarks by CEO Michael Macht.
The supercar can reach 62 miles per hour from a standstill in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 198 mph, according to the German automaker.
Taken from drawing to 2010 Geneva Auto Show in less than five months, the 918 mixes a 500-horsepower gasoline V8 with two electric motors for a combined 718 hp. Porsche has calculated that it could be quicker than the old Carrera GT around the Nordschleife.
Porsche has yet to commit to producing the car, but speaking to Autocar, Macht admitted that the positive reaction to the 918 had already swayed opinion within the firm.
"There is no one inside Porsche who doesn't want to build the 918," he said. "The response has been marvelous; we will ask buyers to sign letters of intent.
"The 918 Spyder provides the answer to whether there can be high-performance cars in the future," he added. "Many have said they are finished. This car shows they are not."
Insiders say the production 918 is likely to go on sale within five years. However, like all Porsches, it will need to make money, despite its halo status within the firm's range.
Macht also denied that a hybrid version of the Cayenne would damage sales of the diesel variant, which made its world debut at Geneva.
"The Cayenne hybrid will account for about 15 percent of sales," he said, "and appeal to customers who use their cars mostly in urban areas. We believe the hybrid sales will be incremental, and the diesel will be better at rural and highway use, where people need its cruising economy and high gearing."
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