Porsche confirmed the 918 Spyder for production almost six months ago, but that was the last news we received about the halo hybrid supercar. But now a few new details have emerged on what we can expect when the production version arrives in a few years time.
According to Porsche's own Christophorus Magazine, the production 918 Spyder will make its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show and will bring with it a few key changes from the concept car which shocked the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010.
Probably the biggest changes have been made to its internal combustion motivation which is still a V-8 but has increased in size from 3.4-liters to 4.6. The high tech new engine will also use a variety of new technologies that are said to include "a central injector mounted directly adjacent to the spark plug, a central oil feed to the crankshaft, a variable-pressure composite oil pump and scavenge pump, forged lightweight pistons from a Formula 1 supplier, a very high compression ratio, and--a Porsche first--variable valve timing with intake and exhaust phase stepper motors."
Despite the extensive modifications, the engine is still based on the race bred V-8 originally developed for the RS Spyder LMP2 race car.
In addition, a source at Teamspeed is claiming that the new motor will produce 550 horsepower, which is 50 up on what was quoted for the concept. The source goes on to say that though the 918 will loose one of the concept's three electric motors, the two remaining will be good for a combined 230 horsepower, which adds up to a combined output of 730 horsepower.
The production car will also see a slight increase in size at 5.8-inches longer and half-an-inch wider than the concept and will have a dry weight of just under 3,700 pounds. If you're thinking about it, then the order books are apparently still wide open. Just have the not-so-paltry $845,000 at the ready for the required cost of entry.
