Hybrid or electric supercars are the hot new thing among the Germans, with Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric due in a few years, and Audi working on the e-tron electric super sportscar. Now it looks like Porsche is planning to dip its toes into production of a hybrid supercar with the 918 Spyder. We're looking forward to it, but we're not holding our breath for electron-powered rubber to meet the road.
There's been no official announcement, but a report from Autocar says Porsche's whole team wants to build the car--right up to Porsche boss Michael Macht.
Porsche's 918 Spyder combines a 3.8-liter V-8 engine rated at 500 horsepower with a pair of electric motors good for another 218 horsepower, yielding electrifying performance: 3.2 seconds to 62 mph, 198 mph top speed--and all while revving to 9,200 rpm and delivering 78 mpg.
Clearly, the 918 Spyder proves it's possible to build a meaningful hybrid sportscar, and its aesthetics likewise prove they don't have to be the ugly ducklings of the breed. Here's hoping it sees production, and that we'll eventually have the loose change to stick one in our garage.
[Autocar]
