When Porsche unveiled the Carrera GT in 2003, most thought the 5.7L-equipped coupe would be the German automaker’s magnum opus – and for quite some time, this marvel of engineering certainly was. Zero to 60 times were reported as low as 3.6 seconds (though official records state 3.9 seconds is the figure).
Porsche produces its first hypercar, and it does not disappoint — it’s organic, fiery, and unique
Electric Power is King
The Carrera’s max G’s topped out at 1.4 G, a level of force that teases F1 cars. Keep in mind, this was all accomplished using a relatively archaic V10 engine configured with simple stuff: 4 valves, DOHC, and some fancy alloys. But the Porsche 918 Spyder is a league all its own, because hidden beneath its relatively modest-on-paper 4.6L V8 is something that makes instant torques like no other motor can: Electric. Two electric motors, actually. One controlling each axle. The gas engine produces 608 horses alone, an amazing feat with a motor displacing generally the same amount as an old Mustang GT. But each electric motor pushes close to 140 horses to its subject wheels. Math says that’s 887 horses and 944 torques to the pavement.
The 918’s relatively small 4.6L V8 is impossibly engineered, producing over 608 HP alone.
Tesla got this whole “dump all the power at once” idea right with their P90D series of the Model S. The included Ludicrous Mode on Tesla’s toaster helps jolt the relatively refined, bookish car from null to 60 in just 2.6 seconds. The Tesla is sort of like a computer nerd that’s secretly quite good at Five Finger Fillet – he has some hidden badassery. Porsche took this geek tech and turned it into raw, tire wrecking muscle – and now, other exotic manufacturers are catching on, including McLaren and the brains over at Koenigsegg.
To be sure, the Porsche 918 Spyder is not meant to compete with your typical Prius for smallest carbon footprint. It’s been reported the 918 manages just around 12 miles when cruising spiritedly, and that’s because the electric motors aren’t tuned for distance. They’re tuned for pure torque and instant acceleration.
The Fastest 0-60 Time. Ever.
That’s fine though, because the Porsche 918 Spyder is officially the quickest production car ever built if you consider going from the stop light to the speed limit the truest, “real-world” standard of fast. How fast? 2.2 seconds. Yes, that’s faster than the Bugatti Chiron, and we wager it’s a record that won’t be beaten by a conventional combustion-only car for quite some time. Hennessy’s team building the F5 claim they’ll make 2 seconds flat, but nothing is proven until wheels hit pavement.
The 918’s front fascia is very Porsche, while its rear half is a (literal) massive first for the company
What’s more amazing about the 918, though, is that in truth it actually can compete with your average economy grocery-getter when it comes to fuel efficiency. Where the Carrera GT basically needed an intravenous drip of fuel, the 918 Spyder manages 36 miles to the gallon – if you can keep your foot off the pedal.
Record Holder of The Nürburgring (For Now)
That might be tough, though, because if you’re a man or woman who enjoys speed, you’ll likely want to tickle the 918’s top speed: 211 mph. Combined with a Nürburgring (record) track time of 6’57”, the Porsche 918 Spyder accomplishes surprising, even for such a top-tier manufacturer like Porsche. The 918 is cemented among the current greats, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the LaFerrari and McLaren P1.
There’s too much to talk about , but the 918’s spaceship interior is worthy of its own writing
Porsches have always been the wall poster favorites of boys’ bedrooms. They’ve lovingly played that role as the cool car in your favorite Hollywood action film. But Porsches never truly sufficed the definition of the stripped down, screaming “hypercar”. That all changes with the 918.
A Hypercar With Real Heart, No Hype
We’re very excited to see the Germans produce a bleeding-edge monstrosity of a car that breaks out from the middle of the pack – something that eschews saloon luxury and gullwing doors for turning heads. Something that doesn’t rely on acronyms like AMG or “M-something” to garner fabricated savoir faire.
The Porsche 918 is a screaming demon. There’s some sort of emotional response elicited by its movement and sound. It’s not like the sloppy, brutish muscle of a Lamborghini, or the scientifically exciting but inorganic precision of a Koenigsegg. It’s a well-built firebrand that satisfies its role with surprising prowess and heart. Well done Germans.
