Porsche Shows 918 Spyder prototype

Porsche has unveiled the prototype of the 918 Spyder. The complete new development is designed around the hybrid drive around. Designed, developed and manufactured, the 918 Spyder Porsche engineers who build racing cars, in cooperation with specialists Series. This means that numerous findings from the development of the Porsche race cars flow into the model - and vice versa. The structural design of the 918 Spyder with a rolling chassis as a base - so even without a roadworthy vehicle body ground - is racing tradition at Porsche. The V8 engine is derived conceptually from the LMP2 RS Spyder racing car, the supporting structures monocoque and subframe made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. 

The hybrid drive is based on findings that Porsche has gained with the successful 911 GT3 R Hybrid racing. The additional, individually controllable front wheel drive can be especially on bends driving new strategies for safe and extremely high cornering speeds achieved. Then there is the more advanced "boost" strategy that intelligently controls the energy balance of the electric drive that for each sprint at full speed full overall performance is easily accessible by full pressure on the accelerator.

The entire supporting structure made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is extremely rigid. Additional Crash elements at front and rear are designed to absorb energy in a collision and dismantle. This concept has a significant share of the curb weight of around 1640 kg (with optional Weissach package). For a hybrid vehicle of this performance range, this is a supremely low value.


The multi-link suspension of the Porsche 918 Spyder has its model in racecar adds to other systems such as the variable PASM damper system and the rear axle. This essentially consists of an electromechanical adjustment on each rear wheel.

Porsche Active Aerodynamic (PAA), a system of adjustable aerodynamic elements, ensures variable aerodynamics that automatically operates in three stages between optimal efficiency and maximum output and tailored to the operational modes of the hybrid system. In "Race" mode the extendable rear wing is made steep, creating a high downforce on the rear axle. In addition, the spoiler extends and which is mounted in the area of ​​flow separation between the two uprights of the leaf. In addition, two adjustable air dampers to be opened under the floor in front of the front axle and the forward part of the air diffuser channel in the underbody paneling. The result is also on the front axle, a "ground-effect".

In "Sport" mode, the aerodynamic control takes back the angle of the rear wing slightly, allowing a higher top speed. The spoiler remains extended. The aerodynamic flap in the underbody conclude what the air resistance is also reduced, increasing the achievable speeds. In the "E" mode, the control goes entirely to low air resistance, rear wing and spoilers are retracted and the flaps closed underbody. Adjustable air intakes under the headlights complement the adaptive aerodynamics system. With the vehicle stopped, the race and sports mode they are open for maximum cooling air supply. In the E-power modes, and "hybrid" they conclude directly after starting to keep low air resistance. Only at speeds of around 130 km / h or increasing cooling load they are opened.

Core of the 918 Spyder concept is the distribution of the drive on three engines, whose cooperation is controlled by an intelligent management. To use the large spread of these applications most effectively, the Porsche developers defined five modes that are activated in accordance with motorsport through a switch in the steering wheel. Based on this code the 918 Spyder brings the most appropriate operating strategy and boost without further action by the driver so that he can concentrate fully on track.

When starting the engine, the electric operation with sufficient state of charge of the battery, the default set program. The 918 Spyder can travel more than 30 kilometers on electric ideally. In pure electric mode the 918 Spyder accelerates in less than seven seconds from zero to 100 km / h up to 150 km / h fast. The internal combustion engine is used in this mode only when necessary. If the battery level falls below a predetermined minimum value, it is automatically switched to hybrid mode. Then operate electric machines and a combustion engine alternately .. The power use of the individual drive components present in each case depends on the driving situation and the desired mileage.

For more dynamic sets of its 918 Spyder engines in "sports hybrid" one. The internal combustion engine takes over the main drive. In addition, the electric machine supported by electric boost, or when the operating point of the engine can be optimized for greater efficiency propulsion.
"Race Hybrid" is the mode for maximum performance and extremely sporty driving style. The engine is preferably operated under a high load and charges the battery when the driver does not retrieve the maximum power.

The "Hot Lap" button in the center of the map switch also sets the last reserves of the 918 Spyder is free and only in the "Race Hybrid" mode activated. Similar to a qualification mode, the traction battery is thus operated for some fast laps at its maximum power limit.

Main power source is the 4.6-liter eight-cylinder engine with 447 kW / 608 hp. The engine is derived directly from the engine in the RS Spyder and therefore allows speeds up to 9150 rev / min. To the V8 engine, the hybrid module includes an.Porsche designed as a parallel hybrid. In the hybrid module essentially consists of an approximately 115 kW / hp electric motor 156 and a clutch as connecting element to the combustion engine.

The power transmission to the rear axle takes a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK). It has been completely redesigned and optimized for the 918 Spyder.

There is another, independent electric machine with around 95 kW / 129 hp to the front axle. The electric motor drives the front wheels through a fixed transmission ratio. The storage of electrical energy takes on a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery from 312 single cells with an energy content of about seven kilowatt hours. The warranty period for the liquid-cooled traction battery is seven years worldwide.

The cockpit is divided into two main areas: firstly, the main driving controls are grouped around the multifunction steering wheel, combined with the driver information by three large round instruments. On the other hand, the infotainment block is in the raised center console, which introduced the Carrera GT housed. Performed in a novel black-panel technology can be as intuitive to use multi-touch control functions such as climate control, blade adjustment, light and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with Burmester high-end sound system.

For customers of the 918 Spyder, which are particularly performance-oriented, Porsche offers the "Weissach" on package. Even at first glance are optional also leaning to the colors and design of the legendary Porsche race cars supersports modified accordingly. Roof, rear wing, rear view mirrors and the windscreen frame are made of carbon. Parts of the interior are covered with Alcantara instead of leather and visible carbon replaced in many cases the aluminum.