Porsche Updates Power Figures on 918 by 105hp

PorschePorscheGermany, 1931 > present43 models
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has released a new round of details on the 918 Spyder. The most surprising new detail is that it has upgraded the car’s power figures by over 100hp. The 918 Spyder will no longer produce 770hp, it has been re-rated at 887ps (875hp) of combined output with its electric motors.

Porsche has been progressively teasing its next supercar since last year. Each time, the stated power figures have improved. It says that the latest upgrades come from what Porsche has learned developing its 2014 LMP1 car for the World Endurance Championship.

The optimized 918 Spyder is rated at 887ps (875hp) and 650lb-ft of torque. The engine has a redline of 9,150rpm with 4.6-liters of displacement. Porsche says that the top speed will be more than 340km/h (211mph), and acceleration to 100km/h will take 2.8 seconds. Fuel economy has been rated at 3.3l/100km average and 79g/km of CO2 emissions. The weight distribution is 43% front and 57% rear. The Weissach Package will weigh 1640kg (3616lb) and get magnesium wheels.

The Weissach Package also has its roof, rear wings, rear-view mirrors and frames of the windscreen made from visible carbon fiber. The interior is upholstered in Alcantara and carbon fiber replaces aluminum parts. All told the package will cut weight by 35kg (77lb).

It appears that every part of the 918 Spyder has been inspired by Porsche’s racing past or future. The V8 is a bored out version of the engine that was used in the RS Spyder LMP2Porsche RS Spyder EvoGermany, 2007 > present3 photos
car, and the monocoque and subframe are made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic. It says that the two-motor hybrid system that has an electric motor operating on the front and rear axle was inspired by the 911 GT3 R Hybrid in that the system automatically grants full power from the motors if the accelerator is fully depressed.

The 4.6-liter V8 produces 608hp by itself and has a variety of race-inspired equipment. The tank for the dry sump lubrication system and air filter box are integrated into the subframe and also made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The engine itself has no auxiliary systems – no external belts at all. They are all provided by separate systems. It allows the engine to produce 132hp per liter and have its astronomic redline. It will be the highest output per liter of any naturally aspirated Porsche road car ever.

It’s one novel feature is the two exhaust outlets that leave out the top of the car. Porsche says that it improves heat removal and increases power because of the short length of the exhaust

The suspension has double-wishbones in front and active steering rear wheels, plus adaptive shocks all around. The rear wheels can steer up to 3 degrees to improve handling.

The 918’s active aerodynamic elements include an adjustable rear wing, underfloor flaps and air inlets under the headlights. In Race mode, the rear wing tips fully down and extends, and the two underfloor air flaps open to create downforce on the front axle. Sport mode lowers the wing slightly and closes the flaps to raise the top speed. There is also E mode, which decreases aerodynamic drag as much as possible. The inlets under the headlights remain open at all times to cool the engine, except in E or Hybrid mode.

Drivers can also select various driving modes from the steering wheel including Hot Lap, which is only meant for a few laps at a time. It forces the battery to use all of its available power until its completely empty.

The plug-in hybrid system can decouple from the engine when needed to allow the car to coast. The port for the plug-in is in the B-pillar, and it will vary depending on the company where the car is purchased. From a 230v outlet, it will take four hours to charge. It will also offer a fast charging system using DC current that can charge the car in 25 minutes.

The 918 is slated to on sale in September with prices starting at $845,000 or €768,026, the upgraded Weissach Packages goes for $929,000 or €839,426.