Porsche 918 Spyder
Electric drive
= 1 = Charging equipmentFor convenient home charging, we recommend the installation of an industrial electrical outlet and use of the Charging Dock, which has been specially styled by Porsche Design and comes as standard. During AC charging, the alternating current of the mains supply is converted into direct current by the vehicle’s on-board charger for charging the traction battery.
The especially powerful Porsche Speed Charging Station (DC) rated at 20 kW is available as an option. It is intended for permanent installation and reduces charging time to under half an hour.
Our ‘Porsche Car Connect’ smartphone app, including a range of e-mobility services, is available to allow you to manage and monitor your vehicle remotely, for example during the charging process.
Fuel consumption* 918 Spyder (combined): 3.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined) 72 g/km. Electricity consumption 12.7 kWh/100 km.
Fuel consumption* 918 Spyder with Weissach package (combined): 3.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined) 70 g/km. Electricity consumption 12.7 kWh/100 km.
* These data were obtained using the Euro 5 measurement method (715/2007/EC and 692/2008/EC) in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) with standard equipment. The information does not refer to an individual vehicle and is not part of the offer, but is simply provided so that comparisons can be made between different types of vehicle. Further, up to date information on the individual vehicles can be obtained from your Porsche Centre.
Consumption figures were obtained on the basis of standard equipment. Special equipment may affect consumption and performance.
= 2 = Electric machines
The two electric machines impress with an exceptionally high power output for their weight and size. They offer a combined mechanical power output of over 210 kW
(286 hp), with 95 kW (129 hp) produced at the front axle and 115 kW (156 hp) at the rear. As a result, the 918 Spyder boasts the highest electric machine power output of any production hybrid. The all-electric top speed is up to 150 km/h.
Another benefit of the electric drive is its incredibly fast response – for extremely fast acceleration from a standing start. It enables a fast-acting electric all-wheel-drive function. For weight reasons, the electric machine at the front axle has a constant gear ratio. The result is an enormous amount of tractive power at the wheels even while the V8 high-revving engine is still operating in the low speed range. This effect is further amplified in the higher gears. This kind of arrangement means that the electric machine at the front axle reaches maximum rpm at 265 km/h and is then decoupled.
the electric drive is significantly more efficient than a combustion engine across the wide speed range – with an efficiency of approximately 90 % in most load ranges.
Above all, however, electric machines can be used to recuperate energy, which can be
used later to provide an additional e-boost.
Fuel consumption* 918 Spyder (combined): 3.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined) 72 g/km. Electricity consumption 12.7 kWh/100 km.
Fuel consumption* 918 Spyder with Weissach package (combined): 3.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined) 70 g/km. Electricity consumption 12.7 kWh/100 km.
* These data were obtained using the Euro 5 measurement method (715/2007/EC and 692/2008/EC) in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) with standard equipment. The information does not refer to an individual vehicle and is not part of the offer, but is simply provided so that comparisons can be made between different types of vehicle. Further, up to date information on the individual vehicles can be obtained from your Porsche Centre.
Consumption figures were obtained on the basis of standard equipment. Special equipment may affect consumption and performance.
= 3 = High-performance traction battery
The traction battery has a exceedingly high energy content, a very fast power output and according electric boost of the electric machines.
It can be recharged by the mains supply via the charging socket (plug-in) on the vehicle. The battery also recharges in different ways while the vehicle is in motion:
One is in recuperation mode, whereby a portion of the vehicle’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by the electric machines, for example under braking.
In a second scenario the combustion engine can drive the rear electric machine, which then operates as a generator and charges the traction battery in the process. The principle: load point displacement. The result: greater energy reserves for extremely fast lap times. Or for driving in purely electric mode.
= 4 = Porsche e-mobility
In view of an all-electric top speed of 150 km/h and a maximum torque of 475 Nm from a standing start, you will come to regard electricity in a completely new light. Thanks in part to recuperation, e-boost and the electric all-wheel drive system, electricity will be your new guarantee of driving pleasure.
Delivering a fuel consumption of 3.3–3.0 litres per 100 km (depending on the vehicle variant) and with an all-electric range of 31 km (measured in the NEDC), the interaction of the three drive units in the 918 Spyder shows that performance is not always a question of brawn but brains too.
The 918 Spyder is a future model in terms of performance. Or quite simply a super sports car in the form of a plug-in hybrid.
Classic drive
= 1 = V8 High-revving engineThanks to a power output of more than 447 kW (608 hp), the high-performance unit attains the level of a racing engine. That’s what we call motorsport DNA. Its low weight of around only 135 kg and its low position provide the optimum prerequisites to extremely dynamic driving performance and ultra precise power delivery – on the racetrack and on the road.
The unit is also equipped with drysump lubrication with a separate oil tank, scavenge pumps in aluminium and connecting rods in titanium. Not to mention a flat, lightweight crankshaft. All of which means weight down, power up.
Fuel consumption* 918 Spyder (combined): 3.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined) 72 g/km. Electricity consumption 12.7 kWh/100 km.
Fuel consumption* 918 Spyder with Weissach package (combined): 3.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined) 70 g/km. Electricity consumption 12.7 kWh/100 km.
* These data were obtained using the Euro 5 measurement method (715/2007/EC and 692/2008/EC) in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) with standard equipment. The information does not refer to an individual vehicle and is not part of the offer, but is simply provided so that comparisons can be made between different types of vehicle. Further, up to date information on the individual vehicles can be obtained from your Porsche Centre.
Consumption figures were obtained on the basis of standard equipment. Special equipment may affect consumption and performance.
= 2 = Exhaust system with top pipes
Top pipes are not only new to the road, they are new for Porsche. The concept comes from the racetrack and proves unequivocally where the 918 Spyder feels at home.
During the series production development process, our engineers were unhappy to accept that the particularly effective exhaust concept used in motorsport could not be transferred to a road vehicle, or at least to a super sports car.
So they adopted a completely new approach, resulting in a new type of thermodynamic air routing concept that has enabled the use of extremely short exhaust gas channels: the gases are expelled from the car through the top pipes directly above the engine. The associated reduction in exhaust backpressure has a positive impact on power output and fuel economy. The audible effect is heard in the resonant Porsche sound that reveals the motorsport genes of the 918 Spyder.
Another welcome advantage in terms of the technical requirements of a plug-in hybrid is that the heat of the combustion engine is dissipated more rapidly from the vehicle. Last, but not least, the top pipes on the 918 Spyder also serve to emphasise its pure racing character. Let’s just call it a pleasant side effect.
= 3 = Porsche Doppelkupplung
For the refined version of Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) shift times and shift programmes have been further optimised. PDK changes gear automatically, but you can still take manual control using the gearshift paddles on the sports steering wheel. Gear changes take place in milliseconds with no interruption in the flow of power. Just like in motorsport.
Performance hybrid
= 1 = Performance hybridThe 918 Spyder can be driven at the rear axle by the combustion engine, by the rear electric machine alone or by both together. Depending on the selected drive strategy, an additional electric machine will be activated to drive the front axle. The distribution of power between the axles is automated and it is regulated by a new type of drive control system, namely Electric Porsche Traction Management (ePTM).
The 918 Spyder attains exceptional overall performance values using three sources of drive: a total system power output of more 652 kW (887 hp) and a total system torque of more than 800 Nm in the 800 to 5,000 rpm range. In 7th gear, the result is a maximum crankshaft torque of over 1,280 Nm.
For you, that means exceptionally high torque even at low engine speeds, harmonious power development over the full engine speed range and a very high maximum engine speed of 9,150 rpm.
= 2 = High-performance hybrid braking system
The high-performance hybrid braking system uniquely combines excellent recuperation performance with an authentic brake pedal feel.
The intelligent hydraulic system fades between the electric brakes and the hydraulic brakes of the PCCB brake system – a process imperceptible to the driver – and ensures constant feedback in the brake pedal in every driving situation as you would rightly expect from any Porsche.
Driving dynamics
= 1 = Electric Porsche Traction ManagementTorque is distributed between the front and rear axles actively and extremely quickly by control of the electric machine at the front axle. Sensors check, among other variables, the rotation speeds of all four wheels, the longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the vehicle, and the steering angle. By evaluating all data, the system can quickly adjust the distribution of drive force between the front and rear axles in order to achieve optimum balance.
In this way, ePTM, in conjunction with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and anti-slip regulation (ASR), ensures that forces are distributed appropriately in every driving situation to provide excellent acceleration. The results are a high degree of safety and outstanding performance combined with exemplary balance.
= 2 = Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus
Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) enhances driving dynamics and stability. The system works by intelligently braking the rear wheels and operates in conjunction with a fully variable and electronically regulated rear differential lock.
For the driver, this means remarkable lateral stability and outstanding traction as well as greater agility at every speed – attributes that are essential at the limits of sporty performance, not least because they are key to sustaining increased driving pleasure.
= 3 = Porsche Active Suspension Management
At the press of a button, you can select between two different modes: ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’. ‘Normal’ mode is designed for sporty driving on public roads and on wet racetracks. ‘Sport’ mode is specially tuned for maximum lateral acceleration and offers the best possible traction on the track.
Axles
= 1 = Rear-axle steeringAn electromechanical adjustment system at each rear wheel allows the wheels to turn a few degrees in either direction as a function of driving speed.
During low-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to that of the front wheels. This has the virtual effect of shortening the wheelbase for perceptibly more dynamic steering into corners. The turning circle is reduced, which makes it easier to manoeuvre.
During high-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as that of the front wheels. This virtual extension of the wheelbase helps to increase driving stability.
= 2 = Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB)
The brake system of the 918 Spyder had to be a proven racetrack performer of the kind fitted to cars participating in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, for example. The brake discs have a diameter of 410 and 390 mm at the front and rear, respectively. The six-piston monobloc aluminium fixed brake calipers at the front axle and four-piston units at the rear, all painted in Acid Green, ensure a powerful and, above all, constant braking effect.
The key advantage of PCCB is its extremely low weight, with ceramic brake discs that are approximately 50 % lighter than standard discs of a similar design. As well as enhancing performance and fuel economy, this represents a major reduction in unsprung and rotating masses.
= 3 = Wheels
The car is equipped with 20-inch wheels at the front axle and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The black painted finish on the rims contrasts with the highly polished surfaces on the front to create a stunning three-dimensional effect. Thanks to their size, they offer benefits with respect to dynamic performance and rolling resistance.
The 918 Spyder magnesium wheel is available on request – and is fitted as standard to the 918 Spyder with Weissach package. The forged one-piece magnesium wheels are especially light and yet extremely robust. The design, borrowed from the RS Spyder, permits optimum material usage. By comparison with the standard wheels, they offer a weight advantage of approximately 14.9 kg.
Both wheels have the characteristic central locking device from motorsport in common – a crucial advantage when the timer on the racetrack is ticking.
Cockpit
= 1 = Multifunction sport steering wheelThe map switch is at the heart of this philosophy. It enables you to select any one of four drive modes plus a Hot Lap configuration.
Gearshift paddles allow motorsport- style gear changes. Positions D, N and R are selected by means of a compact lever in the dashboard. Two thumbwheels are conveniently placed for controlling the left and right displays in the instrument cluster.
The three circular instruments in the cut-away dashboard are not only ergonomic, they are style-defining too. As in any Porsche, the analogue rev counter is located centrally in the ‘Power & Drive’ circular instrument. It may exude classic appeal but it also looks to the digital future with an LED power metre display in the outer ring encircling the dial face. It displays the power being delivered by each type of drive.
A digital display informs you of the active gear, your current driving speed and the drive mode. The ‘Speed & Assist’ circular instrument on the left combines speed and cruise control information. To the right of the rev counter is the ‘Car & Info’ instrument with displays for fuel level, on-board computer, battery state of charge, range, gear change assistant and g-force.
= 2 = Centre console with touchscreen and central information display
A state-of-the-art control concept with smartphone-style touch and gesture recognition, character recognition (including Chinese) and three rotary pushbuttons provide intuitive operation of displays and control functions. Displayed content can be customised to your own preference. Embedded in the exquisite centre console, the touch surfaces enable fast navigation and direct operation of functions relating to comfort and convenience, air conditioning, car settings and Porsche Communication Management (PCM), which is integrated as standard.
PCM information is shown in the central 8-inch information display. This is housed in the dashboard behind a panoramic shroud to minimise reflections for optimum readability even on the move.
With touchscreen operation and the information display, we have managed to optimise ergonomics and readability.
= 3 = Porsche Communication Management (PCM)
In the interests of weight saving, PCM dispenses with CD/DVD drives. At the same time, the 918 Spyder has reached the next stage of technical evolution in terms of communication. We’ve focused on connectivity, with two USB interfaces, WLAN and Bluetooth®.
Via WLAN or Bluetooth® on your smartphone, you can connect PCM directly to the Internet and display or use various online services, like weather forecasts or Internet radio, in PCM. Of course, you can also access the media content of a portable device, such as an MP3 player, or the media library of your smartphone and have the Cover Flow interface appear in PCM.
A hands-free function enables direct access to your personal address book as well as SMS and e-mails. For e-mails, text-to-speech is additionally supported.
Thanks to the separation of touchscreen and information display, you can edit destination entries or route options and the active route will continue to be shown in the upper information display. An intelligent navigation suggestions search function is sure to be of service. With an active Internet connection established via your smartphone, this will be updated constantly in background.