Production of the Porsche 918 Spyder begins at the firm's Zuffenhausen factory today. First deliveries are expected before the end of the year.
UK prices start at £657,400, rising to £718,000 if equipped with the optional Weissach performance package. Porsche says orders for the initial limited run of 918 examples have already exceeded expectations, and two thirds of the planned production run is already booked. Porsche directors gave the green light for production following 2000 declarations of interest in 2010.
The 918 Spyder, developed at Porsche's Weissach research centre, develops 599bhp from its naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine. Power is supported by two electric motors producing a combined 282bhp. Total power output is 875bhp at 8500rpm.
The 918 Spyder's most obvious rival is the forthcoming McLaren P1, which uses a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine tuned to produce 727bhp. A hybrid KERS system boosts final output to 903bhp.
The 918 Spyder has set its own Nürburgring time of 6min 57sec.
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That might put me off...
Same here on the looks issue, great arse, average front and side profile - but that fugly centre console must be hiding a structural beam or something. And the steering wheel looks a bit odd too, what's all that about?
It might be enough to send prospective buyers in the direction of a McLaren showroom.
Powerfully subtle .... or subtly powerful?
The looks of this car are really starting to grow on me, especially the rear. That centre console though! It may be practical but I can't get my head round that.
How about a group test Autocar?
If Autocar are able pull any strings, it would great if they could carry out a hypercar group test! Not only a 918, LaFerrari and P1, but also a Huayra, Veyron, Aventador SV (assuming there will be one) and Agera S, plus many others currently around. We've never had it so good with hypercars and this would be one awesome group test!