As one of the most anticipated hybrids ever conceived, Porsche has released a new set of images of its 918 Spyder prototype and announced that it has begun testing… which, at this point in development, seems obvious.
![Porsche 918 Spyder profile](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmGfa3NYWkbz1lRMeFjjn35u_hBDAiwQnV8W_ZerE-S9ZFvcATvIjo3sqtot1H8c832lpShotih6YYk23YsAoR4aB4PROOhyphenhyphenYBKKxrsWzXDDh0CgxsFSQLum2Q0WBGYfJxZYwufhjanbv/s1600/porsche_918-spyder2.jpg) |
With production slated to begin in September 2013, Porsche expects first deliveries to hit showrooms by end of that year. The world’s first plug-in hybrid supercar will be powered by a 570-hp mid-engine 4.6L V8 augmented by two electric motors one powering the front wheels and one powering the rear. |
![Porsche 918 Spyder front driver](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsIbX4NMEp66KnFKS5xdPjFd8PM-a85R_7iZZ1RCMPKd9qdkg7nqN6Q-NmschMhDqAZfd16Rfi7wMGz3GjRwhz8OhXM2FLG3NL6f3eDOgYpXhaCKQ2-0EpQrOxu5dc71YTYFqqOAkVbZr/s1600/porsche_918-spyder3.jpg) |
Built on a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, Porsche claims the 918 Spyder will boast over 770 HPs (gas + electric motors) and 553 lb-ft of torque, while still notching an otherworldly 74 MPGs. Porsche is also reportedly experimenting with a new “Hot Lap” mode that could raise torque to over 700 lb-ft allowing the 918 to notch a 0-60 mph time in under 3 seconds. |
![Porsche 918 Spyder rear](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4RYY7ixB1TAIeBlhrAh7W_v7DtuoU9iUfWGFGGbXm4SIJUIBGMHj51J7F4c_xW1LocUNwjeCA1T8aZArVDCs8rn-uWV5PWLzUe5qNoLvc8pTxK4TivJGrlqXx-8Lf-lQ-OwT8BdN6xzS/s1600/porsche_918-spyder4.jpg) |
Even with Ferrari working on its hybrid and Audi’s all electric e-TRON in the works, it seems the 918 will be tough to beat in the eco-minded Green Supercar segment. |