To say that expectations for the Porsche 918 Spyder ran high would be a massive understatement. Not only was it a follow-up to the storied Porsche Carrera GT, but it also squared off directly against McLaren’s P1 and the Ferrari LaFerrari. All three contemporary hypercars made use of the latest advanced hybrid-electric powertrain technology, but the 918 Spyder was perhaps less of a hard-edged track-weapon—instead focusing on top-quality materials, impeccable build quality, and true everyday useability. Additionally, it boasted the furthest electric-only range, lowest carbon dioxide emissions, and lowest fuel consumption when compared to its competition.
Of course, none of this came at the cost of mind-bending performance.
Cradled in a chassis constructed almost entirely of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composite, the 918 Spyder’s heart is a 90-degree V-8 based upon that found in Porsche RS Spyder LMP2 Le Mans prototype. Thanks to its flat-plane crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, 32-valve cylinder head, and dry-sump lubrication, it revs to an ear-piercing 9,000 rpm and delivers 608 horsepower, which equates to an incredible 133 horsepower per liter of displacement. Add in the pair of electric motors, and the 918 Spyder’s total output is an astonishing 887 horsepower and 994 pound-feet of torque.
Power is managed through Porsche’s superb PDK seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, and its delivery can be further refined through five driving modes, ranging from full electric to “Hot Lap,” which uses every ounce of available performance from the powertrain. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph can be achieved in under 2.5 seconds—faster than both the McLaren P1 and the Ferrari LaFerrari—leading toward a top speed of 211 mph.
The 918 Spyder’s brakes are as mighty as its incredible powertrain. Massive carbon-ceramic discs sitting behind the car’s lightweight alloy wheels featured six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear. Assisting the car’s handling and downforce are a handful of active aerodynamic features, including an adjustable rear wing, a pair of under-floor flaps in the nose, and further adjustable flaps in the headlamp area.
The 918 Spyder’s performance specifications were impressive when new, and they remain so today. It is worth noting, however, that of Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren, only Porsche has launched a fully electric road car—the highly successful Taycan—underscoring the 918 Spyder’s crucial role as a bridge between the internal combustion-powered past and the unfolding electric future.
918 SPYDER SERIAL NUMBER 834
This extravagantly tailored 918 Spyder, serial number 834, was delivered new to its first owner via Pepe Porsche of White Plains, New York—now Porsche Larchmont—in August 2015. Its entirely unique specification is highlighted by the stunning color combination of White (LC9A) paintwork and a matching roof panel over a custom-tailored, leather-to-sample interior rendered with Bianco Leda and Garnet Red upholstery. Nearly every detail within the richly appointed cabin has been trimmed to the precise wishes of its original owner. Garnet Red piping edges its way around the perimeter of the lightweight carbon-fiber bucket seats. This aesthetic is reversed—to a tremendously pleasing effect—upon the door cards and dashboard, where Garnet Red leather panels are surged with Bianco Leda piping. The envy-inducing cockpit is further enhanced with the desirable carbon-fiber interior package. To make daily driving less stressful to drive daily, the car was also equipped from the factory with the optional front-axle lift system to help negotiate speed bumps and inclines, as well as the HomeLink system to ease garage entry, and the 25-foot extended cable to conveniently charge the 6.8 kilowatt-hour battery.
Believed to have had just three owners from new, this scarcely driven 918 Spyder shows just 2,095 miles at the time of cataloguing.
The car’s body is covered by a professionally applied paint protection film, preserving its beautiful exterior finish. Thanks to this precautionary step and given the car’s very modest use, this well-equipped and superbly specified example in wonderful colors remains in stellar condition, giving its next owner the chance to enjoy the closest thing to an “as new” 918 Spyder as is likely possible today.
As hybrid and electric vehicles gain ever greater acceptance, the 918 Spyder stands as testament to Porsche’s engineering expertise in creating innovative products and it becoming an industry leader in the electrification of the automobile. Lessons learned from the 918 have trickled down to other models, such as the popular Cayenne and Panamera hybrids, and even the all-electric Taycan.
Its impact on the future of automobiles aside, the 918 Spyder simply remains an utter thrill to drive and to behold. For years to come, it will be fondly remembered as Porsche’s bright outlook on the future, showing that performance and efficiency can beautifully combine to create a truly mesmerizing automobile.
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