‘Our challenge is to move forward with confidence, blazing new paths. We may not yet know where this will take us. But we do know that it’s the only way to create something new.’ As Porsche itself alluded to when addressing prospective customers, its forthcoming hybrid flagship marked a step into the unknown. It was billed as a creation that ‘contradicts the juxtaposition of economy and extreme performance, puzzling those who think only in black and white. Above all, the 918 Spyder will revive the fascination with sports cars.’
Alongside the similarly electrified McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari, the resulting 918 Spyder completed the so-called “Holy Trinity” of the mid-2010s. Between them, they more than ‘revived a fascination with sports cars’, going so far as to transfix a new generation of enthusiasts. What’s more, 12 years after entering limited production, and following the 959 and Carrera GT, the 918 Spyder remains arguably only the third halo car in Porsche history.
Much like its mid-engined Carrera GT predecessor, which borrowed its V-10 from the cancelled LMP2000 prototype endurance racer, the 918 Spyder boasts an intrinsic link to motorsport. At the heart of the hypercar beats a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V-8. It exhales through the model’s distinctive raised exhaust outlets that sit behind the integrated rollover hoops. The engine, and indeed the ‘Spyder’ moniker, were taken from the RS Spyder—the dominant LMP2 class sportscar developed in partnership with the famed Penske race team.
The internal combustion engine alone, which could spin to a limit of 9,150 rpm, was rated at 608 horsepower. It was then supplemented by a brace of electric motors—one for each axle—for a combined output of 887 horsepower. Delivered via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and with the benefit of four-wheel-drive off the line, the 918 Spyder boasted a claimed 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of just 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 344 km/h.
Fittingly for the 918 Spyder, Porsche limited production to just 918 customer examples. Of those, a considerable 297 were destined for the United States. From the remaining allocation of 621 cars, chassis number 232 offered here was delivered new to Saudi Arabia. A beautiful and extensive specification resulted in the rich Meteor Grey Metallic paint worn by this car, which was protected by anti-stone chip film applied at the factory. The callipers for the carbon-ceramic brakes and badging are finished in the model’s synonymous Acid Green.
It was desirably configured with the Weissach Package. Adding 10 per cent to the already substantial list price, this option—which was named after the Porsche test track in southwest Germany—was rated for a weight saving of 41 kilograms. It included the fitment of a more pronounced rear diffuser, plus a carbon fibre finish for the removable roof panels, windscreen surround, active rear wing, and door mirrors. In addition, to cut through the air as cleanly as possible, 918 Spyders fitted with the Weissach Package gained carbon fibre aero blades and flaps in the air outlets positioned behind the front wheels. A fine-tuned braking system made greater use of titanium, the wheel bearings were ceramic, and a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic stabiliser was deployed on the rear axle. Even the front clamshell was supported by a CFRP rod rather than the standard gas strut.
Naturally, 918 Spyders equipped with the Weissach Package remain the most coveted among collectors for it was in this lightest and most efficient form that the car saved three seconds to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in an incredible 6 min 57 sec. Intriguingly, this example was specifically appointed from new without the magnesium wheels and instead left Zuffenhausen wearing a set of staggered 20- and 21-inch polished wheels.
The generous configuration of this 918 Spyder continued through to the cabin. Predominantly upholstered in Onyx Black leather, the interior also features swathes of exquisite gloss carbon fibre trim and further Acid Greed details. These flashes extend to the accents at the top of the door trims, the centre stripe on the steering wheel, the perimeter piping on the sports seats, the edges of the seatbelts, plus the tachometer needle. Additional highlights include the upgraded Burmester High-End audio system and, helping to improve usability, the conveniences of a front-axle lift system and even a cupholder.
This 918 Spyder is accompanied by its charging cables, a car cover, plus six-point race-style Schroth harnesses. The odometer displayed only 1,597 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.
For any collector looking to complete the “Holy Trinity” of hybrid hypercars alongside a McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari, or for the Porsche devotee who already owns a 959 and Carrera GT, there are few better candidates than this stunning 918 ‘Weissach’ Spyder.
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