Porsche 918 Spyder

Perhaps predictably, Ferrari positioned the LaFerrari as the car closest in philosophy to a conventional non-hybrid vehicle; the power of its 6.3-liter V12 engine supplemented by a Formula One-inspired Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) is controlled automatically by the car’s ECU. On the other hand, the 918 Spyder and P1 embraced plug-in hybrid technology, with both employing conventional electric motors capable of being charged either from the car’s engine while running, or from an external plug-in source. Furthermore, in the case of both the Porsche and the McLaren, their V8 engines and electric motors could operate either in conjunction with one another or independently. Significantly, this ensured that both were able to function for short periods on electrical energy alone.

Much like its predecessor the Carrera GT, the Porsche 918 would utilize a motorsport-derived engine used to power the highly-successful Porsche RS Spyder LMP2, paired with an advanced carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Powered by a normally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 producing a staggering 607 horsepower, dual axle-mounted electric motors would generate an additional 280 horsepower for a combined 887 horsepower and a maximum torque figure of 944 lb-ft, almost 50 percent greater than that of the McLaren or Ferrari. Not only providing jaw-dropping performance, this hybrid technology also offered greater flexibility than any other hypercar-base system thanks to five distinct driving modes being offered. These modes included E-Power, Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Race Hybrid, and Hot Lap, each of which offered a different configuration to provide the driver with optimal performance for any given situation.

Capable of traveling 12 miles using purely electric power, E-Power mode would still provide a top speed of 93 miles per hour and nimble acceleration with 0-60 mph in seven seconds, while a full-blown Hot Lap setting would utilize maximum power from both electric motors and the V8 with 60 mph achieved in less than three seconds. Along with a top speed of 211 miles per hour, the 918 would also record sector-leading overall fuel consumption and emissions with an impressive range of 420 miles achieved in Hybrid mode.

Alongside the state-of-the-art hybrid technology the 918 would utilize a quick shifting seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. Well proven by Porsche, the PDK transmission has been developed for almost 30 years by Porsche after it was first showcased on their famed 962 racing car with one clutch for even numbered gears and another for odd. This breakthrough resulted in shift times and torque delivery far superior than any other car in Porsche’s class. Also fitted with four-wheel steering and an intelligent four-wheel drive system, the 918 would not only optimize torque allocation between front and rear wheels but also transition to two-wheel drive above speeds of 165 mph to enable the car’s formidable performance to be fully exploited. Naturally, a highly advanced ABS braking system (incorporating six-piston brake calipers at the front and four-piston at the rear, all of which operated on giant, ventilated carbon-ceramic brake discs) ensured that the 918 coped with deceleration as effectively as it did acceleration and cornering.

Finished in a sleek Black (A1) exterior, this 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder was delivered new through Napleton Westmont Porsche in Westmont, Illinois where it was sold new to its first and only registered owner. Equipped with sport bucket seats trimmed in Onyx Black leather, Acid Green piping provides a vibrant contrast to the well-equipped interior, featuring Burmester High-End Surround Sound Audio System and Navigation.

Offered with just 730 miles at the time of cataloging, this car is offered in stunning visual condition protected by full vehicle paint protection film. A true collector quality example, its owner’s manuals, center lock tool, window sticker, and previous service records are included in addition to a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report confirming single-ownership. As one of the original “holy trinity” hypercars, the highly-collectible 918 Spyder was a true pioneer in hybrid-electric technology that laid the framework still used by modern performance cars to this day and it remains as desirable as the day it was introduced.