2013 Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Priced Over $800,000

By Chris Weiss

Chris Weiss

BIO

Chris Weiss developed his love for cars during his toddler years when he learned that his father's 1978 Camaro was a whole lot cooler to be seen in... More

LATEST ARTICLE
Bentley Continental GT V8 Practices For Goodwood Hillclimb
Draft day is nice, but if you're a rookie pitcher, what you're really excited for is getting out... Read More

• N/ALEADERBOARD RANK
• 150ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
• 0COMMENTS POSTED

2,103 views Mar 23, 2011

Blowing well past any logical pricing expectations, Porsche has announced that the 918 Spyder Hybrid will retail for $845,000.

That price is before destination charge, which has yet to be determined.

Last summer, before Porsche had even confirmed the 918 for production, Bloomberg reported that it was likely to run 500,000 euros, or around $630,000 at the time. That price was enough to make the 918 Porsche's most expensive car, but Porsche has pushed its plug-in supercar into an entirely new tax bracket with its official pricing.

In spite of the 918's massive sticker, and the precarious economic times we live in, the hybrid supercar is selling quickly. Only 918 examples will be built over a two-year production run, and Porsche's order book is inking up in a hurry.

The 918 will hit, and may define, the ultra-performance hybrid market in late 2013. Originally launched as a concept--a show-stealing concept-- at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder was confirmed for production last summer. In production garb, the 918 is expected to feature the same layout as the concept: a mid-mounted, 500-hp 4.0-liter V-8 engine paired with front- and rear-mounted electric motors, putting out a total of around 718 horses. The electric motors are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, which can be charged via a standard power socket.

Instead of the open top seen on the concept, the production 918 will get removable, targa-style roof panels that can be pulled off and stored in the front luggage compartment.

The 918 Spyder will be capable of reaching 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and topping out at 199 mph, all while offering more than 16 miles of all-electric range and European combined cycle fuel efficiency of 78 mpg. Official EPA figures will be released just before the 918 Spyder hits the U.S. market in November 2013.

Given the 918's combination of price, performance and efficiency, it will have little to no competition when deliveries begin.

Wagering that customers that spend $845K on a Porsche will have no problem dropping a million, Porsche will offer buyers a limited-edition 911 Turbo S called the Edition 918 Spyder. That model will come in both Coupe and Cabriolet flavors, with price tags of $161,650 and $173,050, respectively. As with the 918 itself, 918 examples of the special-edition 911 will be offered. The models will feature exterior elements similar to those of the 918 Spyder, acid-green accents on the inside and out, and a numbered badge on the glove compartment. Deliveries of this special-edition appetizer will begin later this year.

The order books are open as of today.


[Porsche]