Haute Toys

Hauto: Porsche 918 Spyder

This hybrid concept car debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last March. Universally applauded for its drop-dead good looks, the Porsche 918 Spyder integrates visual cues from Porsche’s last supercar, the Carerra GT, but sheds volume for a sleeker, more tightly wrapped package. This car consists of a hybrid drivetrain that is capable of either admirably efficient mileage (78 mpg) or enthralling performance (0 – 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, top speed of 198 mph).

The 918 features four drive modes that offer varying degrees of electric motor integration with commensurate levels of fuel efficiency and inversely proportionate performance. Porsche may be the only manufacturer with immediate plans to produce a pure two-seater sports car hybrid.

This model features a new Porsche cockpit interface that includes a wheel mounted selector for the various hybrid modes, three large display dials for gauges, and a center console touch screen. The steering wheel also features the paddle controls of the company’s famously robust dual clutch PDK 7-speed transmission, as well as a new button that provides temporary overboost via the car’s electric systems, a feature that Porsche has dubbed E-boost.

Pricing and target volume are yet to be released, but it’s reasonable to expect similar numbers to the Carrera GT, ($440,000, with roughly 1,270 examples between 2003 and 2006.) – Mike Daly