Anyone hear about the new 918 Spyder yet?

[wild man]

The details I recall are: 2-seater, ragtop, 3250 curb weight (about the same as a vette), hybrid design, 78MPG, 500HP gas engine, 4 55Hp electric motors (one on each wheel), 198MPH top speed. Does anybody know anything else about it?

[racer]

Estimated price is around $600,000

[wild man]

WOW, that's in the supercar league for sure (and then some). I forgot to mention that it will be made of carbon fiber. But with a total of 720HP, I don't understand why it will top out at only 198MPH.

[89-944NA]

2 electric motors, one for the front wheels, one for the rear wheels.....check this link out:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/07/918-hybred-supercar

or:

YouTube - Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Promotional Video

Porsche says they may build the car if there is enough interest in a car that costs 500,000 euros ($630,000).....and it looks like more than 2000 people have already contacted Porsche with non-binding expressions of interest.

Gearing or some sort of limiter would hold the speed to below 200mph.

[fmartenies]

I would think electric would lend itself very nicely to the 944 style of sports cars...not the strongest and not the fastest on the straight away but hell through the curves. Add the torque that usually has to be regulated out of an electric motor and you could have a blast.

[89-944NA]

Porsche AG confirmed today they will build the 918 HYBRID!!!!!! What a difference a day makes!!!!!!!

From Edmunds.com

PORSCHE GREEN-LIGHTS THE 918 SPYDER (by Paul Lienert)

STUTTGART, Germany — Porsche confirmed on Wednesday that it will build the sensational 918 Spyder, first seen earlier this year as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.
The automaker said the production version of the high-performance hybrid will be assembled in limited numbers at its home plant in Zuffenhausen, just outside Stuttgart.

An official statement released Wednesday said the company has received an "overwhelming response" from the public to the 918 Spyder concept. Earlier reports indicated Porsche had received expressions of interest from more than 900 buyers.

Porsche did not specify a production start-up date or a price tag, although widespread media reports in Europe have suggested the sticker could exceed $600,000.

Michael Macht, Porsche AG president and chairman of the board of management, said: "Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance, featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts."

[porsche4life]

Guys... There is an OT forum for this kind of stuff...