Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

GENEVA — A surprise star at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show is the Porsche 918 Spyder, an open-top two-passenger plug-in hybrid concept that combines a mid-mounted V8 with three electric motors to achieve a stunning combination of high performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions.

The 918 Spyder is like no other hybrid on the market, with its ability to return up to 78 mpg, with ultralow CO2 emissions, yet accelerate from zero to 60 in less than 3.2 seconds and gallop to a top speed of 198 mph.

Mounted ahead of the rear axle, the V8 is an evolution of the 3.4-liter unit that powers the Porsche RS Spyder, rated at more than 500 hp. Porsche also fits electric motors to the front and rear axles, with a combined output of 160 kW (215 hp).

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through Porsche's seven-speed PDK gearbox. The front wheels receive electric power from a fixed-ratio transmission.

There are four push-button-selectable driving modes: E-Drive, which provides a range of up to 16 miles on battery power alone; Hybrid, which combines gasoline and electric drive, with a focus on fuel efficiency; Sport Hybrid, which emphasizes performance; and Race Hybrid, which stresses pure performance and includes a push-to-pass E-Boost button that provides additional bursts of electrical energy.

Porsche says its hybrid system enables the 918 Spyder "to achieve lap times comparable to those of a thoroughbred racing car or the extremely low emissions and high fuel economy" of a hybrid compact.

To illustrate the car's capability, Porsche says the 918 Spyder has lapped the Nürburgring's Nordschleife in less than 7 minutes, 30 seconds — quicker than a Carrera GT.

The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche hybrids at the Geneva show. The company is also showing the new Cayenne S Hybrid and the 911 GT3 R Hybrid.

Energy for the hybrid system of the 918 Spyder is stored in a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be recharged on a standard European household current. Kinetic energy from the car's regenerative brakes also is fed into the battery.

Contributing to the car's low 3,285-pound mass, and thus to its performance and efficiency, is extensive use of magnesium and aluminum, as well as a lightweight monocoque body shell constructed of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic.

The cockpit features a pair of contoured sport bucket seats, plus a cluster of three circular gauges, housing indicators for road speed, engine speed and energy management.

Major controls are housed on the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a touchscreen display in the center console. Efficiency-oriented modes are illuminated in red and performance programs are green.

Ssource: Indiacar.com Source : http://www.insideline.com (3/1/2010)