Porsche 918 to cost £672k 21 | 03 | 2011

PORSCHE'S NEW 918 Spyder hybrid supercar will finally go on sale this week … with a price tag of £672,000! But as the first deliveries will not start until November 2013, you also get the chance to buy a limited-edition 911. Porsche will build no more than 918 models of the groundbreaking hybrid supercar, which will be built at its Zuffenhausen facility.

The two-seater, which made its first appearance as a concept at Geneva last year will retain the concept’s basic profile — as highlighted in this official Porsche sketch — and it will have a removable roof which is expected to be a one-piece panel similar to the set-up used on the Carrera GT.

Porsche has also confirmed the 918 Spyder's production spec will feature a petrol V8-based hybrid powertrain, with two electric motors (one on each axle) adding “at least” 215bhp. Its lithium-ion batteries can be charged from a domestic socket (Porsche claims a full-charge time of three hours in Germany) and it can travel 16 miles on electric power alone.

Porsche says the 918 Spyder will be able to reach 62mph in 3.2sec and a top speed in excess of 199mph. It will also return 94mpg and emit 70g/km of CO2.

Buyers of the 918 Spyder also get the opportunity to buy a special edition 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder, but it'll set you back a further £125,865 for the coupé and £133,553 if you opt for the cabriolet.

The new edition has bright green detailing to echo the colours used on the 2010 918 Spyder concept, plus an enhanced leather interior and carbonfibre trim. It can also be ordered in the same colour as the customer’s 918 Spyder and will carry the same numbered plate.

CLICK HERE to see more official sketches of the Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

CLICK HERE to see our video of the 756bhp Porsche 918 hybrid racer

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Jim McGill