One of the most incredible hypercars of the past decade is currently listed for auction on the Collecting Cars platform.
Porsche produced fewer than 1,000 examples of the 918 Spyder, making this a rare opportunity to buy one.Â
With hybrid power, and an enviable specification, the car up for grabs is likely to attract plenty of attention.
Super-rare, super-expensive
First shown as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche intended the 918 Spyder to compete with the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1 hypercars.
Following the level of attention generated by potential customers, Porsche pushed the 918 Spyder into production in late 2013.
However, only 918 cars would be produced, with buyers needing more than $900,000 to consider owning one.
Hybrid theory
Making the 918 Spyder special was the use of a mid-mounted 4.6-l V8 engine, combined with a pair of electric motors. It means the 918 has an all-wheel drive setup, aiding traction and acceleration.
The naturally aspirated V8 engine offers 559 horsepower alone, along with 398 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the electric motors, the 918 Spyder produces an epic 875 horsepower and 944 lb-ft of torque.
Using a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the 918 Spyder can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 2.6 seconds. An official top speed of 214 mph put the 918 in true hypercar territory.
Fast charging machine
Equipping the 918 Spyder with a hybrid powertrain created more than extreme performance. The 6.8 kWh lithium-ion battery allows the Porsche to travel up to 12 miles on electric power alone when fully charged.
A typical household plug socket would take around seven hours to recharge the battery, with a fast-charging point cutting this down to around two hours.
It makes for a hypercar, complete with a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, that can potentially be driven without emissions. Or guilt.
Added lightness included
The original purchaser of this 918 Spyder opted to specify the $84,000 Weissach Package. Intended to deliver even greater performance, it brought less weight and improved aerodynamics.
Weissach models use exposed carbon fiber for the windscreen frame, rear spoiler, and a larger rear diffuser. A set of magnesium wheels were bolted on, with Alcantara trim found inside the cabin.
The shimmering Liquid Metal Silver paint was another substantial option on this particular car. Picking the nine-coat finish added a further $63,000 to the price. For peace of mind, paint protection film has been applied to the Porsche.
Along with a front axle lift system, there is also a cup holder to make life with the 918 Spyder easier.
Bidding is now open
Out of an already limited production run, fewer than 300 examples of the 918 Spyder came to the United States. It means ownership opportunities for this mid-engined marvel are hard to come by.
Having been driven for less than 5,000 miles, and with routine maintenance up to date, this Californian car is deeply desirable.
Bidding on Collecting Cars is live now, with the auction set to run until August 1st.
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