Still on offer from Scottsdale Auction 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

Still on offer from Scottsdale Auction 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

One-Off Color Scheme | Less than 100 Miles from New
Chassis: WP0CA2A17FS800322
Asking Price: $1,850,000

The Pinnacle of Porsche Design and Technology
One of Only 918 Examples Built and Just 294 Delivered to the US
Stunning, One-of-One Guards Red over Garnet Color Scheme
Many Desirable Special Wishes and Carbon Fiber Features
Less than 100 Miles from New; Offered with Important Factory Accessories

4,593 CC DOHC 32-Valve V-8 with Two Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motors
Direct Fuel Injection
608 HP at 8,700 RPM; 887 HP Maximum System Output

First shown as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, the 918 Spyder combined classic Porsche virtues with leading-edge technical capability. It featured an innovative hybrid drivetrain that promised to impart otherworldly performance with low fuel consumption and long electric range. The 918 Spyder was met with a rapturous reception from media and enthusiasts, and a production model debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, with 918 examples rolling off the assembly line in Stuttgart- Zuffenhausen during a short 21-month production run ending in June 2015.

Inspired by historic Porsche racing cars, the 918’s Michael Mauer-designed bodywork was predominantly crafted from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and defined by a sloped nose, exhaust pipes exiting from the rear deck lid, and detachable roof panels that opened up the cabin to the elements. The driver-focused cockpit was swathed in leather, aluminum, and carbon fiber, and dominated by an ultra-modern console. The 918’s monocoque chassis and subframe were made from CFRP for extreme torsional rigidity and lightweight construction. Featuring a double-wishbone axle in front and multi-link arrangement in the rear, the suspension was complemented by a speed-sensitive rear-axle steering system that could steer the rear wheels in the opposite direction at low speeds for more precise turning, while at higher speeds steering the rear wheels in the same direction as the front for enhanced stability.

Derived from the famed RS Spyder endurance racer, the 4.6-liter V-8 used a carbon reinforced polymer dry sump lubrication system. It was fitted with titanium connecting rods; thin-wall, low-pressure casting on the crankcase and the cylinder heads; a high-strength, lightweight steel crankshaft; and a thin-walled exhaust system. For optimal driving dynamics, the drivetrain and any other major components were carefully positioned within the chassis structure to create a very low center of gravity.

Developing 608 hp at 8,700 rpm, the V-8 worked in tandem with two electric motors mounted to the front and rear axles that could recuperate energy from the ceramic composite disc brakes and send it back to the battery, providing additional power. Connected to Porsche’s seven-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, the sophisticated plug-in hybrid system combined for a total maximum system output of 887 hp and 940 lbs./ft. of torque. Furthermore, the car could be run solely on electric power, with a maximum range of 19 miles. The 918 received much acclaim for its maximum performance with minimum consumption, with Porsche providing performance figures of 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds, 0–120 mph in 7.2 seconds, and a top speed of 217 mph. Independent tests proved the 918 even quicker, with Car and Driver recording 0–60 mph in just 2.2 seconds in August 2014, then the quickest car the magazine had tested.

This particular 918 Spyder is one of 294 allocated for the US and was delivered new to the Porsche Exchange in Highland Park, Illinois. Finished in the stunning, one-of-one color combination of Guards Red over Garnet Red leather upholstery with silver piping, this 918 was additionally specified with many desirable options including the front-axle lift system, glarereducing and carbon fiber interior package, side mirrors and rear wing finished in carbon fiber, carbon floor mats with silver piping, seat belts with silver accent stripes, and lastly a “special wishes” custom tailoring option that added even more individuality to an already special car. Accompanied by its original delivery accessories including its window sticker, books, covers, and battery charging kit, this extraordinary 918 Spyder has been driven less than 100 miles from new.

Combining supercar capabilities and state-of-the-art efficiency, the Porsche 918 Spyder illustrated the potential of plug-in hybrid technology – not just for economical driving, but also for the pure, sports car driving experience it could deliver. Remaining in showroom condition throughout, this uniquely specified Porsche must be among the lowest-mileage examples available, and it offers an exceptionally rare opportunity for the collector seeking a landmark car that set cornerstones for the future.

 


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