Porsche to build plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder supercar

Porsche has announced it's now taking orders for the production version of its plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder supercar.

The decision to build the two-seater, which will average just 3.0 L/100 km, came after "outstanding" response to the concept car at this year's motor shows.

The 918 Spyder will cost a whooping $845,000 (U.S.). It will be powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine and two electric motors. The gas engine will make 500-plus horsepower and is based on the racing motor in Porsche's RS Spyder Le Mans Series entries. Power will be transferred to the rear wheels via the automaker's PDK double-clutch gearbox.

The electric motors – one at the front axle and one at the rear – will produce "at least" 218 hp and basically create an all-wheel drive setup for the car. The 918 Spyder's battery will be a liquid-cooled lithium-ion design recharged from a standard household outlet.

Porsche says the supercar will be able to travel 25 kilometres on pure electric drive and "under the right conditions […] up to 150 km/h on electric power alone."

Eco-facts aside, the 918 Spyder will run from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, hit a top speed of more than 320 km/h and will also be able to cirle Germany’s famed Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

Production of the 918 Spyder will begin in September 2013 and will be limited to a maximum of 918 units. Unlike the concept car, the production version of the two-seater, based on a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque, will wear a Targa-like manual roof system with removable panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment.

Bonus: customers who order the 918 Spyder also have the opportunity to buy a special-edition 911 Turbo S, whose design highlights will echo the hybrid supercar's, including "acid-green" accents and a plaque on the glovebox with the same production number as the customer’s personal 918 Spyder.