To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$1,250,000 - $1,500,000
- Two owners; less than 1,300 miles from new
- Subtle Dark Blue metallic over Black leather
- Exceptionally well optioned
Over the course of its 70-year history, Porsche has been at the
forefront of crafting automobiles at the cutting edge of
performance and technology. Influenced by both the technological
powerhouse that was the 959 and the uncompromisingly thrilling
Carrera GT, the 918 Spyder utilizes state-of-the-art
hybrid-electric technology to improve efficiency, as well as raise
the bar of hypercar performance.
The 918 Spyder features a chassis constructed almost entirely out
of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composite. At its heart is a
naturally aspirated 90-degree V-8 based on the engine in the RS
Spyder LMP2 Le Mans prototype. It can rev to an earth-shaking 9,000
rpm thanks to its flat-plane crankshaft, titanium connection rod,
four valves per cylinder, and dry-sump lubrication. Direct fuel
injection and the patented Porsche Variocam intake system provide
an output of 608 bhp, which translates to an exceptional 133 bhp
per liter of displacement.
Supporting the 918 Spyder's conventional engine are a pair of
electric motors; one mated to the V-8 itself and another providing
drive to the front axle. Offing an additional 284 bhp, they bring
total output to 887 bhp and 944 foot-pounds of torque. All this
power is managed through the venerable Porsche PDK seven-speed
transmission, and its delivery can be further refined through five
driving modes, ranging from full electric to 'Hot Lap,' which
squeezes out every ounce of available performance from the hybrid
powertrain.
Of course, the brakes that bring the car to a halt are just as
mighty as the 918 Spyder's gargantuan power train. Massive
carbon-ceramic discs sitting behind the car's lightweight alloy
wheels measure at 410 mm in diameter at the front with six piston
calipers and 390 mm in diameter at the rear with four piston
calipers. Assisting the car's handling and downforce are a handful
of active aerodynamic features. This includes an adjustable rear
wing, a pair of under-floor flaps in the nose, and further
adjustable flaps in the headlamp area. These can all be adjusted to
provide either maximum efficiency or additional downforce, directly
linked to the car's driving modes. Porsche also fitted an active
rear-wheel steering system, the first of its kind for the
manufacturer. Below 31 mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite
direction of the front wheels to make it more maneuverable at low
speeds, effectively reducing the car's wheelbase. However, above 50
mph, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front
wheels, helping to make the car more stable at high speeds.
The 918 Spyder's performance is nothing short of exceptional. The
sprint from 0-60 mph can be reached in less than 2.5 seconds,
faster than its hybrid hypercar rivals, the McLaren P1 and Ferrari
LaFerrari. Should the driver be brave enough to keep accelerating,
the hybrid Porsche can achieve a top speed of 211 mph. Comparing
performance figures between 'the big three' showed that not only
was the 918 the fastest to 60 mph, it also boasts the furthest
electric-only range, lowest carbon dioxide emissions, and lowest
fuel consumption.
Of the 918 examples produced, fewer than 300 were earmarked for the
U.S. This car's first owner was particularly lucky as he had the
opportunity to order each of the hybrid hypercar trio and was
surely one a select handful to have that opportunity. The 268th 918
Spyder built, this car's first owner chose a tastefully subtle
color scheme of Dark Blue metallic over a Black leather interior
with Acid Green highlights. Options include the nose lifter, glare
reducing interior package, visible carbon fiber interior trim, a
fire extinguisher, Burmester premium sound system, Acid Green seat
belts, and wheels painted Platinum Silver.
Delivered new to Miami, the car accumulated only 817 miles with its
first owner before passing to its second custodian, another
Florida-based collector. In total, it has been driven just under
1,300 miles from new and remains in exceptional condition, having
recently had an oil change. The pinnacle of Porsche's performance
and their hybrid-electric technology flagship, the 918 Spyder
follows in the footsteps of the vaunted 959, albeit in the 21th
century. These cars will surely remain desirable and sought after
for years to come and will continue to remain extremely competitive
against future generations of hypercars as well. This example needs
nothing and is prime for inclusion in any collection of Porsches
and modern supercars.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
