When Porsche first unveiled the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid to the world, the future of the car was far from set in stone due to the incredible cost that would be associated with producing it. But after receiving considerable positive attention, Porsche decided to gauge the interest for the car and said if it could garner 1,000 serious buyers, it would take the model to production.
Porsche reached that requirement, and today the German automaker has officially made the 918 Spyder available for order, starting at 645,000 euros in Europe and $845,000 in the U.S.
Changes from the concept
As expected, a few changes from the concept car to the production model are in order, including a switch to a manual roof system that uses removable roof panels which can be stowed in the front luggage compartment. The 500+ horsepower V8 and 218 horsepower electric motors will remain, as will the plug-in hybrid design.
In the event that you can afford the 918, then you will likely also be interested in the special and limited edition 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder,” which will be available exclusively to anyone who orders the 918 Spyder. Porsche says that this limited edition 911, also limited 918 possible units, is intended to “shorten the time the customer has to wait for the 918 Spyder” by providing a wickedly fast and unique Porsche to hold buyers over.
To make the Edition 918 Spyder Turbo S 911 unique, while also tying it into the forthcoming 918 Spyder, Porsche says it used the acid green color accenting from the supercar both inside and out of the 911. Changes include acid green logos and embroidered seems, instrument cluster needles, unique PCM screen and illuminated entry guards on the inside. Outside, look for unique acid green badging, decals, painted rotors and an accent stripe on the side mirrors.
Other changes include the enhanced leather interior as standard, as well as a special set of instrumentation and added carbon fiber throughout. Like the standard 911 Turbo S, the Edition 918 Spyder 911 will come with 530 horsepower, and can be had in coupe or cabriolet form. If you opt for the hard-top, expect to spend 173,241 euros for the coupe and 184,546 euros for the cabriolet. American buyers can expect to shell out $160,700 and $172,100, respectively.
Porsche says deliveries of the “hold you over” 911′s will begin in June 2011, while deliveries of the 918 Spyder itself will begin in November 2013.
