JEDDAH – Porsche Centre Saudi Arabia, Samaco Automotive, has presented the 918 Spyder prototype at its showroom in Jeddah to a select audience for a short time. The 918 Spyder is the company's interpretation of the super sports car of tomorrow and the world's first hybrid super race car. Designed as a high-performance hybrid with plug-in electric module, the vehicles are limited to a worldwide production of just 918 individually numbered supercars with start of production in autumn this year. The new generation 918 Spyder can go from zero to 100 km/h in less than three seconds, reaching a top speed of over 325 km/h, and a purely electric top speed of over 150 km/h. It is these performance figures that have helped the production 918 Spyder set a time of 7:14 minutes on the more than 20 kilometer-long “Nürburgring-Nordschleife” circuit. When driven economically, total NEDC fuel consumption is 3.0l/100 km. Purely electric range is over 25 km. The newly-designed 4.6-liter V8 engine produces over 580 hp, and is accompanied by two permanently energized electric motors on both front and rear axles, producing a combined power output of over 180 kW. The total power output of the V8 engine and electric motors is over 795 hp, and is coupled to the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), enabling extremely fast gear changes for high performance, comfort and efficiency. The two-seater 918 Spyder is designed with performance and style in mind. A high-end lightweight body offers a distinctive drive. The 918 Spyder uses a carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) monocoque structure that is both extremely lightweight and very rigid. Coupled with a two-piece Targa roof, the two sections can be removed and stowed away in the luggage compartment giving the 918 Spyder a distinctive design and allowing the driver to enjoy the fascinating sound of the thoroughbred Porsche V8 engine. The 918 Spyder will be produced in Zuffenhausen, where construction of a separate manufacturing plant has already started. The new Porsche 918 Spyder is available for order now, with production starting in autumn this year. The basic retail price for the 918 Spyder in Saudi Arabia is SR3,410,700. — SG
