LOT 44P
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach VIN. WP0CA2A12FS800230
Estimate: US$1,750,000 - US$2,000,000
Lot 44P
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach
VIN. WP0CA2A12FS800230
VIN. WP0CA2A12FS800230
4,593cc DOHC V8, Twin Permanent Magnet AC Motors
Direct Fuel Injection
608bhp at 8,700rpm; 887bhp total output
7-Speed Dual-Clutch PDK Gearbox
4-Wheel Independent Multilink Suspension
4-Wheel PCCB Carbon-Ceramic Brakes
* No. 230 of the 918 made
*LeMans-inspired chassis and potent hybrid drivetrain
*One of just 230 Weissach Package cars built
*Paint to Sample Oryx White Metallic
*The ultimate road-going Porsche Hypercar
THE PORSCHE 918 SPYDER
"The art of understatement is evidently not lost on the good people of Porsche. Quietly under-promising and then spectacularly over-delivering is a surefire way to produce very satisfied customers. Always has been; always will be. It has worked a charm for Stuttgart's sports car specialist for decades and continues to with the (whisper it) incredible 918 Spyder. Here is a car with hybrid-carbon fibre construction, a combustion engine and suspension set-up donated by a prototype racing car, and a petrol-electric 'plug-in' powertrain the likes of which the world has never seen." – Autocar.
In our increasingly environmentally-conscious times, even supercar manufacturers are expected to make at least a cursory nod in the direction of better fuel economy and reduced emissions; hence the arrival of 'hybrid' technology in this previously fossil-fuels-only sector of the market. This has had the effect of endowing the modern supercar with some green credentials, while at the same time bringing with it a welcome performance boost in the shape of an additional (electric) motor or motors.
In the 918 Spyder's case, Porsche combined a normally aspirated 4.6-liter race-derived V8 engine producing 599bhp with two electric motors - one for each axle - delivering an additional 282 horsepower. The energy storage system is a 6.8kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger compartment. In addition to charging from the mains electricity supply, the battery is also charged by a regenerative braking system while the car is on the move.
The 918 Spyder was first shown as a concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, the resulting avalanche of enquiries convincing Porsche's management that it should be approved for production. The production version was duly unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013, and despite a starting price tag of €611,000, all of the 918 units planned has been sold by December 2014, and production ceased in June 2015 as scheduled.
Even those with a passing familiarity Porsche's history cannot fail to notice the 918 Spyder's styling references many famous racing Porsches. Its competition connections don't stop there, for the 918's suspension and engine are derived from Porsche's RS Spyder WEC sports prototype of 2005. Suspension is by aluminum wishbones and links, with adaptive dampers as standard and the same rear-steer system first seen in the Porsche 911 Type 997 GT3. The bodywork is made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the two roof panels that easily unclip and stow in the under-bonnet cargo compartment; this is a Spyder, after all. Carbon fiber dominates the interior, with main controls grouped around the steering wheel and secondary systems accessed via two configurable color touchscreens.
Although the 918 Spyder could manage impressive economy when in all-electric mode, the car's stupendous speed was of far greater importance to most customers. Somewhat surprisingly, Porsche's performance claims were regularly bettered by independent testers. Reviewed by Car & Driver magazine, the 918 Spyder achieved a 0–60mph (0–97km/h) time of 2.2 seconds, a 0–100mph (0–161km/h) time of 4.9 seconds, a 0–180mph (0–290km/h) time of 17.5 seconds and raced through the standing quarter mile in a breathtaking 9.8 seconds.
"The 918's in-gear performance is unrivalled," declared Autocar. "What's so astonishing is not just the pace but also the flexibility afforded by its rampant electric motors' instant torque." Despite the weight penalty of its larger battery, the 918 Spyder matched the rival McLaren P1 through the gears. Reassuringly, it was found to ride, steer and - mostly - handle just like a 'normal' Porsche. Only 918 were made, making this delectable Spyder - the fourth to be built - one of the most exclusive and collectible of modern Porsches.
THE CAR OFFFERED
Delivered new to Canada, this exceptional Porsche 918 Spyder was specified with the all-important, and very rare Weissach Package. Of the 918 cars built, just 230 had the "Weissach Package" box ticked, which added lightweight magnesium wheels by BBS, carbon fiber windscreen frame, mirrors, and roof, and extended aerodynamic diffuser, and special Alcantara trim. Making this particular example even more special than a standard 918 is that it was also specified in a unique Paint to Sample color of Oryx White Metallic, which contrasts stunningly with a black interior with red seat inserts, accents, and seat belts. Combined with the black wheels and neon green brake calipers, the result is one of the most striking 918s on the market.
Offered with a scant 5,138 kms (3,177 miles) at the time of cataloguing, this sparingly used and fastidiously maintained 918 would make a fabulous addition to any world-class collection of significant automobiles. Together with the McLaren Senna and LaFerrari, the 918 Spyder is an integral member of what has come to be known as 'the holy trinity' of hypercars, a breed of machine that we may never see the likes of for many years to come.
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