LOT 142P
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach VIN. WP0CA2A16FS800652
Estimate: US$2,600,000 - US$3,100,000
Lot 142P
Just 1,319 miles from new, in PTS colors
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach
VIN. WP0CA2A16FS800652
VIN. WP0CA2A16FS800652
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
*One of just 918 built, and one of 294 for the US market
*Paint to Sample Oryx White Metallic with Martini Stripes
*LeMans-inspired chassis and potent hybrid drivetrain
*One of just 230 built with the desirable Weissach Package
*Showing 1,319 miles at the time of cataloguing
*Numerous options including front axle lift system
*Specialist maintained and presented in superb condition
*Includes window sticker and clean CARFAX report
*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 the USA, the 2015 918 Spyder offered here is a fabulous example finished in Paint to Sample Oryx White with factory-applied Martini stripes and optioned with the all-important Weissach Package. Of the 918 examples produced by Porsche, just 230 had the Weissach box ticked, an option that added lightweight magnesium wheels by BBS, carbon fiber windscreen frame, mirrors, and roof, an extended aerodynamic diffuser and special interior trim, shaving 100lbs from the curb weight. Aside from its desirable performance spec, this car takes it up another notch with its fabulous Paint to Sample Oryx White Metallic finish accented with Martini stripes – recalling one of the most evocative liveries in motorsport history as seen on the fire-breathing 935 and 936 LeMans cars of the 1970s.
The cockpit features Onyx Black full leather on the seats, with contrasting silver piping and exquisitely finished bare carbon accents. Additional options include glare-reducing interior fittings, front axle lift system, two-zone climate control, cup holder, Homelink, extended charging cable (a 'special wishes' fitment), and driver's seat pad. Accompanying items includes the window sticker, all documented service records from new, car cover, two keys and charger cable.
With just 1,319 miles shown at the time of cataloguing, this sparingly used and fastidiously maintained 918 Spyder is a must-have addition to virtually any world-class collection. 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 – if ever again.
Footnotes
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