Porsche 918 Spyder - The ultimate hybrid super sports car that was ahead of its time
Introduction: When technology becomes an emotion
The Porsche 918 Spyder is more than just a super sports car - it is a technical symphony of performance and emotion. With 887 hp and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds, this hybrid racer delivers bare figures that take your breath away. But behind the numbers is a feeling: when the high-revving V8 engine wakes up and its sounds go through your bones, the sheer force of the acceleration presses the driver into the seat. This hybrid super sports car combines brute power with state-of-the-art efficiency and makes every drive an experience. It is no coincidence that the 918 Spyder is already considered a legend on four wheels - a driving dream come true for car lovers, technology enthusiasts and investors alike. In this blog post, we take a deep dive into the world of the Porsche 918 Spyder: from technical data and design highlights to price trends and investment potential, expert opinions and a comparison with other hypercars.
Technical data: Hybrid power and efficiency at racing level
Beneath the carbon body of the 918 Spyder is a high-tech drivetrain that combines the best of both worlds. A 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine (with up to 9,150 rpm ) meets two electric motors - together this results in a system output of 652 kW (887 hp) and a gigantic torque of 1,280 Nm. The power is transmitted to all four wheels via a 7-speed PDK gearbox, which ensures phenomenal traction.
The performance speaks for itself: from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in ~7.3 seconds and on to a top speed of over 350 km/h. The 918 Spyder set a lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife back in 2013 (6:57 minutes) - the first production car to do so in under seven minutes. Despite this brute performance, the Porsche impresses with its astonishing efficiency: in the NEDC cycle, the combined consumption is just 3.0-3.1 liters/100 km of petrol and 12.7 kWh/100 km of electricity. This is made possible by the plug-in hybrid drive: a liquid-cooled 6.8 kWh lithium-ion battery allows a purely electric range of up to ~25 km - including silent gliding through the city. Porsche thus demonstrates the company motto "High performance, low consumption" at the highest level. The 918 Spyder combines the precision of a racing car with the efficiency of a modern electric car: it steers into corners with the precision of a 911 GT3 and catapults out with the power of a 911 Turbo S - but at a completely new level of speed.
Key figures for the Porsche 918 Spyder:
Engine & system power: 4.6 L V8 + 2 electric motors, total 887 hp
Torque: approx. 1,280 Nm (combined)
Drive: All-wheel drive, 7-speed dual clutch (PDK)
0-100 km/h: 2.6 seconds (factory specification)
Top speed: 345-351 km/h (depending on measurement)
Fuel consumption (NEDC): 3.0 l/100 km gasoline + 12.7 kWh/100 km electricity
CO₂ emissions: approx. 70 g/km (weighted)
Electric range: ~25 km (6.8 kWh battery)
This unique combination of power and economy shows: The 918 Spyder is a technology carrier that has made plug-in hybrid technology socially acceptable - without compromising on driving pleasure. What sparks enthusiasm on the racetrack is a plus point in everyday life: purely electric driving in city traffic and yet Hypercar that can be called up at any time.
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Design and aerodynamics: form follows performance
Visually, the Porsche 918 Spyder is a successful fusion of futuristic aerodynamics and classic Porsche designs. Numerous details are reminiscent of motorsport: Particularly striking are the top-exit exhaust pipes, which open out to the rear directly above the engine. These upward-facing tailpipes originate from racing technology and significantly improve the heat dissipation of the centrally installed V8 engine - they also look spectacular and give the rear end a unique look. In general, the bodywork has been trimmed for aerodynamics and performance: An active rear wing and adjustable aerodynamic elements ensure optimum downforce in fast corners, while air ducts increase downforce and improve brake cooling. The underbody is clad and fitted with diffusers to literally suck the 918 onto the asphalt.
The basis is an ultra-light carbon monocoque frame, which gives the vehicle high torsional rigidity and saves weight at the same time. As a result, the center of gravity is extremely low, which benefits the handling. Despite all this functionality, the Porsche DNA remains unmistakable: the curved fenders, the slotted headlights and the flat silhouette are reminiscent of the design line of the Carrera GT and classic 911 models. The 918 Spyder manages to clothe functional racing technology in an aesthetic form that appeals to car enthusiasts.
Another highlight of the design is the Spyder aspect that gives the car its name: the roof consists of two removable carbon panels that can be removed if required. This transforms the 918 into a Targa roadster and allows the driver and front passenger to drive "open-top" - the perfect symbiosis of convertible feeling and Hypercar. Every detail of the 918 Spyder, from the distinctive dual-clutch control dial on the steering wheel for the driving modes to the two-tone paintwork of some special models, was designed with performance and aesthetics in mind. In short: form follows function - and together they create a breathtaking overall picture.
Weissach package and special editions: Racing technology for the road
Those who wanted to take the extreme even further could opt for the optional Weissach package for the 918 Spyder. Named after Porsche's motorsport development center, this equipment package transformed the Spyder into an even more uncompromising vehicle. The Weissach package was a factory upgrade costing around 84,000 USD (approx. 70,000 €), which was primarily aimed at weight reduction and aerodynamics. This included magnesium-forged rims (instead of aluminum) from BBS, an extended rear diffuser for higher downforce and the generous use of visible carbon instead of painted parts (for example for windshield frames, roof halves, exterior mirrors). Inside the Weissach model, Porsche made greater use of Alcantara instead of leather in order to save every gram. Overall, the package reduced the vehicle weight by around 45 kg (around 100 pounds) - a considerable figure in this league.
The Weissach package also sharpened the appearance of the 918: many Weissach models were given exclusive design wraps reminiscent of Porsche's racing history. The 918 in Martini Racing design - with the iconic blue and red stripes of the Le Mans team of the 1970s - or the Salzburg livery in red and white, based on the Porsche 917K that won Le Mans in 1970, are particularly popular. Such special paintwork and foiling underline the racing aspirations of the Weissach package.
Technically, the engine and performance remained unchanged, but thanks to the lower weight and optimized aerodynamics, the 918 Spyder Weissach once again achieved slightly better driving values and lap times. For example, the record Nürburgring time of 6:57 min was achieved with a 918 Weissach package vehicle on Michelin Cup 2 tires - a signal of what this package can achieve. Weissach models are also visually recognizable by details such as visible carbon fender inserts, six-point seat belts in the interior and partially unpainted carbon surfaces. For collectors, the Weissach package also has a high value: it makes the already limited 918 Spyder even more exclusive and desirable.
Apart from the Weissach package, there were no other official performance upgrades, but the 918 Spyder was presented in a few special editions. One famous one-off is the version painted in Acid Green, which was auctioned off for charity, or customer vehicles with unique color combinations. Overall, however, the 918 Spyder with or without the Weissach package is a statement in itself: motorsport technology for the road, made tangible in a Hypercar hypercar.
Price development: From new price to investment
For buyers of the Porsche 918 Spyder, the car proved to be not only a driving highlight, but also a financial one. New price: At market launch at the end of 2013, the base price was around €768,000 (in Germany, incl. VAT). With some options - and many customers chose the Weissach package and exclusive paint finishes - the price could climb towards €950,000. All 918 examples were sold out within ~18 months (sales ended at the end of 2014). The exclusivity was already evident here: supply and demand for this limited-edition hybrid super sports car resulted in long waiting lists and immense desirability.
Value development (used market): Unlike ordinary new cars, which usually lose value, the 918 Spyder quickly became an investment. Just a few years after the end of production, used 918s appeared on the market, some of which were sold for more than the new price. One example: in 2015, a new 918 cost around €775,000; at the beginning of 2022, a used 918 Spyder with 2,500 km was offered for the equivalent of €1.55 million - twice the price of a new car. Even vehicles with higher mileage (e.g. ~15,000 km) still fetched around €1.3 million. In 2023/24, the market has continued to move upwards: Most 918 Spyders now trade for over €1.5 million, often with prices between €1.5 and €2.0 million depending on condition. Some particularly perfect examples (very low mileage, Weissach package, coveted color combination) are even offered for close to €2 million - such as a white Weissach model for €1,990,000 at the Porsche Center Hagen.
This development underlines the status of the 918 as a safe haven for investors: despite fluctuations on the car markets, halo cars such as the 918 Spyder are considered crisis-proof. The strict limitation, the historic driving performance and the immense media hype surrounding the presentation mean that such vehicles quickly become driving legends. So those who bought early were not only able to enjoy the driving pleasure, but also see an impressive increase in value. Of course, the price of a used 918 depends on factors such as mileage, maintenance history and equipment (Weissach package, paintwork). But overall it can be stated: The Porsche 918 Spyder has developed from an expensive new car into a sought-after collector's investment - and there is no end in sight to the upward trend. Many experts see the 918 Spyder as a sought-after rarity that will maintain or even increase its value in the long term.
The development of the 918 Spyder
Source: Porsche Youtube
Comparison with other super sports cars: the "holy trinity" of hybrid hypercars
In 2013/2014, Porsche entered the so-called shark tank of hypercars with the 918 Spyder. At the same time, Ferrari and McLaren launched their interpretations of a hybrid super sports car: the Ferrari LaFerrari and the McLaren P1. Together with the 918, these three are often referred to as the"holy trinity" of modern hypercars. A comparison reveals some interesting differences:
Number of units & exclusivity: Porsche built 918 units of the 918 Spyder. McLaren limited the P1 to 375 units, Ferrari limited the LaFerrari to 499 coupés (plus a few Aperta roadsters). This means that the 918 is less rare in terms of numbers than its two rivals, which initially led to somewhat lower collector's prices. Nevertheless, all three models are absolute rarities.
Price new & used: The 918 was the "cheapest" of the bunch at ~€0.8m new, while a LaFerrari cost around €1.2m and a P1 around €1m. Today, however, they are all on a par: used LaFerrari often fetch €3 million or more (due to Ferrari), P1s are around €1.5-2 million, and the 918 - as seen - is also upwards of ~€1.5 million. The Porsche has therefore caught up enormously in terms of price.
Drive concepts: All three use hybrid systems, but with nuances. The 918 Spyder is the only one with a plug-in battery and true electric range (~20-30 km) and all-wheel drive. The McLaren P1 also has plug-in technology, but a smaller battery (pure electric ~10 km) and rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari LaFerrari does not have an external charging option (KERS hybrid system, no e-mode) and is also rear-wheel drive. In terms of overall performance, the LaFerrari (~963 hp) and P1 (~916 hp) are slightly above and below the Porsche (887 hp) respectively, but the 918 scores with its traction and immediate power delivery from any situation.
Performance: Auf dem Papier schenken sich die Drei wenig: 0–100 km/h um 2,5–2,8 s, Topspeed 350+ km/h bei allen. In unabhängigen Tests glänzte der 918 jedoch oft durch leichteres Fahrbeherrschen. Seine Allradtechnik und Hinterachslenkung erlauben auch weniger geübten Fahrern beeindruckende Zeiten, während P1 und LaFerrari ein hohes fahrerisches Können abverlangen. In einem bekannten Drag-Race konnte der 918 Spyder durch den Gripvorteil beide Konkurrenten hinter sich lassen. Auf der Rennstrecke liegen die Ergebnisse eng: Der 918 setzte früh Maßstäbe mit dem <7-Minuten-Ringrekord, McLaren und Ferrari verzichteten auf offizielle Zeiten – doch gilt der LaFerrari auf schnellen Kursen als etwa gleichauf, der P1 je nach Reifen leicht im Hintertreffen.
Driving impression: Each of these cars has its own character. The Ferrari captivates with its high-revving V12 and emotional racing soul, while the McLaren impresses with its futuristic lightweight construction and brute turbo V8. The Porsche, on the other hand, impresses many with its balance: it can cruise quietly and comfortably in electric mode, but can mutate into a roaring racing car at the touch of a button. Walter Röhrl, rally legend and Porsche test driver, once summed up the feeling of extreme acceleration as follows: "When accelerating, the tears of emotion must flow horizontally towards the ear." - A sentence that could be emblematic of all three hypercars.
All in all, the comparison of the "Big Three" showed that hybrid super sports cars were a new way of increasing performance and demonstrating efficiency at the beginning of the 2010s. The 918 Spyder played a pioneering role here by being the first to offer an electric range suitable for everyday use, thus bridging the gap between the race track and the city. Compared to the LaFerrari and P1, it is perhaps the most innovative in terms of technology, which will secure it a special place in the history books in the long term. However, each of these super sports cars is an icon in its own right - together they mark a milestone in automotive engineering.
Voices of the experts: Experts on the 918 Spyder
Porsche 918 Spyder: Why this car is a legend
Source: Carwow Youtube
The trade press and experts were full of praise for the Porsche 918 Spyder right from the start. Christophe Tinseau, racing driver and instructor at the Porsche Driving School, was particularly impressed by the efficiency and accessibility of the hypercar: "The 918 has incredible acceleration power. What impressed me most was its efficiency and how easy it was to drive 100% electrically at low speeds." At the same time, he emphasizes the unique driving experience: "It steers into corners with the precision of a GT3 and catapults out of them with the power and efficiency of a 911 Turbo S - but at a much higher speed!". This quote illustrates how the 918 unites apparent opposites - precision and power, efficiency and speed.
Auto Motor und Sport also attested to the outstanding capabilities of the 918 Spyder in its super test. A 918 (with Weissach package) drove a Nordschleife time in the sport auto Supertest that beat all previous Porsches - a brute demonstration of what this hybrid is capable of. TopGear even described the driving experience as "a new dimension of acceleration that makes every part of your body vibrate with excitement " - the lightning-fast electric thrust combined with the screeching V8 in particular left testers in awe. The sound of the 918 was poetically described as "a mixture of the howl of a high-revving racing V8 and the whirring of futuristic electric motors - like a swarm of angry wasps amplified by AC/DC's amplifier". These vivid descriptions show the impression the 918 Spyder made even on experienced journalists.
Last but not least, the 918 Spyder is regarded as "drivable proof" that Porsche has mastered the transition to the electric age without sacrificing brand values. Dr. Stefan Weckbach, former Head of E-Mobility at Porsche, called the 918 the best example of how "plug-in hybrid drives increase driving dynamics enormously through additional power and increased torque from the electric motor". He proudly summarized the performance data: 887 hp, 0-100 in 2.6 s, fuel consumption ~3.1 l/100 km - "more performance is not possible". Voices like this from the Porsche development team underline the fact that the 918 Spyder is also seen internally as a milestone.
Legendary racing drivers such as Walter Röhrl were also involved in development and tuning. Röhrl, who also drove the 918 himself, has jokingly expressed his difficulties with purely electric cars, but he deeply respects the engineering skill behind the project. His famous statement "Everything but all-wheel drive is a compromise"is ideally reflected in the 918, which radiates impressive stability thanks to its all-wheel drive. All in all, experts agree that the Porsche 918 Spyder set new standards. It showed that hybrid technology not only works in a super sports car, but also opens up new dimensions in terms of driving dynamics.
The Remarkable Experience with the 918 Spyder at the Goodwood Festival
Source: Porsche Youtube
Investment potential: hybrid Hypercar as the classic of tomorrow
From the perspective of collectors and investors, the Porsche 918 Spyder is already a coveted modern classic - and the trend is rising. Specialists from market observers and magazines (e.g. Elferspot) rank the 918 among the top tips for a sustainable investment in the Porsche cosmos. The reasons for this are obvious:
Firstly, the 918 Spyder is strictly limited and marks a historic turning point - it was Porsche's first Hypercar hypercar and ushered in the era of electrified super sports cars. Vehicles with such technical significance enjoy high esteem in the long term. On the other hand, the driving performance and records stand for themselves: a car that eclipsed everything that existed in its time has a good chance of being remembered as a milestone decades from now (similar to a 959 or Carrera GT today).
The price development to date - doubling the new price within a decade - indicates that the market has great confidence in the 918 Spyder. Even in times of crisis (such as economic downturns), so-called halo cars often retain or even increase in value. The 918 combines several collector's trump cards: limitation, technology, history, brand. Porsche has created a deliberate homage to itself with the 918 (the number 918 alludes to the model) - all of these cars are already firmly in the hands of collectors around the world.
It is interesting to note that the 918 Spyder was initially considered "more expensive" than its competitors at the time (LaFerrari, P1), but this was offset by its technical appeal. In the meantime, all three are at a similar value level. In recent years, experts have described an investment in a 918 as a "crisis-proof share" in the automotive sector. Nevertheless, Porsche may have built the 918 as a collector's item, but cars are there to be driven, as Elferspot writes. For many owners, the real return on investment also lies in the experience value: every kilometer in this vehicle offers goose bumps and unforgettable memories - no share price can outweigh that.
Conclusion: The Porsche 918 Spyder is well on its way to becoming a future classic. Its investment potential is not only based on figures, but above all on its special position in automotive history. For technology enthusiasts and investors, it combines the best of both worlds: an engineering icon with high value stability. Anyone who has been able to get their hands on one - whether new in 2014 or used today - owns a cornerstone of sports car development that is likely to inspire generations to come.
Note:
We use affiliate links on our website. If you buy a product or book a service via such a link, we receive a small commission from the provider - of course, the price does not change for you.
We only recommend offers that we are convinced of and that fit in thematically with Hypercars.pro. The affiliate income helps us to operate this platform independently and to a high standard.
Frequently asked questions about the Porsche 918 Spyder
How much does the Porsche 918 Spyder cost?
- The new price of the Porsche 918 Spyder in 2013/2014 was around €768,000 (basic) to around €945,000 (fully equipped with Weissach package and extras). As only 918 units were built, all new cars have long been sold out. On the used market, a 918 Spyder costs significantly more today than it did when new. Depending on the condition and mileage, prices are usually in the seven-figure range - generally between 1.3 and 2.0 million euros. For example, an example with low mileage was offered for around €1.55 million, while top examples from Porsche dealers sometimes fetch €1.8-2.0 million. Prices tend to rise further, as the 918 Spyder is considered a collector's item.
How many Porsche 918 Spyders are there left?
- Porsche produced exactly 918 examples of the 918 Spyder (production period September 2013 to June 2015). As most of the vehicles are treated with care by collectors, the majority of this production run still exists today. There are only a few known accidents, so it can be assumed that almost all 918 Spyders built are still in existence. The distribution is worldwide - with the largest numbers in the USA (just under 300 vehicles), followed by markets such as China and Germany. Due to the limited number of cars, only a few are ever brought onto the market, which maintains their exclusivity.
How long does a Porsche 918 Spyder take from 0 to 100?
- The Porsche 918 Spyder accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds (factory specification). Some independent tests have even measured slightly better values - e.g. 2.5 s for 0-100 km/h and around 7.0 seconds to 200 km/h. This makes the 918 Spyder one of the fastest accelerating production cars in the world. For comparison: the 0-100 time of 2.6 s is on a par with a Formula 1 car at the start. Thanks to all-wheel drive and electric boost, the 918 converts power into propulsion extremely efficiently. It is also impressive in terms of elasticity: 0-200 km/h in around 7 seconds and the ¼ mile in under 10 seconds are values that are only achieved by a few hypercars, even 8 years after the end of production.
Which Porsche is the most expensive in the world?
- The most expensive Porsche in the world is not the 918 Spyder - this is where rare classics and racing cars come into play. As of today, a Porsche 917 K holds the record: an example of this legendary Le Mans racing car (chassis no. 024, known from the film "Le Mans" with Steve McQueen) was auctioned for 14.08 million US dollars (approx. €12.8 million) in 2017. An even higher bid was received for another 917K (chassis 022 from McQueen's film), which was offered up to $25 million - but was ultimately not sold. In addition to the 917, the Porsche 956 (a Group C racing car, auctioned for ~$10 million) and the extremely rare 911 GT1 road version (valued at around $5-7 million) are among the most expensive Porsches of all time. Among the production Porsches, the 911 Turbo S "Classic Series" (a limited special edition) is currently considered one of the most expensive new cars (~€8 million for a set of 10 cars). However, the highest prices generally come from auctions of historic racing cars. The Porsche 918 Spyder itself is significantly lower at ~€1.5-2 million, but can be considered a modern Porsche with high value.
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