The Porsche Spyder has formally made its debut on the market, and it did so for a mere $845,000 USD. Porsche dealers around the world have begun taking orders for the new 918 Spyder, which will be limited to 918 units.
Deliveries for American orders will begin in late 2013.
To keep customers happy in lieu of the far-off shipping date, Porsche is offering those who order the 918 Spyder the opportunity to buy a second Porsche, the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder in either coupe or cabriolet.
The special-edition 911 Turbo S Edition models will be available for delivery later this year. Total production of the 911 will also be limited to 918 units, and retail for $160,700 for the coupe and $172,100 for the cabrio.
Auto market pundits are saying the production version of the 918 Spyder looks quite similar to the plug-in hybrid version that debuted at last year's 2010 Geneva Auto Show.
Porsche says the production model will feature a mid-mounted V8 engine with a capacity of more than 4.0 liters. The engine produces at least 500 horsepower to the rear wheels through a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Two electric motors, one on each axle, will supply another 218 horsepower.
The models energy is stored in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack that can be fully charged in about seven hours on a standard 110-volt household current in the U.S., however driving range on the battery power is only about 16 miles.
Porsche also noted that, "under the right conditions, the 918 Spyder will be able to drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 94 mph for limited distances."
Porsche Spyder Makes Debut with $845,000 Price Tag
Mar 23, 2011, 07:41 by David Hope