Its not everyday you see a Porsche 918 car on the road. Just how many are there in the UK, as the DVLA have just auctioned 4 Porsche 918 registrations in just one sale? We know that there were just 918 models of this super car built so where are they all? One of our regular customers has one but he purchased a SPY registration for his.
Porsche registration plates
The four Porsche 918 Registration plates that were at the sale were. 918 E, 918 POR, P918 OOO and POR 918T. The 918 registration that made the highest price was 918 POR at hammer price of £7600 which seemed reasonable based on the fact that the cars are over £650,000. On another Porsche related note, 911 RUF was sold at the same sale and raised £13,500 hammer so we think its safe to conclude that 911 buyers spend more money on personalised number plates than Porsche 918 owners.
Porsche 918 Spyder
The Porsche 918 Spyder, unveiled in 2013 and sold throughout 2014, is a hallmark of hybrid automotive innovation and a benchmark in the supercar world. Combining cutting-edge technology, breathtaking performance, and environmentally conscious engineering, the 918 Spyder has left a significant mark on the automotive landscape.
Development and Innovation
The development of the Porsche 918 Spyder was rooted in Porsche’s desire to create a vehicle that could offer both immense performance and efficient fuel consumption. The project was first showcased as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, with the production version unveiled in 2013. What set the 918 apart was its hybrid system, which featured a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine paired with two electric motors. This system delivered a combined output of 887 horsepower and 944 lb-ft of torque, a staggering figure that ensured high performance.
Hybrid Technology
The 918 Spyder’s hybrid system was revolutionary. The front axle was powered by one electric motor, while the rear featured both the V8 engine and a second electric motor. This setup enabled all-wheel drive capabilities and allowed for a variable torque distribution between the axles, enhancing both acceleration and handling. The car featured a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with an energy content of 6.8 kWh, permitting the 918 to drive up to 19 miles on electric power alone, showcasing its dual nature as a performance vehicle and a somewhat eco-friendly car.
Performance
The performance of the Porsche 918 Spyder is nothing short of spectacular. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and had a top speed of 214 mph. The 918 also shone on the track, setting a lap record for a production car at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing the circuit in 6 minutes and 57 seconds—a record at the time.
Driving Experience
Driving the 918 Spyder was an exhilarating experience. The combination of the powerful V8 engine and the immediate torque delivery from the electric motors provided a dynamic driving experience unmatched by traditional powertrains. The car also featured Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and rear-wheel steering, which contributed to its agility and stability at high speeds.
Design and Features
The design of the Porsche 918 Spyder was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, embodying the essence of a modern supercar. It featured a low, sleek profile with distinctive Porsche styling cues, such as the use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) in its construction, which helped reduce weight and ensure rigidity.
Interior
Inside, the 918 Spyder was just as impressive, with a cockpit that focused on the driver. It featured a multi-functional steering wheel and a centre console that rose towards the front, housing an intuitive touchscreen system. The combination of leather, carbon fibre, and brushed aluminium created a luxurious yet sporty feel.
Legacy
The Porsche 918 Spyder’s legacy is profound. It proved that hybrid technology could be successfully integrated into supercars without compromising on performance. It also set the stage for future hybrid and electric models from Porsche, demonstrating the potential of combining performance with reduced environmental impact.
The 918 Spyder remains a coveted model for collectors and enthusiasts, a testament to its design, performance, and pioneering technology. Its influence continues to be seen in subsequent hybrid models from Porsche and other manufacturers, pushing the envelope of what is possible in high-performance automotive engineering.
The Porsche 918 Spyder represents a pinnacle of automotive achievement. Through its innovative hybrid technology, breathtaking performance, and stunning design, it has earned its place as a modern classic in the supercar category. Its development marked a significant point in Porsche’s history and continues to influence the evolution of sports cars worldwide.
Its not everyday you see a Porsche 918 car on the road. Just how many are there in the UK, as the DVLA have just auctioned 4 Porsche 918 registrations in just one sale? We know that there were just 918 models of this super car built so where are they all? One of our regular customers has one but he purchased a SPY registration for his.