Porsche 918 Spyder (2015)

The launch of the Porsche 918 has redefined the supercar and introduced a new group, known as the "hypercars". The 918, along with the La Ferrari and McLaren P1, herald the arrival of a new generation of cars and this elite selection including the 918, offer technology never before seen in motor vehicles. The power of the internal combustion engine has been coupled together with hybrid technology to deliver a package that is quite simply mesmerising.

In the 918 Spyder, there are two electric motors present which delivers a combined 286hp - the highest power output of any production hybrid motor the world has seen. The hybrid battery, which is a liquid-cooled high-performance lithium-ion variant, offers an instantaneous boost to the electric motors and can be recharged using a conventional power output and charging lead, or can be recharged while the vehicle is in motion. In one such scenario, a portion of the vehicle's kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by the electric motors. Additionally, one of the electric motors can be driven by the engine, acting as a generator and thus charging the hybrid battery. As a result, driving in purely electric mode can be achieved, or the greater reserves of energy can be used to enhance the performance of the car around the track. The standard charging time for the vehicle when connected to a 240v supply is around two hours.

The combined power output is almost 900hp, with a 4.6-litre V8 engine providing a truly fantastic soundtrack. The top speed of the car is 214mph, with a 0-60 time of just 2.5 seconds and the car can accelerate from 49 to 74mph on a scarcely believable 1.2 seconds. With the roof removed, the experience delivered all the more extraordinary. The all-electric range is up to 19 miles and the car will achieve an average mpg of around 30. The car is very light; the monocoque tub, sub-frame, doors and body panels are manufactured from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, while the bumpers are made from polyurethane. The suspension is forged aluminium wishbones, the PASM adaptive dampers fitted as standard. Another feature of the car is the 4-wheel steering which improves cornering, handling and stability. The angle is determined by the speed the vehicle is travelling at any given time and the rear axle can be manoeuvred in the same direction as the front wheels, or in the opposite direction to them.

This example was supplied new to its first keeper on 4th August 2015 by Porsche Aberdeen as one of the c.65 UK allocated cars.

This example is believed to one of just 6 UK 918s to have been afforded Porsche’s Paint To Sample program. Exclusively reserved for Porsche VIP customers on the 918, this example took the extra step of a bespoke mix, sampling McLaren’s Cerulean Blue to match the owners P1 delivered at the same time.

This example is set apart from others. Through the extensive use of the team at Porsche Exclusive, this 918 Spyder features a Yachting Blue leather interior with complementing extra-range Riviera Blue piping and stitching as well as the 12 ‘o'clock marker on the steering wheel.

Particular attention on this car was paid to the standard detailing in ‘Acid Green’ on the exterior of the car. All exterior badging was specially ordered with a black backing instead. Notoriously difficult to order from the factory to this day, the VIP owner of this car managed to order a non-standard brake caliper colour, silver. At the time of launch, Porsche elected the 918 Spyder to feature its famed Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes to be finished in Acid Green as per other hybrid cars in its range and very few cars deviate from this.

Other options on this car include the interior package in carbon fibre, Burmester audio, electric seat height adjustment, vehicle key painted in exterior colour, Porsche car connect, Homelink and a cup holder!

This example was fitted with the Weissach-option, lightweight magnesium wheels from new. To add these wheels today from Porsche would set you back just under £30,000; these wheels look fantastic and offer the greatest single weight-saving measure possible on a 918, a hefty 14kg of unsprung mass.

Fresh from a comprehensive service at Porsche Reading, this stunning two owner example has covered just 2,700 miles from new is accompanied by its original book pack, charger, charger wall mount and soft cover and is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.