Hybrid

We will have to wait another year to see the Porsche 918 Spyder grace the floors of a car show.  Hopefully we’ll get a chance to inspect it at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show.  We got a taste of the Spyder at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, but changes to the concept car are pretty significant—in a good way.  Fortunately, car shipping will make these incredible pieces of machinery available to anyone who can pay the price tag.  

Now, the engine’s V-8 is purported to be a whopping 4.6-liter, with alleged 550 horsepower from, not the original design of 3 but rather, 2 electric motors.   Part of what makes this hybrid unique is going to be the racing technology used to craft the operating parts.  The Formula 1 grade lightweight pistons, variable valve timing with the step motors for the intake and exhaust phase, the central injector and central oil feed to the crankshaft are among a handful of the design specs that will make the Spyder one of the most amazing hybrid sports cars on the market.  

Last year, Britain made ecological history by electing its first Green MP. However, this environmental friendliness is yet to transfer to the motoring world. Since the emergence of eco cars, there has been much ambiguity and confusion surrounding them. Or if, in fact, they have emerged yet at all.

Sales of electric cars have been poor, despite all efforts from the Government to incentivise eco-friendly drivers, who are entitled up to a £5,000 subsidy towards their purchase to hopefully attract a wider market. However, the initiative may come crashing to the ground as, unfortunately for the O-Zone, a recent survey by GfK Automotive concluded that a mere 1% of drivers want to buy an electric car, and have a relatively accurate understanding of costs and performance.

Porsche first showed the 918 RSR at this year's Detroit Auto Show. The car is somewhat of a marriage between their upcoming supercar - the 918 Spyder - and the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car. Painted in what Porsche calls "liquid metal chrome" blue, the RSR features a carbon fiber-reinforced (CFRP) monocoque, similar to that of the RS Spyder. It's V8 engine is also derived from that of the RS Spyder, putting out about 560 HP at 10,300 RPM. Click past the break to see more of our photos from this amazing car at Rennsport Reunion, and find out what makes it truly unique.