D R O O L...
Stuttgart Unveils
New Eco-Porsche
March 3, 2010
by Laurene Williams
by Laurene Williams
Just when it was time to rethink the excesses of the mid-life crisis and the flimsy excuses to quit worrying about emissions and embarrassingly low mileage, Green Team Porsche has unveiled its new sexy, speedy, concept hybrid sports car: the 918 Spyder, a must-have for sports car lovers. And lovers in general.
A jewel in the eye of many reviewers, this Porsche is getting raves for its lusty Iron Man looks and sheer muscle. It also manages to deliver a few swipes at the troubled Prius. (Forget about price point. Right now, Porsche is polishing its image at an opportune time.)
A jewel in the eye of many reviewers, this Porsche is getting raves for its lusty Iron Man looks and sheer muscle. It also manages to deliver a few swipes at the troubled Prius. (Forget about price point. Right now, Porsche is polishing its image at an opportune time.)
What Dream Team Porsche Delivers
Gasoline engine: 372kW V8 (500 horsepower)
Power output for the two electric motors: 160kW (or 218 horsepower)
Total power output: 718 horsepowerFuel Consumption: 78.4mpg (3L/100kms) vs. 72.4 mpg for the third-generation PriusEmissions: 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer (70g/km) vs. 89 grams for the PriusBattery Range: 16 miles (25km) for all-electric drive mode vs. 13 miles for the PriusAcceleration (0-62 mph): 3.2 secondsTop Speed: 198 mphWeight: 3,285 pounds
Vrooom!
If you've got the bucks to slip into the driver's seat, apparently you'll be the kid in the candy store slathering up sweet treats. You get everything, including your choice of four different driving modes: E-Drive, Hybrid, Sport Hybrid and Race Hybrid. Emo-sensitive, you get to choose your mode depending on how green you're feeling at the time. (The "E" mode is the most eco-friendly with an all electric powered performance. But if you want to outpace the Porsche Carrera GT, Race Hybrid mode is your top pick.)
The one pitfall (aside from the inevitably high price tag), according to some: Donald Duck on the rear. You decide:
But wait! It's just a concept car. And Mum's the word from Porsche as to whether or not this beauty will actually roll out. Think again and consider the fact that Porsche CEO Michael Macht, who presided over his new jewel's unveiling at the Geneva Auto Show, announced that his company has produced every concept car it has ever shown off. The chances for the new dream Porsche rolling up to your local dealership are looking good. NewsSip
Photos: Porsche 918 Spyder
