The Porsche 918 supercar is nearing production, and more and more information is appearing on the web. What you see before you are patent drawings for the 918 Spyder and coupe found on the European patent office’s website by German publication Auto Bild. These drawings reveal a series-production car that remains extremely close to the concept unveiled at the Geneva show in March of 2010.
In terms of proportions, the 918 is strikingly dissimilar to any other Porsche currently sold. The profile view reveals race-car proportions, and it is far longer, wider, and lower than both the 911 and the Boxster, with which it shares its mid-engine layout. The wheelbase is identical to the Carrera GT supercar, which was produced between 2003 and 2006. And while it is close in size to that car, the 918 is stylistically even further removed from the regular lineup by virtue of its sculpted, protruding fenders.
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The 918 is an extreme showcase for hybrid technology, driven by a 770-hp powertrain whose heart is a 4.6-liter V-8 with 570 horsepower. The powertrain can provide more than 553 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Top speed will be more than 202 mph; on electric power alone, the 918 can be driven at speeds higher than 90 mph. Electric range is about 15 miles, and the 918 is designed to be recharged by energy regeneration and by means of a plug-in charging interface.
