Maximum power in the Australian Outback

The transition from cruising silently at city speeds of 60 km/h to roaring race car for the road reaching a top speed of 350 km/h took just 40 seconds, completing an achievement no other production car has ever managed on Australian roads (see video below).

The controlled test took place with a professional driver at the wheel on the only public road in Australia where such a feat is possible – the Northern Territory’s section of straight, open speed highway. The use of radios and spotters ensured the road was completely devoid of traffic at the time.

Porsche Intelligent Performance enables the 918 Spyder to perform at both ends of the driving spectrum, showcasing leading edge hybrid technology that will eventually transfer into more Porsche road cars in the future.

As demonstrated in Alice Springs, in full-electric ‘E-Power‘ mode the 918 Spyder can drive for up to 30 kilometres at speeds up to 150 km/h through twin electric motors developing maximum power of 210 kW at 6,500 rpm.

In ‘Race Hybrid‘ mode the electric motors work in conjunction with the racing-inspired 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine (447 kW at 8,700 rpm) to deliver maximum total power output of 652 kW at 8,500 rpm.

The 918 Spyder is showcasing ‘Porsche E-Mobility‘

This synthesis of hybrid powertrain technology already exists in three Porsche road cars – the 918 Spyder, Panamera S E-Hybrid and Cayenne S E-Hybrid, with Porsche confirming more hybrid road cars are part of its future.

The 918 Spyder is in the final days of an Australia wide promotional tour showcasing ‘Porsche E-Mobility‘; having visited the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne before going on to the Phillip Island circuit for race laps and just now its Australian Outback test.

In between activities the 918 Spyder has been on static display in Porsche Centre showrooms across the eastern seaboard as part of a ‘Porsche E-Mobility‘ customer tour.