What's the news?

Porsche has confirmed that road testing of its next supercar - the 918 Spyder - has begun using initial prototypes. The disguised cars will eventually morph into a 770hp targa-top sports car that will do battle with the replacement for the Ferrari Enzo.

Exterior

During the development stages Porsche used what exterior body panels it found lying around so the initial mules were a mix of 911, Panamera and Boxster. The current fleet is much closer to what the production 918 will look like. Even clothed in 917 race car inspired camouflage it is clear that the styling will remain faithful to the car we first saw at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. The main difference from the concept is the new skyward pointing exhaust system that looks tasty.

Interior

Despite releasing a glut of images Porsche neglected to send out any interior shots so we do not know whether the carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque will be exposed, whether the 918 will follow in line with the rest of the Porsche line-up in having a Panamera inspired interior or even how the view back towards the mid-mounted V8 looks. Sort it out Porsche.

Mechanicals

The 918 is a revolutionary product for Porsche, using a plug-in hybrid system with a mid-mounted 4.6-litre V8 engine as well as two electric motors - one driving the front axle and the other acting on the rear wheels. Porsche claims that total power output will exceed 770hp, yet the 918 will be capable of returning 74mpg. Along with that it has the ability to drive up to 15 miles on electric power alone.

Data

The road testing stage of the 918's development appears to be right on schedule. Porsche says production will begin by the end of September 2013, with the first customers receiving their cars before year's end.

Paul Healy - 15 May 2012