2014 Porsche 918
What it is: A true mid-engine supercar and the spiritual successor to the Carrera GT.
Why it matters: After the Wendelin Wiedeking era—characterized by the absence of a factory racing team, parts-sharing between the Boxster/Cayman and the 911, plus the portly Cayenne and Panamera—Porsche needs to reassert its position as the quintessential sports-car maker. Porsche will even do a racing edition (the Carrera GT never raced). Two street versions, a gullwing-door 918 GT and a 918 Spyder, are likely.
Platform: A new mid-engine platform exclusive to the 918.
Powertrain: The 918 RSR concept used a flywheel hybrid system, but the production 918 should get a plug-in hybrid system integrated with a 550- to 600-hp V-8.
Competition: Ferrari 599 replacement, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, Lexus LFA, Mercedes SLS AMG.
What might go wrong: The world may end before we get a chance to drive it.
Estimated arrival and price: It won’t come before 2013, and it won’t be affordable. Unless you consider $500,000 affordable.
What it is: A true mid-engine supercar and the spiritual successor to the Carrera GT.
Why it matters: After the Wendelin Wiedeking era—characterized by the absence of a factory racing team, parts-sharing between the Boxster/Cayman and the 911, plus the portly Cayenne and Panamera—Porsche needs to reassert its position as the quintessential sports-car maker. Porsche will even do a racing edition (the Carrera GT never raced). Two street versions, a gullwing-door 918 GT and a 918 Spyder, are likely.
Platform: A new mid-engine platform exclusive to the 918.
Powertrain: The 918 RSR concept used a flywheel hybrid system, but the production 918 should get a plug-in hybrid system integrated with a 550- to 600-hp V-8.
Competition: Ferrari 599 replacement, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, Lexus LFA, Mercedes SLS AMG.
What might go wrong: The world may end before we get a chance to drive it.
Estimated arrival and price: It won’t come before 2013, and it won’t be affordable. Unless you consider $500,000 affordable.
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