2015 Porsche 918 "WEISSACH" SPYDER

2015 Porsche 918 "WEISSACH" SPYDER
VIN. WP0CA2A18FS800586
4,593cc DOHC V8 Hybrid Engine
887bhp at 8,700rpm
7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Carbon Ceramic Disc Brakes

*Weissach package with Special Wishes to Sample Interior
*1 of only 294 U.S. specification 918 Spyders built
*Presented in as-new condition
*The ultimate road going Porsche

THE 918 SPYDER

Porsche is without a doubt one of the most successful automobile manufacturers in history. Not only has Porsche won in more or less all sports car and prototype racing events on the planet, but they have also managed to produce some of the most iconic cars in the world. Every car enthusiast has a favorite Porsche, and, in most collections, one will find a broad assortment of this great marque.

Porsche rarely entered the supercar scene, but when they did, it was in absolutely spectacular fashion. In the early 70s, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS dominated racetracks. The 80s saw the technological quantum leap that was named the 959, a turbo charged engineering masterpiece that showed the capabilities of Porsche. Early in the new millennium, Porsche again shook the supercar world with the brutal Carrera GT, which carried a Formula 1-inspired V10 engine and became an instant collectible of engineering and drivability.

However, after the Carrera GT Porsche did not make much noise on the supercar scene until the introduction of the 918 Spyder. Shown as a street legal version of the Le Mans RS Spyder at the Geneva Motor show in 2010, Porsche's 918 Spyder boasted a 6:57 time on the legendary Nürburgring. Porsche certainly showed that the new hypercar was the real deal and ready to beat its rivals.

To meet the modern standards of supercars, Porsche had to be creative in the development of the 918 and besides the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine, a hybrid system was also engineered. The V8 engine of the 918 produced nearly the same power as the Carrera GT, but on top of that there was 280 horsepower extra on tap from the electric powertrain, powered by two electric motors. Not only did the hybrid system increase fuel efficiency and improve emission, but it made the 918 incredibly fast. With a 0-60mph time of 2.2 seconds, it is actually the fastest accelerating production car in the world.

To manage this enormous amount of power, Porsche installed a clever four-wheel drive system to transfer the power into movement. They also used a rear-axle steering system, which gave the car a smaller turning circle at low speeds and increased stability at high speeds. With electric motors at both axles, the car was able to recover energy which was normally lost at braking to recharge its own batteries. Like the Carrera GT, the roof can be fully removed so one can experience the 918 as a coupe or in the style of a targa.

Further enhancing the 918's performance and driving experience, buyers could option their 918 with the Weissach package. For a price of more than $80,000, numerous modifications were made to lighten the car and improve its performance. Many parts of the interior normally swathed in leather were replaced with lighter Alcantara, and carbon fiber replaced a large portion of aluminum components. Super lightweight magnesium wheels were fitted, and the windscreen frame, roof, rear wings, and rear-view mirrors were also made out of carbon fiber. This accounted for a reduction of 99lbs. of weight over the standard 918 Spyder and an instantly discernible increase in performance. Fewer than 25% of 918 Spyders were fitted with the exclusive package.

As EVO described, "It's an ambitious fusion of race-bred powertrain and real-world competence wrapped up in a modern-day reinvention of the sublime Carrera GT."

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This particular 918 Spyder is number 586—one of the less than 300 units that were sold to the U.S. market (just under a third of all production). The car is finished in a menacing deep Black with a stunning custom ordered, full leather to sample interior in Cognac, highlighted with black piping. The combination is truly gorgeous. In addition to the special wishes custom interior, the car is highly optioned with the most notable additions being the ultra-desirable Weissach package (an $84,000 option), and the front-end-saving electro-pneumatic front-end lift system. The owner wisely chose to add back some key options that were deleted by the Weissach package, some of which include the air conditioning, stereo, and full door panels.

The purchaser of Porsche's first hypercar was a supercar enthusiast who went above and beyond to ensure that the car remained in as-new condition. Upon taking delivery, the majority of the car was wrapped in a clear protective film, guaranteeing that the Black paint and original windshield remains flawless. At the time of cataloging, the car had only covered 7,988 miles. All recommended services have been performed on time at the selling Porsche dealer, Stevinson Imports of Littleton, Colorado. Number 586 is supplied with its original tools, accessories, and documentation.

With fewer than 300 examples having been sold in the United States, and less than 100 of those believed to have the Weissach package, the sale of this special wishes, single registered owner, 918 Weissach Spyder presents an incredible opportunity for an intelligent collector to acquire the pinnacle of Porsches road going achievements.