Content in the article courtesy of InsideLine

- Porsche has completed the initial prototypes of the new 918 Spyder.
- The hybrid supercar’s scheduled production startup is September 2013.
- Customers will begin receiving the first cars by the end of 2013.

STUTTGART, Germany ? Porsche has completed the initial prototypes of the new 918 Spyder ahead of the hybrid supercar’s scheduled production startup in September 2013. Customers will begin receiving the first cars by the end of 2013, Porsche said. Projected price is $850,000, with production limited to 918 cars.

Porsche says its overarching goal with the 918 Spyder, which debuted as an open-top two-seat concept at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, is “redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance” ? what the company describes as Porsche Intelligent Performance.

Many of those factors will come together in the 918 Spyder, which sports such cutting-edge technologies as a carbon-fiber-reinforced monocoque, adaptive aerodynamics and adaptive rear-axle steering.

Porsche said the production model will feature a mid-mounted V8 engine, rated at well over 500 horsepower, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. In addition, two electric motors, one on each axle, will supply another 218 hp. Porsche said total powertrain output will approach 700 hp.

The hybrid driveline will provide exceptional performance: 0-60 acceleration in about 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. Moreover, Porsche projects the 918 Spyder will return the equivalent of nearly 80 mpg on the New European Driving Cycle.