In the midst of the engine and motor mashup era, Porsche->ke1 took the opportunity to unveil the 918 Spyder concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The production version isn't expected until 2012 (Eur) and 2013 (US), but Porsche is now accepting orders for their plug-in hybrid drive model limited to only 918 units and priced at 645,000 Euro in Europe and $845,000 in the U.S. Still whimpering at the thought of having to wait so long? Whimper no more, fellas. Porsche is breaking our fall into hysteria with a special edition aptly named Porsche 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder."

What's the catch ? Only customers who ordered the 918 Spyder will have the opportunity to acquire the special-edition! A way for Porsche to thanks the lucky few who have a deposit on the $800,000 super electric car.

The "Edition 918 Spyder" will be offered in both coupe and cabrio version and will also be limited to 918 units. The Coupe will be priced at $160,700, while the Cabrio will come with a price tag of $172,100. Deliveries will start June 2011.

Hit the jump to read more about the Porsche 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder".

2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder"

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder"
  • Engine/Motor: Flat six
  • Horsepower: 530530 hp at 6,250 - 6,750 rpm
  • Torque: 516
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The Porsche 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder" will be based on the Porsche Turbo S, and both the exterior and interior will take their inspiration from the 918 Spyder's characteristic individual features. That includes the distinctive acid green features such as the specific and part-embroidered model logos and seams, the instrument cluster needles, the specific PCM screen, and illuminated door entry guards.

The glove compartment lid will be emblazoned with a special logo bearing the same number as the 918 Spyder the customer has ordered. The special edition will also get enhanced leather interior, a special instrumentation version, and additional carbon elements both inside and out.

The "Edition 918 Spyder" will come with the same standard equipment as the Turbo S model, meaning Dynamic Bending Lights, 19-inch wheels in RS Spyder design with central locking nut, a three spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, adaptive sports seats, cruise control, and a CD/DVD changer.

Engine

The new Edition 918 Spyder comes with the same 3.8 liter flat-six engine as the Porsche Turbo S model. This engine delivers a total of 530 hp at 6,250 - 6,750 rpm and a peak torque of 516 lb.-ft. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in 3.1 seconds and top speed is 195 mph.

Prices

Porsche will only produce 918 units of the new 911 Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder." They will be offered in both coupe and cabrio models, priced at $160,700 and $172,100 respectively. Deliveries will begin June 2011.

Competition

Like with the standard Turbo S, the new "Edition 918 Spyder" will take on models like the Audi R8 V10, Ferrari 458 Italia, and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 .

The Audi R8 V10 and the Gallardo LP560-4 share the same 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 525 HP for the Audi model and a total of 560 HP for the Lamborghini. The LP560-4 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and can hit a top speed of 201 mph, while the R8 makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 197 mph.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is powered by a 4.5 Liter V8 engine equipped with the traditional Ferrari flat crankshaft that produces 570 HP at a rather high 9000 RPM. The 458 Italia will rocket from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.4 seconds and won’t stop until it hits a top speed of 202 MPH.

All of these models can perform in the same general region of each other, so to pick one over the other based on just power and performance would be a useless task. The aim for this car is to not beat out the competition by a landslide, but to appease the many Porsche lovers waiting for their chance to drive the production version of the 918 Spyder.