Initially shown as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder combined classic Porsche qualities with bleeding-edge technical capability; it featured an innovative hybrid drivetrain that promised to impart otherworldly performance with low fuel consumption and long electric range. Met with an ecstatic reception from the motoring press and enthusiasts, a production model debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, with 918 examples rolling off the assembly line in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen through June 2015. Most were offered to the company’s best and most loyal customers.
Inspired by Porsche racing cars such as the 917, 935, 906, and RS Spyder, the evocative shape of the 918 was predominantly crafted from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and defined by a sloped nose, hoods extending from behind the seat headrests, exhaust pipes exiting from the rear deck lid, and detachable roof panels that revealed the cabin to the open air. The driver-focused cockpit was swathed in leather, aluminum, and carbon fiber, and dominated by an ultramodern console rising from the center that housed the majority of controls.
Car Highlights
- One of 918 built and approximately one of 28 specified for the Canadian Market
- Rare Factory-Paint-to-Sample in Iconic Gulf Livery
- A One-Owner 918 Showing Just 376 Miles when Catalogued
- One of Approximately 230 Porsche 918s Optioned with Desirable Weissach Package
- A Likely Unrepeatable Opportunity to Own a Factory Gulf-Liveried 918
Technical Specs
- 4,593 CC DOHC 32-Valve V-8 Engine with Two Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motors
- Direct Fuel Injection
- 608 BHP at 8,700 RPM; 887 BHP output
- 7-Speed PDK Dual-Clutch transaxle
- 4-Wheel Ceramic Composite Disc Brakes with Adaptive Recuperation
- Front Independent Suspension with Double Wishbones
- Rear Multi-Link Axle with Electric Rear-Wheel Steering
Racecar chassis design
The 918’s monocoque chassis and subframe were made from CFRP for extreme torsional rigidity and lightweight construction. Featuring a double-wishbone axle in front and a multi-link arrangement in the rear, the suspension was complemented by Porsche’s Active Suspension Management and a rear-axle steering system that allowed more precise turning at lower speeds and enhanced stability at higher speeds.
Derived from the LMP2 RS Spyder endurance racer, the 4.6-liter V-8 uses a carbon-reinforced-polymer dry sump lubrication system. Developing 608 hp at 8,700 rpm, the V-8 works in tandem with two electric motors mounted to the front and rear axles that can recover energy through the ceramic composite disc brakes and send additional power to all four wheels. Connected to Porsche’s seven-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, the complex plug-in hybrid system combines for a maximum system output of 887 hp and 940 lbs./ft. of torque.
Furthermore, the car can be run solely on electric power, with a maximum range of 19 miles. The 918 received much acclaim for its maximum performance with minimum consumption, with Porsche providing performance figures of 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds, 0–120 mph in 7.2 seconds, and a top speed of 217 mph. The optional Weissach package, named after Porsche’s R&D facility, reduced weight through the use of magnesium wheels, ceramic wheel bearings, lighter brakes, and titanium chassis bolts, lowering the 918’s curb mass by almost 100 pounds and helping it run a six-minute, 57-second lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2013, a record for a production car.
Canadian Market Rarity
This 918 Spyder is one of just 28 examples believed allocated for the Canadian market and is one of two cars that was ordered new by the consignor. He requested that Porsche finish them in the iconic Gulf Oil livery that was made famous in the 1960s and 1970s by John Wyer’s eponymous racing team. Porsche initially denied this request – and undoubtedly others like it – because Gulf Oil and Porsche AG no longer had an official partnership. Not easily deterred, the consignor asked Porsche if they would build the cars to his specification if he could get Gulf Oil’s permission himself, which was begrudgingly agreed to. Perhaps recognizing the extraordinary opportunity to see their legendary livery on the 918, Gulf Oil International and Gulf Oil of Canada were more than happy to comply, and the two cars were completed in late 2015, differentiated from each other by slightly different striping, seat piping, and interior trim.
Bespoke Factory Paint
Unlike Porsche’s Martini livery offered on the 918, which was done as a vinyl wrap, the two Gulf cars were meticulously painted by Porsche, with great care applied to the stripes and logos, creating a stunning and evocative presentation that cannot be compared to other examples of the model. Additionally, this 918 is equipped with Porsche’s desirable Weissach package, specified on only 230 of the 918 examples built, and providing this example with the ultimate specification available. The interior was also given a Gulf theme, with orange piping and stitching on black leather seats that embossed the Gulf emblem into the headrests. Porsche AG created a Gulf embossed pattern specifically for these two cars. So unusual is the specification of this 918 that the factory-supplied build sheet on file reads: “Option Code CXX. Custom Tailoring Option (special wishes that require further communication) $108,505.” Further options include the front-axle lift, carbon fiber mats trimmed in Gulf Orange piping, a complete set of luggage with Gulf Orange contrasts, 6-point racing harnesses, and Burmester Surround Sound system, capping off possibly the most elaborate 918 in existence.
Available Now at Gooding & Co
Accompanied by delivery accessories, including its folio of manuals, this 918 Spyder Weissach offers Porsche collectors an incredibly rare opportunity to buy one of these two singular 918s, the other of which will stay in the consignor’s private collection for the foreseeable future. Its combination of performance, rarity, and heritage-driven presentation is a credit to not only its consignor, who went to great lengths to have it built, but also to Gulf Oil and Porsche, two of the most historic brands in motor sports history. Showing just 376 miles when cataloged and remaining in excellent condition throughout, this 918 is easily among the most desirable and collectible in the world – and is certain to appeal to those who only buy the best.
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