2015 Porsche 918 Spyder - Review and Specs

The Porsche 918 Spyder embodies the essence of the Porsche idea, combining pedigree motor racing technology with excellent everyday suitability, and maximum performance with minimum consumption. The début of the 918 Spyder at the IAA 2013 marks the start of a new chapter in the future of the hybrid drive.

And the technology pioneers are not the only ones who are excited by this flagship project, as the 918 Spyder demonstrates the potential of the hybrid drive to a degree never seen before, achieving a parallel improvement in both fuel efficiency and performance without compromising on either. This is the idea that has made the Porsche 911 the most successful sportscar in the world for the past 50 years. In short, the 918 Spyder contains the genetic blueprint for the Porsche sportscar of the future.

The Porsche 918 Spyder has been greatly influenced by its affiliations with motorsport. A number of the developments to the Porsche race car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2014 were used in the 918 Spyder - and vice versa. The structural concept, which is based on a rolling chassis (i.e. a chassis without bodywork), is standard for Porsche race cars. The design of the V8 engine is based on that of the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) race car, the RS Spyder, and the supporting monocoque structures and unit carriers are made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). More importantly, however, the Porsche 918 Spyder is considerably more fuel efficient than any of its competitors. In fact, this plug-in hybrid combines the performance of a race car with an output of over 880 bhp with an estimated NEDC fuel consumption of just three litres per 100 km, which is lower than the majority of today's compact cars. Drivers can therefore enjoy maximum driving pleasure and minimum fuel consumption.

The core message surrounding the 918 Spyder is that the Porsche hybrid drive offers uncompromising dynamic performance. The unique all-wheel drive concept with a combined combustion engine and electric motor drive system on the rear axle and a second electric motor on the front axle make this possible. This concept is based on Porsche's motorsport development work for the successful 911 GT3 R hybrid.

The additional, individually controllable front-wheel drive enables new driving strategies to be used for extremely high yet safe speeds through bends in particular. What's more, the advanced "boost" strategy manages the energy of the electric drive so intelligently that the unrestricted total power of the 918 Spyder can be accessed simply by fully depressing the accelerator pedal for every burst of speed at maximum acceleration. In short, the Porsche 918 Spyder allows even drivers without motorsport training to experience the potential of advanced longitudinal and lateral dynamics.

The centrepiece of the 918 Spyder concept is the distribution of propulsive power across three power units, all of which are integrated and controlled via an intelligent management system. To benefit as much as possible from the coverage offered by the different systems, the Porsche developers have defined a total of five operating modes, which can be activated via a map switch in the steering wheel, just like in race cars. Using the pre-selected mode, the 918 Spyder applies the most suitable operating and boost strategy without any further intervention from drivers, thus allowing them to concentrate fully on the road.

The V8 engine is coupled to the hybrid module as the Porsche 918 Spyder is designed as a parallel hybrid like Porsche's current hybrid models. The hybrid module essentially comprises a 115-kW electric motor and a decoupler that serves as the connection with the combustion engine. Because of its parallel hybrid configuration, the 918 Spyder can be powered at the rear axle either individually by the combustion engine or the electric motor, or via both drives together. As is typical for a Porsche super sportscar, the power unit assembly in the 918 Spyder has been placed in front of the rear axle, and it does not have a direct mechanical connection to the front axle. A seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission handles power transmission to the rear axle.

The 918 Spyder continues a long tradition of super sportscars at Porsche. Many of these vehicles have set technological benchmarks and have become the ultimate sportscars of their decades: the Carrera GTS, the first Porsche Turbo, the 959, the 911 GT1 and the Carrera GT. More so than any of its predecessors, the 918 Spyder is providing the key momentum for developing technologies for future vehicle concepts. The Porsche 918 Spyder features all the components that reflect the Porsche DNA in a format that is more powerful than ever before.

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2015 Porsche 911 Targa Review and Specs

The new Porsche 911 Targa is the fascinating symbiosis between the timeless design of the original Targa and the contemporary sportiness of the seventh 911 generation. The return to the original concept, with its characteristic fixed Targa bar, breathes new life into the legend of the 911 Targa in the new models. It renews the Targa tradition with an innovative roof concept.

Porsche is expanding the current generation of the 911 - the new Porsche 911 Targa now joins the coupé and convertible in the product line-up. Since its launch in 1965, the Targa has held a firmly established position within the Porsche 911 family, representing about 13 percent of all 911 cars ever sold. Porsche has produced more than 853,000 units of the 911 sports car icon since production started about 50 years ago. In the anniversary year of 2013 alone, more than 30,200 Porsche 911 cars were transferred to their proud owners.

The latest generation of this extravagant 911 variant now combines the classic Targa concept with highly advanced roof-activating convenience. Just like the legendary original Targa, the new model has the characteristic wide bar instead of the B pillars, a moving roof part above the front seats and a wrap-around rear window without C pillars. Unlike in the older classic models, the roof panel is now opened and closed at the press of a button. The fully automatic roof system stows the roof behind the rear seats in a spectacular way. The latest version of the 911 features the typical Porsche PTM all-wheel drive system that by design transfers proportionately more power to the rear wheels. This system guarantees maximum driving performance on a variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions.

Like its predecessor, the new generation Targa is launching onto the market in two variants with all-wheel drive exclusively. In the Porsche 911 Targa 4, the heart of a 3.4-litre flat-six engine beats with a power output of 257 kW (350 hp). Fitted with PDK and the Sport Chrono package, the new 911 Targa accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and, reaches a top speed of 282 km/h with a manual transmission. NEDC fuel consumption is between 9.5 and 8.7 l/100 km (223-204 g/km CO2), depending on the transmission fitted. The top model is the 911 Targa 4S which develops 294 kW (400 hp) from a 3.8-litre engine. Its top speed is 296 km/h, and it handles the benchmark sprint to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds when equipped with PDK and the Sport Chrono package. Fuel consumption ranges from 10.0 to 9.2 l/100 km (237-214 g/km CO2), depending on the transmission fitted. So, the car's engine and vehicle performance data as well as fuel efficiency are equivalent to those of the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. Both sports cars are certified to the Euro-6 standard.

The roof system consists of two moving parts: a soft top and a glass rear window. At the press of a button, the glass rear window opens to the rear and tilts. It is joined to the stowage box lid. At the same time, two flaps in the Targa bar open and release the soft top kinematics. The soft top is unlatched, folds to the rear into a Z-shape during the opening movement and stows behind the rear seats. A panel running across the car behind the rear seats integrates the soft top. Finally, the flaps in the bar and the rear window close. When the top is stowed, a wind deflector integrated in the cowl can be adjusted manually. It reduces draught to the interior significantly.

While the car is stationary, the roof can be opened or closed in about 19 seconds from controls on the centre console. To protect the car from damage, the standard integrated rear ParkAssist monitors the area behind the 911 Targa while the roof is opened and closed. If the sensors detect an obstacle within a range of less than 40 centimetres, a warning sounds. This prevents the rear window that is being tipped back from colliding with a closely parked vehicle or other object standing behind the Porsche 911 Targa.

The 911 Targa body is based on the structure of the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. So, the new generation benefits from the weight savings of its aluminium and steel construction combined with excellent rigidity. This also adds to the car's safety - a traditional core property of the 911 Targa. As in the original model, the fixed Targa bar provides exceptionally good protection if the car should roll over. The standard Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP) with six full-size airbags provides additional all-round protection to the driver and front passenger. These safety features make the 911 Targa 4 models one of the safest convertible sports cars in the world.

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2015 Porsche Boxster GTS - Review, Specs and Price

The two most powerful and fastest mid-engine sports models from Porsche are ready and raring to go: with uprated engines and excellent PASM chassis the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS set new benchmarks for sportiness in their segment. The independent front and a modified rear end, blackened bi-xenon headlights - with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as standard - and exterior lettering in silky black gloss are subtle yet unmistakable features of the new top models. The name says it all: at Porsche "GTS" stands for Gran Turismo Sport and has promised outstanding Porsche performance ever since the legendary 904 Carrera GTS dating back to 1963. With the new two-seaters Porsche is renewing its commitment to authentic sports cars for both the racetrack and everyday use.

The six-cylinder boxer engines fitted in the new top models are based on the 3.4-litre engines from the Boxster S and Cayman S respectively. Thanks to optimised fine tuning they now deliver an additional 15 hp (11 kW). This means that the Boxster GTS now has an output of 330 hp (243 kW), whilst the Cayman GTS delivers 340 hp (250 kW). The torque has also increased by ten newton metres in each model. What's more, the Sport Chrono package is a standard feature in both mid-engine sports cars. This means that in conjunction with the optional Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) and the active Sport Plus button, the Boxster GTS sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, whilst the Cayman GTS is even a tenth of a second faster. Both vehicles therefore set new reference values.

As regards the maximum speed - measured with the standard manual six-speed transmission - the Boxster is the first of the new premium roadsters to top the 280 km/h mark, achieving a speed of 281 km/h. At 285 km/h the sports coupé is even faster. The new top models are the first mid-engine two-seaters from Porsche to be certified according to the Euro 6 standard, and with this measuring method they achieve an overall fuel consumption with PDK of 8.2 l/100 km (9.0 l/100 km with manual transmission).

The Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS combine top driving dynamics with the typical Porsche spread with undiminished ride comfort and exclusive features. For example, the combination of PASM and the Sport Chrono package as standard enables the driver to switch between progressive sportiness on the one hand and long-distance comfort on the other hand at the press of a button. The tyres measuring 235/35 at the front and 265/35 at the rear on 20-inch Carrera S-wheels provide the perfect setup for both. Both two-seaters come with sports seats and leather interiors as standard. Like other GTS models from Porsche they are refined with Alcantara elements.

With the new models Porsche is now extending the GTS principle to the Boxster and Cayman. Like the Cayenne GTS and Panamera GTS, these are extremely sporty top models that stand for superior driving dynamics in their segment. The combination of letters originates from the 904 Carrera GTS, a race car dating back to 1963 that could also be registered for use on public roads. In the 1980s and 1990s the 924 GTS and 928 GTS cultivated this principle. It was reborn in 2007 in the form of the Cayenne GTS, and was subsequently also implemented in the 911 series and the Panamera.

The new models will be launched from May 2014. With country-specific equipment and VAT the Boxster GTS costs €69,949 and the Cayman GTS costs €73,757 in Germany.

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