Porsche’s plug-in hybrid ‘supersportscar’ goes on sale today, 21 March – with production limited to just 918 units. Production won’t start, however, until September 2013, with the first deliveries planned for that November.

But don’t delay placing your order, as Porsche ceremoniously tells us that “production is initialised in the same sequence in which orders are received”. Right.

First unveiled at Geneva in 2010, the 918 Spyder concept car generated huge enthusiasm from the media and, more importantly, from potential customers – and that staggering 94mpg Combined fuel consumption was just part of the story. A 493bhp V8 engine plus two electric motors (together giving an extra 215bhp-plus) turn this from an eco-friendly green machine into a fire-spitting supercar. Despite CO2 emissions of just 70g/km, the 918 Spyder accelerates from zero to 62mph in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of “more than 320km/h” (199mph).

Even on electric power alone, the 918 Spyder can reach 94mph. More revealing is the fact that Porsche claims its electric Spyder will be able to lap the Nordschleife in less than seven minutes and 30 seconds – “trumping the Porsche Carrera GT, which needs seven minutes and 32 seconds”.

To help ease the wait, every customer who orders a 918 Spyder will be offered the chance to place another order – for the exclusive 911 Turbo S ‘Edition 918 Spyder’, also limited to no more than 918 units. This special edition is inspired by the 918 Spyder’s features, such as the distinctive acid green model logos and seams, the instrument cluster needles and illuminated door entry guards. The limited-edition badge on the glove compartment bears the same number as the 918 Spyder the customer has ordered; and the 911 Turbo S ‘Edition 918 Spyder’ can even be ordered in the same colour – but this time, deliveries will start in June 2011.

The Coupé version of the special edition costs 173,241 euros in Germany and 184,546 euros as a Cabriolet – including VAT and country-specific equipment items respectively. Meanwhile, the 918 Spyder is available for immediate order priced from 645,000 euros – subject to VAT and country-specific charges.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Porsche