Skip to main content

Porsche turns up the power on the 918 hybrid, taking on McLaren and Ferrari

Porsche 918 Spyder
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’ve been giddy about the 918 for a while now, as it is a combination of everything we’re passionate about: tech and speed.

The Porsche 918 plug-in hybrid supercar was the one that set the stage for the McLaren P1 and the Ferrari LaFerrari but was quickly upstaged by the dynamic duo – each putting power in excess of 900 horses to the pavement.

As far as we knew, the 918, which has had a long road to final production, was pegged at 795 horsepower. According to a fellow who pre-ordered one, however, and has visited the Porsche Development Center, the power could be in excess of 875 horsepower for production.

Posting on TeamSpeed, the buyer says the production 918 will be lighter weight and faster than previously announced, capable of rounding the Nurburgring in less than seven minutes.

At the end of his post, the author reveals that he has ordered all three hybrid supercars: 918, P1, and LaFerrari. He uses these bragging rights to emphasize his unbiased look at the 918.

The 918 – even if the extra power rumors aren’t true – is an amazing beast. It’ll go 93 miles on its electric batteries alone and also hit break-neck speeds. With an open top roof and four-wheel steering, it seems the 918 might be the ultimate supercar.

The 918 is expected to make its official production debut in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show. We’re hoping we’ll know more as the event approaches so stay tuned for more.

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more
Don’t let the gimmicks fool you. The Ioniq 5 N is a serious track car
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N drifting.

We’re finally getting to the fun part of automakers’ methodical quest to replicate their lineups with electric cars.

Performance versions of ordinary cars have been a staple of the auto industry for decades. But while we’ve already seen some variants of EVs boasting more power and more impressive stats — think Tesla Model S Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire — the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first to truly apply that format to an EV.

Read more