You could say so, now that unofficial spy shots of Ferrari's and McLaren's all-new hypercars, reported in Life two weeks ago, have already been snapped by the automotive papparazi.
What you see here are official handouts of the 918 Spyder, which Porsche is apparently trying to divert some attention to. The prototypes have begun durability tests on public roads for the first time.
Porsche says the 918 will be launched in September next year (most likely on Sept 18 since the badge indicates that date) with first deliveries set for late 2013.
Porsche happily says the camouflage is a nod to the 917 racer and that the 918 will redefine driving fun, efficiency and performance in one package.
So that hybrid drivetrain is confirmed?
Yes it is, as how the vehicle was first previewed in a concept car last year.
Porsche says the 918 will be powered by a 570hp 4.6-litre V8 engine, which is coupled to two electric motors _ each driving one of the two axles _ backed by lithium-ion batteries.
Here are some official stats from Porsche. Combined with electric power, the total output comes to at least 770hp. That's around 30hp shy of the semi-electrified drivetrains expected in the Ferrari Enzo and McLaren F1 successors.
Porsche adds that the 918 will be capable of over 30kpl (hinting to plug-in capability), plus a 25km driving range and 150kph top speed in pure electric mode.
Together with the internal combustion engine, the 918 promises a 0-100kph time in less than 3.0sec and a top speed in excess of 325kph.
Forget about the top speed. How does the 918 fare against the Carrera GT?
Yeah, top-speed is hardly relevant these days on public roads, but it's quite an important aspect for potential buyers to feel happy about.
But if you compare it with the Carrera GT predecessor, codenamed 980 and built between 2004 and 2006, Porsche apparently hasn't been too bothered about the top speed in the 918 because the GT has a higher 5kph.
More crucial is the acceleration time, which the 918 betters the GT, powered by a conventional 612hp 5.7-litre V10, by a good 0.9sec. However, be reminded that the 918's figures are merely estimates and could even be better in production trim.
It has to, because the Enzo and F1 replacements are widely rumoured to dip well below the 3.0sec mark.
Today's Lamborghini Aventador flagship does it in 2.9sec and Bugatti Veyron holds the record with 2.5sec.
Interesting. Any other interesting bits of the 918?
Other confirmed details are a full carbon fibre reinforced plastic monocoque, two-piece Targa-style roof, adaptive aerodynamics and ceramic disc brakes.
Within these two years, it will be interesting to see how the super-duper hypercar race turns out, not for the sake of who's going to sell more, but for the matter of who's going to make a bigger leap in technology.
In fact, all three will be made in very limited numbers for the entire planet. Wait and see how the supercar will be redefined, that is, making it ultra-fast yet cleaner and greener than ever.
Via: bangkokpost
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