Porsche 918 Spyder Still Available as Rivals Near Sell-Out
Porsche confirmed in May 2013 that the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar remained available to order, while McLaren's P1 and Ferrari's LaFerrari approached sell-out.
In early May 2013, Porsche confirmed that its 918 Spyder hypercar was not yet sold out. The announcement came as the car approached its official public debut, with several build slots still available for interested buyers. Wolfgang Hatz, Porsche's head of Research and Development, provided the update as the company prepared for the car’s world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Porsche 918 Spyder Still Available in 2013
Comparison with McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari
At the same time, both McLaren and Ferrari reported that their own limited-run hybrid supercars were nearly sold out. McLaren had almost filled all 375 build slots for the P1, while Ferrari was close to allocating all 499 LaFerraris. In contrast, Porsche’s 918 Spyder order books remained open, offering a rare opportunity for buyers to secure a build slot for a cutting-edge hybrid hypercar. This slower pace of sales set the 918 Spyder apart from its British and Italian rivals, which had attracted rapid demand from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Technical Highlights of the 918 Spyder
The Porsche 918 Spyder was designed as a showcase of the brand’s engineering and hybrid technology. The final production version featured a 4.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine paired with a sophisticated electric hybrid system. Together, they delivered a combined output of 875 horsepower (652kW). The car also included a four-wheel steering system for improved handling and a distinctive targa top, setting it apart visually from earlier concept and pre-production versions.
| Engine | 4.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 |
|---|---|
| Hybrid System | Electric motors paired with V8 |
| Combined Output | 875hp (652kW) |
| Drive | Four-wheel steering |
| Roof | Targa top |
Positioning Among Hybrid Supercars
Porsche positioned the 918 Spyder directly against the McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari. All three cars represented a new era of hybrid hypercars, blending traditional high-performance engineering with advanced electric technology. However, Porsche’s approach differed in several ways. The 918 Spyder had a higher production cap than its rivals and emphasised a balance between electric and petrol power, while McLaren and Ferrari focused on exclusivity and rapid allocation. Porsche did not specify the exact number of 918 Spyders still available at the time, but made it clear that the ordering window was open for those interested in joining the exclusive group of owners.
- Porsche 918 Spyder: Order books open as of May 2013
- McLaren P1: 375 units, nearly sold out
- Ferrari LaFerrari: 499 units, nearly sold out
Sales Progress and Market Impact
The slower pace of 918 Spyder sales contrasted with the rapid sell-out of its competitors. Porsche’s strategy included a focus on hybrid technology and a higher production cap, which may have contributed to the more gradual uptake. Despite this, the 918 Spyder eventually found strong demand, with Porsche later reporting that more than 600 units had been sold worldwide. For buyers in 2013, the 918 Spyder stood out as one of the few hybrid hypercars still available to order, offering a blend of V8 performance and electric power that was unique in its segment.
Ordering Opportunity in 2013
For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a place in hybrid supercar history, the Porsche 918 Spyder represented a rare chance to acquire a groundbreaking model before production ramped up. With McLaren and Ferrari’s allocations nearly exhausted, Porsche’s open order books in May 2013 made the 918 Spyder one of the last options for buyers looking to secure a new-generation hybrid hypercar from a major manufacturer.
