Chris Harris was among a number of journalists invited to Porsche’s Leipzig track to drive the Porsche 918. Chris was only allowed 3 laps in the 918, but the video covers the best points of the technical presentation from the visit and provides tons and tons of details in a succinct and compact fashion. Enjoy!
A Few Things To Point Out
Chris makes some good points, interesting comments – none really undeserved (GT3 RS 4.0 with Mr. Röhrl, 918 units, amount of laps, etc.)
However, while we’re afraid the “take the electronics out of it” argument is only getting started, we find the hypocrisy of comparing it to the other upcoming “super-hybrid” cars on one hand, while saying how good it could be if it wasn’t a hybrid on the other, um, interesting. Especially since the others haven’t been available for rides or drives as far as we know.
In a way you can say the Ferrari has already been done by Porsche – the 918 RSR.
We don’t think it’s unfair to ask what would it be without the batteries/electronics, but we also think it’s missing the point of the car. It’s the same “why don’t they put a 4.0 RS engine in a Cayman and it’ll be faster than a 911” argument.
The 959 nor the Carrera GT were the absolute fastest of their time, but they have stood the test of time because of their overall package. We’re not defending the 918 as it sits now (no one has asked us to drive it, yet), but we think some of Chris’ and others commentary is a bit short sighted.
We wonder if this video could help or hurt sales? Ultimately, it’s to be determined. This is one video from one journalist on a developmental drive. Buyers at this level are most likely taking a wait and see attitude to the finished car.
Other Porsche Blog Posts You Will Enjoy!
Despite Rumors to the Contrary, Pricing for the Porsche 918 Spyder Remains Unchanged
Porsche 918 Gets Historic Martini Racing Livery as Option
Behind the Scenes with the Porsche 918 Spyder at the Nürburgring
Walter Röhrl Compares the Porsche 918 Spyder to the Carrera GT [Video]
