The Porsche 918 Spyder concept. Photo: Porsche

Based on popular demand and serious customer interest, Porsche will build the eco-friendly 918 Spyder. The concept car received near universal praise when it debuted at this year’s Geneva Auto Show, even if some of Porsche’s performance claims seem a bit optimistic. Porsche claims that the 918 Spyder will go from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in just 3.2 second and turn laps on the Nürburgring in 7:30, a hair slower than the Porsche Carrera GT (7:28.71). Porsche also claims combined fuel economy of 78 mpg in EU cycle testing, but stopped short of saying the 918 Spyder would save the South American rainforests and prevent the extinction of the spotted owl.

Two things are certain: there will be compromises when the car hits production, and it will be expensive. Like the Carrera GT, it will be built in limited quantities and should price somewhere in the “if-you-have-to-ask-you-can’t-afford-it” range. Speculation has it at €500,000, or roughly $650,000, which would make it the most expensive road going car in Porsche’s history.

Porsche is deservedly proud of their eco-friendly halo car, and Autoweek quotes Porsche AG president Michael Macht as saying, “Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance, featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts.”

It’s probably the first hybrid I could learn to love, but unless I hit the lottery my chances of driving one aren’t very good. I don’t think we’ll be seeing any 918 Spyders in Porsche’s press fleet.