Porsche 918 Spyder: leaked images join Nurburgring claim

The glossy Porsche 918 Spyder images, reportedly leaked from an official brochure, show a Meteor Grey Metallic version of the super-hybrid, both stationary and driving, within a mountainous backdrop and finished in the previously seen Martini Racing livery as well as a Salzburg Racing design.

The interior is also shown, highlighted by the large centre control panel that appears to incorporate touchscreen technology and the instrument binnacle that again clearly indicates a tachometer reading to 10,000rpm.

Further pages reveal the 918 Spyder could be available in up to 12 different exterior colours, ranging from solid to metallic paint finishes.

More images of the suggested 585kW hybrid-powered Porsche – the car’s powertrain incorporates a V8 engine, hybrid module and an electric motor – have been plastered on the company’s Facebook page with the text, "Sometimes, words cannot describe a feeling. But in this case, a simple figure can. Location: Nurburgring, Nordschleife. Car: Porsche 918 Spyder. Lap time: 7 minutes, 14 seconds. Any questions left?"

The time - on par with the Lexus LF-A Nurburgring Edition’s 7:14.64 record and significantly better than the 7:24.22 set by the Nissan GT-R - was reportedly achieved with a prototype 918, sporting what Porsche refers to as an optional Weissach package believed to include several yet-to-be revealed handling upgrades and running on standard Michelin road tyres. No video proving the achievement has been released.

The Porsche 918 Spyder is due to start production in September of 2013, with the first deliveries to follow later that year.

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