Gaudin Porsche announces arrival of 918 Spyder Supercar

It broke the standing record at Germany’s famous Nurburgring (“The Ring”) 14.2-mile race course with a trip of 6.57 seconds, breaking Ferrari Racer Niki Lauda’s 1975 record of 6.58 seconds.

Not since the 2014 return of Porsche to Le Mans LMP1, has a Porsche race car created such buzz.

Traffic crawled along West Sahara Avenue at the sight of the first Porsche 918 Spyder gliding out of the transport wagon to a crowd of 50 faithful admirers. The arrival of No. 50 and No. 78, to Gaudin Porsche Las Vegas, two of only 918 produced worldwide, was the culmination of a four-year wait.

Silent, the 100 percent electric mode propels the car to zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds with 940 foot pounds of torque from the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system, reaching a top speed of 93 mph in electric mode. But, when the driver pushes the button into Hybrid, Race Hybrid, Sport Hybrid or the HOT LAP configuration, the 918 Spyder spares no expense to show off. The combined output of the two electric motors and the naturally aspirated v8 engine reaches 286 horsepower.

A high-performance breaking system recuperates energy back to the hybrid engine through the interface with the electric motors. Porsche created the new Electric Porsche Traction Management system to maximize performance and efficiency in all driving modes, utilizing front, rear and both axles.

The 918 Spyder can be driven with or without its T-top, changing the driving experience from open top racer to stealth sports car. The T-top tucks neatly in the front hood, leaving additional room for personal items.

Inside, the cockpit cradles the body with ergonomics created to optimize sight lines for tall drivers. The lightweight bucket seats are made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic with contouring side bolsters, shoulder support and firmer padding for enhanced lateral support.

Safety includes multiple stage airbags, energy-absorbing steering column and dashboard, and force limiters with pretensioners in the seat belts.

A multifunction steering wheel, dual communication management screens on the dash and center console optimize control and handling.

Meanwhile, the Burmester high-end surround sound system includes 11 loudspeakers and 500 watts of spatial sound quality, digital radio and hands-free telephone driving.

The only option available is an exterior design treatment in full-body film wrap dubbed the Weissach package, offering two paint patterns: the Martini Racing logos in brilliant blue and red; or the red flames of the Salzburg version.

Additional attachment parts include aeroblades on the rear end and aeroflaps in the air outlets behind the front wheels. Twelve paint colors are available.

Visitors may see the car on display at Gaudin Porsche, 7200 W. Sahara Ave., Monday-Saturday during business hours.