One to Buy: Uniquely configured 1500 mile 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package
In terms of aesthetic appeal, there was one clear winner from the famous McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 battle of the 2010s and that car was the product from Stuttgart.
With its perfect proportions, lithe elegance and unmistakable Porsche DNA, the 918 has stood the test of time far better than its rivals and manages to look sensational in practically any colour combination.
For those buyers who wanted the ultimate 918, Porsche offered the expensive Weissach Package, a high performance weight-saving option that variously included titanium chassis hardware, an extended rear diffuser, additional carbonfibre body parts, magnesium alloy BBS wheels, ceramic wheel bearings, a mix of Alcantara and fire-resistant fabric trim, six-point harnesses and fabric door-release pull straps. The air conditioning and audio systems along with the glovebox were automaticaly deleted but could be re-instated at no cost.
Also offered as part of the Weissach Package were a variety of colour schemes inspired by the cars campaigned under the Porsche Salzburg banner during the 1970 season, a fine example of which is currently being represented with RM Sotheby’s Private Sales department out of Coral Gables, Florida.
Chassis 821 is reputedly one of just five 918 Spyders with the Weissach Package configured in white as opposed to the more common red. Of this quintet, just two came with black and Acid Green accents and number 821 is the sole example to feature matching Acid Green interior trim.
Supplied via Porsche of Roslyn in Upstate New York, the car was further equipped with the front-axle lift system and had the climate control, audio system and glovebox re-instated. Other options included HomeLink, a cup holder, carbonfibre-look floormats with Acid Green piping, seatbelts with Acid Green striping and a centre console storage compartment.
The immaculate two-owner car is currently showing around 1500 miles.
Reprinted below is RM Sotheby’s description:
Chassis No. WP0CA2A13FS800821
Serial No. 821
The only 918 Spyder with Weissach Package and “Salzburg” livery finished in white with black and Acid Green accents over a black and Acid Green leather interior
Showing less than 1,500 miles at cataloguing time
Specified with the ultra-desirable weight-saving Weissach Package
Further optioned with front-axle lift system, dual-zone climate control, and Burmester surround sound infotainment system
Accompanied by factory books and original window sticker
The Porsche 918 Spyder, a brilliant leap forward when it debuted in 2013, marks an inflection point in the automotive world with its advanced plug-in hybrid-electric technology. It defined a new paradigm for ultimate automotive performance, where efficiency and power need not be mutually exclusive.
Beneath the beautifully proportioned and understated carbon fiber reinforced composite bodywork, a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 drives the rear wheels. Based on the engine from the championship-winning RS Spyder LMP2 Le Mans Prototype, it revs to a lofty 9,000-rpm redline thanks to its flat-plane crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, four valves per cylinder, and dry-sump lubrication. Direct fuel injection and Porsche’s patented Variocam intake system create an exceptional 133-horsepower per liter of displacement.
A pair of electric motors supplement the engine—one mated to the V-8 itself and another driving the front axle. Offering an additional 284 horsepower, they bring total output to 887 horsepower and 944 pound-feet of torque.
Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission channels power to the rear wheels while five drive modes—selected with a dial on the steering wheel—tailor the chassis dynamics and power output around different parameters, ranging from fully electric to “Hot Lap,” which squeezes every ounce of performance out of the potent hybrid powertrain.
A dizzying amount of technology, including innovative all-wheel steering and self-adjusting aerodynamic elements, work seamlessly with the all-wheel drive and superbly balanced carbon fiber reinforced composite chassis to create an incredibly approachable driving demeanor that belies the massive power output.
Even more stunning, the hybrid powertrain imbues a Jekyll-and-Hyde effect, where the 918 Spyder can instantly take you from near-silent, fully electric cruising to adrenaline-pumping sprints, with the full sound and fury of the race-bread V-8 reverberating throughout the cabin. Zero to 60 mph takes less than 2.5 seconds, making the Porsche quicker than both of its contemporary hybrid rivals, the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1.
Enthusiasts in pursuit of even more extreme performance could choose the weight-saving Weissach Package, which included magnesium alloy center-locking wheels, titanium chassis hardware, ceramic wheel bearings, fabric door-release pull straps instead of conventional handles, lighter Alcantara trim instead of leather, fire-resistant fabric, and six-point harnesses. Air conditioning, the Burmester stereo, and even the glovebox were removed, but could be added back at no cost. These weight-saving measures helped to shed some 100 pounds.
Buyers who chose the $84,000 Weissach Package had the option of selecting factory-applied wraps evoking historic Porsche livery. A handful of owners went a step further, forgoing the wrap and having their desired livery painted directly onto their new 918 Spyder. Among the various livery options was the distinctive red and white pattern of the famous Porsche Holding Salzburg-backed 917 Kurzheck that won the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This remarkable example, number 821 of 918, is one of only five 918 Spyders with the Weissach Package bearing the factory-applied Salzburg livery and finished in white rather than red. Furthermore, it is one of only two cars so equipped with black and Acid Green accents and the sole example with its particular exterior color combination paired with a black leather interior featuring Acid Green accents.
Delivered new to Porsche of Roslyn in Upstate New York, it was further specified with the front-axle lift system, two-zone automatic climate control, HomeLink, cup holder, carbon fiber-look floormats with Acid Green piping, seatbelts with Acid Green striping, Burmester high-end surround-sound audio system, glove box, and center console storage compartment. Acquired by the consignor from its original owner, it remains in superb condition, showing less than 1,500 miles on the odometer as of cataloguing time.
With its low mileage, excellent condition, superb factory specification with the ultra-desirable Weissach Package, and iconic Salzburg livery in a special color scheme, this 918 Spyder holds immeasurable appeal. It is accompanied by its original window sticker, factory books in a leather pouch, an indoor car cover with storage duffel, and a zippered folio with pen.
