Porsche gives the go-ahead to plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder

Porsche's supervisory board has given the go-ahead for the 918 Spyder concept car shown at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The 918 is a mid-engined plug-in hybrid that has the potential to deliver CO2 emissions of just 70g/km, better than any standard model on sale in the UK today.

Porsche has already launched a hybrid version of its Cayenne SUV, and a Panamera hybrid will be introduced later this year, but plug-in models such as the planned 918 offer far more potential to reduce CO2 as they are capable of running in electric mode for a much larger percentage of any journey. Production volumes, pricing, and the launch date for the 918 have not yet been disclosed, but the allocation of a "91X" model designation may be a hint that the car is expected to deliver a lot of go.

In a separate initiative, electric versions of Porsche's Boxster will take part in usability trials in Stuttgart next year. Porsche has also been fielding a hybrid version of the 911 GT3 in motor sport events.