Video: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept driven at Pebble Beach

The highly-anticipated Porsche 918 Spyder Concept is no longer a static piece of automotive perfection. The car has been driven, albeit at driveway speeds, at the recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Eelegance event.

Stunning the crowd and photographers, the guys from Autoblog had to get amongst it to get these exclusive images. The Porsche 918 Spyder had only just been confirmed for production, seeing it as a final working example provides definite assurance the car will be made.

The specifications are also said to be on par with those of the initial concept; 372kW, 3.4-litre V8, combined with two electric motors which sum 162kW. Some witnesses at the event thought the car was being driven with the handbrake on, while sources confirmed the 918′s engine was simply being switched into full-electric mode.

This car is very special for a number of reasons. The most interesting though, we think, is the fact that it is an ultra-modern design, with swoops and cuts contouring the bodywork, but it also sports traditional and retro features.

Check out the interior, it’s almost retro with its green pin striping, but then look at the seats. The passenger seat appears to be a very large unit that extends all the way up to the centre dash fascia.

And then there’s the Park/Reverse/Drive toggle to the right of the steering wheel. It looks very James bond/stainless steel, but also hints simplicity and tradition.

Exterior-wise, the wheels look as they did on the original concept – futuristic to the utmost level – but then there’s the side-exiting exhaust outlets that almost look fake and for show only. But they’re not.

Although thought to be the first official drive of the car, Porsche has said the car was driven a few days earlier at a secret private test road prior to the event. It’s certainly the first public exhibit showcasing the car under its own power though.

Here’s a video of it all anyway. It sounds like a loud, chunky rally car yet it’s capable of consuming just 3L/100km.

*Updated: First drive video and engine sound video below

via caradvice.com.au

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