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Hybrid engine are not just a trend nor is it a nod to eco-friendliness. It is the absolute wave of the future as many economy brands are adopting hybrid engine technology to not just subcompact and compact sized cars; Full sized sedans and sports utility vehicles are featuring hybrid engine. It looks like manufacturers are finding a way to add energy saving technology into powerful performance automobiles.

But what about luxury vehicles? What about luxury sport cars coming from manufacturers like Mercedes Benz, BMW and of course, Porsche? Can hybrid technology be implemented into not just their luxury classes but to their ultimate street legal vehicles. Will we see a hybrid engine put into a multi-hundred thousand dollar car?

The answer to that is yes. BMW has the full electric i3 and the upcoming full hybrid i8 sports car. Mercedes Benz has the SLS Electric Hybrid. What these models share is an amazing fuel economy that will save the consumer hundred of dollars of gas savings. But on top of that, the hybrid electric engines for the top tier sports cars are just as quiet as their economy counterparts.

Porsche is bringing that technology to their 918 Spyder model. Here’s the skinny: The 918 possesses a conventional gas engine. Inside is a 4.6-liter V8 capable of over 600 horsepower.  Where’s the electricity? On the front axle is where it’s at and it offers 127 horsepower. Wait there’s another on the rear axle, which add another 154 horsepower. Altogether, it adds up to close to 900 horsepower and 940 lb-ft. of torque.

The electric motors are powered by 312 lithium-ion batteries that are regulated by a central computer. The transmission is held together by a dual-clutch gearbox with seven forward speeds and five selected driving modes. All that power guides a rather lightweight frame: a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body with just two seats and a trunk. Removable roof panels can be added or stowed away.

Porsche is definitely not playing catch up to other luxury brands, they are stepping it up by adding electric motors wherever they possibly can. What you’re getting with the 918 hybrid Spyder is the fastest production model created by Porsche but with the fuel saving, eco-friendly and quiet efficiency of hybrid technology.

Image credit: Boxfox1 on Flickr