2015 PORSCHE 918 SPYDER: Among the most popular exhibits at the annual Chicago Auto Show are the latest exotic supercars from around the world. Visitors to the 2015 show, Feb. 14-22, will not be disappointed. A rare model on display is the Porsche 918 Spyder that combines pedigree motor racing technology with excellent everyday utility and highly efficient and powerful hybrid drive. The core of the 918 Spyder philosophies is its distribution of propulsive power among the three power units, and their cooperation controlled by an intelligent management system. The main source of propulsion is the 4.6-liter, V-8 engine that produces 608-horsepower, derived directly from the power unit of the successful RS Spyder, which explains why it can deliver engine speeds of up to 9,150 rpm. Next, the V-8 is coupled to the hybrid module that comprises a 115 kW 156-hp electric motor and a decoupler that servers as the connection with the combustion engine. A seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox handles power transmission to the rear axle. There is a red “Hot Lap” button that will release the final reserves of the 918 Spyder and can only be activated in “Race Hybrid” mode, which pushes the hybrid battery to its maximum power output limits for a few fast laps. The 918 Spyder therefore demonstrates the potential of the hybrid drive to a degree never seen before: the parallel improvement of both efficiency and performance without one being at the cost of the other. This is the idea that has made the Porsche 911 the most successful sports car in the world for 50 years. In short, the 918 Spyder will act as the gene pool for the Porsche sports cars of the future.