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Mark Webber demonstrates Porsche hybrid technology at Albert ParkPorsche 918 Spyder makes Australian debut at Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix

Australia. Porsche showcased its flagship E-mobility supercar for the road, the 918 Spyder, yesterday at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix with Porsche works driver Mark Webber at the wheel.

The Australian ace took the sports car to the track for high speed demonstration laps around the 5.3 km Melbourne circuit, running the 918 Spyder through its full range of performance options – from stealth “E-Power” electric mode through to the perfect blend of combustion and electric performance – “Race Hybrid”.

It was in "Race Hybrid" mode where the 918 Spyder fully unwound its legs and blasted around the track at speeds in excess of 260 km/h.

Webber wasn’t alone in the two-seater sports car; the Porsche factory racer took Australian actor Eric Bana for flying laps around the Albert Park track. Thereafter, Bana, a Porsche road and race car owner with GT racing experience in a 911 GT3 Cup car, was gifted the opportunity to drive the 918 Spyder on track with Webber in the passenger seat.

Webber thoroughly enjoyed returning to the Albert Park circuit in front of his loyal fans in one of the world’s most technically advanced hybrid sports cars.

"It was fantastic to be able to showcase the 918 Spyder to the Australian public," said Webber. "It is an awesome car with its combination of electric and combustion engine power sources, and when they work in tandem the driving experience on track is pure race car."

This was the first time the 918 Spyder has been on display in Australia, with all 918 examples of the super car already sold out.

The 918 Spyder is the highlight car of Porsche Cars Australia's E-Mobility display at Albert Park, which also includes the 919 hybrid LMP1 race car from the 2014 World Endurance Championship (WEC), the plug-in Panamera S E-Hybrid and the recently launched all-new plug-in Cayenne S E-Hybrid.

The 918 Spyder is a paradox: in smooth urban driving conditions it consumes an average of just 3.1 L / 100 kms, yet is capable of over 300 km/h on the track with its race-inspired V8 engine (447 kW), rear axle hybrid module (115 kW) and front axle electric motor (95 kW) all working in unison to generate 657 kW or 887 horsepower.

15/3/2015