Porsche 918 Spyder
We’ll round out our list of hybrid sports cars with some exotics, and the Porsche 918 Spyder must be in the lineup. Not only is it gorgeous from all angles, the Porsche 918 is one of the top performers ever. Circling the Nürburgring in 6:55 isn’t for the faint of heart.
The powertrain is other-worldly. The 4.6-liter V8 makes 608 horsepower on its own. Add to that the front electric motor’s 127 ponies, and you’re doing all right. But there’s a third unit, the mid-mounted hybrid drive with another 154 horsepwoer. Its top speed is 211 mph and it goes 0-to-60mph in 2.6 seconds.
Where it gets a little unusual is in the fuel economy ratings. The European combined cycle rating is 71mpg…can you think of another V8 that can do that? By the way, it starts at $845,000.
Ferrari LaFerrari
Further into exotic territory, we find the Ferrari LaFerrari. Like the Porsche 918 Spyder, its electric-assist motors aren’t intended for efficiency, but rather for added performance. And it succeeds. The Ferrari LaFerrari accelerates to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and has a top speed of 217 mph.
The LaFerrari makes its power from a 6.3-liter V12 with 789 horsepower. As if that’s not enough, a Kinetic Energy Recovery System called HY-KERS adds another 161 horsepower in short bursts. Combined, it adds up to an intimidating 950 horsepower. It’s easily one of the best hybrid sports cars.
Unlike nearly all the others, it’s purely a rear-wheel-drive supercar. Imagine trying to keep in control with so much energy to just the rear end.
If you’re thinking it’s something you want to try, start saving up. One just sold at auction for over $7 million, making it “the most valuable 21st century automobile ever sold at auction,” according to Wikipedia.
McLaren P1
The hybrid supercar trifecta gets rounded out with the McLaren P1. It could easily be the best-looking of the bunch, but it’s a touch slower. The McLaren P1 accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 2.8 seconds. McLaren claims the P1 can reach 249 mph with the electronic speed limiter removed, and that’s territory all unto itself…until the Tesla Roadster comes along.
Like the LaFerrari, the McLaren P1 is strictly rear-wheel-drive. It’s powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 727 horsepower, then paired with an electric motor adding another 176hp. Tallying up to 903 combined ponies, the McLaren P1 is guaranteed to be a handful for the driver.
