Porsche 918 Spyder by the numbers | video

Porsche’s new 918 Spyder has already proven its worth as a supercar with a 6:57 Nurburgring lap, but its sophisticated hybrid drivetrain boasts an array of power sources and figures that has the potential to confuse.

Porsche’s latest video aims to dispel this confusion, condensing the 918’s key details into a simple demonstration, with cutaways showing where the elements fit within its gorgeous body.

The plug-in hybrid system combines a 447kW 4.6 litre petrol V8 with two electric motors with a combined 210kW, with a total of 652kW and 1280Nm being put to the road.

A seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission delivers the grunt from one of the electric motors and the petrol engine to the rear wheels, while the second electric motor drives the front wheels via a fixed ratio. 

The result is 0-100km/h acceleration in 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 343km/h – all with Toyota Prius-defeating combined fuel consumption of 3.3L/100km.

The driver has a total of five drive modes to choose from, including ‘E Power’ for electric-only drive with a range of at least 25km.

‘Hybrid Mode’ is for regular driving, with the petrol engine operating only when needed to minimise fuel consumption. The petrol engine operates continuously in ‘Sport Hybrid Mode’ with assistance from the electric motors, while ‘Race Hybrid Mode’ steps this up a notch with increased electric assistance.

For maximum performance over short distances, ‘Hot Lap’ configuration unleashes all of the 918’s potential in a burst ideal for one hot lap of a race circuit.

So the 918 might manage one 6:57 Nurburgring lap with electric assistance, but it will have to rely on 447kW of petrol power for each lap thereafter -- until it regenerates some electric juice.

Watch the Porsche 918 Spyder video here.

This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn