Not when we have to start taking into account the still pretty high costs (monetary and environmental) of battery disposal. The I/C engine still has a ways to go, and I'm not yet convinced that electric is what will take its place.
Not soon, if ever. The energy density in fossil/carbon fuels is far higher than what is possible today(or in the foreseeable future) in batteries. Plus, internal combustion engine can burn a wide variety of fuels, even hydrogen. And it still has a lot of potential to improve efficiency(variable compression, EM or pneumatic valve control...)
It's REALLY fun. Just step on the throttle and the car responds instantly. In my old car, I could putter around at 2K RPM in second gear and then if I wanted to, I could floor the throttle and spin the tires all the way through 3rd. Childish? Maybe. Fun? You bet.
You can do the same thing by simply holding a lower gear. These cars are so powerful anyway that they will spin their tyres to destruction at will!!!
it is my prediction that the next iteration of all these hypercars will NOT have any additional electric motors or kers. the inclusion of these systems in the current crop of cars is simply a sop to the current obsession of the general public, a desire to show the world that they have high tech capability, and to appease governments. the weight penalty, cost of replacement, and general lack of controllable quality, will sour people on these systems. because of that, the eventual 918 model without electric motors, will be a fantastic car. congratulations fx on buying all 3 of these! enjoy them in good health and please give us a full report ! btw, in terms of fit and finish, nothing in todays automotive world can compare to either the pagani or the veyron. i have looked over the huayara closely, and it is simply the finest piece of engineering and construction i have ever seen.
I discussed the (961) project and it seems. 1. It will not tread on the 918's feet performance wise...but closer to 458 territory. 2. It is at least 4 years out. maybe 2018 3. Dont give too much credence to auto-car scoops. I also have looked very carefully at the Huarya and i agree it is a work of art, if perhaps a bit flashy. When you see the finished 918 you will see why i am singing its praise. Also a work of art but more subtle. As i said forget the prototypes, in final form it screams.
Really?? WOW ... that's crazy heavy. 660 pounds ??? That's so damn heavy ... it can't be right. That's more than 500 pounds heavier than the KERS batteries in LaFerrari !! I guess Porsche really pays a HUGE price for that "hybrid-like" ability to drive on electric alone.
I think it's more about longevity of the battery pack. I think the Porsche pack will last longer than P1's or LaFerrari's. It will be interesting to see the cost of replacing one of thes packs after the warrantee period is over.
Especially when the politicians and bureaucrats figure out electric and hybrid drivers are not paying their "fair share" of gas taxes.
I would really like to see an electric targa roof, two front electric motors for independent torque to each front wheel and cameras instead of mirrors (prototype). I will never be so lucky to own one, but I can always dream of it.
It actually makes sense - the P1's battery pack is said to weigh 96kg, and the 918 offers about 3x the electric-only range that the P1 does, hence 3x the battery required to do it. >8^) ER
Wow, I think this news caught a lot of people off guard. Can't wait to see comparison tests of all three ubermachines.
