The main power source of the Porsche 918 Spyder hypercar is a 4.6-litre V8. It was developed exclusively for the 918 Spyder. And by the same team of engineers who created the race engine for the RS Spyder.

The 918 Spyder Engine

Porsche 918 Spyder is a hybrid, powered by a combustion engine and two electric motors. The main power unit is the 4.6-litre, eight-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. It delivers maximum power output of 447 kW (608 hp) at 8,700 rpm. And provides maximum torque of 540 Nm (398 lb.-ft.) at 6,700 rpm. The engine is derived directly from the power unit of the RS Spyder. Which explains why it can deliver engine speeds of up to 9,150 rpm.

Like the race engine of the RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder power unit features dry-sump lubrication with a separate oil tank and oil extraction. To save weight, components such as the oil tank, the air filter box integrated into the subframe and the air induction are made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer.

Further extensive lightweight design measures include titanium connecting rods, thin-wall, low-pressure casting on the crank case and the cylinder heads. There is also a high-strength, lightweight steel crankshaft with 180 degree crankpin offset and the extremely thin-walled alloy steel/nickel exhaust system.

The V8 are doesn’t need to support any auxiliary systems. As there are no external belt drives, the engine is particularly compact. It is also very lightweight. The weight of the engine is just about 135 kg (300 lbs).