Having recently announced its plans for an electric sports car, Porsche has confirmed that it will also develop the 918 Spyder for limited production. The decision was taken because of ‘overwhelming response from the public and customers’ to the show car.

The mid-engined, plug-in hybrid made its debut this year (March 2010) at the Geneva Motor Show. Key specifications for the concept car include 500bhp from a 3.5-litre V8, a claimed 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, official fuel consumption of 94.1mpg and 70g/km CO₂ emissions.

Engineering will take place at Weissach with assembly at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen factory. Porsche’s chairman stressed the company’s commitment to Germany as a manufacturing base.

More details of the 918 Spyder will be revealed over the coming months.

John Lambert –

Porsche has announced its plans to offer an electric sports car in the future as part of the Porsche ‘Intelligent Performance’ programme. No firm launch date has been given but the first prototypes are due on the roads in 2011.

Boxster-based development vehicles will provide information on electric drivetrain components and batteries. The programme will also give the engineers an indication of the infrastructure necessary to support electric driving.

Porsche’s President and Chief Executive Officer said, “We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers performance and a cruising range comparable to that of a sports car today.”

The company’s hybrid models have not been forgotten, including the ‘racing laboratory’ 911 GT3 R Hybrid. Due

Audi has launched the brand new A7 Sportback amid a river of champagne (and miniscule canaps) at a packed Pinakothek der Moderne Mnchen.

The new five-door coup is to the Audi A8 what the A5 Sportback is to the A4; it combines the A8’s space and general air of luxuriousness with coup-like styling and five-door hatchback practicality.

The A7 cognomen cleverly pitches the coup above the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 5 Series GT – both based on cars in a lower class than the A8 – though they’re its most obvious rivals at the moment.

Introducing the newcomer, Audi chief Rupert Stadler said: “It’s more than just pure beauty. It’s got a great significance. It will close the gap between the Audi A6 and the flagship

Volkswagen has released pictures and initial details of the new Caddy and Caddy Maxi range. The model is available in both passenger carrying and van guises and will arrive at the UK’s Volkswagen Van Centres in November.

The range gets a new look, with a strong family resemblance to the Polo and Golf. There are new rear lights, roof rails and optional cornering lights. The interior has also been updated with new instruments, steering wheel and audio/navigation system.

Standard equipment includes ESP, daytime running lights and automatic hazard lights that come on under heavy braking. Bluetooth connectivity is available as an option.

Four diesel engines are offered; 1.6-litre with 74- or 101bhp and 2.0-litre in 108- and 138bhp guises. The 1.6 will be available with BlueMotion