Over the last few months we’ve heard a lot about Porsche’s first all-electric car, the Taycan. Prototypes have been spotted a fair bit in 2019 (and in Andrew Frankel’s case, driven), and then a near-production prototype was seen at the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard in July. In September it was revealed in full, and since then we’ve driven the Taycan Turbo S and clapped eyes on the less powerful but less expensive Taycan 4S. But that Taycan’s existence, to a certain extent, has to be credited to one car: the 918 Spyder.
The 918 Spyder was Porsche’s first foray into the world of electrification, and without its development it’s hard to imagine the Taycan would have arrived when it did – it was the stepping stone from petrol and diesel power to the battery-powered world we’re drawing ever closer to.
With that in mind we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane with an on board of the 918 Spyder at the Circuit of the Americas, Texas, being hustled by Porsche factory driver and two-time Le Mans class winner Patrick Long. As someone who’s contested Le Mans in Stuttgart’s finest racing machines for the last 16 years, he knows a thing or two about track driving.
The 918’s performance is still staggering: 0-62mph in 2.6 seconds, 0-124mph in 7.2 seconds, 0-186mph in 19.9 seconds and a top speed of 214mph. All of that courtesy of a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 with an electric motor at each front wheel, meaning a total of 875 horsepower and 1,279Nm (944lb ft). What a noise. What a car.
Video
On Board
Porsche
918 Spyder
Circuit of the Americas
Book tickets
For our big events, to the small ones too
Book event hospitality
Enjoy with loved ones, colleagues or clients
Buy an experience
For yourself, a loved one, or both!
Book a table
Choose from three of our restaurants
Book your stay
Stay at our hotel, cottages or Hound Lodge
Become a member
Join the family and get exclusive rewards
Book tickets Change
Choose event
Sir Stirling Moss was one of the founding patrons of the Festival of Speed, and a regular competitor at the Revival.
From elite motorsport to historic horse racing, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Book event hospitality Change
Choose event
Festival of Speed is our longest-standing Motorsport event, starting in 1993 when it opened to 25,00 people. We were expecting 2000!
Experience ultimate access to our exceptional events with our all inclusive hospitality packages.
Buy an experience Change
Choose experience
We have been host to many incredible film crews using Goodwood as a backdrop for shows like Downton Abbey, Hollywood Blockbusters like Venom: let there be Carnage and the Man from U.N.C.L.E.
From driving and flying to golf and dining, experiences at Goodwood are simply unforgettable.
Book a table Change
Choose restaurant
Choose from three of our restaurants, all serving our award-winning organic produce.
Book your stay Change
Find availability
We have been host to many incredible film crews using Goodwood as a backdrop for shows like Downton Abbey, Hollywood Blockbusters like Venom: let there be Carnage and the Man from U.N.C.L.E.
We’re already looking forward to seeing you.
Become a member Change
Choose a membership
Whatever your passion, there is a Goodwood membership to make you feel at home.
Sign in below to access your account and benefits
Don't have an account?Create your account by entering your details below...
Already have an account
