Does Porsche have a successor ready for the 918 Spyder? Judging by this brand new set of patent plates, that certainly seems to be the case!
Two approved patent applications by Porsche have surfaced in the database of the European Union Intellectual Property Office. And they are not the least. The images show a particularly flat and wide extremist, a car that suggests that he will eventually take over the hypercar stick from the 918 Spyder.
This year, the LMP1 racing class, which can be seen in action during the Le Mans 24 Hours, would be replaced by a new Hypercar class. The new category will consist of racers with a relatively production-ready appearance, although the regulations do not dictate that a small, street-legal series is produced. In addition, it still seems to be the case that Porsche will no longer be active in the World Endurance Championship. The tear nose on these patent plates therefore seems to be separate from that Hypercar class. What are we dealing with then? Possibly with a new hypercar that continues the bloodline that the 918 Spyder is part of.
The images show a 918-esque with a relatively short nose and long rear deck. The long overhang on both the front and back you have to think away, that is purely due to the fact that they are patent plates. The as yet unnamed Porsche has headlights with the distinctive loose LED elements, openings in the front flap where part of the suspension is visible and a striking stern that is built from a huge spoiler that seems to arise from the rear screens. The active aerodynamics are striking. The patent plates show a version with folded-out splitters on the front and a folded-up rear spoiler. A second extendable spoiler can be seen lower on the rear. In addition, we observe an unfolded air extractor on the aft deck, which is of course present to provide the drivetrain with adequate cooling. In the middle of the back we see two rather high-positioned exhaust tailpipes. On the 918 Spyder, the mufflers were practically behind the occupant’s headrests.
For the time being, Porsche’s hypercar plans will remain shrouded in mystery, but that doesn’t make these images any less interesting!