Why Is Porsche 918 Spyder Testing Flat Out At The Nürburgring; Will It Take Back Its Lap Record?

May 04, 2017 06:30 AM EDT | Andrew Davis

The Porsche 918 Spyder has returned to the Nürburgring. And of course, as many would expect, it has opened a lot of questions and speculations. Could it be that the Porsche is trying to beat the lap record set by its sister brand, the Lamborghini Huracan Performante? Or could it be that Porsche is up to something exciting?

It has been four years since the Spyder took the Nürburgring by storm, setting a record time that forced every auto manufacturer to beat. But what is more interesting in seeing the former record-setter at the 'Ring is that production of this specific model has ended nearly 2 years ago.

Plus, the Porsche 918 Spyder spotted at the 'Ring seems to be sporting the same Weissach package but with a different license plate, although it was running pretty flat out. This Spyder was also wearing the same Martini livery as that of the Spyder that set the 6:57 time back in 2013.

If this was really the same car that set the record in the first place, then why is this here? According to Porsche, the Porsche 918 Spyder is being used as a "reference point during testing at the 'Ring" for an undisclosed vehicle.

Well, that certainly clears the air and would push you to question more. Unfortunately, as to which vehicle the Spyder is benchmarking against is yet to be officially announced, although there are a few candidates in mind.

It could be the upcoming 2019 Porsche 911, arriving with a more flexible platform in order to add a hybrid system. Or the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid with 680 horses as it uses the same hybrid engine found in the Porsche 918 Spyder.

Regardless of which specific vehicle the Porsche 918 Spyder is benchmarking against, we can only guess for so long. We will, however, update you once more official information becomes available and if the Spyder does intend to reclaim the 'Ring.

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