Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept gets 78 mpg, hits 62 mph in 3.2 seconds

Here you go, have your cake and eat it too. Porsche is looking to prove that the best of both worlds don't have to be mutually exclusive with the 918 Spyder concept scheduled to debut tomorrow at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Looking a bit like a Carrera GT evolved, the 918 Spyder is powered by both a 500-horsepower V8 and a pair of electric motors (one for each axle) producing an additional 218 hp or 160kW. At full gallop, the concept can theoretically reach 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and nip 198 mph on the high end. On the flip side, Porsche says it can also achieve 78 miles per gallon and emit just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

How does a supercar have such range? Well, the 918 Spyder concept is a parallel hybrid just like your mom's Prius (well not just like). That means the two powertrains, gas and electric, can operate together or separately to motivate the wheels into motion. There are no less than four modes that configure the powertrains for anything from maximum efficiency to maximum performance and everything in between. The E-Drive mode means pure electric power, and the car can reportedly last up to 16 miles on electrons alone. Next up is Hybrid mode, which is just what it sounds like and would probably be the mode for everyday around town driving. The Sport Hybrid mode again uses both powertrains, but tips the needle a bit more towards performance with most power reaching the rear wheels. Finally, the Race Hybrid mode means all systems are go for the lowest lap times possible (Porsche says it can do the Nordschleife in less than 7:30 minutes). There's an even a push-to-pass button (if only it were that easy) that adds a bit of E-boost on the straights and, of course, regenerative braking is present and accounted for.

Lastly, take a good look at the interior because Porsche says it offers a glimpse at future interiors from the automaker. Sounds good enough to buy so far, right? Too bad, because it's just a concept. We'll bring you live shots of the 918 Spyder concept tomorrow after it debuts in Geneva, so sit tight.

[Source: Porsche]

First Look: 2009 Pontiac G5

The Pontiac G5 arrived in the U.S. with little fanfare in 2006 as a 2007 model to serve duty as Pontiac's entry-level vehicle. The compact is identical to the Chevrolet Cobalt save for the front end and badges. Sold in Canada in Mexico as a sedan and a coupe, only the sportier two-door G5 is available here.

The smallest Pontiac rolls into 2009 with several changes, most notably under the hood. An updated 2.2L inline-four that gets a power boost to 155 hp and 155 lb-ft is now the only engine option for the G5 -- the 171-hp 2.4L inline-four that used to power the G5 GT goes away. When combined with the standard five-speed manual transmission -- which receives a new 3.63 final drive ratio -- and newly added 15-in. wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, the revised engine allows the base G5 to achieve an improvement in fuel economy to a fairly impressive 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway.