2015 Porsche 918 Spyder high-speed outback run

THERE’S 918 reasons to crank up the volume this morning, with the release overnight of a video of the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid sports coupe at full noise in the Australian outback.

The video shows the next-generation Audi R8 e-tron rival hitting its 350km/h straps after cruising for 25km under electric power alone from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to the start of the derestricted part of the Stuart Highway.

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At this point, the full 652kW of the mid-mounted V8 and twin electric motors is combined to push the hybrid two-seater from 60km/h right up to the 350km/h limit just 40 seconds later.

Porsche said the controlled test took place with a professional driver at the wheel on the only stretch of public road in Australia where such a feat is possible.

The car maker used radios and spotters to ensure the road was empty of traffic at the time.

The left-hand-drive 918 Spyder is in the final days of an Australian promotional tour showcasing its hybrid technology.

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