The last Porsche concept car was the Carrera GT of 10 years ago that was designed in the then Porsche California studio. And the 918 appears to be picking up the mantel of the production Carrera GT that that concept sired, if perhaps also making nods to the classic 917 race car. It too has a very powerful mid-mounted powertrain, in this case a combination of 500hp petrol V8 and 218hp from two electric motors. Its design also relates closely to the Carrera GT in general theme and in details such as the straight, diagonal slim center console. But what is most striking, about what appears to be a show car spoiler of a production design, is how compact the 918 looks in the metal; more Boxter than Carrera GT.

Beyond some Carrera GT derived themes, the design has the classically taught yet full volume Porsche surfaces and some new design features such as the way the body-side tapers rearward to sit inside the rear surface of the car just behind the door. Other details that are new for Porsche are lamps that are taller than they are wide (more Ferrari 430 than 911), winglets that connect the rear spoiler to the center of the rear deck, and lime green detailing as befitting its hybrid status.

Reaction to the exterior from designers we spoke to was mixed, but the interior found favor with most if also being perceived as a little overworked by some. The form of leather clad IP and the way it integrates TFT displays particularly impressed us, as did the very innovative way it wrapped into the door over the side air vents.

Although a surprise, ultimately the 918 does not establish any strong new Porsche themes as the last three Porsche concepts, the Panamerica, Boxter and Carrera GT, did. An underwhelming 718hp hybrid supercar...