On Wednesday, July 28, Porsche announced that the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept will go to a production model and that a field test program is being developed for three battery-powered versions of the popular Boxster.

While citing "overwhelming response from the public and customers," a company spokesman, Gary Fong, hastened to clarify that the car may not actually be built, but that a production-intent, in-house program will move forward.

According to a report by Bloomberg News that cited only "people familiar with the matter," if the 918 Spyder plug-in were to be built, it could well sell for a staggering $640,000. When asked about the projected price, Fong termed it "pure speculation."

Porsche showed off the 918 Spyder at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show and again at Auto China in Bejing. It has a combined 500-hp V8 and twin electric 160kw electric motors for a total 718 hp. The concept touts a top speed of 198 mph, makes zero to 60 in 3.2 seconds, and gets 78 mpg.

The three electric Boxsters are test cars only. Porsche president and CEO Michael Macht said of that program, "We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers product qualities typical of a Porsche." An electric Boxster would be a direct competitor for the Tesla Roadster.