The ultimate oxymoron: the $600,000 hybrid Porsche

Globally, car manufacturers continue to spec out hybrid and EV vehicles, trying to determine if the capital investment is worth the byproduct in a fairly new, untapped market. Porsche, on the other hand, knowing its niche and its world class brand name, simply asked for 1,000 seriously interested car buyers to raise a hand to the possibility of a Porsche hybrid super car. Enough have responded, and as simple as that, the decision has been made to develop the Porsche 918 Spyder.

So what does it mean?

First, it means that Porsche will manufacture the concept car that blew away any sort of hybrid specs available on the mainstream market today and electrified consumers at the Geneva Motor Show.The car features a 500-horsepower V8 engine, a pair of electric motors, and a 78.4 mpg range.

Second, it means only an elite group of consumers will actually be able to purchase the hybrid vehicle that goes 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. Although Porsche has not publicly released the estimated price of the Porsche 918 Spyder, it is rumored that it will cost upwards of $600,000.

Third, it means Porsche will hold (most likely for years to come) the top tier, elite vehicle in the hybrid and EV category. Not to say it is completely out of the picture, but it is hard to imagine a hybrid car that will challenge the Porsche 918 Spyder's specs and price tag.

Although the Porsche is a hybrid and the Tesla is an EV, for those that need to take it one step further in price and power than the $100,000, 288 horsepower Tesla Roadster, they now have options. Which leads to my final point.

What it truly means is that we have reached a ridiculous point in our society where environmental awareness meets power supremacy. It is the ultimate oxymoron: the $600,000 hybrid Porsche. Driven by the idea of environmental consciousness and reduced carbon emissions, we now have a 500 horsepower vehicle that gets 78.4 miles to the gallon.

This has nothing to do with sustainability. Sure, it may mean reduced carbon emissions, as long as the driver is light on the 500-horsepower accelerator and makes sure that tires don't squeal out of the gates, but it has nothing to do with benefiting the planet. This car is all about the consumer driving a Porsche super car. It is about Porsche 918 Spyder owners getting to brag about not only 0-60 times, but also MPGs to their Prius friends.

It is about society telling consumers that hybrids are the wave of the future, but forgetting to explain the core meaning and expression of sustainability.

The very essence of the hybrid car is lost on a hybrid like the Porsche. It's not about saving money or even the environment with a $600,000 car.