918 Spyder nearly sold out, Porsche says

ATLANTA -- Porsche's limited-run 918 Spyder is nearing sellout status.

Production of the plug-in hybrid supercar's 918 promised units will end next July, and planned production is sold out through late March or early April, said Andre Oosthuizen, vice president of marketing for Porsche Cars North America Inc.

"So if that's anything to go by, it's probably in the last and the final straight," Oosthuizen said.

Oosthuizen wouldn't disclose how many 918 Spyders are produced monthly. But with only a few months of available production, the vast majority of the cars are already spoken for. "It is tracking significantly well," he said.

Just more than 30 cars have been delivered globally so far, he said.

Porsche has said the U.S. will be the largest market for the 918 Spyder, which starts at $847,975, including shipping. Production began last fall, and customers began receiving the cars this year. Some early units were recalled this summer to fix a rear-axle problem.

Porsche has courted potential buyers worldwide with promotional mailings and invitations to private events. Buyers were asked to make $200,000 deposits.