Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly
presenting the new RS Spyder at the Paris Motor Show, the Mondial de l‘
Automobile, from 30 September – 15 October, where the car is making its
first public appearance. Developed at Porsche's R&D Centre in
Weissach near Stuttgart, this racing car is an evolution of the sports
prototype currently going all-out for the winner's title in the
American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in the hands of the US
Penske-Motorsports-Team. Next year the new RS Spyder is to be raced by
various customer teams in a number of countries, thus making its
international debut.
Porsche has developed and built the open RS Spyder in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the French Automobile Club de’l Ouest
(A.C.O.) racing organisation under the designation "Le Mans Prototypes
2". This means that this racing car may be entered, inter alia, in the
American Le Mans Series (ALMS), the European Le Mans Series (LMS), and
the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Choosing the second-highest of four A.C.O.
racing categories, Porsche is facing competition at the highest level
of technology and at the same time limiting the cost of racing the car
with a view to future entry of the RS Spyder by customers.
Following thorough computer simulations and tests in the wind tunnel,
the RS Spyder will feature an updated and upgraded chassis next season.
Optimisation of the wing and rear diffuser serves not only to enhance
the aerodynamic efficiency of the car, but also to improve the range of
set-up options for different kinds of race tracks. At the same time the
carbon-fibre body has been modified for an even higher standard of ease
and convenience in service and maintenance. And last but not least, the
thermodynamic qualities of the RS Spyder have been optimised inter alia
by re-designing the air ducts leading into and out of the radiators.
The 90° V8 racing engine developed by Porsche for long-distance events
develops maximum output from 3.4 litres displacement and with the air
volume restrictor required by the pertinent regulations of 503 bhp (370
kW) at 10300 rpm, an increase in output over the former model by 23
bhp. The weight of the car is also in line with the A.C.O. Regulations,
with the new RS Spyder weighing in at exactly 775 kilos or 1709 lb.
