Carrera GT replacement to be based on RS Spyder

Porsche News · 19 May 2009

Even five years after its final production, the Porsche Carerra GT lives on in the hearts and minds - and often driveways - of Porsche loyalists, supercar enthusiasts and plain old gearheads. And now Porsche is rumored to be working on a successor based around the RS Spyder American Le Mans Series (ALMS) race car.

With 485-503bhp from its 3.4L V8 and just 775kg, the LMP2-class RS Spyder has taken class or overall victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans, in addition to numerous other races and the 2006-2008 LMP2 ALMS manufacturer's championships.

That kind of track cred is a solid foundation on which to build, but so far we can't confirm any plans to take the RS Spyder to the street. The rumors has a hint that a slight downgrade in power and rise in weight for street-trim will be in order.

If the RS Spyder does go road-legal, it will probably be in the neighborhood of 400bhp (298kW) and 1,000kg - right on par with the outgoing Carerra GT in power-to-weight ratio, but ultimately higher-performing due to its lighter weight. A production engine from Porsche's existing lineup will also likely be sourced to replace the race-spec model.

The carbon fiber tub chassis and running gear are expected to carry over from the race car, though the suspension will be detuned for bumpy city streets and the body and cockpit will be similarly relaxed to allow for more creature comforts. The two-seat roadster layout would be retained, however.

Daniel · 19 May 2009

PORSCHE PLANS RS SPYDER ROAD CAR

Rumoured racer-based road car will replace the Carrera GT

The internet rumour-mill is buzzing with news that Porsche is planning a road-going version of its RS Spyder racing car, following a report claiming just that in French magazine L'Automobile.

The 2008 Le Mans class winnerAlthough the report is not substantiated by any named sources, L'Automobile says the new RS Spyder road car will be powered by a 400bhp version of the racer's 3.4-litre V8. In race trim the engine churns out over 500hp at 10,000rpm.

Apparently the new machine will be built around a carbon fibre monocoque, and Porsche's 'ultimate' road car has been conceived to fill the hole left by the Carrera GT – itself a relic of Porsche's cancelled 1999 Le Mans project.

The RS Spyder, in contrast, won the LMP2 class at Le Mans last year, as well as clinching the 12 Hours of Sebring.

With its super-light weight and relatively short wheelbase – approximately 8ins longer than a 911 – the RS could make a formidable road car. Let's hope this is one rumour with legs!

Carrera GT replacement to be based on RS Spyder

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