2008 Porsche RS Spyder
#1
01-20-2009, 08:31 PM
2008 Porsche RS Spyder
2008 Porsche RS Spyder
The RS Spyder (known internally as Type 9R6) is a LMP2 class race car built by Porsche. It marks the return of the Porsche factory to the upper echelons of sports car racing since the Porsche 911 GT1 finished the 1998 season. The RS Spyder is named after the legendary 550 Spyder of the 1950s (combined with Porsche's common RS designation, for "Renn Sport"). This car marks Porsche's return to the Le Mans-type of sports car racing since the firm abandoned its latest Le Mans prototype in 1999.
Although the lighter P2-class cars do not have as much power as the larger P1 cars, the power to weight ratio between the two classes is very close. The light weight, combined with good handling characteristics thanks to a wheelbase shorter than the P1 cars, the RS Spyders are formidable opponents on shorter, twistier tracks and have scored multiple overall race victories.
In order to exploit the scope provided by the LMP2 regulations (Le Mans Prototype 2) to the full, Porsche has completely revamped the RS Spyder. The new design ensures that engine, transmission, chassis, suspension and aerodynamics combine to produce a harmonious overall package. In the interests of optimum driving dynamics, the vehicle concept focuses on the lowest possible centre of gravity, high agility and good traction.
The RS Spyder was the dominant vehicle in the 2007 American Le Mans Series (ALMS), demonstrating outstanding stability and notching up 11 wins in the 12 races, including 8 overall wins.
The RS Spyder has undergone a detailed revamp for the 2008 season. The main focus was on fine-tuning the aerodynamics and the engine. The V8 racing engine developed for long-distance use continues to generate 478 hp with the prescribed air-flow limiter on the basis of a displacement of 3.4 litres. The fuel consumption has been further optimised and the engine has been adapted even more effectively to the E10 fuel containing 10% bioethanol which is required in the ALMS.
The regulations also necessitated additional modifications. As a result of these measures, the LMP2 minimum weight has been increased by 25 kg (ALMS) and 50 kg (LMS and Le Mans) and the tank capacity has been reduced by 10 l for LMS and Le Mans, though not for ALMS.
Half way through the ALMS season an even more highly developed engine is being used – initially by the Penske team – which, thanks to direct fuel injection (DFI), combines more power (503 bhp) with a further improvement in fuel consumption.
Engine
Type: Porsche MR6
Concept: Endurance racing engine, compact and lightweight, very low centre of gravity, integrated into the chassis as a structural part
Concept: 90-degree V8
Displacement: 3,397 cm³
Output: 478 hp or 503 hp (DFI)
Torque: 370 Nm or 385 Nm(DFI)
Air restrictor: 1 x 42,9 mm Ø
Fuel management: Intake-manifold fuel injection or direct fuel injection (DFI)
Intake system: with single cylinder throttle valves
Gas exchange: 4 valves/cylinder, each with 2 overhead camshafts (DOHC)
Lubrication system/oil supply: Dry-sump lubrication, oil/water heat exchanger
Lubricant: Mobil 1
Engine management: Electronic engine management
Exhaust system: Open high-performance manifold
Transmission
Type: Porsche GR6
Concept: Sequential, spur-gear constant-mesh transmission, installed lengthways, aluminium housing, integrated into the chassis as a structural part
Number of gears: 6 forward gears, 1 reverse gear
Gear changes: Electro-pneumatic system operated by switches on steering wheel
Differential: Mechanical locking differential plus traction control
Clutch: Three-disc carbon-fibre racing clutch (ZF Sachs)
Chassis
Concept: 2-seater open racing sports car, monocoque with flange-mounted engine and transmission unit as load-bearing part of the vehicle
Monocoque: with integrated crash structures and safety fuel cell together with a front crash structure (nose) made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
Head protection: Head rest with head protection in accordance with FIA regulations
Restraint systems: Six-point seat belt, prepared for using the HANS® system
Suspension
Concept: Front and rear wheel suspension with double triangular control arms, camber, toe and height are adjustable
Suspension/damping: Four-way, spring/damper units activated by pushrods, adjustable torsion-bar springs, dampers (ZF Sachs) and anti-roll bars
Brake system: With dual master cylinders and variable brake force distribution
Brake discs: Internally vented carbon-fibre brake discs, diameter: 380 mm front, 355 mm rear
Brake calipers: Six-piston aluminium fixed calipers
Wheels: One-piece 18-inch alloy wheels with central locking element, weight: 7.5 kg (front), 8.5 kg (rear)
Tires: Racing tyres (Michelin)
Front: 29-65/18
Rear: 31-71/18
Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
Body
Concept: Multi-part exterior panelling and underbody lining, aerodynamically and thermodynamically optimised
Trim: Multi-part front, side and rear trim panel in CFRP
Underbody: Underbody lining with rear diffuser in CFRP, skid block in accordance with ACO regulations
Rear wing: Two wing elements, adjustable
Data
Length: 4,650 mm
Width: 2,000 mm
Height: 1,068 mm (over reference surface)
Weight: 800 kg / 1,760 lbs (American Le Mans Series), 825 kg / 1,8150 lbs (Le Mans Series/24h Le Mans); excluding driver and fuel
Tank capacity: 90 l (American Le Mans Series), 80 l (Le Mans Series/24h Le Mans)
The RS Spyder (known internally as Type 9R6) is a LMP2 class race car built by Porsche. It marks the return of the Porsche factory to the upper echelons of sports car racing since the Porsche 911 GT1 finished the 1998 season. The RS Spyder is named after the legendary 550 Spyder of the 1950s (combined with Porsche's common RS designation, for "Renn Sport"). This car marks Porsche's return to the Le Mans-type of sports car racing since the firm abandoned its latest Le Mans prototype in 1999.
Although the lighter P2-class cars do not have as much power as the larger P1 cars, the power to weight ratio between the two classes is very close. The light weight, combined with good handling characteristics thanks to a wheelbase shorter than the P1 cars, the RS Spyders are formidable opponents on shorter, twistier tracks and have scored multiple overall race victories.
In order to exploit the scope provided by the LMP2 regulations (Le Mans Prototype 2) to the full, Porsche has completely revamped the RS Spyder. The new design ensures that engine, transmission, chassis, suspension and aerodynamics combine to produce a harmonious overall package. In the interests of optimum driving dynamics, the vehicle concept focuses on the lowest possible centre of gravity, high agility and good traction.
The RS Spyder was the dominant vehicle in the 2007 American Le Mans Series (ALMS), demonstrating outstanding stability and notching up 11 wins in the 12 races, including 8 overall wins.
The RS Spyder has undergone a detailed revamp for the 2008 season. The main focus was on fine-tuning the aerodynamics and the engine. The V8 racing engine developed for long-distance use continues to generate 478 hp with the prescribed air-flow limiter on the basis of a displacement of 3.4 litres. The fuel consumption has been further optimised and the engine has been adapted even more effectively to the E10 fuel containing 10% bioethanol which is required in the ALMS.
The regulations also necessitated additional modifications. As a result of these measures, the LMP2 minimum weight has been increased by 25 kg (ALMS) and 50 kg (LMS and Le Mans) and the tank capacity has been reduced by 10 l for LMS and Le Mans, though not for ALMS.
Half way through the ALMS season an even more highly developed engine is being used – initially by the Penske team – which, thanks to direct fuel injection (DFI), combines more power (503 bhp) with a further improvement in fuel consumption.
Engine
Type: Porsche MR6
Concept: Endurance racing engine, compact and lightweight, very low centre of gravity, integrated into the chassis as a structural part
Concept: 90-degree V8
Displacement: 3,397 cm³
Output: 478 hp or 503 hp (DFI)
Torque: 370 Nm or 385 Nm(DFI)
Air restrictor: 1 x 42,9 mm Ø
Fuel management: Intake-manifold fuel injection or direct fuel injection (DFI)
Intake system: with single cylinder throttle valves
Gas exchange: 4 valves/cylinder, each with 2 overhead camshafts (DOHC)
Lubrication system/oil supply: Dry-sump lubrication, oil/water heat exchanger
Lubricant: Mobil 1
Engine management: Electronic engine management
Exhaust system: Open high-performance manifold
Transmission
Type: Porsche GR6
Concept: Sequential, spur-gear constant-mesh transmission, installed lengthways, aluminium housing, integrated into the chassis as a structural part
Number of gears: 6 forward gears, 1 reverse gear
Gear changes: Electro-pneumatic system operated by switches on steering wheel
Differential: Mechanical locking differential plus traction control
Clutch: Three-disc carbon-fibre racing clutch (ZF Sachs)
Chassis
Concept: 2-seater open racing sports car, monocoque with flange-mounted engine and transmission unit as load-bearing part of the vehicle
Monocoque: with integrated crash structures and safety fuel cell together with a front crash structure (nose) made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
Head protection: Head rest with head protection in accordance with FIA regulations
Restraint systems: Six-point seat belt, prepared for using the HANS® system
Suspension
Concept: Front and rear wheel suspension with double triangular control arms, camber, toe and height are adjustable
Suspension/damping: Four-way, spring/damper units activated by pushrods, adjustable torsion-bar springs, dampers (ZF Sachs) and anti-roll bars
Brake system: With dual master cylinders and variable brake force distribution
Brake discs: Internally vented carbon-fibre brake discs, diameter: 380 mm front, 355 mm rear
Brake calipers: Six-piston aluminium fixed calipers
Wheels: One-piece 18-inch alloy wheels with central locking element, weight: 7.5 kg (front), 8.5 kg (rear)
Tires: Racing tyres (Michelin)
Front: 29-65/18
Rear: 31-71/18
Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
Body
Concept: Multi-part exterior panelling and underbody lining, aerodynamically and thermodynamically optimised
Trim: Multi-part front, side and rear trim panel in CFRP
Underbody: Underbody lining with rear diffuser in CFRP, skid block in accordance with ACO regulations
Rear wing: Two wing elements, adjustable
Data
Length: 4,650 mm
Width: 2,000 mm
Height: 1,068 mm (over reference surface)
Weight: 800 kg / 1,760 lbs (American Le Mans Series), 825 kg / 1,8150 lbs (Le Mans Series/24h Le Mans); excluding driver and fuel
Tank capacity: 90 l (American Le Mans Series), 80 l (Le Mans Series/24h Le Mans)
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