Developed at Porsche’s research and development center in Weissach near Stuttgart, the RS Spyder is built in accordance with the rules and regulations of the French Automobile Club de’l Oest (A.C.O) under the designation “Le Mans Prototypes 2.” The car may be entered in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), the European Le Mans Series (LMS) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 2008 car is a detailed evolution of the 2007 car which featured improved aerodynamics over the 2006 model. The 2007 car saw the competitive realization of the first RS Spyder. Using wind tunnel tests and computer simulations, the 2007 car improved the aerodynamics to the point that it required an upgraded chassis from its initial iteration first introduced at the last ALMS race of the 2005 season and campaigned by Penske Motorsports in 2006. Optimization of the wing and rear diffuser enhanced the aerodynamic efficiency of the car and improved the range of set-up options. The carbon fiber body was modified for increased ease of maintenance and the thermodynamics were improved with redesigned radiator air ducts. In addition, there has been ongoing development in the hydraulic system, power steering and central electronics.

The RS Spyder has a carbon fiber monocoque chassis with front and rear double wish bone suspension attaching to the body structure. The double wishbones at the rear fasten to a carbon fiber element attached to the transmission housing. Torsion springs and pushrod-operated four-way gas pressure dampers, as well as bending-leaf anti-roll bars, complement the suspension.