Models » Sports Cars » 2000 - present
2007 Porsche RS Spyder; Penske / DHL #6 (1:18)
In grand fashion Porsche returned to prototype motor racing with the debut of the RS Spyder at the 2005 Monterey Sports Car Championship. The Spyder, corresponding to LM-P2 regulations (Le Mans prototype 2), was the first to be built exclusively for motorsport by Porsche since the overall winner of Le Mans in 1998, the 911 GT1.
Known internally as the 9R6, the new Porsche prototype followed a familiar pattern of a carbon fiber monocoque with double wishbones at every corner. However it distinguished itself from the competition by using the specifically developed 3.4 litre V8 engine as a full load bearing member of chassis. Breathing through the mandatory restrictors this 'MR6' engine developed a quoted 480 bhp and was mated to a sequential six-speed dog-shift gearbox. The drive train package was then rounded off by a carbon fiber body of a very conventional design. The total package weighed in at the minimum weight of just 750 kg and with Penske Racing taking the point in the development and campaigning of the RS Spyder the car was ready for a full season of racing in the 2006 American Le Mans Series.
In just the third race of 2006 ALMS season everything came together an both Penske cars occupied the two top spots in qualifying and eventually went on to capture the overall race win and second place over the seemingly unbeatable Audi R10s.
Halfway through the 2006 season, Acura announced its intention to build LM-P2 engines and cars from 2007 onwards. Anticipating the increased level of competition, Porsche completely reworked the RS Spyder's bodywork and carried through some further detail changes. Officially the power figure was hiked to 503 bhp, but 540 bhp was closer to the truth.
In grand fashion Porsche returned to prototype motor racing with the debut of the RS Spyder at the 2005 Monterey Sports Car Championship. The Spyder, corresponding to LM-P2 regulations (Le Mans prototype 2), was the first to be built exclusively for motorsport by Porsche since the overall winner of Le Mans in 1998, the 911 GT1.
Known internally as the 9R6, the new Porsche prototype followed a familiar pattern of a carbon fiber monocoque with double wishbones at every corner. However it distinguished itself from the competition by using the specifically developed 3.4 litre V8 engine as a full load bearing member of chassis. Breathing through the mandatory restrictors this 'MR6' engine developed a quoted 480 bhp and was mated to a sequential six-speed dog-shift gearbox. The drive train package was then rounded off by a carbon fiber body of a very conventional design. The total package weighed in at the minimum weight of just 750 kg and with Penske Racing taking the point in the development and campaigning of the RS Spyder the car was ready for a full season of racing in the 2006 American Le Mans Series.
In just the third race of 2006 ALMS season everything came together an both Penske cars occupied the two top spots in qualifying and eventually went on to capture the overall race win and second place over the seemingly unbeatable Audi R10s.
Halfway through the 2006 season, Acura announced its intention to build LM-P2 engines and cars from 2007 onwards. Anticipating the increased level of competition, Porsche completely reworked the RS Spyder's bodywork and carried through some further detail changes. Officially the power figure was hiked to 503 bhp, but 540 bhp was closer to the truth.
 This 1:18 scale Porsche RS Spyder replica from AUTOArt™ is a fun addition to any collection. |
 The open cockpit of the Porsche RS Spyder reveals a detailed interior. |
 Every detail of the Spyder have been exactly duplicated in beautiful 1:18 scale craftsmanship. |
 A removable rear cowling reveals a highly detailed engine and drive train. |
 The Penske-DHL Porsche RS Spyder replica from AUTOArt™ is a must have for any sports car fan. |
