Porsche is in the midst of developing a new mid-engined supercar, likely to be called the Porsche Spyder RS, to fill the void left by the Carrera GT.

Contrary to initial reports from a French car magazine, the new Spyder RS will provide the basis for an advanced new endurance racer, rather than using the current LMP2 RS Spyder racer as a base.

The two-seat open top was originally conceived to go on sale in limited numbers in early 2012, but is now possibly delayed owning to Porsche’s rocky financial situation and a planned fusion with Volkswagen.

The new Spyder RS will run a newly developed twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V8 engine that, in its ultimate state of tune, is claimed to kick out in the region of 480bhp, with drive reaching the rear wheels via a ZF-developed seven-speed double-clutch gearbox.

Using design and engineering ideas initially brought to the Carrera GT, the new Porsche supercar is based around a sturdy carbonfibre monocoque structure that uses a separate cradle for the engine and its ancillaries. But while the Carrera GT was conceived to be built in very limited numbers, its direct successor is likely to produced in larger numbers over a period of at least five years.

Despite the heavy cloak of secrecy that surrounded the new supercar up until now, Autocar sources in Zuffenhausen indicate it is in fact quite well advanced; if not at prototype mule stage, then not far off.

Further details remain scarce, but plans call for assembly to be carried out on a dedicated line at Porsche's Leipzig plant.


Autocar - Porsche plans Spyder RS supercar

 

Could be very very very cool, but i can only think of disaster for some reason

 

Hardly sounds like a worthy successor to the CGT imo. I'm sure it'll be fast but I don't think anything will ever be as good of a driver's car as the CGT.

 

RIght, just like the 911 hasn't gotten any better in the past 5 years either....

 

it certainly has huge shoes to fill but I bet Porsche can pull it off

 

This kind of juicy supercar gossip was the reason I became a member of this forum!!

A 3.4L V8 sounds very interesting! I'll be honest, I am very, very excited! This could be the next step in supercar technology, extreme light weight with adequate power to match (only 480hp).

 

current project < Carrera GT < GT1 street car, Porsche better than that

 

If it has a mid engine v8 and "only" around 480 hp I won't consider it a successor for the CGT no matter what ppl or Porsche themselves say.
That said it doesn't mean I'm not excited about the car. It sounds to me like it will be similar to the coming F450 and the Gallardo LP-560 and with only 3,4L in a V8 it sounds to me like it will be revving pretty high, just like the CGT or the italian competition.
I'd prefer a car like that over a Porsche 911 Turbo every day of the week and it shouldn't be much more expensive if it has about the same power and will be produced in larger numbers.
I think they are up to something good

 

What a step back, fail.

 

And 10,000 revs!

What if it weighs close to 2,500 lbs., as the next Enzo is speculated to do?