In 2005, Porsche developed the RS Spyder from scratch to be consistent with the LMP2 rules (Le Mans Prototype 2). The aim of the authors of the rules for this category is to give private teams a platform for high-class motor sports prototypes. This enables Porsche to continue with its successful customer sports programme at a high level.

As early as development year 2005, the last race of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was used as a test race. Our efforts were fruitful: a class win in the first race. In the 2006 season, the RS Spyder started in the ALMS exclusively with the Penske Motorsports team. In the 2007 season, two additional RS Spyders were deployed by Dyson Racing alongside the Penske team. In 2008, three more RS Spyders started in the European Le Mans Series (LMS), and at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The result is an impressive success story:

• In the 34 ALMS races that it took part in up to the end of 2008, the RS Spyder achieved a total of 24 class wins and 11 overall wins. In addition to these successes, it also won the manufacturer’s, driver’s and team title in the LMP2 class in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
• In 2008, the three RS Spyder teams that started in the European LMS clinched a class win in all five races. They also won the manufacturer’s, driver’s and team title in the LMP2 class in their first season.
• The RS Spyder’s premiere in the Le Mans 24 Hours 2008 was just as successful. Both RS Spyders celebrated a double class win.
• The RS Spyder also proved itself as the most energy-efficient race car across all classes.
  This was proven by the final result of the Michelin Energy Endurance Challenge covering the LMS and the Le Mans 24 Hours, which the RS Spyder won comfortably in 2008. The RS Spyder also won the Green Challenge in the Petit Le Mans race in the ALMS.