The Porsche 963 RSP only features minimal changes compared to the Le Mans racing variant, all inspired by the legendary 917 road car as it marks its 50th anniversary since homologation.
Revealed ahead of the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours, the 963 road car is a one-off creation that bridges the gap between the racetrack and the open road, embodying the spirit of endurance racing while paying homage to legendary milestones in Porsche’s history.
The Porsche 963 RSP mirrors a half-century-old audacious vision, drawing direct inspiration from the iconic Porsche 917, particularly the one-off road car built for Count Gregorio Rossi di Montelera in 1975.
The 963 RSP’s public debut was nothing short of spectacular. It graced the streets near the Circuit de la Sarthe, the legendary venue of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, alongside the very car that inspired its creation.
The car will remain on display at Le Mans during the race weekend before returning to Stuttgart to be showcased at the Porsche Museum, and later appearing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, further cementing its status as a rolling piece of history.
At the heart of the Porsche 963 road car lies a philosophy of authenticity. The team behind its development, a collaboration between Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport, and Porsche Cars North America, set out to make as few changes as possible to the original race car’s design and engineering.
This approach was championed by motorsport legend Roger Penske whose initials form the car’s name. Penske’s vision was clear: the car should remain true to its origins, preserving the raw, unfiltered character that defines Porsche’s endurance racers.
The story behind the 963 RSP’s creation is as compelling as the machine itself. The concept was born during a trackside conversation at Road Atlanta between Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, and Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Racing LMDh.
Inspired by the 917’s transformation into a road car, the trio envisioned a modern reinterpretation using the 963 as the canvas.
Roger Penske, a long-time partner of Porsche and a towering figure in motorsport, was nominated as the customer for the unique project, lending his initials and legacy to the car’s identity.
Penske’s relationship with Porsche dates back to 1972, encompassing numerous victories, championships, and even a closed-course speed record set by Mark Donohue in the Porsche 917/30 in 1975.
Porsche 963 RSP specs
Technically, the Porsche 963 RSP is a marvel. It is based on the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) 963 race car that has already proven its mettle in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
The car is homologated on an LMP2-spec chassis supplied by Multimatic, ensuring a foundation of rigidity and lightweight performance.
Powering the 963 RSP is a formidable 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain delivering an estimated 500 kW (approximately 671 horsepower), with an additional 50 kW available on demand from a front-mounted electric motor.
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This setup is complemented by a compact 1.35 kWh battery that recovers energy during driving, reflecting Porsche’s commitment to hybrid technology and efficiency.
The performance credentials of the 963 RSP are, as expected, extraordinary. While official figures have not been released, industry estimates suggest a 0-100 km/h sprint time of around 2.5 seconds and a potential top speed approaching 360 km/h, depending on gearing.
Despite its race-bred origins, the transition from track to road required several key modifications. These include a raised ride height, softened suspension dampers, and a reprogrammed control unit to operate headlights and taillights in accordance with road regulations.
The Porsche 963 road car features ultra-thin bodywork to save weight, finished in Martini Silver livery, and boasts a bespoke tan leather and Alcantara interior, echoing the luxurious trim choices of the Count Rossi 917.
The car also features covered wheel arches, Michelin wet weather compound tires, a horn, and license plate brackets.
However, Porsche has been meticulous in preserving the car’s authentic character, making only the necessary adjustments to allow limited street use without compromising the car’s racing DNA.
The exhaust system, for instance, remains largely unaltered, hinting at the visceral auditory experience that awaits anyone fortunate enough to witness the hypercar in motion.
It is important to note that the Porsche 963 RSP is not fully homologated for unrestricted road use. Instead, it has received special permission from French authorities to be driven on public roads under specific circumstances and in accordance with local requirements.
The RSP’s debut comes at a pivotal moment for Porsche as it prepares to contest the 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The brand enters the French endurance classic as the most successful manufacturer in the event’s history, with 19 overall and 111 class victories to its name.
The factory team, Porsche Penske Motorsport, will be fielding three 963 hybrid prototypes aiming to secure a historic 20th overall win against seven manufacturers.
