Porsche has stunned the automotive world with the reveal of the Porsche 963 RSP. A unique hypercar that combines the heritage of the legendary 917 with the DNA of the Le Mans-winning 963. Unveiled ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this road-ready race car pays homage to Count Rossi’s legendary 917. Additionally, blending racing intensity with street-legal style.
Porsche 963 RSP: Track-Bred Heart, Road-Ready Spirit
The Porsche 963 RSP is not just a tribute—it’s a fully functional road-legal machine created by Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport, and Porsche Cars North America. Named after Roger Penske, the car reflects his racing legacy and Porsche’s commitment to pushing boundaries. Finished in “Martini Silver” and influenced by the 1975 Count Rossi 917. Especially, the 963 RSP stands out with its custom carbon fiber and Kevlar® body, unique design elements, and a meticulously crafted interior with tan leather and Alcantara upholstery.
From Zuffenhausen to the Streets: A Road-Legal Revolution
This extreme evolution of the Porsche 963 LMDh car is engineered to be driven legally on public roads. To achieve this, Porsche equipped the 963 RSP with softened Multimatic DSSV dampers, modified ride height, Michelin wet-weather tires, operational lights, and even a horn—details unheard of in race-prepped prototypes. Its public debut near the Circuit de la Sarthe marked a historic moment. Especially, as it rolled alongside the original 917, 50 years after its iconic road journey.
Design and Engineering That Honors History
The Porsche 963 RSP blends vintage cues with modern racing tech. A painted enamel Porsche badge on the nose, custom fender vents, unique rear panels, and 3D-printed “963 RSP” badging set it apart visually. The cabin features a leather-wrapped racing seat, an Alcantara-lined roof, and a custom 3D-printed cupholder. All designed to enhance comfort while preserving a performance-focused environment. Engineers have reprogrammed the control unit for street use, while the hybrid V8 engine—derived from the RS Spyder and 918 Spyder—continues to run in full race tune.
Heart of a Hybrid Champion
Powering the 963 RSP is a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a high-voltage hybrid system. It delivers a combined output of up to 680 hp and features components sourced from the 918 Spyder. The MGU system, Bosch electronics, and Williams Advanced Engineering battery ensure smooth power delivery. The seven-speed sequential gearbox from Xtrac integrates smoothly with the hybrid system. Further, delivering exceptional performance both on and off the track.
Porsche 963 RSP: Engineered for Enthusiasts, Not Assembly Lines
Though street-legal under special circumstances, the Porsche 963 RSP won’t enter production. Porsche designed this one-of-a-kind creation to commemorate a moment in time and plans to showcase it at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. With a custom toolset, crash helmet, and unmatched craftsmanship, the 963 RSP redefines what it means to bring the racetrack to the road.
