For many years, the distinction between a road car and a race car remained somewhat ambiguous, particularly in racing venues like Le Mans. It wasn't until the 1960s that the paths of road cars and high-performance prototypes began to diverge significantly. Today, what you encounter at the front of the grid at La Sarthe resembles a Formula 1 car more than a classic Porsche 911. This evolution in automotive engineering makes the Porsche 963 RSP an extraordinary feat, being a genuine 963 LMDh car that has been modified just enough for limited road use, now proudly bearing French license plates.
At the conclusion of last year's IMSA season with the Petit Le Mans, a group of Porsche executives gathered to brainstorm ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Porsche 917 road car. This homage pays tribute to Count Rossi, heir to the Martini & Rossi liquor empire, who famously owned a street-legal version of a race-winning car. “On October 12th, we initiated a project with a select group of individuals to reimagine this legacy,” recalls Timo Resch, CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “From that day forward, we crafted a unique project that remained under the radar until its completion.”
Porsche recognized the challenge of creating a fully homologated version of the 963 due to the vast differences between racing and street regulations. Instead, they aimed to develop a one-off vehicle closely resembling the race car while being eligible for limited road use. Collaborating closely with Porsche Penske Motorsport, they decided Roger Penske would be the ideal owner for this unique vehicle, hence the name RSP, representing Roger Searle Penske.
In Germany, the team at Porsche Motorsport prepared a brand-new chassis for the 963 RSP, ensuring it wasn’t a repurposed race car tub. Under the guidance of designer Grant Larson, Porsche Exclusiv Manufaktur executed the design, while the assembly took place at Porsche Cars North America’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, hidden behind temporary walls to maintain secrecy.
Significant modifications were made to the car's suspension and systems to make it more suitable for road use while preserving the genetic lineage of the 963 race car. According to Jonathan Diuguid, managing director of Porsche Penske Motorsport, “We made numerous changes to enhance its drivability, resulting in a vehicle that maintains the spirit of the 963 while being more approachable for everyday driving.”
The quality of craftsmanship is evident; while race cars often showcase rough carbon-fiber body panels, the 963 RSP features meticulously sanded and painted surfaces in a striking Martini Silver, reminiscent of the Count Rossi 917. The interior boasts luxurious Alcantara, with leather accents on the steering wheel and even a 3D-printed removable cup holder, showcasing a commitment to usability.
In terms of bodywork, racing regulations require large vents above the wheel wells to prevent aerodynamic issues during spins. For the RSP, Porsche designed components that minimized these gaps while still allowing for necessary ventilation. Additionally, the team made provisions for front and rear license plates, ensuring this vehicle could be legally driven on public roads.
Despite these modifications, the heart of the 963 RSP remains a powerhouse. It features a 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine combined with a spec hybrid system that includes an electric motor and power electronics from Bosch, paired with an XTrac seven-speed sequential transmission. The engine architecture is derived from the naturally aspirated V8 found in the Porsche 918 Spyder, sharing approximately 80% of its components, which simplified the adaptation for road use. However, tuning the V8 to run on pump gas presented its own challenges.
The 963 RSP is equipped with the same Michelin rain tires used by race cars, mounted on 18-inch OZ wheels. Porsche adjusted the ride height to its maximum and softened the dampers to enhance street drivability. Despite these adjustments, the car's performance remains exhilarating. Notably, the 963 RSP includes turn signals and a horn, though starting the car requires a laptop and the expertise of a race team.
Special permission was granted by French authorities for the 963 RSP to be driven on the roads surrounding Le Mans, and it has been tested alongside its legendary predecessor, the Rossi 917. Longtime Porsche driver and brand ambassador Timo Bernhard described the experience, stating, “Driving alongside the 917 was surreal. The 963 felt more forgiving and comfortable, especially without needing a full safety setup.”
Before Roger Penske can take the 963 RSP home, it will be displayed at Le Mans, followed by a showcase at the Porsche Museum. Next month, the car will participate in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with several road drives planned during Monterey Car Week in August. While Porsche has no immediate plans for additional roadgoing versions of the 963, Urs Kuratle, head of the Porsche LMDh project, hinted, “While we won’t build the same car again, we’re always open to possibilities. If the opportunity arises, we might consider it in the future.”
For those eager to own a unique piece of automotive history, the 963 RSP serves as a testament to Porsche's innovative spirit and commitment to excellence in both racing and road vehicles.
