In a remarkable tribute to Roger Penske, the 88-year-old billionaire and team owner of the Porsche factory-supported IMSA and WEC sports prototype program, the renowned German automaker has presented him with an extraordinary gift. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the last street-legal one-off Porsche 917 built for Count Rossi, Porsche has crafted a unique, street-legal version of the 963, aptly named the 963 RSP. This bespoke vehicle celebrates Penske's long-standing loyalty to the Porsche brand, dating back to the 1950s when he first embarked on his racing career.
The unveiling of the 963 RSP coincides with the lead-up to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Penske's team will race three Porsche 963s in pursuit of victory. At the debut event, the original Count Rossi 917 was also showcased, placing these two iconic cars, separated by fifty years, side by side. Finished in the same striking Martini Silver paint as the classic 917, the 963 RSP stands out as a unique masterpiece, devoid of the racecar's usual livery and sponsor logos.
Porsche Cars North America President and CEO, Timo Resch, revealed that the design philosophy behind the 963 RSP mirrors that of the original 917. “The 917 was every inch a race car – albeit one driven on the road – and we took the same approach with the 963 RSP,” Resch stated. The vehicle utilizes premium materials while maintaining its racing heritage at its core.
Significant modifications have been made to the 963 to ensure it complies with street-legal standards. Notable exterior changes include the addition of provisions for front and rear license plates, as well as vents over the fenders that were originally open for maximum aerodynamic downforce. The rear wing blanking plates have been removed, allowing for a more streamlined aesthetic that distinguishes the RSP from its racing counterpart. Additionally, a tasteful metal and enamel Porsche badge adorns the hood, a feature absent in the race version.
Stepping inside the 963 RSP reveals a lavishly tailored interior, crafted from high-quality leather and Alcantara. Recognizing that a race car's interior is not typically designed for comfort, Porsche's engineers meticulously reimagined the space. While the car remains a single-seater, it now features enhancements such as a vented carbon bucket seat with conditioned air and a 3D-printed cup holder—an accommodating touch for the nearly-ninety-year-old Penske, allowing him to enjoy his morning coffee during drives.
All Porsche 963 models are equipped with a Bosch hybrid system paired with a turbocharged V8 engine, which, in race configuration, produces approximately 670 horsepower. However, for the RSP variant, Porsche engineers undertook the complex task of remapping the engine to function on pump gas, ensuring it remains compliant with street regulations. Although specific power figures for the 963 RSP have not been disclosed, Porsche emphasizes that the re-tuning process was a significant challenge.
Moreover, the 963 RSP has the capability to operate on electric power alone, with a remapped power delivery system designed for smoother driving in electric mode. The car's full carbon chassis, constructed by Canada's Multimatic, incorporates dual-valve Multimatic DSSV dampers similar to those used in the race car. However, these have been adjusted to the maximum ride height and tuned for a softer, more comfortable driving experience.
Although the 963 RSP has been designed for road use under specific conditions and local regulations, Porsche clarifies that it is not a homologated addition to their model lineup. This one-off vehicle is intended to remain a unique tribute to Roger Penske's legacy in motorsport. Interested buyers will face the challenge of persuading Penske to part with this extraordinary creation, which is likely to come at a premium price given its exclusivity.
In conclusion, the Porsche 963 RSP not only celebrates a significant milestone in automotive history but also exemplifies the fusion of luxury and performance that defines the Porsche brand. As Penske continues to make his mark in the racing world, this exceptional vehicle serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
