Introducing the Porsche 963 RSP: A Legal Street Variant of the Le Mans Hypercar
Historically, the line between road vehicles and racing counterparts was blurrier than it is today. Particularly at iconic races like Le Mans, it wasn't until the 1960s that road cars and high-end prototypes began to distinctly separate. Nowadays, the cars competing at La Sarthe resemble Formula 1 machines more than traditional models like the 911.
Enter the Porsche 963 RSP, a standout model in this landscape. This authentic 963 LMDh variant has been carefully modified for street legality, complete with French registration plates. We spoke with the innovators behind bringing this extraordinary concept to life.
Last year during the IMSA Petit Le Mans finale, a team of Porsche enthusiasts gathered to brainstorm a tribute for the 50th anniversary of the company's street-legal 917 creation. Originally built for Count Rossi, heir to the Martini & Rossi empire, this vehicle boasted a refined interior yet retained its full racing capabilities on public roads. Rossi secured Alabama license plates for the car and enjoyed driving it in everyday settings.
“On October 12th, a small group sat down to brainstorm ways to reinterpret that legacy for today,” says Timo Resch, CEO of Porsche Cars North America, during a virtual press session. “We initiated a project with only a select few involved from the start.”
The project was kept under wraps, operating as a clandestine effort within Germany to minimize visibility and only revealing progress when absolutely necessary.
The team quickly realized that fully homologating the 963 for road use was impractical due to the significant differences between race and street cars. Instead, Porsche decided to produce a unique one-off model that remains as true to the race car as possible while obtaining special permissions for limited road usage.
Collaborating with Porsche Penske Motorsport, Porsche designated Roger Penske as the ideal owner of this exclusive vehicle, hence the designation RSP—Roger Searle Penske’s initials.
A fresh chassis was developed by Porsche Motorsport in Germany specifically for the 963 RSP, distinguishing it from any existing race car frameworks. Under Grant Larson's leadership, Porsche Exclusiv Manufaktur handled the design, with final assembly taking place discreetly at Porsche Cars North America's Atlanta headquarters to maintain secrecy.
“We've made numerous modifications to the suspension and systems to make the car more manageable for everyday driving, while still preserving the 963's racing heritage,” explains Jonathan Diuguid, managing director of Porsche Penske Motorsport. “Additionally, the restoration team in Atlanta enhanced the quality to surpass that of a typical race car.”
Unlike the rugged finish of their race counterparts, the 963 RSP features meticulously sanded and painted carbon-fiber body panels in Martini Silver, mirroring the classic 917 aesthetic. The interior boasts Alcantara upholstery in a matching tan hue, alongside practical touches like leather steering wheel grips and a removable 3D-printed cup holder, enhancing road usability.
Exterior modifications include redesigned vents that blend performance needs with street-appropriate aesthetics, as well as accommodations for front and rear license plates.
Despite these enhancements, the 963 RSP remains fundamentally a race car. It is powered by a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine from the Porsche 918 Spyder, complemented by a Bosch hybrid system and an XTrac seven-speed sequential gearbox. The setup includes a compact 800-volt lithium-ion battery from Fortescue Zero, integrated into the carbon-fiber chassis.
The engine shares approximately 80% of its components with the 918 Spyder’s powerplant, facilitating its adaptation for street use. Porsche Penske Motorsport also refined the hybrid system for smoother operation at lower speeds typical of road driving. While Porsche hasn't disclosed specific power ratings for the 963 RSP, the race variant delivers around 700 horsepower, balanced between the hybrid system and the V-8 engine.
Porsche 963 RSP Specifications
The vehicle is equipped with Michelin rain tires mounted on 18-inch OZ wheels, maintaining the same grip as the race cars under adverse conditions. The suspension is set to a higher ride height with softer dampers to enhance street drivability, though the ride may still be relatively firm. Practical features like turn signals and a horn are also included.
Starting the 963 RSP requires a laptop and assistance from a knowledgeable race team, reflecting its unique nature. However, Roger Penske, who owns a race track and team, finds managing these requirements straightforward.
Special permissions from French authorities allow the car to be driven on roads near Le Mans, where it was recently tested by Timo Bernhard, a seasoned Porsche driver. Bernhard described the experience as unforgettable, highlighting the car's refined handling and enhanced comfort compared to its purely racing counterpart.
The 963 RSP will be showcased at Le Mans and later at the Porsche Museum. Upcoming appearances include the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week, culminating in its final handover to Captain Penske.
Currently, Porsche has no plans to produce additional road-legal 963 models, but remains open to future possibilities. Urs Kuratle, head of the Porsche LMDh project, stated, “We focus on vehicle sales primarily, but future opportunities might arise.”
For enthusiasts interested in acquiring their own 963 RSP, Porsche suggests reaching out directly, provided there's significant interest and resources available.