Porsche 963 RSP is a one-off road legal track car

First seen on public roads near Le Mans

Less than a week before the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Porsche has taken a break from its preparations to reveal a one-off version of its IMSA and WEC championship-winning 963 race car.

The Porsche 963 RSP is a road legal track car and was showcased on French streets near the Circuit de la Sarthe, where all the racing action will take place next weekend.

Why RSP?

The one-off 963 was commissioned for the American racing team owner, businessman, and former professional driver, Roger S. Penske, with his initials being used as a name for the car in his honour. The design process was directly inspired by the two-time Le Mans-winning Porsche 917 from 1975, which was modified at the request of Count Gregorio Rossi di Montelera, the Italian heir to the Martini company, to make it road legal. This included adding exhaust silencers, extra mirrors, side indicators and a spare tyre.

A small team of enthusiasts at Porsche and Penske reimagined a version of the 963 that resembled the spirit and appearance of Count Rossi’s 917 - especially its ‘Martini’ silver paint - and both creations travelled together side by side in Le Mans.

For Penske’s one-off car, Porsche decided to build it from the ground up rather than adapting an existing 963. Indicators, brake lights, a high suspension setting and less extreme bodywork have ensured the 963 RSP can be driven on the road.

Powertrain

The Porsche 963 RSP uses a 671bhp hybrid powertrain, taking a 918 Spyder-derived 4.6-litre V8 engine and adding two turbochargers for extra power. An electric system produces up to 800 volts, while the uniform battery has an energy capacity of 1.35 kWh, which can be mobilised at any time under acceleration.

Interior

Inside, the tan leather and Alcantara interior is inspired by choices made by Count Rossi 50 years ago. While there’s nothing like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to keep you entertained, Porsche has at least been kind enough to include a detachable cupholder which fits one of its purchasable travel mugs.

When will we see the Porsche 963 RSP?

Porsche’s one-off car will make its public debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans next weekend before heading back to be displayed at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. UK petrolheads will get to see the 963 RSP and the 917 at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

words: Mike Booth
pictures & video: Porsche