AUTONEWS

Porsche 963: the road-legal racing car

Porsche chose this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans to unveil one of the most unique projects in its recent history: the 963 RSP, a model developed as a single piece and which will not be homologated for production.

The Porsche 963 RSP is an adapted version of the racing 963, which pays homage to the 917, which was also transformed for use on public roads 50 years ago. The acronym RSP refers to Roger S. Penske, the central figure in this project and the historic partner of the Stuttgart brand.

This 963 RSP is the result of a collaboration between Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport and Porsche Cars North America, and aims to recreate the feat of 1975, half a century later.

As with the 917, the 963 RSP includes the same powertrain as the racing car. In other words, a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that appears to be associated with a hybrid system with 800 V architecture. All together, the 963 RSP announces a power of 680 hp.

However, to adapt to road use, these values ​​were “moderated”, especially because this 963 RSP approved for public roads will have to be able to run on conventional gasoline.

In addition, to meet legal requirements, new light and turn signal groups, horn, license plate holders, higher suspension and shock absorbers with softer tuning were introduced.

The Michelin tires are designed for rain and were installed on 18” OZ wheels. In terms of aesthetics, the highlight is the “Martini Silver” paint job, applied to the bodywork made of Kevlar and carbon fiber.

A historical legacy...The interior design of the Porsche 963 RSP was heavily inspired by the classic 917 street car. There are several elements upholstered in brown leather, but also in light-colored Alcantara.

The latest technology has allowed the production of some luxuries and now, on board this 963 RSP, there is even a cup holder and a personalized helmet holder, both 3D printed.

Due to the historical importance of this idea, the presentation of the Porsche 963 RSP took place near the La Sarthe circuit, where the 24 Hours of Le Mans take place. The first kilometers on public roads were covered with Timo Bernhard — a former Porsche driver — at the wheel of this new icon of the brand.

After this year’s edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Le Mans, the 963 RSP is heading to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, leaving again to be present at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. According to the brand, it will never be sold or registered as a production model, but will be a one-off mobile tribute.

Starting point: Count Rossi's 917...In 1975, Gregorio Rossi di Montelera — heir to Martini and a Porsche enthusiast — wanted something never done before: to drive a Porsche 917 race car on the road. The brand accepted the challenge and made only the necessary changes to make it possible. The maiden voyage took it from Weissach to Paris, a distance of a few hundred kilometers, with an Alabama license plate.

The car, chassis #30, kept its competitive spirit practically intact. It was fitted with wing mirrors, turn signals, a horn, a spare tire and two Hermès leather seats. The interior was upholstered in suede, but the naturally aspirated V12 engine remained untouched.

This eccentric gesture became a legend within Porsche, precisely because the same one that inspired the creation of this 963 RSP, now presented.

Just like Count Rossi's 917, this is also a functional one-off, capable of surprising those who share the road with it — and, most importantly, making history.

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