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Porsche 963 RSP Unveiled: A Unique Tribute To Count Rossi's Legacy At Le Mans
The 963 RSP, a unique creation by Porsche, made its debut on public roads near Le Mans. This one-off vehicle, named after Roger S. Penske, was driven by Timo Bernhard, a three-time Le Mans winner. The car is based on the 963 racecar and features design elements inspired by the Porsche 917, which first hit the road 50 years ago.
In April 1975, a Porsche 917 embarked on an extraordinary journey from Zuffenhausen to Paris. Its owner insisted on minimal changes to the car. This journey inspired the creation of the 963 RSP. The car's design pays homage to this historic drive and the Count Rossi 917.
The 963 RSP was developed by Porsche AG in collaboration with Roger Penske. It draws inspiration from the iconic Porsche 917 and aims to capture its spirit. The car's exterior features unique bodywork and a Martini Silver finish, while the interior boasts bespoke tan leather and Alcantara materials.
Significant modifications were made to ensure the car could be driven on public roads. These include a raised ride height, softened dampers, and reprogrammed control units for lights. Michelin wet weather tires were fitted, and a horn was added to meet road regulations.
The ride height of the 963 RSP was adjusted for road use. Multimatic DSSV dampers were set to their softest setting for comfort. The control unit was modified to allow turn signals and headlights suitable for road conditions.
The hybrid V8 powertrain remains in standard race tune but has been remapped for smoother power delivery on roads. It can run on pump gas, showcasing significant engineering efforts by the team.
Interior Features
Inside, the 963 RSP departs significantly from its racecar counterpart. It features soft tan leather and Alcantara materials for comfort. The carbon seat is trimmed in leather with cushioning down the center, offering more comfort than typical race seats.
The steering wheel is finished in leather, housing most vehicle functions. A detachable cup holder adds a practical touch, while a new panel accommodates essential equipment like headsets and laptops.
Public Display
The 963 RSP will be showcased at Circuit de la Sarthe during the 24 Hours of Le Mans before heading to Stuttgart's Porsche Museum. In July, it will appear alongside the legendary 917 at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
This project originated from discussions between key figures at Porsche Cars North America and Porsche Motorsport. Inspired by past achievements with the Porsche 917/30, they envisioned creating an exciting new vehicle that stays true to its roots.
Powertrain Details
The heart of the 963 is a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing around 680 hp. This engine has roots in Penske's RS Spyder race program and shares components with the limited-production 918 Spyder road car.
A flat crankshaft allows low mounting for optimal centre of gravity. Turbochargers enhance throttle response without excessive boost pressure. Around 80% of engine components are shared with the hybrid-compatible 918 Spyder.
Finishing Touches
The finishing touches include a custom carbon crash helmet matching Martini Silver accents on both helmet and car bodywork along with bespoke Snap On toolset featuring commemorative plaques celebrating this special project’s namesake Roger Penske himself!
This one-of-a-kind vehicle showcases innovative engineering while honouring historical legacy through meticulous attention paid towards every detail involved throughout its development process ensuring authenticity remains intact despite modern advancements incorporated within design elements present today!
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