Porsche 963 RSP: The Le Mans Racer Built for Just One Owner

Porsche Unveils One-Off 963 RSP Ahead of Le Mans Debut

Porsche has officially taken the wraps off the exclusive 963 RSP supercar, a bespoke creation set to make its public debut at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans next weekend. This one-of-a-kind machine draws heavy inspiration from the iconic 917K, particularly the version famously delivered to Count Rossi in Paris back in 1975.

Underneath its retro-styled bodywork lies the cutting-edge race-bred hardware of Porsche’s Le Mans prototype hypercar, blending state-of-the-art performance with nostalgic flair. The design and interior details pay tribute to the legendary 917K, merging heritage with modern engineering.

Unlike the production-based 911 Carrera, the 963 RSP is a singular build—crafted exclusively for Roger S. Penske, chairman of the Penske Corporation. The corporation oversees various ventures, including a championship-winning Porsche racing team, making this bespoke homage a fitting tribute to both Porsche’s racing legacy and Penske’s influence in motorsport.

Racing Roots, Road-Ready Performance

The Porsche 963 RSP brings Le Mans technology to the street, sharing nearly all of its core mechanical components with its race-spec counterpart. While the underpinnings remain largely unchanged, key systems have been recalibrated to suit everyday driving. At its heart is a twin-turbocharged, plug-in hybrid 4.6-liter V8—identical in displacement and layout to the one found in the race car but tuned for a smoother, more refined power delivery.

Engine management software has been reworked to provide a more linear throttle response, and unlike its competition-bred sibling, the RSP runs on standard pump fuel instead of specialized racing blends. Despite these changes, output is unchanged at a formidable 671 horsepower.

Interestingly, the engine shares approximately 80 percent of its components with the V8 used in the 918 Spyder. Though that hypercar featured a naturally aspirated version, it too was derived from Porsche’s Le Mans racing program—underscoring the deep motorsport lineage behind the RSP’s powerplant.

Meanwhile, the 963 RSP’s Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers have been dialed into their softest setting, delivering a smoother, more comfortable ride over rough or uneven pavement. The car’s electronic control unit has been reprogrammed to ensure the headlights and taillights function like those on a conventional street-legal vehicle. Porsche also equipped the car with fully functional turn signals and, importantly, front and rear license plate mounts—essential features that enable the 963 RSP to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its 917K predecessor by legally hitting the road.

Heritage-Inspired Design Elements

Drawing inspiration from Count Rossi’s iconic short-tail 917, Porsche infused the 963 RSP with subtle yet striking design touches that honor its legendary predecessor. While the sleek 963 RSP clearly belongs to the modern Le Mans hybrid prototype lineage, several modifications were made to adapt it for road use. Notably, the fender vents—left open on the race car—were digitally reimagined and seamlessly integrated on the RSP to enhance aerodynamics and present a cleaner, more refined look.

Adding to its nostalgic charm, the car was finished with a complex three-layer lacquer paint in Rossi’s signature Martini Silver. This proved to be a demanding task for Porsche’s “Sonderwunsch” (special request) team, as the 963’s Kevlar and carbon fiber body is typically wrapped rather than painted, making this bespoke paint job a true labor of love.

Another distinctive road-ready detail is the gold enamel Porsche crest proudly displayed on the nose, replacing the usual decal found on motorsport-focused Porsche race cars. In a thoughtful tribute to the past, the rain-spec Michelin tires feature a vintage 1970s logo on their sidewalls—mirroring the exact styling seen on the original 917K.

A Bespoke Interior Fit for a Motorsports Legend

Inside the Porsche 963 RSP, the interior has been completely reimagined to suit road use while honoring its racing heritage. The usual exposed Kevlar and carbon fiber surfaces have been replaced by luxurious tan Alcantara and leather upholstery, echoing the look of Count Rossi’s unrestored 917.

The leather-trimmed, single-piece racing seats remain true to their motorsport origins, featuring ventilation and air conditioning for added comfort, along with extra padding across the center section. Alcantara covers the footwells, pillars, and roof liner, creating a cohesive, upscale cabin atmosphere. The leather-wrapped steering wheel retains many of the race car’s original controls, blending performance with refinement.

Finally, with a playful nod to Roger Penske’s American roots, the 963 RSP features a 3D-printed cupholder designed specifically to fit a Porsche accessory travel mug—adding a touch of everyday practicality to this extraordinary race-inspired machine.

A Legendary Porsche Racing Car for a Legendary Team

Porsche Penske Motorsport currently competes with three 963 LMDh cars in both the World Endurance Championship and IMSA series. But the partnership between Porsche and Penske runs much deeper than these modern campaigns.

Back in 1972, when known as Penske Racing, the team introduced Porsche to the Can-Am Challenge with the turbocharged 917/30 Spyder. This open-cockpit powerhouse dominated the series, clinching championships in both 1972 and 1973. Although a later fuel economy rule change curtailed its run, the 917/30 remains one of the most powerful race cars ever built, boasting an incredible 1,100 horsepower — a benchmark that still commands awe today.

The latest chapter in the Porsche-Penske partnership is embodied in the 963 RSP. The project was born during a trackside meeting between Porsche North America head Timo Resch, Porsche Motorsport VP Thomas Laudenbach, and Road Atlanta racing director Urs Kuratle. Together, they envisioned a spiritual successor to Count Rossi’s legendary 917K. Bringing the idea to Roger Penske, they gained his enthusiastic support, with the car ultimately built as a one-off dedicated to him.

The 963 RSP will make several public appearances at prestigious venues including the Porsche Museum and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, among other major motorsport events through the end of the year. Afterward, it’s expected that Penske will bring this extraordinary tribute home to Michigan.

Just as Count Rossi’s Porsche 917K has been preserved in its original, roadworthy condition for decades, we hope the 963 RSP will continue to grace public roads occasionally for many years to come. For most of us, this extraordinary car will be our only chance to witness such a unique piece of Porsche’s racing heritage in motion.

“This project really began as a ‘what if?’—a labor of love from a small group of passionate enthusiasts at both Penske and Porsche. Together, we envisioned a version of the 963 that captured the true spirit and look of Count Rossi’s 917 as closely as possible. The original 917 was undeniably a race car, even though it was driven on the road, and we approached the 963 RSP with that same mindset. It features the finest, most beautiful materials available, but underneath it remains every bit a race car.”

— Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America