Racing Royalty's One-Off Masterpiece: The 963 RSP
Porsche constructs a road-legal 963 hypercar for racing legend Roger Penske as a token of gratitude.
In the realm of motorsports, collaboration between automobile manufacturers and racing legends often yields unique and awe-inspiring results. Such is the case with the Porsche 963 RSP, a street-legal one-offhypercarcrafted exclusively for racing legend Roger Penske. This extraordinary vehicle is the epitome of pioneering automotive innovation, bridging the gap between racing prowess and road-worthy exclusivity.
A Tribute to Royalty on the Track
The origins of this rarefied hypercar can be traced back to a conversation at Road Atlanta. Porsche executives brainstormed ways to honor the 50th anniversary of the iconic Count Rossi 917, a full-blown Le Mans race car that, remarkably, earned Alabama license plates in 1975. This discussionsoon spiraled into what Porsche colloquially dubbed their "submarine project"—an extremely secretive and highly exclusive hypercar commission.
Roger Penske, the 88-year-old prodigy whose teams have dominated every track from IndyCar to IMSA, was far from a random choice. Penske Racing has been instrumental in Porsche's 963 program, bringing championships to both IMSA and WEC. When you help a manufacturer dominate international motorsport, it seems the reward is getting to own toys that no one else can. The RSP initials? A nod to Roger Searle Penske— because when you're legendary, your middle name earns billing too.
Precious Rarity—On the Track and the Street
What makes the 963 RSP so intriguing is that Porsche intentionally kept modifications to a bare minimum. This isn't a watered-down, cuddly road-friendly version of a race car—it's literally a transformed 963, tweaked just enough to comply with street regulations. The twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 (adapted from the 918 Spyder's DNA) still belts out around 680 horsepower through a seven-speed sequential Xtrac gearbox, aided by Bosch's hybrid system for extra electric kick.
To accommodate civility, the engineers made some adjustments: the ride height was maxed out, dampers were set to their softest setting, and the hybrid system was remapped for smoother power delivery, a stark contrast to its track-focused aggression. They even managed to make it run on pump gas instead of racing fuel, a remarkable feat given the V8 shrieks beyond 8,000 rpm.
Homage to a Legend—The Count Rossi 917
Aesthetically, the 963 RSP exudes elegance, drawing inspiration from the Count Rossi 917 in subtle yet striking ways. The iconic Martini Silver paint —authenticated by Porsche Museum records, naturally—replaces the typical racing stripes, while satin black accents add an elegant sophistication. To achieve street legality, minor bodywork modifications were made, such as closed fender vents that replaced the gaping race-spec openings and license plate mounts.
The interior is a lavish fusion of luxury and purpose, boasting tan leather and Alcantara trim, whilst still retaining carbon seats with proper padding and headrests. The 917 engine fan blade-shaped HVAC vents serve as stylish yet thoughtful details. Even the cupholder is a 3D-printed marvel.
A Cautionary Note: The Fine Line Between Street and Track
Let's not forget that the 963 RSP is not your typical daily driver. It obtained special permission from French authorities for its Le Mans debut; it lacks standard registration, and it's highly unlikely Penske will be picking up groceries in this beast. Starting it requires a laptop and a skilled operator, and, although the softened dampers make the ride more tolerable, it's fair to say that even a GT3 RS would offer a smoother ride.
Technical Specifications
Model: Porsche 963 RSP
Production: One-off commission for Roger Penske
Engine: Twin-turbo 4.6L V8 + hybrid system
Power: ~680 HP (combined)
Transmission: 7-speed sequential (Xtrac)
Weight: ~2,300–2,400 lbs
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with hybrid boost
Price: Undisclosed (base race car: ~$2.9M+)
Availability and Insights
The 963 RSP will make appearances at Penske's personal collection, Le Mans, the Porsche Museum, Goodwood Festival of Speed, and Monterey Car Week before disappearing into private ownership. If you're fortunate enough to catch a glimpse, consider yourself part of motorsport history in the making.
Enrichment Data:
Engine and Performance
- Engine Displacement: 4.6 liters
- Engine Design: Twin-turbo V8 with a hybrid system
- Maximum Power: Approximately 680 hp
- Powertrain: 7-speed sequential Xtrac gearbox
- Weight: Approximately 2,300-2,400 lbs (1030 kg estimated with minimal additions for road-use)
Electric System
- Electric System: 800V with a 1.35 kWh battery
- MGU Capability: Electric-only mode in pit lanes, similar to race cars
Chassis and Suspension
- Suspension: Multimatic DSSV dampers, set to their softest setting
- Ride Height: Maximum ride height for road use
- Tires: Michelin Wet Compound, 18 inches
Design and Features
- Bodywork: Unique alterations inspired by the Count Rossi 917, allow for street legality
- Interior: Luxurious custom tan leather and Alcantara trim and carbon seats with padding and headrests
- Despite the minimal modifications, the 963 RSP can still be considered a fashion statement in the world of lifestyle, merging street-worthiness with automotive innovation.
- The Porsche 963 RSP, with its sports pedigree, is not only a marvel in motor technology but also a prime example of the intersection of fashion-and-beauty in motorsports.
- The 963 RSP's interior, featuring carbon seats and 917 engine fan blade-shaped HVAC vents, showcases the blend of performance gadgets and luxury in its design.
- The high-performance hybrid 963 RSP, driven by Roger Penske, stands as a testament to the union of car-maintenance, technology, and sports, creating an extraordinary vehicle that is both on the track and the street.
