Porsche 963 RSP: A Tribute to a Legend
There’s something exhilarating about seeing a race car adapted for the road, especially when it’s as unique as the Porsche 963 RSP. This isn’t just any car, it’s a masterpiece crafted for Roger Penske, a name synonymous with motorsport excellence. He and Porsche have decades of history together, pushing boundaries and setting new records since 1972. To honor this legendary partnership, Porsche has created a road-legal version of their Le Mans Hypercar contender, a nod to the iconic 917 and an evolution from the days of the Count Rossi 917 from 1975.
Road Modifications
Transforming a Le Mans racer into a street-legal car is no small feat. First up, the suspension was adjusted to its highest setting, paired with soft-tuned Multimatic DSSV dampers to tackle everyday speed bumps. Although this might not be Penske’s main ride for grocery runs, it ensures he can take it out without too much worry about rough roads. New lighting and signaling tweaks ensure it’s road-ready too, meeting all legal requirements.
The heart of the beast – a hybrid V8 from the Porsche 918 Spyder – still boasts a racing tune, kicking out around 670 horsepower. However, Porsche has recalibrated it for smoother delivery when using pump gas, a task deemed challenging even by their standards.
The Craft of Painting
Materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber pose their own challenges. Typically, race cars prioritize performance over aesthetics, favoring wraps over paint to keep the weight down. But for the 963 RSP, Porsche went all out. They revived the stunning “Martini Silver” color with a luxurious triple-layer lacquer. This custom finish is a beauty, urging Penske to showcase it road-bound whenever possible.
A Unique Cabin
The interior is a blend of racing heritage and unique luxury. Leather upholstery transforms the stark cabin, though it maintains its original racing wheel and dash. Surprisingly, a cupholder makes the cut here, alongside rewrapped foam sections and a lavish Alcantara trim throughout. However, the absence of an airbag or infotainment highlights its singular purpose. Additional details like the Michelin logos on the tires and a bespoke toolset echo back to the days of the road-going endurance monsters. The base price for its inspiration, the Le Mans car, sits at a hefty $2.9 million.
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