AssetID: 54831869
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Porsche Unveil Road Legal Version Of Their Le Mans Hypercar
Caption: Porsche have unveiled a one-off road legal version of their Le Mans hypercar, the 963 RSP. Revealed on Friday (06June2025) on the streets surrounding Le Mans, the car pays homage to the iconic 917 “Kurzheck” road car driven through France 50 years ago. Developed in partnership with Porsche Penske Motorsport and Porsche Cars North America, the 963 RSP stands as a striking reinterpretation of the marque’s Le Mans Hypercar, sharing its DNA with the race-winning 963 that competes in both the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA series. The initials RSP nod to legendary motorsport figure Roger S. Penske, whose involvement was key to the project’s realisation. In April 1975, Count Gregorio Rossi drove his privately owned Porsche 917 (chassis 030) from the company’s Zuffenhausen base to Paris – an audacious road journey in what was effectively a pure-bred endurance racer. Minimal modifications were made for the trip, and the car remains road legal and located in France to this day. On 8 June 2025, Porsche marked the 50th anniversary of that unconventional adventure by recreating the moment with the all-new 963 RSP driving alongside the original 917. Former Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard took the wheel for the commemorative drive. “Driving on public roads with a 917 beside me was surreal,” said Bernhard. “The 963 RSP felt more forgiving than the race car – more comfortable, yet still every bit a Porsche race machine.” According to Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, the idea began as an informal conversation among colleagues at Road Atlanta. “It started as a passion project – what if we created a modern 917 for the road, based on the 963? We wanted it to echo the style and spirit of the Count Rossi car.” With the backing of Roger Penske, the idea quickly evolved into a full-fledged collaboration between Porsche’s Sonderwunsch (special requests) teams in Zuffenhausen and Atlanta, led by Style Porsche’s Grant Larson. The car was meticulously reimagined in “Martini Silver”, with bodywork modifications including unique covered fender vents, altered rear aero elements, and an enamel Porsche crest on the nose – all subtle nods to the 917’s legacy. Inside, the RSP is a world away from its stripped-out racing sibling. Tan leather and Alcantara trim replace bare carbon fibre, while the fixed racing seat now features leather cushions. The roof lining, pillars, and footwells are all retrimmed, and even a detachable 3D-printed cup holder makes an appearance – a rare touch of humour in a vehicle of such serious intent. Roger Penske’s own custom-fitted crash helmet accompanies the car, along with a bespoke Snap-On toolkit finished in matching silver and leather accents. Despite being based on an uncompromising racing car, the 963 RSP has been adapted for limited road use. Ride height was raised, dampers softened, and the control unit modified to operate road-legal lighting and indicators. Michelin rain-spec tyres were fitted, along with number plate mounts, to satisfy French regulatory requirements. The ACO, organisers of Le Mans, granted special permission for the car’s short journey on public roads. The hybrid powertrain – a 4.6-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with an electric motor – remains unchanged from the race version, though tuning adjustments were made to enable the car to run on conventional fuel and deliver smoother power for road use. The 963 RSP will be on display during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, before heading to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. In July, it will appear alongside the Count Rossi 917 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Despite its road-going adaptations, the 963 RSP is not a production model and will remain a one-off. It is, above all, a celebration – of Porsche’s racing pedigree, of a legendary road trip, and of a lasting partnership with one of motorsport’s most storied teams. Roger Penske reflected on the significance of the project: “We’ve had a phenomenal relationship with Porsche since 1972. The 917/30 era was one of the greatest in our history, and the 963 RSP carries that spirit forward. It’s authentic, it’s exciting – and it’s true to its roots.”
Keywords: feature,photo,porsche,motoring,le mans,hyopercar
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