Porsche has debuted a one-of-one tribute car to celebrate 50 years from Count Rossi’s 917.
Debut & Inspiration
- Revealed June 6, 2025 on public roads near Le Mans, this unique car echoes the legendary 917 “Count Rossi” that famously drove on public roads in April 1975.
- The name “RSP” stands for Roger S. Penske, honoring his decades-long motorsport collaboration with Porsche.
Collaborators
- Designed by teams from Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport, and Porsche Cars North America—with visionary input from Porsche NA’s CEO Timo Resch and none other than Roger Penske.
Technical & Design Highlights
Exterior & Paint
- First painted Porsche 963, finished in “Martini Silver” (not wrapped), on ultra‑thin carbon‑Kevlar bodywork—a notable challenge.
- Bodywork tweaks add closed fender vents and wheel-arch covers to mimic the 917’s aesthetic.
Interior & Comfort
- Couture tan leather and Alcantara interior, referencing Count Rossi’s original trim choices.
- Includes practical street features: raised ride height, softer dampers, functional headlights and taillights, Michelin wet-weather tires, horn, and license plates—approved by French authorities and ACO for road use.
Mechanical Setup
- Hybrid V8 drivetrain and sequential gearbox carried over, but retuned to run on pump fuel, smoother throttle delivery.
- Remapped electronics and street‑friendly dynamics make it surprisingly “a little friendlier and more forgiving than a normal 963,” according to test driver and three‑time Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard.
Public Appearance & Legacy
- After the Le Mans debut, the 963 RSP will head to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart and appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July alongside the original 917.
- Born from a late‑2024 ideation session at Road Atlanta between Porsche and Penske leadership, the project was championed by Timo Resch, Thomas Laudenbach, Urs Kuratle, Roger Penske, and Jonathan Diuguid.
Why It Matters
- Heritage meets innovation: A motorsport prototype reimagined for the road in the spirit of a legendary 917 road journey.
- Exclusivity & craftsmanship: One-of-one, intensely bespoke, blending race tech with road readiness.
- Homologation marvel: A rare example of a Le Mans LMDh racer granted permission to roam public streets.
In essence, the 963 RSP is a daring blend of authentic endurance racing performance and street legality—an homage to Porsche’s storied past and a unique celebration of the future.
