So Porsche has done something very Porsche. They've taken their current Le Mans prototype, the 963, and created a version that can be legally driven on the road. It's called the 963 RSP. It has number plates. It has headlights. It has leather. It also has a cupholder. Yes, you read that correctly.
This silver missile is not just a showpiece with a boot full of dreams. Under that slippery bodywork lies the real deal: a 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8 punching out 670 bhp, paired with a 67 bhp hybrid unit. That's a total of 737 bhp and over 1,000 Nm of torque, channelled through an endurance racing drivetrain. Top speed? Let's say you'll be approaching 330 kmph before your playlist finishes loading.
Despite all that, it runs on regular fuel and, in theory, could handle Indian roads. Porsche even raised the ride height and softened the dampers to cope with Parisian cobblestones—Mumbai potholes might still be a stretch, but we respect the optimism.
Built in Secret, for One Man
The RSP was created as a one-off, initially under wraps as a so-called "submarine project". It originated in Mannheim, Germany, and was later transported to Porsche's Atlanta base, where the Special Request division took over.
The customer? Roger Penske. The man who runs Porsche's racing team and presumably has more garage space than all of Lutyens' Delhi combined.
He'll take delivery at Monterey Car Week in August. Until then, it's on limited duty near Le Mans, where it has been cleared for French road use. And no, you can't buy one.
Proper Interior. Proper Madness.
While the original 963's cabin is a lesson in "needs only," the RSP adds Alcantara, leather, and a subtle hint of luxury. There's even a bespoke 3D-printed cupholder, which might be the most expensive drinks holder this side of a Bentley.
Even the F1-style steering wheel gets leather grips. Headphones? Yes. Ventilation? It's in there too, though not quite enough for Delhi summer traffic.
Outside, it looks nearly identical to the race car—save for minor tweaks, such as a painted body (not a wrap), sealed wheel arches for improved aerodynamics, and the absence of stone shields behind the rear wheels. There's even a Porsche enamel badge, because stickers wouldn't do.
The Legacy of Rossi
This silver bullet takes inspiration from the lone road-legal 917 built in the 1970s for Count Rossi of Martini fame. That car smelled like racing fuel. This one smells like luxury perfume and vinyl glue. Progress.
Is it a publicity stunt? Possibly. Is it amazing? Absolutely.
And while Porsche insists it's a one-time deal, someone once said, "Never say never." So if you have ₹100 crore burning a hole in your kurta pocket and a track record in endurance racing, give Stuttgart a call.
