Latest news with #917
Man of Many
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Man of Many
Porsche Just Built a One-of-a-Kind V8 963 Hypercar
By Somnath Chatterjee - News Published: 18 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 5 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Porsche has unveiled the 963 RSP , a one-off street-legal version of the 917 racing car that dominated motorsports across eras. , a one-off street-legal version of the 917 racing car that dominated motorsports across eras. The hypercar was built to mark 50 years since Count Rossi drove the Porsche 917 from Zuffenhausen to Paris. It comes with a hybrid V8 powertrain with roots to the 918 Spyder, alongside a 917-inspired paint job. with roots to the 918 Spyder, alongside a 917-inspired paint job. The Porsche 963 RSP was built for Roger Penske and could well be the most expensive Porsche ever made. Porsche is not playing around. This week, the fabled German automaker sent a stern message to the global high-performance market, unveiling a thinly disguised road-legal version of its extreme 963 hybrid Le Mans race car. Built for billionaire racing team owner Roger Penske, this is a one-of-a-kind ride is, aside from being the ultimate flex in the ALDI parking lot, inspired by the equally bonkers and iconic 917. 'This really started out as a 'what if?' – a passion project by a small team of enthusiasts at Penske and at Porsche who together imagined a version of the 963 that really resembled as closely as possible the spirit and appearance of the Count Rossi 917,' Porsche Cars North America president and CEO Timo Resch said. 'The 917 from the story was every inch a race car – albeit one driven on the road – and we took the same approach with the 963 RSP. It uses beautiful materials of the best quality available, but is still every bit a race car underneath.' Porsche 963 RSP | Image: Porsche A racecar, indeed. The ultra-unique 963 RSP model was reportedly developed as a sort of skunkworks project, with the ethos to stay as close to the original car as possible. Unbelievably, the hybrid V8 powertrain, which comes with a lithium-ion battery, continues to remain in race tune in the 963 RSP. The 4.6-litre twin-turbocharged V8 dishes up 680 hp and originated in the RS Spyder race program operated by Penske. As Porsche fanatics may remember, that same engine, in an enlarged form, was used in the 918 hypercar; however, where the 918 Spyder used the engine in naturally aspirated form, the 963 pairs it with two turbochargers provided by the Dutch manufacturer Van der Lee. Hence, the acceleration is violent and has nearly the same intensity as that of the race car. Crazy. Porsche 963 RSP interior | Image: Porsche With so much additional acceleration power, Porsche has understandably remapped the ECU for a (relatively) smoother power delivery, while also modifying the control unit to use headlights and indicators. Of course, if you want to drive a racing car on the road, the ride height must be increased, and the same has been done here with the adjustable Multimatic DSSV dampers. These handy additions are generally reserved for racing prototypes and in this setting, have been tuned to their softest setting. According to Porsche, this creates a more compliant ride, one that will leave your spine intact next time you go on the morning coffee run. Make no mistake, this is not a Panamera but a true hardcore machine, and the driving experience has been kept as uncorrupted as possible. Porsche 963 RSP | Image: Porsche The same goes for the design, which looks stunning, especially when clad in this 'Martini Silver' hue, which matches the 917, and it is not a wrap. To add a contrast effect, some of the components have been painted in satin black with a 3D printed '963 RSP' logo being applied to the rear of the car. The 963 RSP does have some changes over the 963, including fender vents and carbon fibre blanking plates that sit within the rear wing. To further bring it closer to the 917, the Porsche logo is enamel and not a graphic, along with 1970s-era Michelin logos for the tire walls with 18-inch tyres. Compared to the 963, the road car is far more luxurious on the inside and comes with a lovely tan interior, while the single-piece carbon seat comes trimmed in leather, no less. There is even a detachable 3D-printed cup holder, which means it is quite a practical Porsche, although luggage space is questionable. Porsche 963 RSP | Image: Porsche 'We have enjoyed a terrific relationship with Porsche dating back to 1972. The Porsche 917/30 was one of the greatest eras in Team Penske history with numerous wins and championships, along with the closed-course speed record set by Mark Donohue in 1975,' Roger Penske, chairman of the Penske Corporation said. 'With such a remarkable partnership continuing to this day, we felt it was time to create the most exciting car we could imagine. Just like the 917, I wanted this car to be authentic to its origin and have as few changes to it as possible. When we got into the project, the differences in the two generations of race cars provided a great challenge. What emerged is a car that has lost none of its edge and is exciting whether on the track or on the road.' Porsche has not revealed just how much the 963 RSP costs, but for a one-off like this, you can expect the price tag to mirror the 917. In all likelihood, the Porsche 963 RSP price could run into millions, making it one of the most expensive Porsches ever built. We're just glad such a ludicrous thing exists. Porsche 963 RSP | Image: Porsche Porsche 963 RSP | Image: Porsche
New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Porsche unveils one-of-a-kind 963 RSP
A one-of-a-kind 963 RSP, unveiled last week by Porsche AG, is a street-legal road car derived from the formidable 963 LMDh Le Mans prototype. The car is a tribute to motorsport legend Roger Penske, whose initials form the name of the car. The 963 RSP was influenced by the trailblazing 917 and an audacious drive that took place half a century ago. It made its debut on the streets near the Circuit de la Sarthe alongside the car that inspired its creation. A team from Porsche, Porsche Penske Motorsport and Porsche Cars North America worked in partnership with Penske as they prepared the car for the 24 hours of Le Mans. "This really started out as a 'what if?' – a passion project by a small team of enthusiasts at Penske and at Porsche who together imagined a version of the 963 that really resembled as closely as possible the spirit and appearance of the Count Rossi 917," said Porsche Cars North America president and chief executive officer Timo Resch. Resch, who conceived of the original idea, said the 917 from the story was every inch a race car, albeit one driven on the road. "We took the same approach with the 963 RSP. It uses beautiful materials of the best quality available, but is still every bit a race car underneath," he added. The 963 RSP features significant changes over the car on which it is based. Unlike the competition racecars, which are wrapped in different colours, the 963 RSP is the first of its kind to be painted; a unique challenge due to the nature of the carbon fiber and Kevlar bodywork which is ultra-thin in places to save weight. In a nod to the Count Rossi 917, the 963 RSP is finished in Martini Silver and features uniquely altered bodywork and a bespoke tan leather and Alcantara interior inspired by the trim choices made by Count Rossi 50 years ago. A dedicated mechanical and electronic setup were configured for its debut on the streets near Le Mans, including a raised ride height and softened dampers, as well as a reprogrammed control unit to allow for the headlights and taillights to operate closer to those of a road car. These changes along with modified bodywork to cover the wheel arches, the use of Michelin wet weather compound tires and even the fitment of a horn meant the car met the necessary criteria to be allowed to drive on the road and wear licence plates under special permission from the French authorities and with the enthusiastic support of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, which runs the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. "That was an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime," said Timo Bernhard, who was at the wheel of the 963 RSP for its first miles on the road. "Driving down a public road with a 917 beside me, it felt unreal. The car behaved perfectly, it felt a little friendlier and more forgiving than the normal 963, and felt super special and a lot more comfortable, especially as I was not needing all my safety gear." Penske, who is chairman of Penske Corp, said it had enjoyed a terrific relationship with Porsche dating back to 1972. "The Porsche 917/30, in particular, was one of the greatest eras in Team Penske history with numerous wins and championships, along with the closed-course speed record set by Mark Donohue in 1975. "With such a remarkable partnership continuing to this day, we felt it was time to create the most exciting car we could imagine," he added. Penske said just like the 917, he had wanted this car to be authentic to its origin and have as few changes to it as possible. "When we got into the project, the differences in the two generations of race cars provided a great challenge. What emerged is a car that has lost none of its edge and is exciting whether on the track or on the road," Penske said. The 963 RSP was on public display at the Circuit de la Sarthe during the 24 Hours of Le Mans before returning to Stuttgart to be shown at the Porsche Museum. In July, the car will appear alongside the 917 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Non-life insurance industry register 6.5% y-o-y rise in gross direct premiums
The non-life insurance industry reported a 6.5% year-on-year increase in gross direct premiums to Rs22,257 crore in May with growth in standalone health insurers (SAHI) beating that of general insurers, data from the General Insurance Council showed. The growth in May slowed compared to 14.9% YoY reported in the same month last year. The slowdown in premium growth is largely attributed to the 1/n rule, which kicked in October, experts said. Under the 1/n rule, IRDAI has mandated non-life insurers to report premiums annually even if the policy term is longer than one year. Accordingly, the reported premium is calculated by dividing 1 by the number of days the policy is in effect. 'The flash numbers for May reported a modest growth indicating that the industry is still adjusting with the 1/n rule on premium reporting. Despite the impact, the growth seems to be supported by renewal of commercial lines like fire insurance, and growth in SAHI players indicative of steady demand in health insurance,' said Saurabh Bhalerao, Associate Director, CareEdge Ratings. Barring SAHIs, overall premiums collected by general insurers grew 5.7% YoY to 19,210 crore in May. Eight out of the 25 general insurers reported year-on-year fall in premium collections in the reporting month. Among the listed general insurers, New India Assurance led gains among major players in May. The state-run insurer reported a 22.47% jump in gross premiums to Rs 2,944 crore, helping its market share edge up to 16.06% from 15.15% in May 2024. Private sector major ICICI Lombard General Insurance saw premiums rise 2.41% year-on-year, while Go Digit General Insurance saw a 2.19% drop in premiums. Newly listed Niva Bupa Health Insurance registered a 9.69% increase in premiums to Rs 554 crore. Total premiums by standalone health insurers grew 10% YoY to Rs2,917 crore in May. Among the seven SAHI players, ManipalCigna Health Insurance topped the chart with nearly 43% growth in premium collections, followed by 36% growth reported by Aditya Birla Health Insurance.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Porsche Unveil Road Legal Version Of Their Le Mans Hypercar
Porsche Unveil Road Legal Version Of Their Le Mans Hypercar. Porsche have unveiled a one-off road legal version of their Le Mans hypercar, the 963 RSP. Revealed on the streets surrounding Le Mans, the car pays homage to the iconic 917 'Kurzheck' road car driven through France 50 years ago. 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. Porsche marked the 50th anniversary of that unconventional adventure by recreating the moment with the all-new 963 RSP driving alongside the original 917. 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. 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.
Geeky Gadgets
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
Porsche 963 RSP: Race Car for the Road?
The Porsche 963 RSP is a remarkable one-off creation that seamlessly merges the worlds of track-dominating race cars and road-legal vehicles. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Porsche 917 and its daring road journey half a century ago, the 963 RSP stands as a testament to Porsche's rich racing heritage and unparalleled engineering expertise. This groundbreaking vehicle is the result of a collaborative effort between Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport, and the renowned Roger Penske, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive innovation. The 963 RSP masterfully combines innovative technology with nostalgic design elements, creating a unique driving experience that pays homage to Porsche's illustrious past while embracing the future of performance engineering. Design and Engineering Excellence The Porsche 963 RSP is a true masterpiece of design and engineering, setting itself apart from its competition-focused counterparts. The exterior of the vehicle is adorned in a stunning Martini Silver paint scheme, reminiscent of the legendary 917's iconic appearance. The bodywork, crafted from ultra-lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar®, has been carefully designed to incorporate distinctive features such as unique fender vents and a bespoke enamel Porsche badge. These elements not only enhance the car's aerodynamic performance but also add to its visual allure. Stepping inside the 963 RSP, one is greeted by an interior that seamlessly blends luxury and functionality. The cabin is appointed with a harmonious combination of tan leather and Alcantara, offering a level of comfort and refinement rarely found in race cars. Every detail, from the innovative 3D-printed cup holder to the air-conditioned carbon seat, has been carefully crafted to enhance the driver's experience behind the wheel. The attention to detail and the use of premium materials throughout the interior showcase Porsche's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and driver-centric design. Exclusive Showcase and Limited Availability The Porsche 963 RSP is a true collector's dream, with its exclusivity and rarity adding to its allure. As a one-of-a-kind creation, the 963 RSP is not part of Porsche's regular model lineup and is not available for purchase. Instead, this extraordinary vehicle will be showcased at prestigious automotive events around the world, captivating enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Attendees of the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans and the esteemed Goodwood Festival of Speed will have the opportunity to witness the 963 RSP in all its glory, as it takes center stage among the world's most celebrated automobiles. Following its public appearances, the Porsche 963 RSP will make its way back to Stuttgart, where it will find a permanent home at the esteemed Porsche Museum. This decision underscores the vehicle's significance as a testament to Porsche's engineering prowess and its status as a true automotive icon. Visitors to the museum will have the chance to admire the 963 RSP up close, marveling at its unique design elements and appreciating the meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation. Cutting-Edge Technology and Performance Under the hood, the Porsche 963 RSP is powered by a formidable 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of delivering approximately 680 horsepower. This potent powerplant is complemented by a sophisticated hybrid system, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture and a 1.35 kWh battery. The integration of hybrid technology not only enhances the vehicle's performance but also demonstrates Porsche's commitment to sustainable and efficient power delivery. The 963 RSP's performance is further enhanced by its advanced transmission, a sequential seven-speed gearbox supplied by Xtrac. This state-of-the-art transmission ensures seamless and precise gear changes, allowing the driver to harness the full potential of the engine. The vehicle rides on forged OZ racing wheels, wrapped in Michelin rain-spec tires, providing exceptional grip and handling in various weather conditions. A Tribute to Porsche's Racing Heritage For automotive enthusiasts captivated by the Porsche 963 RSP, exploring the rich history of Porsche's racing endeavors is an enticing prospect. The vehicle's design and engineering draw heavily from the legendary Porsche 917, a race car that dominated the motorsport scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The 917's audacious road journey, undertaken 50 years ago, serves as the inspiration behind the 963 RSP's creation, highlighting Porsche's long-standing tradition of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive engineering. Delving into Porsche's hybrid technology advancements is another area of interest for those fascinated by the 963 RSP. Porsche has been at the forefront of hybrid technology in motorsport, with their success in endurance racing serving as a testament to their expertise in this field. The 963 RSP's hybrid system showcases the latest advancements in electric power integration, offering a glimpse into the future of high-performance vehicles. For those intrigued by the engineering behind endurance race cars, the Porsche 963 RSP serves as a prime example of the innovative technology and meticulous design that goes into creating these purpose-built machines. From the lightweight materials used in its construction to the advanced aerodynamics and powertrain technologies, the 963 RSP embodies the pinnacle of motorsport engineering. A Glimpse into the Future of Performance The Porsche 963 RSP is more than just a one-off creation; it represents a bold step into the future of performance vehicles. By seamlessly blending race-proven technology with road-going comfort and refinement, the 963 RSP showcases the potential for high-performance automobiles to transcend the boundaries between track and street. As automotive enthusiasts continue to seek out vehicles that offer uncompromising performance, innovative technology, and exclusive design, the Porsche 963 RSP stands as a beacon of inspiration. Its creation demonstrates the endless possibilities that arise when passion, innovation, and engineering excellence converge. While the 963 RSP may not be available for purchase, its impact on the automotive world is undeniable. It serves as a testament to Porsche's unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of what is possible in automotive design and engineering. As the brand continues to innovate and evolve, the legacy of the 963 RSP will undoubtedly influence future generations of high-performance vehicles, both on and off the track. In conclusion, the Porsche 963 RSP is a remarkable achievement that showcases the very best of Porsche's engineering prowess and racing heritage. Its unique blend of nostalgic design elements, innovative technology, and uncompromising performance makes it a true icon in the world of automotive excellence. As enthusiasts continue to marvel at this extraordinary creation, the Porsche 963 RSP will forever stand as a symbol of the brand's relentless pursuit of perfection and its ability to create vehicles that captivate the hearts and minds of car lovers around the world. Source Porsche Filed Under: Auto News, Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
