The Porsche 963 relies on drive genes from the RS Spyder and 918 Spyder.
11-02-2023 16:06 - MOTORSPORT
On December 16, 2020, Porsche committed to developing an LMDh prototype for use from January 2023. The prospect of being able to use a vehicle in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship was the deciding factor for the decision of the executive board of Porsche AG. Less than five months later, Porsche announced its close cooperation with Team Penske. The new, global Porsche Penske Motorsport team was born. It operates from two locations: The team for the IMSA championship is based at the American team's headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina, and the operations team for the WEC is in Mannheim, Germany.
The new Porsche 963 makes its official race debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona in the US state of Florida (January 28/29). Until then, the hybrid vehicle has covered well over 30,000 kilometers in tests and the so-called Roar in Daytona. In the final qualifying, the two factory cars finished second (start number 7) and ninth (start number 6). The type designation alone makes it clear which path the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart is pursuing with the Porsche 963: the new car, which produces around 500 kW (680 hp) in racing, for the top hypercar (FIA WEC) and GTP (IMSA) classes is intended to be the successful Continuing the history of the Porsche 962. The legendary model from Group C times did something unique in 1986 and 1987: in both seasons the cars drove at Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona to overall success. Porsche is the record winner in all three races. There are 18 victories in each of the US endurance classics, and there are even 19 victories in Le Mans. Overall victory number 20 could follow as early as June when the French 24-hour race celebrates its 100th birthday. The new Porsche 963 is ready for the great classics of the year.
While the regulations specify the hybrid components and the transmission as cost-efficient standard components, it grants extensive freedom in the choice of the combustion engine. In principle, the following applies: The unit must be able to generate an output of 520 kW (707 hp) and weigh a minimum of 180 kilograms together with the peripherals. At the end of 2020, Stefan Moser, the chief engineer responsible for the drive of the Porsche 963, and his team of 18 decided in favor of the 4.6-liter engine from the Porsche 918 Spyder. This super sports car with hybrid drive made its debut at the beginning of September 2013. Shortly before that, it became the first production sports car to lap the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in less than seven minutes.
While the regulations specify the hybrid components and the transmission as cost-efficient standard components, it grants extensive freedom in the choice of the combustion engine. In principle, the following applies: The unit must be able to generate an output of 520 kW (707 hp) and weigh a minimum of 180 kilograms together with the peripherals. At the end of 2020, Stefan Moser, the chief engineer responsible for the drive of the Porsche 963, and his team of 18 decided in favor of the 4.6-liter engine from the Porsche 918 Spyder. This super sports car with hybrid drive made its debut at the beginning of September 2013. Shortly before that, it became the first production sports car to lap the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in less than seven minutes.