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Clear the stage: The Porsche 963

The Porsche 963 will compete against others in the prototype classes: the WEC Hypercar class and the IMSA GTP class. The challenge? All participants utilize the same hybrid system with rear-wheel drive and specified suspension from one of four manufacturers. Everything else is subject to the strict homologation process of the IMSA and FIA. Therefore, the upcoming season will be a battle of technology and driving skills.

Performance in numbers

Porsche 963

Technical Specs
EngineTwin turbo V8 combustion engine
Displacement4.6 litres
Performance500 kW (680 PS) at 10.000 1/min
GearsSingle specification hybrid system, 7-speed racing transmission, pneumatically actuated
Weightca. 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs)
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I am sure that we will be in the best possible position in terms of technology and team structure to be able to win in the exciting competition between numerous manufacturers and different concepts.

Thomas LaudenbachHead of Porsche Motorsport
Hybrid in excellence: the Porsche 963
Trusted design.
Team made with great pilots.
The racing series: Ready for top performance.

Hybrid in excellence: the Porsche 963

Optimized perfection. At the heart of the new car is a multimatic chassis derived from the LMP2 category. While the design of the 963 race car is based on Porsche classics of the recent past, its interior values set new standards. These include the optimized chassis and a 4.6-liter V8 engine with twin turbochargers, including support from an electric motor. 

Weighing around 1,000 kilograms, the race car is powered by a total output of 500 kW (680 PS). The engine's maximum speed is 10,000 rpm. With a maximum of 110 decibels when passing, the LMDh Porsche still produces a rich sound. The engine is based on the high-performance 918 Spyder hybrid sports car. The powerful engine is designed to run on renewable fuels. They enable a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

 

Trusted design.

Tradition wins. The design of the new Porsche 963 is based on the victorious 956 and 962 classics from the 1980s. At the rear, a continuous illuminated strip represents the striking highlight of the current nine-eleven generation 992. The vehicle's striking design in white, red, and black emphasizes its similarity to successful Porsche racing cars.  Yet another tradition lives on: The new Porsche 963 will be available as early as 2023, which will be its first year of use in customer racing.

Team made with great pilots.

In the cockpits of the new LMDh bolides, experienced prototype champions alternate with experienced drivers from the Porsche works driver team.

"Over the past few months, the employees of Porsche Motorsport and Team Penske have come together to form an optimally functioning and committed unit, the Porsche Penske Motorsport Team," says a delighted Urs Kuratle, Head of Works Motorsport LMDh.

Some familiar names have already been confirmed for the races in the WEC and IMSA. These include: Kévin Estre, André Lotterer, Michael Christensen as well as the two sports car drivers Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr. Ready to give it all for the team.

The racing series: Ready for top performance.

For its intended entry into the WEC as well as the IMSA - the two most important endurance racing series in the world - including the classic 24h Le Mans, 24h Daytona and 12h Sebring, the new 963 is ready for use in challenging endurance races.

Porsche Penske Motorsport is preparing for the races at two locations: The German branch in Mannheim is responsible for the FIA WEC, while in Mooresville (North Carolina), U.S.A., the cars are prepared for the IMSA.

The official race debut is scheduled for January 2023 at Daytona, the traditional opener of the IMSA series. Porsche Penske Motorsport is targeting a possible final rehearsal at the season finale in Bahrain in November.

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