In January 2023, at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Porsche introduced its latest entry into the new era of endurance racing: the Porsche 963. This hybrid prototype was built to compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, conforming to the Le Mans Daytona h—or LMDh—regulations.
At the heart of the 963 lies a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis supplied by Multimatic. It’s a regulation-spec tub designed for minimal weight, high rigidity, and maximum safety, forming the structural foundation of the car.
The powertrain is centered around a 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It’s based on the power unit used in the Porsche 918 Spyder but adapted for endurance racing. Internally codenamed the F1-8, the engine features a flat-plane crankshaft, dry sump lubrication, and variable valve timing. Power output is limited to about 500 kilowatts, or roughly 670 horsepower, in line with class regulations.
Complementing the combustion engine is a standardized hybrid system. This includes a Bosch electric motor-generator unit mounted at the front axle, a lithium-ion battery from Williams Advanced Engineering, and a 7-speed sequential gearbox developed by Xtrac. The hybrid system can regenerate energy under braking and deploy up to 200 kilowatts of additional power.
Aerodynamics on the Porsche 963 follow a single homologated bodywork rule, but Porsche has maximized performance within those limits. A full-length underfloor with Venturi tunnels, a high-efficiency diffuser, and an adjustable rear wing help achieve the desired balance between downforce and drag. The car was developed through a combination of CFD simulations and wind tunnel testing to ensure stability and efficiency across different circuits.
The suspension is a double wishbone setup with pushrods at both ends, matched to five-way adjustable dampers. This configuration offers precise control over handling characteristics, tire management, and chassis balance. Braking is handled by Brembo carbon discs, integrated with a brake-by-wire system that works seamlessly alongside the hybrid energy recovery.
In terms of results, the Porsche 963 has already proven its potential. It earned its first World Endurance Championship podium at the 6 Hours of Spa, followed by a victory at the 6 Hours of Monza. In the IMSA series, Porsche Penske Motorsport captured a major win at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024, a testament to the car’s durability and performance over long-distance races.
The Porsche 963 represents a modern approach to prototype racing—combining high-efficiency combustion, electrified torque, and advanced aerodynamics within a regulated framework. It’s not just a race car; it’s a showcase of what cutting-edge motorsport engineering can achieve in the hybrid era.
Porsche 963 – Technical Specifications
General
Category: LMDh – Le Mans Daytona hybrid
Debut: 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona
Manufacturer: Porsche AG
Chassis Supplier: Multimatic
Design Concept: Hybrid prototype racer for top-tier endurance racing
Chassis & Bodywork
Chassis: Carbon-fibre monocoque, LMDh specification built by Multimatic
Bodywork Material: Carbon-fibre composite
Aerodynamics: FIA and IMSA-compliant with a single homologated aero package, adjustable for different tracks
Powertrain
Internal Combustion Engine:
Type: Porsche twin-turbo V8
Displacement: 4.6 litres
Origin: Derived from the engine used in the Porsche 918 Spyder
Power Output: Approximately 680 horsepower
Redline: Around 10,000 RPM, regulated
Hybrid System:
Motor Generator Unit: Supplied by Bosch
Battery: Lithium-ion unit from Williams Advanced Engineering
Energy Storage Capacity: 1.35 kilowatt-hours
Combined System Output: 680 horsepower, regulated maximum
Transmission
Type: 7-speed sequential gearbox
Manufacturer: Xtrac
Drive Configuration: Rear-wheel drive
Suspension
Front and Rear: Double wishbone with pushrod-actuated springs and dampers
Brakes
Brake Calipers: 6-piston monoblock from AP Racing
Brake Discs: Carbon fiber
Regenerative Braking: Brake-by-wire system integrated with hybrid recovery
Dimensions
Length: Approximately 5,100 millimeters
Width: 2,000 millimeters
Height: Approximately 1,150 millimeters
Minimum Weight: 1,030 kilograms
Tyres
Supplier: Michelin
Types: Racing slicks and wet-weather tyres
Wheel Size: 18 inches front and rear
Electronics & Controls
Electronic Control Unit: Standard LMDh-spec ECU from Bosch
Telemetry: FIA and IMSA-compliant systems
Driver Aids: Includes traction control and programmable hybrid energy deployment
Performance
Top Speed: Over 330 kilometers per hour
Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): Approximately 2.5 seconds
No comments:
Post a Comment