Porsche 963 (LMDh Hypercar)
The Porsche 963 is Porsche's modern hybrid prototype built to fight at the sharp end of endurance racing in FIA WEC and IMSA. Developed under LMDh rules, it combines Porsche's proven motorsport engineering with a standardized hybrid system and a chassis developed for long-distance efficiency, stability, and outright pace.
Key Specs (BoP-dependent, typical sim values)
Powertrain: 4.6L twin-turbocharged V8 (mid-mounted, longitudinal) + standardized rear-axle hybrid system (Bosch MGU, ~50 kW / 68 hp electric boost)
Total Output: ~680 hp (507 kW) combined
Redline: ~8,500–9,000 rpm
Transmission: Xtrac 7-speed sequential
Weight: 1,030 kg minimum
Dimensions: ~5,100 mm long × 1,990 mm wide × 1,060 mm tall | Wheelbase 3,148 mm
Tires: Michelin slicks on 18-inch racing wheels (prototype spec)
Brakes: Carbon-carbon discs with 6-piston calipers
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive hybrid
In the Simulator Feel
The Porsche 963 is a stable, high-speed Hypercar that rewards committed driving and precise timing. It has the calm, planted feel you'd expect from a factory endurance prototype, with excellent aero balance and predictable behavior through long corners. Compared to some of the lighter or more nimble LMDh rivals, the 963 tends to feel slightly more composed than agile, but that stability makes it especially confidence-inspiring in traffic and over race distances.
Engine & Sound: The twin-turbo V8 gives the 963 a deep, muscular, and very Porsche-like endurance prototype soundtrack. It has a hard-edged growl under load, strong turbo spool, and a broad midrange that delivers torque smoothly. The hybrid system fills in the gaps on exit, helping the car launch out of slower corners with a clean, authoritative shove.
Handling Characteristics:
Cornering: Strong front-end stability with dependable rotation when trail braking. It prefers a smooth, measured approach rather than aggressive chucking.
Traction: Excellent rear grip and very usable power delivery, though it can still step out if you get greedy with throttle over curbs or on cold tires.
Braking: Heavy-duty carbon braking performance with good consistency and endurance-race modulation.
Top Speed: Very competitive on long straights, especially with hybrid deployment, and usually a strong performer in low-drag setups.
Driving Style Tip: Drive it with patience and rhythm. The 963 shines when you keep inputs smooth, manage tire temps, and use the hybrid boost strategically on exits and overtakes. It is particularly effective on technical endurance circuits where consistency matters just as much as raw lap time.
Livery & Aesthetics: The Porsche 963 looks every bit like a factory prototype — low, sharp, and unmistakably Porsche with its clean surfaces, aggressive nose, and traditional motorsport livery themes. In the sim, its modern endurance styling and illuminated details make it a standout both in daylight and under nighttime racing conditions.
Whether you're hot lapping, running long stints, or battling in multi-class traffic, the Porsche 963 brings a polished mix of speed, stability, and unmistakable Porsche character to the Hypercar class.