ATLANTA – January 22, 2025 – Porsche Penske Motorsport is gearing up for an intense start to the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the iconic 24 Hours of Daytona this weekend (January 25-26). Defending their championship title, the team is set to field two Porsche 963 hybrid prototypes, each boasting 707 PS (520 kW), in pursuit of victory at the Daytona International Speedway.
Known as the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona’s 3.56-mile course combines high-speed sections on the 2.5-mile NASCAR oval with tight, technical infield corners. These contrasting demands require teams to strike a delicate balance between aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip, posing unique challenges for engineers and drivers alike.
“Daytona demands an unusual compromise in vehicle setup that would not work at many other tracks,” said Brandon Fry, Porsche Penske Motorsport’s Lead Race Engineer. “While the oval sections push us to achieve unparalleled top speeds, the infield requires maximum braking performance, downforce, and traction.”
Reigning IMSA champion Felipe Nasr, who secured victory at Daytona last year, emphasized the critical nature of balancing speed and stability. “A car well-suited for the slower sections also improves tire durability because you’re sliding around less. That’s where lap time is made, not on the straights,” he explained.
Managing the Tire Puzzle
Daytona’s dramatic temperature shifts add another layer of complexity to the 24-hour marathon. With asphalt temperatures peaking above 100°F in the daytime and plummeting after nightfall, teams must carefully manage their tire strategy.
Porsche’s tire partner, Michelin, provides two compounds for the GTP class: a medium option for warmer conditions and a softer compound for cooler temperatures. While soft tires warm up quickly and offer superior grip, they degrade faster over long stints, requiring teams to weigh performance gains against durability.
“Drivers who can quickly exploit the tire’s potential on the out-lap have a clear advantage,” said Nasr. “But situational awareness is critical when rejoining the track amidst traffic from slower classes.”
Navigating Daytona’s Traffic Challenges
With 61 cars competing across four classes, including the top-tier GTP prototypes and Porsche’s four 911 GT3 R entries in the GT categories, traffic management will be pivotal. Spotters play a crucial role, guiding drivers through congested sections with real-time calls from the grandstand roof.
Nasr highlighted the importance of experience in navigating Daytona’s crowded high-speed oval. “Drivers who’ve raced here before know when it’s wise to back off. It’s not always about full attack,” he said, noting that overtaking slower GT cars in the banking requires split-second decisions.
As Porsche Penske Motorsport readies its hybrid prototypes for the season opener, the team’s meticulous preparation underscores the challenges of competing at one of endurance racing’s most demanding circuits.
Daytona Beach, Florida – January 26, 2025 – Porsche Penske Motorsport secured its second consecutive victory at the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, the opening race of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 7 Porsche 963, driven by Felipe Nasr (Brazil), Nick Tandy (Great Britain), and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), claimed the overall win after a dramatic battle in the final stages.
The decisive moment came with just over 20 minutes left in the 24-hour endurance race when the No. 7 Porsche overtook its sister car, the No. 6 Porsche 963. The No. 6 car, piloted by Mathieu Jaminet (France), Matt Campbell (Australia), and Kévin Estre (France), finished third overall, securing a double-podium result for Porsche. This win marked Porsche’s 20th overall victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
“Back-to-back wins at Daytona highlight the incredible dedication and teamwork of Porsche Penske Motorsport,” said a team representative. “It’s a phenomenal achievement for our drivers, engineers, and crew.”
In the GT Daytona (GTD) class, Wright Motorsports delivered a strong performance to earn a podium finish with the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R. Drivers Ayhancan Güven (Turkey), Elliott Skeer (USA), Adam Adelson (USA), and Tom Sargent (Australia) crossed the line in second place in their category and 27th overall in the 61-car field.
The victory reaffirmed Porsche’s dominance in endurance racing and set the tone for the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. Full race results are available at IMSA.com.
For more updates, fans can follow Porsche Motorsport on Instagram (@porsche.motorsport), X (@PorscheRaces), and the Porsche Penske Motorsport channels.
Sakhir, Bahrain (October 28, 2024) — Porsche is aiming to cap off a banner year in motorsport by clinching the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the season finale in Bahrain this weekend. With the eight-hour race on Saturday, November 2, at the Bahrain International Circuit, the Porsche Penske Motorsport team is positioned to secure both the manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles in the Hypercar class.
The No. 6 Porsche 963, driven by Kévin Estre (France), André Lotterer (Germany), and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), leads the drivers’ standings after a stellar season. The trio sits in first place with 150 points, ahead of the Ferrari No. 50 car (115 points) and the Toyota No. 7 car (113 points). A top-eight finish will secure the drivers’ championship for Porsche.
In the manufacturers’ championship, Porsche holds a 10-point lead over Toyota, with Ferrari trailing by 27 points. With 39 points available for the race and pole position, a victory or a strong finish will be enough to secure the title.
After dominating the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship earlier this year, where Porsche claimed nine titles, the German automaker hopes to finish the season by securing the top honors in the WEC.
“Aiming for Global Triumph”
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, expressed confidence in his team’s chances. “Our team has improved significantly in the second year of this program, and we’ve capitalized on every opportunity. If we maintain our focus and consistency, we’ll achieve our goal: becoming the 2024 World Champions,” Laudenbach said.
The team’s preparation has been meticulous. The Porsche 963s were fine-tuned at the team’s facility in Mannheim, Germany, before being tested on track at the Porsche Development Center in Weissach. Porsche Penske Motorsport Managing Director Jonathan Diuguid praised the team’s efforts, highlighting the journey from launching the LMDh program two years ago to now being on the verge of a world championship.
“Intense Rivalry in Bahrain”
Bahrain presents unique challenges, with its mix of high temperatures, falling night-time temperatures, and fine sand affecting track conditions. Tire management will be crucial for teams aiming for success on the 3.362-mile circuit. The race, which offers 1.5 times the usual points, adds extra pressure for all contenders.
The eight-hour race marks the end of the WEC season, but Porsche drivers will take to the track again on Sunday for the traditional “rookie test.” Young French drivers Gillian Henrion and Reshad de Gerus will participate, alongside Porsche’s Mathieu Jaminet, who will drive the Porsche 963 after finishing second in the IMSA drivers’ championship.
As Porsche gears up for the season finale, its customer teams are also looking to end on a high note. Hertz Team Jota, with drivers Will Stevens (UK) and Oliver Rasmussen (Denmark), will field their Porsche 963 in the Hypercar class for the last time before switching brands in 2025.
The LMGT3 class will feature the Manthey team’s two Porsche 911 GT3 R entries, with one already having secured the title at the previous round in Japan.
North American viewers can catch all the action on Motor Trend TV and the Max streaming app, with race coverage starting at 5:30 a.m. ET on November 2.
As the 2024 season concludes, Porsche looks to solidify its place at the pinnacle of endurance racing with another world championship.
In a grand celebration of automotive heritage, Porsche has unveiled the limited-production 911 Turbo 50 Years edition at the 2024 Monterey Car Week. This exclusive model commemorates the 50th anniversary of the iconic 911 Turbo, blending cutting-edge performance with timeless design elements that pay tribute to the brand’s storied past.
The 911 Turbo 50 Years edition is based on the 2025 911 Turbo S (992.1) and will be limited to just 1,974 units worldwide, a nod to the year the original 911 Turbo was introduced. This special edition features a unique combination of exterior and interior elements that echo the design language of historic 911 Turbo models, coupled with modern styling touches that enhance its exclusivity.
A Tribute to the Original Turbo
The original Porsche 911 Turbo (Type 930), introduced in 1974, revolutionized the sports car world with its turbocharged performance and daily usability. The new 911 Turbo 50 Years model pays homage to this legacy with several distinctive features. The exterior is adorned with decals inspired by the 911 RSR Turbo, while the new Turbonite color, exclusive to this model, is used on various exterior elements including the rear wing and air intake grilles. The anniversary model also features special badges and LED lights that project a turbocharger icon when the doors are opened.
Interior Reflecting 1970s Style
Inside, the 911 Turbo 50 Years continues the theme of heritage with upholstery in “MacKenzie” tartan, reminiscent of the 1970s. The interior also includes contrast stitching, Turbonite accents, and illuminated “turbo 50” branding on the door sills and headrests. A unique anniversary plaque above the glove compartment further emphasizes the model’s exclusivity.
Heritage Design Package
For those seeking even more retro flair, Porsche offers a Heritage Design Package that introduces additional 1970s-inspired design features. This package includes a special Aventurine Green Metallic paint, historic Porsche crests, and gold model designations. The interior receives extended leather surfaces and more tartan elements, along with green dials in the instrument cluster.
Performance and Technology
Under the hood, the 911 Turbo 50 Years is powered by a 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged boxer engine, producing 640 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. This allows the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. The model also includes advanced technology such as Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), ensuring it delivers not only on style but also on performance.
Exclusive Timepiece
Porsche Design has also created a special chronograph exclusively for 911 Turbo 50 Years owners. Limited to 1,974 units, the watch mirrors the design of the car with elements in Turbonite and a rotor styled after the car’s wheels. Each timepiece is engraved with a limitation number matching that of the vehicle.
Pricing and Availability
The Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years edition is now available for order with a starting price of $261,100, excluding additional fees. The model is expected to arrive in U.S. Porsche Centers by late 2024, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
2020 – Pikes Peak – David Donohue Readies for His Run in the No. 911 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport – Image Courtesy of Porsche
Porsche is known for its rich history and racing legacy, which greatly adds to the value of its models. From the busy racetracks of Le Mans to the peaceful beauty of vintage car collections, Porsche has made a lasting impact in the automotive world. The brand’s legacy is built on a foundation of innovative engineering, superior performance, and timeless design.
Owning the most expensive and rarest Porsche models isn’t just about having a high-performance vehicle; it’s about possessing a piece of automotive history. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, these cars represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and racing heritage. Whether it’s a 1970 Porsche 917K that dominated Le Mans or a 1953 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder with its limited production run, each model tells a unique story.
The appeal of these vehicles lies not only in their extreme rarity but also in their ability to fascinate both experienced collectors and new enthusiasts. Imagine having one of these rare treasures parked in your garage—it’s not just about the price; it’s about owning a piece of history that continues to increase in value.
1. Iconic Models that Command High Prices
1970 Porsche 917K
The 1970 Porsche 917K is a symbol of racing excellence and financial achievement. It sold for a record-setting $14,080,000 at auction, showcasing Porsche’s engineering expertise. This model dominated the racing scene, especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, solidifying its place in automotive history.
1982 Porsche 956 C
Known for its success in endurance racing, the 1982 Porsche 956 C is a highly sought-after collector’s item. It sold for $10,120,000 and is celebrated for its innovative aerodynamics and engineering. Its victories in various endurance races make it a key part of Porsche’s racing legacy.
1953 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder
With only 90 units produced, the 1953 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder holds a significant position in Porsche’s history. It sold for $6,100,000 and was one of the brand’s first purpose-built race cars. Its historical importance and rarity contribute to its high value among collectors.
2. Notable Auction Sales
High-profile auctions often spotlight rare Porsches, drawing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Prominent auction houses like Gooding & Co, RM Sotheby’s, and Bonhams have facilitated record-breaking sales, showcasing the allure of these exceptional vehicles.
Record-Breaking Sales
Here are some notable auction sales that have set records for Porsche vehicles:
Gooding & Co achieved a milestone with the sale of the 1970 Porsche 917K, fetching $14,080,000. This auction highlighted the model’s dominance in racing and its historical significance.
At RM Sotheby’s, the 1982 Porsche 956 C was sold for $10,120,000. The car’s success in endurance racing made it a highly sought-after collectible.
Bonhams featured the 1953 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder, which sold for $6,100,000. Its limited production numbers and role in Porsche’s racing heritage contributed to its high value.
Role of Auction Houses
These auction houses play a crucial role in increasing the visibility and value of rare Porsches through their expertise in marketing and international reach. They meticulously curate events that attract high-net-worth individuals and serious collectors, ensuring that these rare models receive the attention they deserve. The global platform provided by these auctions helps elevate the status of these Porsches, solidifying their place in automotive history.
Factors Contributing to Rarity and Value in High-End Porsches
Limited Edition Porsches
Limited production runs significantly boost the desirability of certain Porsche models. The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is a prime example, with only 600 units produced worldwide. This exclusivity makes it highly sought after by collectors. Limited edition Porsches often feature unique design elements and enhanced performance specs that set them apart from standard models.
Motorsport Achievements
Porsche’s rich racing history plays a crucial role in increasing the value of its models. The 1986 Porsche 962C stands out as a legendary race car that dominated endurance competitions. Its success on the track not only enhances its historical significance but also increases its market value. Classic Porsche racing cars like this one are often seen as trophies by enthusiasts, celebrating both engineering prowess and sporting triumphs.
Unique Porsches for Sale
When unique Porsches come up for sale, their rarity and historical importance make them highly coveted. Models like the 1953 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder or the 1972 Porsche 917/10 Spyder consistently fetch high prices at auctions due to their limited numbers and significant achievements in motorsport.
Super Car Status
Modern offerings such as the 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S combine cutting-edge technology with Porsche’s traditional craftsmanship, positioning them as future collectibles. These super cars not only deliver exceptional performance but also embody the brand’s legacy of excellence, making them appealing investments for serious collectors.
Current Trends in the Porsche Collector Market
The market for high-value Porsches continues to thrive, with rising values driven by increasing demand from collectors around the globe. Several factors contribute to this trend:
1. Global Demand
Collectors from various parts of the world are showing an increased interest in acquiring rare and iconic Porsche models. This growing international interest often leads to competitive bidding at auctions, pushing prices higher.
2. Investment Value
High-value Porsches are seen not only as luxury vehicles but also as sound investment opportunities. The combination of historical significance, limited production runs, and motorsport achievements ensures that these cars appreciate over time.
Modern models also capture the attention of collectors:
2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S: Despite being a contemporary offering, this model possesses characteristics that make it appealing as a future collectible. With advanced engineering, cutting-edge technology, and a limited release, it stands out as a potential high-value asset in the years to come.
The blend of historical prestige and modern innovation makes high-end Porsches a compelling choice for enthusiasts and investors alike. The collector market remains vibrant, reflecting both the enduring legacy of classic models and the promise held by new releases.
Conclusion: Investing in Rare Porsches for Enthusiasts and Collectors Alike
Investing in rare Porsches offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. High-end models, like the 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, showcase advanced engineering innovations such as active aerodynamics. These features set them apart from their counterparts, enhancing both their performance and desirability.
Exploring these exceptional characteristics can provide immense satisfaction and potential financial rewards for passionate investors.
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