The car shown here from the collection of the Modelly member “Play-X” is based on the endurance prototype Porsche 963. This 1/18-scale model from Norev copies the lines and sponsor decals of the racing version run by the private outfit Hertz Team JOTA. The Porsche 963 belongs to the LMDh hypercar generation and has been built since 2023–present. It succeeds the LMP1 prototype 919 Hybrid and follows the technical basics of the new, manufacturer‑wide LMDh rule set. The miniature shown is made in diecast construction; the metal build gives the body and undertray the needed stiffness and lets splitters, fins and the diffuser keep sharp edges. You can clearly see the typical “shark fin,” the closed cockpit canopy with a central air inlet and the low front with horizontal light strips — features that make the Porsche 963 easy to recognise.
The Porsche 963 is based on a Multimatic‑derived LMP2 chassis. The carbon‑fibre monocoque integrates the LMDh spec hybrid system with a Bosch‑developed MGU on the rear axle, an Xtrac seven‑speed gearbox and a high‑voltage battery from WAE (Williams Advanced Engineering). The combustion engine is a 4.6‑liter V8 biturbo (4.6 liters ≈ 1.22 US gallons). System power is regulated and sits around 500 kW (about 670 hp / ~680 PS). The car’s minimum weight is around 1030 kg (about 2,270 pounds), and the aerodynamics are homologated in low‑ and high‑downforce specs. Double wishbone suspension, pushrod springs and carbon‑fibre brakes provide the necessary precision and stopping power. Project leads on the manufacturer side included people like Urs Kuratle and Florian Modlinger; on the chassis side Multimatic development chief Larry Holt brought in his experience. For many collectors it’s neat that the model reproduces visible aero details — front splitter, wheel‑arch vents and the fin — which you can clearly spot in the photos.
In the US the Porsche 963 raced in IMSA’s new GTP class from 2023. After a learning phase with first podiums, wins followed — including races at Long Beach and other classic tracks. A major milestone was the overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona 2024 for Porsche Penske Motorsport. Drivers who piloted the Porsche 963 in IMSA include Felipe Nasr, Dane Cameron, Matt Campbell and Nick Tandy. Endurance specialists like Laurens Vanthoor and Frédéric Makowiecki also drove it. Those results show the car quickly became competitive under LMDh and durable over long distances. The model in the photos picks up IMSA/WEC markings like the red “HY” badge that signals the hybrid class — a nice touch for collectors wanting accuracy.
Parallel to IMSA the Porsche 963 runs in the FIA WEC. There Porsche Penske scored several podiums and race wins from 2023 into 2024. An important chapter is the customer programme: teams like Hertz Team JOTA and Proton Competition run the Porsche 963 with their own crews. For JOTA drivers have included Will Stevens, Antonio Félix da Costa, Yifei Ye, Callum Ilott and others. These cars compete under the same Balance‑of‑Performance rules as the works cars and are technically homologated the same. The pictured JOTA version with the number 12 is easy to spot thanks to its gold livery and bold sponsor placement, so collectors can quickly place it in a season and it’s a tidy complement to IMSA or WEC factory liveries.
This 1/18-scale model from Norev shows the gold Hertz team livery with red accents on the front lip and number panels. The black fin element over the sidepods carries a large Singer logo; the endplates of the rear wing show Palantir and BRADY. The flanks sport main sponsors Hertz and Mobil 1, plus the courier logo DHL on the front wheel arches. The Michelin tyres have detailed “Pilot Sport” markings and coloured sidewall rings. Up front the horizontal LED light strips and the wheel‑arch outlets are neatly reproduced. You can even spot the small antenna on the side and the number 12 and national flags on the nose. The open door in one photo gives a peek at the bucket seat, harnesses, extinguisher and dash inside. The proportions, engraved body seams and clean tampo prints give a solid, finished look — stuff collectors love. The Norev model is diecast metal, so parts like the front splitter, wheel hubs with central lock and the mirrors feel sturdy. For the display case the miniature is about 28 to 30 centimeters (11.0 to 11.8 inches) long, which makes the interior bits easy to see. For Play‑X this example is a great addition to other hypercar and LMP1 pieces, especially next to the 919 Hybrid. If you sort your collection by liveries, the gold‑and‑red JOTA version is an easy, recognisable fill for that theme.
Chriskitt
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A true winning car 👍👍👍🏆⭐
Chriskitt
Auto-translated
A true winning car 👍👍👍🏆⭐