IXO Models captures the #5 Porsche 963 LMDh in 1:18 die-cast metal: the exact car driven by Julien Andlauer, Michael Christensen and Mathieu Jaminet at the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans on 14–15 June 2025. All three drivers hold Porsche factory works status, making this an unambiguous full-factory entry rather than a customer programme. The model measures 28.5 cm in length and wears the white base with red graphics that Porsche Penske Motorsport applied uniformly across its #4, #5 and #6 entries that weekend.
Porsche 963: LMDh Architecture in Detail
The Porsche 963 is built around a Multimatic-supplied carbon-fibre monocoque, fully compliant with ACO/IMSA LMDh regulations introduced in 2022. Its 9RD engine displaces 4,593 cc as a 90° twin-turbocharged V8, DOHC, 32-valve, mounted longitudinally amidships. A rear-mounted Bosch MGU contributes up to 50 kW, bringing combined output to approximately 500 kW (680 PS) as capped by the regulations. The Xtrac P1359 7-speed sequential gearbox transmits that power rearward. At 5,100 mm long, 2,000 mm wide and 1,060 mm tall, with a minimum weight of 1,030 kg, the car is rated beyond 330 km/h.
Lap 1 to Lap 386: The #5 Car's Race at Le Mans 2025
Starting 3rd following Hyperpole qualification, Andlauer passed both Cadillacs on the opening lap to lead the world's most famous endurance race outright. The narrative shifted during the night when tyre damage and a drive-through penalty for not respecting slow-zone procedures eroded the car's position. The crew completed 386 laps — one short of the winning #83 Ferrari 499P (AF Corse, Kubica/Ye/Hanson) — to finish 6th overall and 6th in the Hypercar class. The best-placed Porsche was the sister #6 car, 2nd overall and just 14.084 seconds behind the winner after 24 hours.
IXO Models: 1:18 Scale Model in Die-Cast Metal
IXO Models issues this as a 1:18 die-cast metal replica — a construction method that provides the weight and surface definition appropriate for a modern LMDh prototype with its complex aero surfaces. The model is part of a pair of IXO 1:18 Le Mans 2025 Porsche 963 releases; a companion model covers the #4 entry driven by Nasr, Tandy and Wehrlein. At a real-car length of 5,100 mm divided by 18, the model resolves to 283 mm — rounded to 28.5 cm in production trim — faithfully representing the swept-tail LMDh silhouette.
Placing the #5 in Your Display Cabinet
At 28.5 cm, the model demands a shelf depth of at least 12 cm and a lateral clearance of roughly 10 cm for the 2,000 mm-wide body scaled to 1:18. The natural pairing is the IXO companion #4 car (Nasr/Tandy/Wehrlein) to recreate the two WEC-programme factory 963s side by side. The #6 (Estre/Vanthoor/Campbell), 2nd overall, completes the trio if a full Porsche Penske Motorsport Le Mans 2025 display is the goal. The white and red livery reads cleanly against dark-backed cabinets and contrasts well with darker GT-class 1:18 subjects from the same period.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the 1:18 scale model?
The Porsche 963 LMDh measures 5,100 mm in length. Divided by 18, that gives a model length of 283 mm — produced at approximately 28.5 cm. Allow at least 12 cm of shelf depth and around 10 cm of width clearance based on the car's 2,000 mm real-world body scaled down accordingly.
Does the model have opening parts?
No confirmed information on opening parts is available from any reviewed product listing for this IXO release. IXO Models 1:18 racing replicas in die-cast metal sometimes feature opening elements, but this cannot be stated as fact for this specific model. Detail is concentrated on the exterior surfaces: bodywork graphics, aerodynamic elements and livery accuracy.
Is this a die-cast or resin model?
This is a die-cast metal model, not resin. IXO Models constructs it in metal, which gives the piece its characteristic weight and allows for sharper panel definition on the 963's bodywork compared to lighter resin alternatives.
What happened to the #5 car at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans?
Andlauer, Christensen and Jaminet qualified 3rd in Hyperpole and led on lap 1. During the night the car incurred tyre damage and a drive-through penalty for slow-zone infringement. The crew recovered to complete 386 laps, finishing 6th overall and 6th in the Hypercar class at the 93rd edition of the race.
