For 1994 there are new technical regulations. Le Mans prototypes, Le Mans GT1 and Le Mans GT2 – these are the new classes in the order of the expected performance. Porsche engineers read the rule book carefully and discover that the 962 C can be modernised and modified to be eligible as a Le Mans GT1 race car, because the required street-legal version already exists: the Dauer 962. At Porsche, the Dauer 962 LM-GT is designed with a flat underbody, the required minimum weight of 1,000 kilograms, and narrower tyres (14 instead of 16 inch). Porsche is setting its sights on the GT1 class victory. But it turns out quite differently: With an hour to go, a Toyota prototype is in the lead – right behind are the two works-run Dauer 962 LM-GT! When the Toyota disappears into the pits for repairs to the gearbox – Porsche sweeps to its 13th overall victory. The winning pilots: Yannick Dalmas, Mauro Baldi and Hurley Haywood. At the wheel of the second Porsche, Hans-Joachim Stuck, Thierry Boutsen and Danny Sullivan are flagged off in third behind the Toyota sports prototype. On the way to victory, Thierry Boutsen’s adrenalin level shoots sky high while driving at 300 km/h: in pitch darkness in the Tertre Rouge corner his Xenon lights, used for the first time, suddenly give up the ghost briefly.

In 1995 the factory looks into the possibility of competing with sports cars in the USA and takes a break in Le Mans. Hans-Joachim Stuck, Thierry Boutsen and Christophe Bouchut drive a Kremer K8 Spyder fielded by Kremer Racing as the best Porsche to sixth place overall. Like the second-placed Courage C23 with Bob Wollek, Eric Hélary and Mario Andretti, the Spyder is powered by a 935 type engine that is also planted in the 962 C.

Porsche and Porsche customers return in 1996 to secure wins in all classes. Reinhold Joest has taken over the two ex-works TWR WSC 95 sports prototypes intended for 1995. At his own cost, he modifies and optimises the aerodynamics with assistance from Weissach. Housed under the carbon-fibre plastic body in the carbon fibre monocoque is an old acquaintance: the three-litre turbo of the 962. Manuel Reuter, Alexander Wurz and Davy Jones win the overall category with this Porsche. Amongst the LM GT1 as the highest Grand Touring class, the brand new 911 GT1 proves unbeatable with a double victory. Hans-Joachim Stuck, Bob Wollek and Thierry Boutsen win in the first mid-engined 911 followed by Karl Wendlinger, Yannick Dalmas and Scott Goodyear. At the same time, the two 911 score second and third in the overall rankings. The German Roock Racing team win the LM GT2 class with a 911 GT2.

With factory help, Reinhold Joest and his squad again give the 1996-winning Porsche TWR WSC 95 an overhaul for Le Mans 1997. In Weissach, the 911 GT1 - the near-winner of the previous year - also undergoes some fine tuning. The Porsche TWR WSC 95 and the GT1 are clear race favourites. On Sunday morning the 911 GT1 driven by Bob Wollek is in the lead when a drive shaft breaks at 7.45 a.m. and the car hits the barriers. Victory eludes Bob, even at his 30th start. After 22 hours, the second 911 GT1 is running a clear first when the oil pipe breaks and the engine bay catches fire. Ralf Kelleners climbs out unharmed, but the race is over. The Porsche TWR WSC 95 of Joest Racing has battled hard against the two works vehicles over virtually the entire distance. Now the prototype is in the lead and Michele Alboreto, Stefan Johannson and Tom Kristensen win. This marks the fourth victory for Joest – and the 15th for Porsche.

In order to remain competitive in the prototype class, Porsche builds a new race car from scratch in 1998. The 911 GT1 ‘98 is the first vehicle to feature a carbon-fibre body developed by Porsche. The 3.2-litre twin-turbo is housed – like in the 911 GT1 – in front of the rear axle. Porsche faces extremely tough competition from Mercedes and Toyota. Toyota’s prototype has been customer-made specifically for Le Mans. BMW, Nissan, Ferrari and McLaren have also brought strong race cars to the Circuit des 24 Heures. The race escalates into a duel between Porsche and Toyota. On Sunday morning it looks like the Japanese challenger will come out on top when a water pipe on Allan McNish’s car breaks. Shortly afterwards, Joerg Mueller takes a romp over a chicane and damages the underbody. Both Porsche stand in the pits for a little over half an hour. The Toyota moves into the lead but is hampered by gearbox troubles. With 90 minutes until the flag, McNish is running 44 seconds behind the Toyota. Five minutes later McNish reports from the cockpit that the Toyota is beached on the side of the track. The do-or-die battle is over after almost 23 hours. Double victory for Porsche with Allan McNish, Laurent Aiello and Stéphane Ortelli ahead of Joerg Mueller, Uwe Alzen and Bob Wollek. It is a welcome and hard-won success to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sports car make, Porsche.