Porsche Showcases 60 Years of New and Rare Sports Car Highlights at 2010 Monterey Classic Car Weekend

ATLANTA, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Monterey Historic Weekend traditionally focuses on the most coveted automobiles from around the world, but rarely have vehicles with a "hybrid" designation so forcefully commanded the anticipation of attending enthusiasts.  Porsche aims to change that status quo by proving just how tempting – and potent – Porsche's Intelligent Performance can be.  The German automaker is making its point with the new 918 Spyder, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racecar, and the Cayenne S Hybrid – all joining a collection of Porsche classics and contemporary models on display during the Monterey festivities.

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The annual gathering of automotive aficionados during the August 9 – 15 Monterey Peninsula Automotive Week is also a fitting venue to celebrate the company's 60th anniversary year in America.  In addition to introducing its new portfolio of hybrid cars, Porsche will be unveiling a new web site to go live next week that will feature contests, videos, stories and images, all celebrating the cars and people that put Porsche on the United States map six decades ago.

"Automotive passion is always alive and thriving within the Porsche community, but it's particularly heated at this extraordinary event," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. "Where else can you see the evolution of Porsche in America so magnificently displayed, from early sports cars like our 356 through our newest intelligence performance powerhouse, the 918 Spyder?"

Among the Porsche models on display throughout the Monterey peninsula, the first North American public appearance of the 918 Spyder concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, August 15 will be a highlight. Just recently approved for production, the fuel-sipping, ultra-high-performance super sports car has already been pre-ordered by over 1000 enthusiasts.

With the potential of recording 78 mpg, the 918 Spyder is an impressive showcase of Porsche's Intelligent Performance philosophy, but it's not alone in getting performance enthusiasts to "think green."  Motorsports fans will have the opportunity to check out the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid August 12 – 15.  The race car will be based at the Porsche Zentrum, a specially-built facility open to visitors located up Peter Hayes Hill on the compounds of the Pebble Beach Lodge.  Attendees will also have a unique opportunity to see the car and chat with Porsche Works racer Patrick Long at "The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering" from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, August 13.  On Saturday, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be showcased at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (formerly the Monterey Historic Automobile Races) at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and then alongside the 918 Spyder at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday.  

The Quail Lodge will also be the place to see some of the world's finest Porsche classics.  Four rare automobiles from the Porsche Museum in Germany are en route to Monterey.  Visitors will be able to enjoy the beautiful lines of a 1955 and 1958 356 Speedster, a 1960 356 B Carrera 2000 GS Carrera GT and a 1962 356 Carrera 2 Cabrio.  Newer Porsche siblings are also on display, including new and latest models available for consumer test drives.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs 213 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 199 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its more than six-decade history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful brand in sports car racing.  PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the highly acclaimed Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicles and the four-door Panamera Gran Turismos, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.

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SOURCE Porsche Cars North America, Inc.