Porsche To Be Featured Marque At Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races; For Second Time Ever, Pebble Beach Concours To Create Historic Porsche Class
Atlanta (August 10, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — If you are lucky enough to attend one of the many venues in Monterey this week, chances are you will see Porsche’s completely-new Panamera Gran Turismo. The German automaker has chosen one of the world’s most renowned and historic car celebrations to reveal what may be the most highly anticipated car launch in recent years.
Porsche is bringing more than 30 new Panameras to cover every major event at the Monterey Peninsula Automotive Week, including gatherings at the renowned Quail Lodge, the 36th Rolex Monterey Historics and the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance auto week.
“This is the perfect stage to roll out this extraordinary car,” said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. “Everywhere you look there is a spectacular California backdrop and the entire week is devoted to thousands of auto enthusiasts celebrating the beauty of classic automobiles, both new and old.”  … Details
With Michael Schumacher now being unavailable to stand in for Felipe Massa, as from the forthcoming European Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro announces that car number 3 will be driven by Luca Badoer.
“I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing,†commented Luca di Montezemolo.
“In the past few days, I could appreciate his great efforts and extraordinary motivation which had spread through the team and fans around the world. No doubt his return would … Details
… With the coupe scheduled for an official unveil at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, a 458 Italia Spider will most likely follow next spring in Geneva. Like the 458 Italia coupe, the future Spider would be powered by a midengine 4.5-liter V8. The direct-injection flat-plane crank V8 produces 570 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, and 398 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. … Details & Pictures
BERLIN — Michael Schumacher on Tuesday announced he has called off his much-anticipated Formula One comeback because of lingering injuries from a motorcycling crash earlier this year.
The seven-time world champion was to fill in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa and hoped to return at this month’s European Grand Prix in Valencia, Spain.
Schumacher said on his Web site he informed top Ferrari officials on Monday evening that “unfortunately I’m not able to step in for Felipe.”  … Details