Monterey Car Week 2026: Porsche presents exclusive highlights

From bespoke factory one-offs to enthusiast-focused sports cars and cinematic storytelling, Porsche showcased a broad spectrum of automotive passion at Monterey Car Week 2026.

Monterey Car Week 2026 once again provided a stage for Porsche to showcase the breadth of its sports car culture. From a highly exclusive Sonderwunsch factory one-off Flachbau RS inspired by the legendary 935 “Moby Dick” to the return of a manual-transmission 911 Carrera S for North America, the brand demonstrated its commitment to engineering, individuality and driving passion. Alongside these premieres, visitors were also able to experience a unique meeting of automotive and cinematic storytelling, with the one-of-a-kind 911 Sally Carrera and three bespoke Toy Story-inspired Porsche models on display.

Porsche Flachbau RS, Monterey Car Week, California, USA, 2026, Porsche AG

A modern tribute to ‘Moby Dick’

The standout attraction was the Flachbau RS, an extraordinary road-legal factory one-off created through Porsche’s Sonderwunsch programme in collaboration with Manthey. Based on a 911 GT2 RS with Weissach Package, the project reinterprets the iconic slantnose design that became famous through the Porsche 935 racing cars of the late 1970s.

Finished in Grand Prix White and featuring newly developed front wings, an innovative three-tier headlight arrangement and a dramatic rear wing inspired by the 911 GT3 R rennsport, the car combines historic design cues with modern engineering. Extensive lightweight measures reduced weight by a further 31.6 kilograms, while comprehensive testing included aerodynamic validation, wind tunnel development and more than 50 laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The project required almost three years of development and involved experts from Sonderwunsch, Style Porsche, Porsche Motorsport, Weissach engineering and Manthey. The result is a unique collector’s car that pays homage to the legendary 935/78 “Moby Dick” while remaining fully road legal.

Porsche Flachbau RS, Alexander Fabig, Vice President Product Offering & Individualisation at Porsche, Monterey Car Week, California, USA, 2026, Porsche AG
Alexander Fabig presents the Sonderwunsch factory one-off Flachbau RS.

Manual 911 Carrera S for North America

Monterey also marked the debut of the new 911 Carrera S with MT Package, available exclusively in the United States and Canada. Responding to strong demand from enthusiasts, Porsche has reintroduced a six-speed manual transmission to the Carrera S, creating a more analogue driving experience while maintaining the performance expected of the model.

Porsche 911 Carrera S with manual gearbox (available exclusively in the United States and Canada), Monterey Car Week, California, USA, 2026, Porsche AG

Powered by a 480 PS 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine, the rear-wheel-drive model comes standard with rear-axle steering, PASM Sport suspension lowered by 10 mm, Sport Chrono Package, centre-lock wheels and a range of performance-focused equipment. Available as both Coupé and Cabriolet, it expands Porsche’s manual-transmission 911 offering and adds another compelling choice for driving enthusiasts across North America.

Porsche 911 Carrera S with manual gearbox (available exclusively in the United States and Canada), Monterey Car Week, California, USA, 2026, Porsche AG

Cinematic storytelling on California’s coast

Alongside the latest sports cars and exclusive one-offs, visitors were also able to meet a familiar Porsche icon: Sally Carrera from Disney and Pixar’s Cars. Inspired by a Porsche 911 (996) and beloved by generations of fans, the character has become an enduring symbol of the emotional connection between Porsche and popular culture. Her appearance added a touch of Hollywood magic to Monterey Car Week.

Porsche 911 (996), 'Sally Carrera', Monterey Car Week, California, USA, 2026, Porsche AG

Joining Sally Carrera were three extraordinary one-of-one Porsche 911 models inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5. The trio consisted of a Buzz Lightyear-inspired 911 GT3 RS, a Jessie-inspired 911 Targa 4 GTS and a Woody-inspired 911 Carrera T. Each car was customised by the Porsche Sonderwunsch department, translating the colours, textures and personalities of the characters into bespoke automotive details. 

All three vehicles form part of a charitable initiative supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross and Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Weitere Artikel

Consumption data

911 Carrera S

911 Carrera T

911 GT3 RS

911 GT3 S/C

911 Targa 4 GTS

Taycan Turbo GT