Porsche-Related Events

Since I started digging into Porsche information, I’ve discovered that various Porsche-related fairs and events are held all over Japan. Not just dealer-hosted fairs inside showrooms, but also glamping experiences, races, and exhibition events… there are quite a few opportunities to see Porsches up close.

So, here’s a roundup of Porsche-related fairs and events taking place in the summer months of August and September 2018 (…well, September is technically autumn).

① Suzuka 10-Hour Endurance Race

From Friday, August 24 to Sunday, August 26, the ‘Suzuka 10-Hour Endurance Race (SUZUKA 10H)’ will be held at Suzuka Circuit. This race replaces the “SUPER GT” Suzuka 1000km race that was held until last year, marking a new start for Suzuka Circuit with this ‘SUZUKA 10H’.

This year’s ‘SUZUKA 10H’ is part of the international series “Intercontinental GT Challenge,” alongside races like the Bathurst 12 Hour (Australia), Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours (Belgium), and California 8 Hours (USA). Cars from Audi, Bentley, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, McLaren, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Honda, and Nissan are scheduled to compete.
*Source: Suzuka Circuit ‘SUZUKA 10H’

By the way, the official Porsche Japan website introduces this race as follows:

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Japan (GT3CC) is one of Porsche Motorsport’s official races and is currently held as the domestic series of the GT3 Cup Challenge, which takes place in 10 countries worldwide.

Among the Porsche teams, Hong Kong’s CRAFT BAMBOO RACING is highlighted as a strong contender for victory.

＊For details and ticket applications, see here.

② Le Volant Cars Meet 2018 Kobe

On Sunday, September 9, the ‘Le Volant Cars Meet 2018 Kobe’ will be held at Kobe Harborland Meriken Park in Chuo Ward, Kobe City. This is the 5th edition of the event, where you can see, touch, and even test drive the latest high-tech cars and popular supercars. The event runs from 10:00 to 17:00, and admission is free.

*Image source: antenna [Event] Free admission! “Le Volant Cars Meet 2016 Kobe” kicks off at Harborland

This year, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Alfa Romeo, Alpine, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, Tesla, and Volvo are scheduled to exhibit.

Come to think of it, I went to this Le Volant Cars Meet about four years ago, but since I wasn’t very interested in cars back then, all I remember is … By the way, this year I plan to attend with my husband, so I’m already looking forward to it.

＊For details, see here.

③ Porsche Joint Certified Used Car Fair

The “Porsche Joint Certified Used Car Fair” is hosted by Porsche Japan and Porsche dealers in the Kansai region. It seems to be the Osaka version of the event held in Tokyo in May.

Dates: Saturday, August 25 & Sunday, August 26
Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Sat), 10:00–17:00 (Sun)
Venue: Intex Osaka, Hall 3 [Free admission]

About 70 high-quality Porsche certified used cars, from sports cars to SUVs, will be on display (maybe because it’s the 70th anniversary?). I can’t go due to other commitments, so I told my husband, “Why don’t you check it out?” but he said, “If there’s a nice air-cooled Porsche, I might just buy it on the spot, so maybe I better not…” (lol).

＊For details, see here.

④ Cine Ad “3.9sec Experience” Screening

From Friday, August 10 to Thursday, August 23, a limited-time screening of a 45-second cine ad (an ad shown before the main feature in cinemas) called “3.9sec Experience” will be shown at the MX4D theaters in TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills (Tokyo) and TOHO Cinemas Namba (Osaka). This ad lets you experience the thrilling acceleration of the new Porsche Cayenne.

The new Cayenne was launched in Japan in late July this year, and since its 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 3.9 seconds (Cayenne Turbo with Sport Chrono Package), this project aims to let viewers feel that speed in the MX4D theater. “3.9sec Experience” is an attraction-style commercial set in a futuristic city, where you escape a crisis in 3.9 seconds while racing against the clock.

MX4D is a facility where seats move forward, backward, left, and right in sync with movie scenes, and you can also feel effects like gusts of wind and water splashes.

I’m curious about it, but unfortunately, there’s no movie I want to see right now… It would be quite a hassle to arrange childcare for my daughters just to watch a 45-second ad in Osaka Namba, so maybe I’ll try it another time.

Source: New Porsche Cayenne races through cinemas!? Porsche Japan’s first cine ad now showing!

⑤ Discover Your Porsche Campaign

This isn’t an event or fair, but a Porsche campaign celebrating the 70th anniversary. By applying through the website and winning, you can enjoy an experience to discover the excellence of the “Macan” or “Cayman.”

Application period: August 3 (Fri) – September 17 (Mon, holiday)
How to apply: Access the application form on the site and submit your entry
Prizes:
・ Discover Cayman: Enjoy driving a Cayman on a 2-day, 1-night trip for 2 people
・ Discover Macan: Enjoy a luxurious 2-day, 1-night trip with a Macan for 2 people
・ Porsche Driver’s Selection Men’s Sunglasses: 5 winners
・ Porsche Driver’s Selection Martini Racing Leisure Bag: 5 winners
・ Porsche Driver’s Selection Multipurpose Case [RIMOWA]: 5 winners

I used to enter these kinds of campaigns, but my luck is notoriously bad. Just recently, at a festival during Obon, I won the “grand prize” in a toy lottery for my daughter (250 yen per try) (though the grand prize was just a puzzle). I feel like I’ve already used up all my luck for the year, so there’s no way I’ll win this.

＊For details, see here.

It’s still hot right now, so once it cools down a bit, I’d love to take the kids and check out some events again.