A Porsche source has told the media that the company is lining up something 'spectacular' for the 2011 Detroit Motor Show in January.

The newcomer will mark Porsche's first appearance at Detroit for four years, the maker having last appeared at the show in 2006.

There are no details concerning what it could be, but rumour is rife it will be based on the 918 Spyder hybrid that debuted at March's Geneva show.

The 918 caused a stir in Geneva by way of looking absolutely awesome and backing that up with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain offering 200mph, 0-62mph in about three seconds, yet a claimed 94mpg.

Porsche is saying nothing, but sources say the spectacular newcomer will be based on the 918, though with a conventional petrol engine. It could replace the Carrera GT, discontinued in 2006, and become Porsche's flagship model.

Porsche's decision to return to Detroit is driven, it admits, by the need to push sales in the US. Well, it's more a desire than an actual need, as the company is currently enjoying healthy month-on-month rises. Its US year-to-date sales are up by almost a third. [Insert pithy recession-based exclamation here.]

Mark Nichol - 7 Dec 2010