Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. will demonstrate the speed and acceleration of the General Motors electric "Impact" during the lunch break at the Pocono Sports Car Grand Prix of America on Saturday (7/29) and Sunday (7/30) at Pocono International Raceway.

Media representatives will have an opportunity to test drive the Impact during the exhibition. To request a test drive, reporters should show their press pass to the PP&L representatives at the Impact exhibit. For more information, call Ken Quinty at (610) 774-5432.

The Impact prototype is a two-seater electric car powered by lead-acid batteries. It accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in about eight seconds. It has a range of 70 miles in the city and 90 miles on the highway. The Impact has a controlled top speed of 85 miles per hour.

GM hand-built 50 Impacts for use in a two-year, nationwide demonstration program called the PrEView Drive. In the program, more than 800 drivers in 12 cities throughout the country, including Harrisburg, Pa., will test drive an Impact for two weeks.

"Electric vehicles represent a window to the future in transportation technology," said Pete Roberts, PP&L's electric vehicle project manager. "We are pleased to demonstrate their use and proud to support the race."

Roberts said PP&L is one of several sponsors of the race, which, in part, provides an opportunity for spectators to view advancements in transportation technology. As part of its sponsorship, PP&L will exhibit the Impact, an electric minivan and a battery-powered car called the Solectria "Force."