{"id":246544,"date":"2023-08-14T14:05:24","date_gmt":"2023-08-14T18:05:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/?p=246544"},"modified":"2023-08-14T14:05:37","modified_gmt":"2023-08-14T18:05:37","slug":"monterey-car-week-brings-out-an-array-of-high-performance-debuts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/2023\/08\/monterey-car-week-brings-out-an-array-of-high-performance-debuts\/","title":{"rendered":"Monterey Car Week Brings Out an Array of High-Performance Debuts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What started out as a regional classic car show is today the most important event of its kind anywhere in the world. But the Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance has also become the anchor of a weeklong series of automotive events that\u2019s come to be called Monterey Car Week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The new Bugatti Divo, based off the Chiron, made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The focus is still on classic cars, but a bit of the new has creeped in with the old, automakers from around the world now using the gathering to debut some of their latest products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s list covers brands as diverse as Aston Martin, Bugatti and Porsche, clearly with an emphasis on products appealing to the well-heeled collectors and enthusiasts who dominate the Monterey Car Week crowd. Here\u2019s a look at some of the most notable introductions we expect over the coming week:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acura ZDX<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a long build up \u2014 and a series of teaser images \u2014 Acura finally pulls the covers off its first all-electric model, the ZDX<\/a><\/span><\/strong>, on Thursday, Aug. 17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Acura
Acura’s Precision Concept EV made its debut during Monterey Car Week leading most to believe it was going to be the ZDX.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dubbed the ZDX, it\u2019s the more upscale sibling of the Honda Prologue, and developed as part of a joint venture with General Motors. That means it uses the same underlying Ultium platform and batteries as the Cadillac Lyriq, among other GM models. The good news for Acura fans is that the Japanese automaker came up with a unique design for the ZDX and isn\u2019t settling for a badge-engineered look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Details about the Acura ZDX have so far been sparse, though the automaker\u2019s latest teaser described it as the \u201cmost powerful and quickest accelerating SUV\u201d the brand has ever produced. Expect multiple variants, including a Type-S package. The ZDX will be loaded with technology, including Acura\u2019s first use of the Google infotainment system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aston Martin DB12 Volante<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Aston
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante made its debut in California today as part of Monterey Car Week.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The British marque got an early jump on the competition, revealing the new DB12 Volante during a Monday preview<\/a><\/span><\/strong> at the Quail Lodge in tony Carmel-by-the-Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest in the DB series perhaps best known for the seemingly endless presence of the old DB5 in the James Bond movie franchise, the latest iteration \u201cis a car to challenge preconceptions and find a new generation of Volante customer,\u201d said Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Amedeo Felisa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notably, as TheDetroitBureau.com\u2019s Larry Printz reports, this Volante \u201cis the first Aston Martin DB without a V-12 in more than 25 years. Instead, its power comes from a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with 671 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The look is familiar and elegant, but a bit more modern. It also get a modified bonded aluminum chassis with improved rigidity for a more vigorous driving experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bentley \u201cNew Model\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve been seeing a number of new products recently from the very British Bentley, and it is promising to bring another offering to Pebble Beach this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s intriguing, however, is the automaker\u2019s emphasis on what\u2019s inside the new model: it\u2019s first use of \u201corganic\u201d leather. It\u2019s all part of the Bentley \u201cBeyond 100\u201d strategy that puts a premium on sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fine wood and leather have long been hallmarks of Bentley\u2019s exclusive products. \u201cWe use eight to 12 hides per car, all of which are sourced in the European Union,\u201d Marc Stang, technical expert leather at Bentley, said in a statement. It will still use roughly the same numbers, but the new organic process will turn to an olive oil-based tanning process to avoid the highly polluting chemicals normally associated with leather tanning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Golden Era<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Bugatti
Bugatti is bringing something special to Monterey Car Week this year.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bugatti has had a strong affinity for Pebble Beach ever since the brand made its comeback a couple decades back. There are a number of changes underway for the French-based exotic automaker. Among other things, it is now effectively controlled by Croatian EV supercar manufacturer Rimac. And we wouldn\u2019t be surprised if that generates some news this coming week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So far, officials have dropped only the vaguest of hints about product, though a teaser image reveals it\u2019s a special one-off Bugatti Chiron making its debut on the Monterey Peninsula. Billed as “an homage to the era-defining moments in the history of Bugatti.” It features 26 drawings hailing the most legendary Bugatti models on its passenger side, another 19 on the driver\u2019s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some lucky Bugatti fan with a near-unlimited budget, meanwhile, Gooding & Co. will have a one-off model on auction. The 2023 Bugatti Baby II is a 75% scale, all-electric reimagining of the Legendary Bugatti Type 35 race car. The Gooding Auction takes place in Pebble Beach on Thursday and Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hennessey
The Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution is a track-focused version of the Venom GT.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Roadster<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One thing you can expect from John Hennessey and his team: whatever exotic supercar he brings to market this year will be followed by an upgrade a year or two later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s the case with the Hennessey Venom. First introduced as the Venom GT back in 2013, it went on to set a series of land speed records, including a 13.63-second launch from 0-186 mph, making it the world\u2019s fastest production vehicle. The F5 followed in production in 2020 and the goal has been to retake the title with speeds well in excess of 300 mph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"QX
The Infiniti QX Monograph concept to make public debut, previewing future of Infiniti design language.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution is a track-focused version and, now, the company is pushing things up a notch with a Venom F5 Revolution Roadster with its quick-release carbon-fiber roof. Power comes from a 6.6-liter V-8 that Hennessey claims will push out an eye-popping 1,817 horsepower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infiniti QX Monograph Concept Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Japanese automaker has frequently used Monterey as a backdrop for launching new concept and production models and it\u2019s going to be back once again this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set to debut on Thursday, the QX Monograph concept will tease what the automaker bills as its future design direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe vehicle,\u201d it said in a teaser release, \u201c has bold proportions and previews striking design elements, including the evolution of Infiniti’s double-arched grille and \u2018digital piano key\u2019 lighting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lambo
Lamborghini’s EV concept will move from a teaser to a reveal this week.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lamborghini Electric Concept<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Italian automaker is another brand in the midst of substantial change. It\u2019s getting to roll out the last of its legendary V-12 powertrains while beginning a transition to electric assist and, eventually, 100% battery power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lamborghini will highlight this transformation in Monterey this coming week as it rolls out an Electric Concept teasing what is promised to be a production EV. In this case, it would be an all-electric GT model due in 2028, though there may well be another EV coming to market before then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on, what we\u2019ve now seen from the Modena-based manufacturers \u201cwill be the last time that we only offer combustion engines,\u201d CEO Stephan Winkelmann said last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lexus
The Lexus RZ Sport Concept is a more spritely version of the all-electric RZ model launched last year.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lexus RZ Sport Concept<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The folks at Lexus have been busy lately, though much of their emphasis has been on three-row, gas-powered SUVs, like the all-new TX and redesigned GX. Now, it shifts focus to its nascent move into battery power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lexus RZ Sport Concept is a more spritely version of the all-electric RZ model launched last year. It\u2019s based on the Lexus RZ 450e EV that made its debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RZ Sport Concept uses twin motors, each making 150 kW \u2013 or 204 hp. It also gets a lowered suspension, 21-inch wheels and tires and a variety of exterior aerodynamic upgrades. There also are numerous interior tweaks, including front and rear bucket seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maserati MCXtrema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Maserati<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Maserati is another frequent visitor to Monterey Car Week. Just two years ago it came here to introduce the MC20 supercar. Now it\u2019s coming back with the MCXtrema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s the production version of what was previously codenamed Project24 and it takes the design of the already exotic MC20 to new extremes, as that name makes clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Maserati MCXtrema is powered by 730-horsepower version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno engine. Plans call for production of just 62 copies. And, the maker claims, all have already been ordered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-AMG GT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The GT is one of only two products specifically designed for Mercedes\u2019 performance arm, AMG. And it\u2019s about to get a complete makeover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The basic shape won\u2019t come as a complete shock, but the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT does get a significant remake, both inside and out.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The basic shape won\u2019t come as a complete shock, but the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT does get a significant remake, both inside and out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The automaker is being tight-lipped about other details, but claims we\u2019ll see significant improvements in performance with the next-generation GT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Wait, There\u2019s More!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the great things about Monterey Car Week is the presence of unique, low-volume exotics, and that won\u2019t change this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the other brands set to show up, BAC, short for the Briggs Automotive Co., will roll out a single-seat supercar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Gordon Murray will unveil a pair of additions to his own startup’s product line. The T.33 Spider will weigh in at a sprite 2,443 pounds \u2013 which should mean one heck of an experience considering it will be powered by a 3.9-liter Cosworth V-12 making 609 hp. The T.50s, meanwhile, is a track-only supercar. And it comes in at a svelte 1,983 lbs. It\u2019s Cosworth is mounted midship and gets bumped up to 761 hp. If those numbers aren\u2019t impressive enough, the T.50s carries a $3.9 million price tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, Pininfarina continues to lay out its vision as more than a design house. Like the earlier Battista, the Pininfarina Pura Vision is all-electric, though it\u2019s unclear whether this SUV Concept is designed to transform into a production model, at least anytime soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance has also become the anchor of a weeklong series of automotive events that\u2019s come to be called Monterey Car Week. Get details at TheDetroitBureau.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":108964,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,7461,7,8,5,1608,1347,9,1],"tags":[6879,7447,7699,2081,11920],"make":[],"post-state":[],"category_old":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/246544"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=246544"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/246544\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":246556,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/246544\/revisions\/246556"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/108964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=246544"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=246544"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=246544"},{"taxonomy":"make","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/make?post=246544"},{"taxonomy":"post-state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-state?post=246544"},{"taxonomy":"category_old","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_old?post=246544"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}