Every year during Monterey Car Week, the eyes of the world turn to the exclusive community of Pebble Beach, California. That’s because since 1950, it’s played host to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – a motor show in which the world’s most interesting, rare and valuable cars are judged on their authenticity, history, style and current condition.
With so many well-heeled car collectors in one place, it’s no wonder car manufacturers have leapt on Pebble Beach as the ideal location to launch their impressive one-off concept cars, high-end production models and design studies.
2018 was no exception, with many new cars and concepts shown off on the immaculately trimmed lawns of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Here are some of the best…
Infiniti Prototype 10
Infiniti may not have a lot of heritage, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it had years of experience in classic motor racing with the evocative Prototype 10. It’s a single-seater electric racer designed to provide the maximum in driving pleasure. Of course, it doesn’t preview any future production car – it’s more an expression of where the brand’s signature angular design language is headed.
A forward-looking realization of the brand’s vision for electrified performance, Prototype 10 hints at future design cues from INFINITI #PebbleBeachConcours #conceptcar #EmpowerTheDrive #Prototype10 pic.twitter.com/WJ7snMkoFx
— INFINITI Motor Co. (@INFINITIMotor) August 23, 2018
Porsche Project Gold
Not strictly speaking a new car, but it’s as good as – this gloriously ‘resto-modded’ Porsche 911 is the product of Porsche’s Classic division, and took 18 months to create. It features a hand-stamped aluminium chassis, brand-new air-cooled engine and a lovingly restored 993 Turbo body. It’s set to go up for auction at Porsche’s 70th anniversary sale in October, where it’s likely to command a huge price.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Lamborghini took the opportunity to unveil its most powerful production car yet at an exclusive gathering at the Quail, ahead of Pebble Beach. The Aventador SVJ takes the already crazy SV and adds even more oomph. With even more power from its huge V12 engine, and a no-holds-barred aerodynamic body kit, this might just be the ultimate embodiment of everything the Italian firm stands for.
Gorgeous scenery, a luxurious lounge and the unveiling of the new Aventador SVJ. Special guests of the week: the Lamborghini Huracán Performante and the Urus. #MontereyCarWeek was all this and much more for #Lamborghinihttps://t.co/3yJ2rmrEXp pic.twitter.com/1bLaKYVsYT
— Lamborghini (@Lamborghini) August 27, 2018
Ferrari 488 Pista Spider
America is the home of the convertible dream, so there was no better place for Ferrari to reveal the drop-top version of its most focused version of the 488. Set to be produced in limited numbers, the Pista Spider is the 50th convertible from the Italian brand and with 710bhp at its disposal, it’s also one of the most potent.
BMW Z4
BMW showed off the Z4 Concept at last year’s Pebble Beach, so the 2018 event was the perfect venue to display the production model. Launched in high-performance M40i form, the soft-top Z4 is sportier and more focused than its predecessor and will share plenty with the upcoming Toyota Supra.
The all-new #BMW #Z4 First Edition at the world premiere at Pebble Beach concours d'elegance: The beginning of a new way to drive the world. pic.twitter.com/mGOWJU1TkH
— BMW (@BMW) August 24, 2018
Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow
Paying homage to the iconic W125 ‘Silver Arrow’ Grand Prix car was never going to be an easy job, but the 738bhp all-electric EQ Silver Arrow does a fair job. With streamlined bodywork, a cosy single-seat cockpit and retro-styled tailfin, it’s certainly a gorgeous thing – and should have the performance to match.
Audi PB18
Another all-electric, track-focused concept — but the PB18 e-tron is rather special. With trademark Audi styling potentially previewing its status as an R8 replacement, the PB18 adopts the latest solid-state battery tech and quick-charging to reduce weight, improve convenience and deliver a blistering 764bhp.
Showing off at the car show. The PB 18 e-tron concept car debuts at #MontereyCarWeek. pic.twitter.com/4A8OjUZ3YA
— Audi (@Audi) August 24, 2018
Bugatti Divo
Bugatti’s recent creations may be more associated with cruise liners than race cars, but the newly-unveiled Divo bucks that trend. Based on the Chiron, this track-focused machine may be down on top speed compared with its sibling — but it’s also lighter and produces bags of downforce, making it a sure-fire hit on the circuit.