© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Special Cars
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is well known as the world’s premier collector car event, celebrating the automobile through exquisite examples of significant cars dating back more than 100 years. While the vehicles on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links represent the past, a short walk away sits the Concept Car Green in front of the Lodge at Pebble Beach — an area featuring vehicles representing where the automobile is today, as well as where it could be headed in the future. What follows are exciting new and futuristic vehicles showcased at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Acura Precision EV Concept
Many automakers and brands around the globe have announced plans to electrify their model lines, and now Acura joins in with the announcement that its first full-electric SUV will arrive in 2024. To provide a taste of what we can expect from this high-tech new model, Honda’s luxury brand debuted the Acura Precision EV Concept during Monterey Car Week. Even though this concept is not expected to reach production, it does provide a glimpse into what we can expect from the first electric Acura.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Acura Precision EV Concept
“The Acura Precision EV Concept is a design study that will shape the direction of future Acura products in the electrified era including our first all-electric SUV in 2024,” said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. “We are committed to delivering Precision Crafted Performance in every facet of the Acura client experience which includes a powerful and very exciting direction for the next generation of electrified Acura models,” Korkor observed.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Audi gransphere concept
First shown at the 2021 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Audi gransphere concept is designed as the ultimate in luxury travel with interior styling akin to a private jet. Measuring almost 18 feet long, the gransphere concept features Level 4 autonomous driving. When the driver engages autonomous mode the steering wheel and pedals disappear, letting front-seat occupants enjoy first-class accommodations with spacious legroom and panoramic views out the front and side windows.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Audi gransphere concept
With autonomous driving activated, occupants lounging in the large front seats of the gransphere concept could enjoy a customized infotainment system with seamless integration of streaming music or video on large display screens. In addition, by employing Audi’s advanced digital services the gransphere concept could even be sent to pick up its passengers, and after dropping them off it would be able to handle parking duties as well as determine where to charge the electric vehicle’s batteries — all on its own.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Bentley Mulliner Batur
Unveiled a few days before being put on public display at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Mulliner Batur is a powerful, elegant 2-door grand coupe. Only 18 Baturs will be produced and — apologies to those who were reaching for their checkbooks — all have been sold at a price of £1.65 million pounds. This special Bentley was named for the breathtaking beauty of Lake Batur, a crater lake on the island of Bali.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Bentley Mulliner Batur
The Mulliner Batur will be the most powerful Bentley ever produced, driven by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine generating 730-plus horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Although initially the Batur will be powered by an internal combustion engine, this special Bentley introduces a design language that will be the basis for the brand’s future range of electric cars.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Czinger 21C
An all-new car company based in Los Angeles, Czinger introduced its first model last year — the 21C. The 21C is a hybrid hypercar with standout exterior styling and a unique interior that positions the passenger behind the driver so both are at the center of the vehicle — jetfighter style, as the company points out. In addition to keeping weight centered in the car, it also provides the best driving position. Not only does the 21C feature advanced styling, many of the components of this unique car are 3D printed.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Czinger 21C
An in-house 2.88-liter twin-turbo V8 engine redlining at 11000 rpm provides motivation for the Czinger 21C, teamed with two high-output electric motors for a total of 1250 horsepower. The electric motors power each front wheel individually, creating an all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring. All that energy gets sent through an ultralight 7-speed sequential gearbox. Performance figures for the 21C are astounding: 62 mph in 1.9 seconds, and in less than 30 seconds the 21C reaches 248 mph. The 21C is already making a name for itself at some of America’s most famous racetracks — the innovative hypercar now owns the production car record at both WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway and Circuit of the Americas. The 21C is still a prototype; Czinger plans to build 80 copies of this supercar with deliveries beginning in 2023.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Czinger 21C V Max
Czinger brought a second 21C to Monterey Car Week this year and, as its name suggests, this version is designed for maximum speed. Painted in an eye-catching shade called “Red My Mind,” the V Max sheds most high-downforce aero features to create a free-flowing design optimized for even higher performance. Engineers configured the V Max to produce the lowest coefficient of drag while keeping enough downforce to ensure stability at maximum speeds. The V Max uses the same potent powertrain as the original 21C; however, a 1350-horsepower option will be available.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Czinger 21C V Max
The cabin (or cockpit) of the 21C V Max is built of carbon fiber overlaid with a fully trimmed interior that covers the inner door panels and rear-seat area. With its extended body, the 21C V Max has a storage compartment designed to carry a bespoke set of luggage. Like the standard 21C, the V Max is expected to arrive in late 2023.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
DeLorean Alpha5
Perhaps one of the best-known defunct automotive brands, the DeLorean name is making a comeback — this time as a futuristic, full-electric sports car called the Alpha5 created under the brand DeLorean Motors Reimagined. The Alpha5 possesses clear connections to the original DeLorean thanks to signature gull-wing doors, and while the shape is much more streamlined than the original, the new car still harks back to the first DeLorean through details such as its louvered rear window. Ultimately though, the new Alpha5 is a thoroughly modern design with sleek lines and slim LED headlights and taillights.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
DeLorean Alpha5
DeLorean hasn’t provided many details regarding the Alpha5’s powertrain; however, the company claims this modern-day DeLorean will carry a 100+ kWh battery that translates to a driving range of more than 300 miles. Acceleration to 60 mph takes 2.99 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 mph. And for those who feel the need for time travel, DeLorean points out that the Alpha5 can hit 88 mph in 4.35 seconds (a fun “Back to the Future” movie reference). DeLorean expects to have a production version of the Alpha5 ready for purchase in 2024. More details around pricing and other logistics will be released closer to the on-sale date.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
DEUS Vayanne
After its initial debut earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, the all-new Vayanne also made an appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours Concept Car Green. Vayanne is an electric hypercar that will be built with design and technical support from two major players in the automotive world — Italdesign and Williams Advanced Engineering. Both these companies have considerable experience in their respective fields, which lends considerable credibility to this project’s lofty goals.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
DEUS Vayanne
The all-electric Vayanne is expected to deliver monstrous power. DEUS predicts the final production vehicle will produce 2200 horsepower and 1475 lb-ft of torque. This level of power should be able to rocket Vayanne to 62 mph in less than 2 seconds and enable a top speed in excess of 248 mph. With 4.7-inches of ground clearance and a luxurious, comfortable cockpit, the Vayanne design aims for peak performance and practicality. DEUS plans to build 99 Vayannes, with first deliveries expected in 2025.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Faraday Future FF 91 Futurist
This California-based company has experienced some ups and downs since it first showed an electric concept car back in 2016. Now with a fresh influx of funding, Faraday Future is moving ahead with its latest electric vehicle, the FF 91 Futurist. Not only was the FF 91 Futurist on static display on Pebble’s Concept Car Green, it was also available for demo rides throughout the week. The company’s first production vehicle, the FF 91 features a luxurious interior including 11 display screens as well as rear seats that recline and have ventilation and massage functions.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Faraday Future FF 91 Futurist
The FF 91 Futurist is all electric, powered by three motors that combine to generate 1050 horsepower. Faraday Future claims the FF 91 can sprint to 60 mph in 2.39 seconds — impressive even by electric vehicle standards — and has a range of more than 300 miles. The FF 91 will be produced at the company’s manufacturing plant in Hanford, California; the vehicle on display at Pebble was built in Hanford as a production-intent prototype. Faraday Future expects to begin full production of the FF 91 by the end of 2022.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Genesis X Speedium Coupe Concept
Perhaps one of the sexiest models on the Concept Car Green was this X Speedium Coupe Concept from Genesis. First shown this past spring at the Genesis House in New York (exterior-only, no interior), the sleek lines of this coupe concept are emphasized by wraparound headlights that reinterpret the signature Genesis Crest Grille. Inside, the cabin is beautiful and simple featuring Pinegrove Green in the driver’s area, which contrasts well with Monterey Gold in the rest of the cabin, inspired by yellow flowers and golden sand of the Northern California coast.
© Genesis
Genesis X Speedium Coupe Concept
Surprisingly, Genesis never intended the gorgeous X Speedium Coupe to be seen by the public. “The X Speedium Coupe was conceived as an internal design exercise that we later decided to reveal publicly. It was nothing more than a hard model built on our Athletic Elegance design identity,” said Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke. “Given the positive reception it received . . . we chose to complete the concept and present it to discerning attendees at the Pebble Beach Concours,” Donckerwolke explained.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster
John Hennessey built his reputation taking fast cars and making them faster, and last year his eponymous company Hennessey Performance Vehicles introduced its first bespoke hypercar, the Venom F5. This year during Monterey Car Week Hennessey took the wraps off the perfect follow-up vehicle — the Venom F5 Roadster. Only a few minor adjustments to the Roadster were needed to maintain the same rigidity and stiffness required for the expected driving characteristics, with or without the roof in place. The most obvious difference between the F5 Roadster and its hardtop sibling is the removable roof. The panel is built from rigid carbon fiber composites, fully insulated and lined with soft Alcantara.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster
Residing behind the cabin is Hennessey’s monstrous 6.6-liter twin turbo Fury V8 engine that generates 1817 horsepower and 1193 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed single-clutch automated transmission. Power ratings remain the same as the coupe, making the open-top Venom F5 the most powerful production roadster on the planet. Acceleration figures for the F5 are outrageous. The sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) takes 2.6 seconds, 124 mph (200 kph) comes up in 4.7 seconds, 186 mph (300 kph) in 8.4 seconds, and 249 mph (400 kph) in less than 16 seconds. Top speed is expected to exceed 311 mph (500 kph).
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Koenigsegg CC850
It’s been 20 years since Swedish company Koenigsegg delivered its first car, the CC8S. Eight years in the making, the CC8S was the world’s most powerful production car with a top speed in excess of 240 mph. At this year’s Monterey Car Week, Koenigsegg paid tribute to that original model with the introduction of the CC850 — a thoroughly modern take on that first car. “The CC850 is an homage to the single most meaningful car in Koenigsegg history,” said Christian von Koenigsegg. “The CC8S put us on the map and made us successful — and celebrating 20 years of production, alongside my 50th birthday, felt like the right time to reveal the CC850 to appreciate our roots,” noted Koenigsegg.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Koenigsegg CC850
At introduction, the CC8S was the most powerful homologated production car in the world at 655 horsepower. The new CC850 is one of the lowest-powered models in the Koenigsegg lineup, generating a “mere” 1385 horsepower from its 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Koenigsegg wanted to give this commemorative model a manual gearbox, but instead created the Engage Shift System that uses multiple clutches and nine gears to create a gated shifter that can be driven like a proper manual transmission with the option of letting the car shift on its own — the best of both worlds.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Lamborghini Urus Performante
Referred to as a Super SUV, the Lamborghini Urus is every bit a Lamborghini, from bold styling to extreme performance. Now the Italian car company ups its SUV ante with the first Lamborghini Urus Performante, which offers more power and a new level of performance. The new Performante variant takes the bold styling of the Urus and morphs it into a more aggressive look. Standing apart from the standard Urus, the Performante features vents in the carbon-fiber hood, a new front bumper and splitter — also in carbon fiber — as well as a new front air intake for improved engine cooling.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Lamborghini Urus Performante
The Urus is already immensely powerful, and the new Performante kicks that muscle up a notch with an increase to 657 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Combined with a reduction in weight of more than 100 pounds, performance is noticeably improved. The Urus Performante can sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph. Prior to its debut, the new Urus Performante showcased its additional performance tweaks by setting a new record at Pike’s Peak for the production SUV category by completing the International Hill Climb Road in a record time of 10:32.065. The actual Urus that completed this impressive task was on display on the Concept Car Green, still swathed in camouflage paint.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Lincoln Model L100 Concept
Celebrating 100 years since Ford purchased Lincoln, this time-honored luxury brand was the featured marque of the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours. As part of its centennial celebrations, Lincoln debuted the Model L100 Concept as a futuristic look at the luxury sedan while paying homage to the original 1922 Model L. “Over the last 100 years, Lincoln has pioneered multiple innovations and pushed the boundaries of design that have come to define our brand as we know and love it today,” said Lincoln President Joy Falotico. “With the Model L100 Concept, we reimagine what the Lincoln sanctuary might look like for our clients of tomorrow moving us forward to define the next chapter of the Lincoln story,” Falotico observed.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Lincoln Model L100 Concept
The Model L100 sits wide and low with a windswept, sleek profile. Intuitive, integrated lighting both inside and out creates a particular feeling — the concept senses passengers approaching and uses lights to follow them around the vehicle using an advanced artificial intelligence system. Massive rear-hinged doors open wide as the roof raises, allowing easy access to a loungelike space. Front seats can be turned to face the rear since the L100 Concept is designed to operate autonomously. A crystal greyhound hood ornament originally selected by Edsel Ford in the 1920s completes the look and further ties this advanced concept back to its roots.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Lucid Air Sapphire
In the past few years, several companies have cropped up spouting promises to create powerfully efficient electric vehicles, and most have done nothing more than reveal a few prototypes. The exception to this seems to be Lucid Motors. The Lucid Air is a full-electric luxury sedan that delivers impressive performance along with a driving range that exceeds most other electric cars on the market. Now the company takes the Air to a higher level with the Air Sapphire. The limited edition Sapphire will be priced at $249,000 with deliveries expected next year.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Lucid Air Sapphire
The Lucid Air Sapphire features the company’s first three-motor powertrain utilizing a twin-motor rear-drive unit with an additional motor powering the front wheels. Total output exceeds 1200 horsepower, making the Air Sapphire the most powerful production sedan in the world. According to Lucid, this new high-performance variant will reach 60 mph in less than 2 seconds, 100 in less than 4 seconds and will complete the quarter mile in 9 seconds. “Our aim with this, our first Sapphire model, is to complement the exceptional powertrain with sharper, more responsive driving dynamics and increased body control,” said David Lickfold, director of chassis and vehicle dynamics at Lucid Group. “At the same time, it was important to retain the exceptional ride quality for which Lucid Air has come to be known,” Lickfold noted.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Maserati MC20 Cielo
A few years ago Maserati introduced a new flagship sports car called MC20, which signaled the rebirth of this time-honored brand. At the time Maserati announced that this extreme sports car would eventually be available in three variants of – coupe, convertible and electric. At this year’s Pebble Beach Concours, the MC20 Cielo convertible (Cielo means “sky” in Italian) made its debut. The MC20 Cielo features a retractable glass roof that uses a Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology that allows the glass to be transformed from clear to opaque with the push of a button.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Maserati MC20 Cielo
Like its coupe sibling, the MC20 Cielo features a lightweight, strong carbon fiber chassis. Powering this high-performance Maserati is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine creating 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, teamed with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Performance is impressive: the MC20 can reach 60 mph in less than 3 seconds, and this Maserati does more than 185 (apologies, Joe Walsh) — top speed is expected to exceed 200 mph.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Polestar O2
A standalone electric performance brand introduced about five years ago, Polestar is jointly owned by Volvo and Geely, the Swedish automaker’s parent company based in China. The company has delivered a Polestar1 and Polestar2 with plans announced for Polestar3 and Polestar4 as SUVs and Polestar5 as a flagship sedan. Recently Polestar announced this high-performance electric roadster concept will go into production as Polestar6 in 2026. Like a proper sports car, the O2 is low and wide with an aggressive stance. The short front and rear overhangs and longer wheelbase provide classic sports car proportions, further emphasized by 22-inch wheels.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Polestar O2
“Polestar O2 is our vision of a new era for sports cars. By mixing the joy of open top driving with the purity of electric mobility, it unlocks a new mix of emotions in a car,” said Polestar Head of Design Maximilian Missoni. “But as with all our cars, we are about more than just straight-line sprints. It’s when you turn the steering wheel that the true fun begins,” Missoni enthused. The Polestar O2 features a retractable hardtop with a panoramic glass roof, so even while closed it permits plenty of natural light within the cabin. When it’s time to enjoy some open-air motoring, the hardtop folds out of sight below the rear deck.
