While the cars competing in the Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance are a nod to the automotive world's past, the cars on the concept green in front of The Lodge at Pebble Beach are intended to point to the future. (This year some concepts didn't really point anywhere — such as the Alfa Romeo 4C, which is currently in production.)
Without further ado, here are the best vehicles on the concept green at Pebble Beach.
Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept
If there ever were a concept car that best captures the likeness of Pebble Beach, it is the Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept. It is stunning in nearly every way; the body panels looked poured more than stamped. The Vision Gran Turismo at Pebble is the reality version of a video game star: this car first appeared in Sony's Gran Turismo video game. But the Vision Gran Turismo Concept is literally better in reality than virtually. If in reality, this car would include AMG's 5.5L twin-turbo V8 that generates 577 horsepower. It would also use a holographic head- up display.
Hennessey Venom GT
Pure and absolute power, that is what the aluminum and carbon-fiber Hennessey Venom GT comes with. It took the Space Shuttle's landing strip for the Hennessey Venom GT to reach 270.49 mph and capture the top speed record for a two-seat sports car. But that's just one of the records this car owns. It's also fastest from 0 to 300 km in 13.63 seconds; and 0-200 mph in 14.51 seconds. Its 7.0L twin-turbo V8 creates 1,244 horsepower, which gives it a power to weight ratio of 1 horsepower per kilogram. Incredible.
Toyota FT-1 Graphite Concept
Could Toyota actually make this car? Perhaps, though it doesn't seem likely. Should it make it? Of course. The second version of the FT-1, the Graphite Concept — with a gray exterior instead of the original red — is even better than the first. Its curvy front end, big wing and vented doors add to the supercar appearance. The interior was transformed into something more upscale with lighter leathers and provided a more upscale appearance, which make it a natural fit for Pebble Beach. While this car may return in yet another concept form, it really beckons to other potential sports cars from Toyota such as the Supra or Celica. Dare we dream? In the meantime, we can still drive this car virtually in Gran Turismo 6.
McLaren P1 GTR Concept
This is what happens when a street car gets tuned for the track, and only the track. The P1 GTR Concept adds power, from 903 horsepower to 986 horsepower, a new carbon fiber wing (which can be adjusted on the fly to improve downforce) and additional body changes to improve its aerodynamics. The redesigned front end — the front track is 80 mm wider — looks even more aggressive than its P1 namesake. This car looks nearly as insane as anything one might expect from McLaren — only faster.
Lamborghini Huracan LP 620-2 Super Trofeo
Lighter, faster and more powerful than the street version, this Lamborghini should be more of a rocket ship on any track. Lamborghini adds 18 horsepower to 620 from the 5.2L V10.
While maintaining edges so sharp they might cut someone, this Lamborghini adds adjustable air intakes on the hood, front and rear diffusers and a 10-position rear wing. Thank you.
Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection
Parked alongside some of the most dashing concept vehicles at Pebble Beach was this limited edition Drophead Coupe. It was created to honor Sir Malcolm Campbell, who set the world speed record of 126.33 mph in a speedboat powered with a Rolls-Royce engine. Brushed steel and Maggiore Blue complete the exterior, while book-matched Abach wood veneer complements the interior in homage to the boat. If you want one, hurry. Only 35 will be made
Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept
This concept car could become a reality, though Inifiniti has not said if it will make a version of the most powerful Infiniti ever. Powered by 3.8L twin-turbo V6, the Eau Rouge creates 580 horsepower. Its dramatic styling includes that long carved hood and short rear deck. Its sedan status may push some away from this particular vehicle, but just imagine this as a grocery getter. No one would ever be late to another soccer game. Ever.
BMW Vision Future Luxury
While the low-slung BMW concept is quite attractive with many of the brand's iconic features, it still stresses the future over the past. It includes BMW's laser-light headlamps and organic LED taillamps. The OLED lights are made up of thin organic semiconductor wafers between two electrodes, making them up to 400 times thinner than a human hair.
But it's the interior that shows off a bright future for the German carmaker. Small B-pillars integrated into the seats and coach second-row doors create a vast open space of wood and leather when both doors are opened. The four-passenger vehicle uses a center console that stretches all the way to the rear. The car features BMW's "contact analogue," a head-up display system. It's the future in nearly every way.
Saleen 4Sixteen Model S
While many motorheads shun electrics, Saleen offered up a new version of something fast, sexy and purely electric: The Saleen 4Sixteen Model S. Based on the Tesla Model S , the 4Sixteen will come with better acceleration than the original Model S — and likely less range. While many concept cars are just wishful thinking, the 4Sixteen Model S is the real deal: Saleen began taking orders for the car as it sat on the concept green. The price starts around $150,000.
Lincoln MKX Concept
Lincoln believes its future will rely on concepts. If it were to build something close to the MKX concept, that future could look very bright. The vertical grille and big 22-inch wheels give this crossover stature. There are well thought out touches all around the vehicle, including LED headlights and taillights. While Lincolns have long graced Pebble Beach, the current lineup has not evoked much emotion. This crossover changes that — in a very good way.
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