The Best of 2008 Pebble Beach Concours
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The 58TH Pebble Beach
Concours d’Elegance Draws International Involvement
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by Marty Bernstein
AIADA Contributing Editor
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the world’s premiere automotive show. Often emulated but never equaled, this year’s Pebble had more international brands as sponsors, exhibitors, and hospitality hosts than any previous event conducted on the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Club course.
As one might expect, luxury automotive marquees dominated the show. International brands in attendance included Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Infiniti, Bentley, Hyundai Genesis, Land Rover, Pininfarina, Lexus, Ford, Hyundai Genesis, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Porsche.
After a 10 year hiatus, Porsche returned to the Concours d’Elegance venue with a special exhibit featuring the first Porsche built, known as Porsche 1. Bernd Harling, Porsche Cars North America, general manager, Public Relations, Porsche Cars North America, commented, “This year we commemorate our 60th anniversary, a most fitting reason to return to a venue that celebrates some of the world’s most significant and prestigious automotive marquees.
One of the biggest on-site hospitality venues was Mercedes’ Star Lounge. The lounge’s transparent front entrance provided a striking view of the Pebble Beach course from the interior, where more than 20 classic and new Mercedes were on display. “Our participation allows us to interact with some of our best customers, while showcasing our 100 year old brand to prospective customers. Research has shown Pebble is an important communication venue,” said Adam Paige, the Mercedes lifestyle public relations manager.
While the Concours d’Elegance itself is a celebration of immaculately restored or meticulously maintained originals, manufacturers are now using the show as a venue to introduce new designs, concept cars, and show one-off’s from private owners.
Nissan’s Infiniti division joined forces with Hearst Magazine at the event to kickoff the world’s premier of the 2009 Infiniti G sports sedan. Their exhibit was called The Infiniti House of Inspiration, and showcased lifestyle designs in architecture, interior design, and fashion.
Ben Poore, vice president Infiniti marketing, explained the link, “Partnering with Hearst, who boast these top tier publications, provides a natural brand connection to showcase a luxurious vision of modern living that will feature the all-new Infiniti vehicles with the latest designs in fashion, home décor, and fragrance.”
Below are a few other international favorites from the collection of vehicles featured at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Pininfarina Hyperion
The Hyperion
concept is based on the Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe. All of the mechanical
and technical components of the Coupe remain unmodified, but the driving
position and windscreen have been moved backward 400 mm, transforming the
car into a wild, yet truly elegant two-seater reminiscent of a
speedboat.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4
At Pebble Beach, Bugatti
unveiled the world’s fastest and most exciting roadster: the Bugatti
Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. This supercar comes with a unique removable roof
and an 8-liter, 16-cylinder, double-V engine, which is capable of
propelling the car from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and attaining a top
speed of 252 mph.
Lexus LF-A
With its center-mounted
tri-tip exhaust pipes, rear radiator positioning, and lightweight aluminum
and carbon fiber construction, the LF-A Roadster has been built to handle
the highest of speeds. And with a low profile of only 48 inches in height,
the LF-A Roadster shows how sleek lines and precise contours can embody
high-performance engineering.
Land Rover LRX
The LRX Concept provided a glimpse
into the future of Land Rover. Its compact size is designed to appeal to
anyone who wants the versatility of a 4x4 combined with significant gains
in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
Maserati Quattroporte S
The Maserati Quattroporte S
is the first Quattroporte sedan to feature a 4.7-liter, V8 engine. Thanks
to Pininfarina’s unrivalled and skillful design, the S exhibits a
modern look, yet is mindful of the purposeful line, elegance, and
exclusivity that have characterized the car since its inception over forty
years ago.
Lamborghini Reventon
The Reventon is clearly a
Lamborghini, but nothing like you have ever seen before. This road vehicle
is a limited edition masterpiece; its style is coherent, with angular sharp
lines inspired by the very latest aeronautics. With just 20 produced, at
€1 million each, this Lambo is a symbol of extreme exclusivity, and
each offers extraordinary performance.
Mercedes-Benz F 700
The F 700
is the first car that actively recognizes the condition of the road and
levels out the uneven spots with its active Pre-Scan which has two laser
scanners that continually scan the roadway in front of the car. At the same
time, the spacious interior design enables an entirely new and comfortable
mode of travel.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe
On the road, the
Coupe is composed and confident as it carries you on any roads you choose
with its two different driving modes. It delivers a driving experience that
is literally unrivaled.
