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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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Special to The Auto Channel
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.

Infiniti’s 2009 G Sports Sedan

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 HyperionPininfarina 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-ALexus 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

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 700Mercedes-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.