Concours

Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept Could Shake Up Cadillac’s Future

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A short while ago, Cadillac revealed the Sollei concept. The stunning droptop was an expression of pure design and was a glimpse into a potential Celestiq-based convertible (though Cadillac denied it was producing it.) However, with the dust now settling on Monterey Car Week, the brand is going in the opposite direction with the all-new Opulent Velocity concept car. Opulent Velocity is a balancing act   While the Sollei is about soaking up the sun, the Opulent Velocity is all about pushing the envelope with Cadillac saying that it’s a rolling test bed for several prototype technologies including future battery …

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Motorlux 2024

Monterey Car Week 2024 Events

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Monterey Car Week 2024 The annual celebration of automotive excellence known as Monterey Car Week is upon us!  For the uninitiated, “Monterey Car Week” is the grand finale of events for the unofficial close out of “car show season” in North America.  It is here that manufactures are known to show brand new cars, special editions and beautiful one-offs that naturally fit right in with the Monterey crowd. Motorlux On Wednesday, kicking off the festivities is MotorLux (formerly McCalls Motorworks Revival) – now a Hagerty Company event. Features vintage race cars, aircraft and high-brow culinary fare. Tickets will run you …

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Acura’s Monterey Bound Concept Previews Performance SUV

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The Acura ZDX was seen as a redemption play of sorts from the Japanese automaker. The ZDX was Acura’s first foray into EVs but came after an ICE-powered model which was a slow seller and quietly retreated into the shadows after a brief production run. This time around, the ZDX is promoting technology, luxury, and range. However, the ZDX is not the raw performance model that some EV buyers want when compared to rivals from Tesla, Rivian, and others. Acura appears to have listened to these concerns and has unveiled an all-new EV SUV concept that might push the envelope …

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Lexus leaves the SUVs home, brings LF-Z concept and wide range of cars to Pebble Beach

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The big reveal for Lexus was the new LF-Z concept reveal. The LF-Z is another BEV put out to test the waters, reception by the public. It features the now-landmark grill, but with no interlaced openings, just the flat white front, but does feature an illuminated Lexus badge. Along with the concept, the already established LC 500 convertible, RC-F and IS F-sport were in attendance for display as well. One featured display was the RC-F race car. Tagline: Seek and Destroy, which is on the surface the antithesis to the usual Lexus persona. But a good looking race car, nonetheless. …

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2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Concept Lawn Overdose 300 photos

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The concept lawn. What a concept. It’s the nucleus around which the entire Monterey Car Week orbits. It anchors the past, present and future of automobiles in the chosen few cars set on this practice putting green. All of these cars are or have touch-points that reach back for inspiration, and build upon beautiful and sometimes radical visions of the future. One such radical future-think was the Audi Skysphere. It was conceived to extend or contract a foot in length. Project Sandbox is the perfect example of all worlds colliding. Part 911/959, part rally car. The key to doing the …

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2021 Lamborghini LPI-800-4 Makes Thunderous Debut At Pebble Beach 2021

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Lamborghini made waves when it revealed that it was reviving the legendary Countach for the 2022 model year. While the model will be an extremely limited special, it will also be a key piece of company history with the Countach being the first production Lamborghini hybrid model ever produced. The exterior styling is a welcome time warp to the past with plenty of classic Countach cues on hand including the rectangular headlights as well as the simple curves and angles that adorn the bodywork. Performance for this particular model will come from the Sian concept’s 6.5 liter V12. This engine …

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Audi Skysphere Concept at Pebble Beach 2021

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The Skysphere Concept is an unusual and highly experimental design ethos from Audi.  In being so very unlike their current range it seems to make a bold statement about the elegance of cab-backward, front-engine GTs.  Or at least those are the proportions, but that long hood is surely filled with batteries and motors in this case. None of Audi’s current quattro-intensive range approaches this level of dash-to-axle ratio and this ultralong hood is a striking addition.  The glasshouses for the front and rear lighting elements are interesting and the tactility of the 3D badge up front is quite something. It …

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Bentley Motors at Pebble Beach Concours 2021 Villa and Concept Lawn

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Bentley brought a powerhouse fleet to their Pebble Beach Villas in 2021! We even get a look at the Bacalar concept from the concours lawn.  Aside from the bubble canopy in back it looks fairly production-ready in its details.  The new Flying Spurs and Conti GT’s are also very very appealing.  After you enjoy this 50-photo gallery shot by JC, read some our full drive reviews of Bentleys over here.    Gallery – Bentley Motors at their Pebble Beach Villa and the Concours Concept Lawn   Road Test Review – 2021 Bentley Bentayga – A Nip And A Tuck For …

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Pebble Beach 2021 – Genesis X Concept Gallery

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This sexy design from Genesis embellishes the look of the upcoming G70 production car — a fave around here — with a mean widebody stance and some BMW Batmobile 635CSi vibes.   This two-door’s tail is a thing of beauty in itself and the entire design’s proportions and details are dramatic and sexy.   The roofline looks a bit practical versus the hypercars this Genesis X sits among at the Pebble Concept Lawn but this EV is still a stunner nonetheless. Photos by James Crabtree 2021 Genesis X Concept – Pebble Beach Gallery

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Insider: Don’t Let These Drawbacks Of Car Ownership Bring You Down

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Our vehicles can be a costly purchase, can’t they? If not for the initial outlay of buying the car, we can often forget about maintaining them, repairing them and even fueling them. All of which have a cost and they can surely mount up over time if you don’t take control of the situation.  Many of us have no choice but to own a car. We need a vehicle to get us to work, from one place to another, or to even just get our family safely to school. However, while so many of us focus on the actual cost …

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Insider: Tips for Starting a Successful Car Collection

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There are lots of things that you may want to collect in your life. Some people will collect toys, others ornaments. It might not be the most obvious collection to start, but, if you are looking for a collection that is definitely a little more on the luxurious side, then you can start a car collection. Do you dream of a car collection of your own? If you do, but you are not sure exactly where to start, then we have the helping hand that you may need. To ensure that your collection gets off to the right start, we …

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2021 PRIOR DESIGN Porsche Taycan Widebody

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Just some drool-worth images and official press release on this beauty!  Since driving Taycan Turbo down at Amelia Island Concours 2020 I am a huge fan and this design upgrade is sure to increase the car’s already-amazing curb appeal even more. These are just the renders and they already make me weak in the knees!  Cannot wait to see the real thing. 2021 PRIOR-DESIGN Porsche Taycan Widebody PRIOR-DESIGN PRESS RELEASE: Wide body kit for the Porsche Taycan www.prior-design.de Porsche’s four-door all-electric sports car gets a ferocious appearance Tune an electric car? You can’t do that – or at least nobody would …

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Car-Revs-Daily.com’s Most Popular YouTube Video! 2021 Cadillac Escalade Walkaround

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What’s the most-viewed video over on youtube.com/carrevsdaily ? Is it the drive reviews that take hours of prep, planning and editing?  Nope. It is a humble and quick walkaround of the 2021 Escalade in the sun at Amelia Island Concours. The appeal of this big beast is universal and shooting vid right before the covid quarantines gave it plenty of time to be top of page on Escalade search results. Take a look below and check out the gallery too.  It looks slightly strange in person to these eyes, but is clearly a massive upgrade inside and out. The new …

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Road Rage: Getting To Grips With This Common Driving Problem

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Many of us have been guilty of road rage at some point in our lives, and a lot of us will have experienced the wrath of another driver too. When we look at recent road rage statistics in the US, many of us will be able to relate to the findings by the researchers behind the stats. According to the study, 82% of drivers in the US have admitted to having road rage over the last twelve months. Many of the people admitting to road rage have retaliated by honking their horn, shouting aggressively at other drivers, and using obscene …

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Auto Insider: 7 Digital Tools You Need for Your Auto Shop – Featuring C8.R

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Digital technology can be a real struggle for auto shops—curse that evil “Yelp” website for exposing your systematic overcharging of maintenance checks! Really though, there are plenty of great digital tools that can help your auto shop be more efficient and market itself better. Here are 7 digital tools you need to use at your auto repair business. 1.     Social Media So far as business goes, social media is a tool that’s easy to use but difficult to master. You should definitely set up pages for your auto shop on all major social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. …

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2021 LOTUS EVIJA – USA Arrivals in Sept 2020 – Walkaround at Amelia Island Concours

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Evaya is how it is said!  This stunning machine that is just six months from its first owners has a tricky name to pronounce.  As noted in the video Evija means first of its kind and the pronunciation takes Latin. This smooth beauty is quite an awesome step into the future for Lotus with its all-electric 2000HP drivetrain the most potent to ever be installed on any road car – ever. Watch the vid for more info on the car – with smooth viewing thanks to shooting this on the latest GoPro Hero8.   2021 LOTUS EVIJA – Detailed Walkaround …

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Apollo Intensa Emozione at 2020 Amelia Island Concours

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For hypercar fans the Apollos at this year’s Amelia Island Concours were undoubted stars of the show.  The gorgeous pair that the Apollo crew brought had a packed audience all week as everyone entering or leaving the Ritz stopped to gasp and stand in awe. The design is so shockingly aggressive and gorgeous that it seriously one-upped the McLarens parked just steps away.  Even the Senna looks tame beside this wild pair of painted dragons.  The dragon vibes are strong in the nose and especially in the tail.  You can easily imagine this machine spitting fire and hitting speeds you …

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Negotiation 101: Your Guide to Buying Below Asking Price

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Negotiations can seem intimidating—especially for first-timers. You want to act confident but not overly brass, principled but not too stubborn… it’s a fine line to walk. But whether you’re buying a new car or a used car, the fact remains the same: there is plenty of room for negotiation left on the table. The seller will always try to get their top dollar, usually by setting the initial asking price well above market value under the assumption that the buyer will later negotiate a lower price tag. If you don’t at least try to get them to come down in …

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2008 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione – Gooding Amelia Island 2019 Highlight

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It is hard to predict which supercars will really stop you in your tracks when you find one in real life. We’ve certainly seen a few of these 8C’s in the flesh before but on this day the ultra-smooth, curvaceous bodywork seemed simply flawless. Timeless appeal. Even while the logical part of the brain cries out about the Maserati engine and chassis basis. And even while more modern machines beckon with their simmery LEDs and angular lines. Re-discovering the 8C’s design is interesting. It is even possible to trace its front fender shapes onto the 4C Spider.  Both cars are …

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2018 Morgan 3.7 Roadster – Gallery at Amelia Island Concours 2019

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Who knew that gloss black would look as good on some old-school wire wheels as it does on modern five-spoke alloys! This Morgan Roadster at Amelia Concours was a sight to behold – even sitting among its more powerful or more three-wheeled siblings in the Morgan range. Calling this the Morgan Roadster might seem slightly silly: aren’t they all roadsters, you might ask? That is besides the point. This is the V6 Roadster whose 5-second sprint to 60-mph and 140-mph top speed are perhaps the ideal performance levels for most shoppers.  Fast and fun with a 3.7-liter motor making 280HP, …

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1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Type 1 Concept - Amelia Concours 2019 11

1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Type 1 Concept – Amelia Concours 2019

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It was delightful to have the classic VW class this year at the Amelia Island Concours. Among the notable Vee-Dubs was this rarely-seen 1965 concept for the second-generation Karmann Ghia. Ghia styling studio assigned the project to an up-and-comer named Giorgetto Giugiaro — and the resulting design was decades ahead of its time. From the curvi-linear surfaces to the flush-mounted lighting, this Karmann Ghia must have looked positively bizarre versus the teacup shape of the original. But there was genius in this design, albeit perhaps too futuristic to be viable. Favorite elements include the sleek roofline, targa top and very …

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2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera – Startup Video & Gallery – Amelia Concours Highlight

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The DBS Superleggera is hard to preview in photos. We were blase about the machine overall and leaning toward thumbs-down on the design — before seeing one in the flesh at Amelia Concours. Witnessing this machine is enough to bring butterflies — even when parked next to a Countach and new Vantage. Nearby to McLarens galore and even the SCG-003C hypercar.  DBS simply has stage presence and curb appeal that is impossible to quantify. Impossibly cooler than its lightweight clamshell bonnet or wider tracks could imply on paper versus DB11. Of course, the fact that this vehicle has all the …

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1998 Nissan R390 GT1 – Amelia Concours 2019 Highlight

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This one-of-a-kind machine is the only road-going variant of the Nissan R390 LeMans racecar series. It usually lives locked away in the Nissan’s Zama museum in Japan so we were very fortunate to have it attend the Amelia Island Concours 2019. Every vehicle ever looks stunning on bright green grass under Florida sun. The design is a thing of great beauty, even if the nose detailing is dull and this road variant lacks the giant rear wing of the racecars. The 3.5-liter V8 shoots 550 fiery horsepower out the rear bumper edges on command from inside the leather-wrapped cabin. We …

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2019 McLaren SENNA – Design Walkaround Gallery & Video – Amelia Concours Highlight

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There are so many wild design elements in the McLaren Senna that we discovered four or five never-before-seen details hidden in this track-attack aero design. The most notable design theme and element is the flow-through of air. The fenders front and rear feature massive venturi tunnels and air channels aimed at maximizing grip through downforce. Everywhere you look you find more slices in the design aimed at pulling or pushing air and heat away from the heart of the beast. This livery of owner Paul Orwicz pays homage to Ayrton Senna’s Brazilian heritage with yellow and green details over lacquered …

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1984 Porsche 911 SC/RS – Factory Rothmans Rally Car – Gooding Amelia 2019

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There are a few very tasty 911s in the Gooding Amelia Island 2019 lineup — but this one jumped off the page and right into my heart. Imagine jamming this 280HP, lifted and skid-plated hero across some loose surfaces!  Second to the Dakar 959, we can hardly think of a more iconic off-road 911.  This is the livery of a thousand fakes — but here in all its authentic glory.  This SC/RS was one of 20 produced for FIA homologation rules.  It has had a wild life of racing to win numerous races in 1984 and 1985 before living in …

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Flawless 1994 Toyota Supra Twin-Turbo Targa 6MT – RM Amelia 2019 Preview

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The excitement for this summer’s hottest new sports car is palpable since the Supra bowed in Detroit last month.  Base price from $50k, a turbo straight six and handling that is sure to be a purist’s delight — that is the promise from Toyota for the 2020 Supra.  Even before the forthcoming Gazoo Racing ‘GR’ pack comes along with its stiffer springs and giant wing out back. What better time to appreciate and remember the Supra tha really cemented the badge’s reputation among performance enthusiasts: the Mk 4. This example is the best and most unmolested example we’ve seen in years.   …

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Subtlest RUF Ever? 1990 Porsche RUF BTR Carrera 4 Turbo – RM Amelia 2019 Preview

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Who says RUF can’t make some refined and restrained posh models along with their wild bodykits and slantnoses of the same era. This 1990 model was a classy AF upgrade in its day.  So much so that the inhouse name for the 425HP stunner was The Ultimate. This beauty’s condition today more than two decades later is nearly as good — and surely a drive feel that is a lot more rare. 1990 Porsche RUF BTR Carrera 4 Turbo     RM | Sotheby’s – AMELIA ISLAND 2019   Full RUF BTR conversion with 425 hp; dubbed the “Ultimate” Built at …

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Porsche 911 Wide Track Speedster by DP Motorsport 19

Porsche 911 Wide Track Speedster by DP Motorsport

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These German tunes are endlessly interesting, aren’t they? The cars usually have a long provenance before this latest transformation … and this Porsche is definitely no exception.  And with its menacing, machine-grey finishes it is no angel. This beast actually started life as a Targa but new bodywork and a sawzall to the roofline make it a unique basis for a Speedster mod.  The Targa platform would at least be a bit more rigid than most Carrera hardtops. This Speedster captures the ethos of a stealthy throwback supercar that has timeless appeal.  Monochrome paint for the bumpers over flat black …

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2018 INFINTI P10 Concept - Photos by James Crabtree1

Introducing the INFINITI Prototype 10

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Electric cars are quickly becoming the wave of the future, and most car manufacturers are joining in this revolution. The latest car manufacturer to explore introducing an electric car to their ranks is Infiniti.  Let’s take a closer look at the InfinitiPrototype 10 and what it hopes to bring to the table. Introducing the Prototype 10 These sleek little electric cars are designed to mimic single-seat formula one racecars, with a solid frame design and an open-air cockpit. Instead of a passenger seat, the cockpit features a large air vent to cool the electric motor and batteries in the rear …

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Pebble Beach 2018 – Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow Concept – By James Crabtree

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  Here is a very very special execution of the streamliner speed record car.  Special details throughout, if you can get past the cheeky/dumb face its wears.  The tail is mean and sexy/brutal with its purposeful rear wing and cross-cut copper internal gubbins on full display. In profile, you find free-standing half-moons on both axles cover just the front half of the tire and wheel package.  The backside just open to rocket out air, stones and whatever else as car hits warp speed. An EV powertrain is a great fit for the Silver Arrows — because these streamliners were about …

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2018 Nissan GTR50 Concept By ItalDesign – Goodwood FoS 2018 Debut

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Very interesting collaboration here where ItalDesign was tasked with a re-skin a Nissan GT-R fully, inside and out, as a celebration of the car’s 50-year legacy. More than a reskin, even. Re-imagining? Reboot? Yes. Possible hints at next-gen model expected for the 2020 model year?  Yes of course.  But mostly this exercise just celebrates the GT-R’s essence and moves the vehicle noticeably upmarket.  Even as a $100k car the GT-R does lack the class and panache of true supercars, in some respects, with the current model’s workmanlike exterior and interior. How to go high-fashion without dulling the GT-R’s ace in …

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2019 McLaren SENNA GTR – Best of Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018

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The McLaren Senna is already such an insanely aggressive and unique new hypercar.  Its looks instantly make the entire Lambo and Ferrari lineups seem hopelessly dated. The raw energy from these sliced and diced panels hardly needed a racing upfit.  But here we are. This Senna GTR is absolutely shocking in its design brutality. The functional nature of the aero additions are makes them even more interesting and beautiful to the eye. Check out this nose — not just the usual surfboard chin splitter here, oh no. What they’ve done is remove any air-blocking flat surfaces from the nose.  What …

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2018 BMW M8 Concept Gran Coupe 17

Design Analysis – 2018 BMW M8 Concept GranCoupe – Goodwood FoS 2018

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BMW needs some new halo vehicles at the top of its lineup.  Both to compete with the rockstar AMG GT as well as subdue all the M-car loyalists who despise the i8. The new 8 series serves that purpose nicely. And before it has even arrived — we have a new variant with totally unique styling and details. Oh, and two extra doors.  The M8 GranCoupe concept tries to keep the Mustang-like raciness of the 850’s roofline while squeezing in two seats back there.  Headroom!?  Who cares! How is this different than the current M6 GC, you ask? Scale. This …

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2019 Mercedes-AMG GT63S - First Look - 2018 Goodwood FoS 4

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT63S – First Look – 2018 Goodwood FoS

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Talk about a tough car to judge from the renderings! The new AMG GT 4-door is quite polarizing from all sides.  Is it a super-CLS or a proper supercar with four doors? This top 63 S model is certainly the top of the ranks.  Its giant chrome grille bars are flagship Mercedes of the future, while its giant bright tailpipes and huge upright rear wing are quite the statement pieces. Say what you will about its globby surfacing…. this machine looks like an escaped DTM car in motion at Goodwood. Here’s a photo flyaround courtesy of James Crabtree — who …

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2018 INFINITI Q Inspiration Concept – Photo & Video Flyaround

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The Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept is not an instant love-at-first-sight type of machine. Its Tesla overtones are quite obvious.  And not always for the best. The white front grille and the ultra rounded fenders do come to life in person.  The grille is not just a slat shield but a 4D bending thing of great beauty.  Check out the new depth on the Infiniti badge up front — directly off the Prototype 9 open-wheel EV racer in the background of tna few of these shots. And as smooth and dolphin-like as the tail is… keep an eye on the upper …

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2019 Aston Martin VANTAGE – Photo Flyaround w/ LEDs Lit

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  The shockingly sexy new V8 Vantage was easily one of the stand-out stars at the Amelia Island 2018 Concours. This gorgeous new nose, sweeping panel surfaces and taut, tight tail end.  Wisps of a bent LED lightbar in back will make grown men weak in the knees.  The tail is even more impressive beside the brand-new DB11 Volante parked nearby.  This is future-sexy and Vantage has it nailed. 2019 Aston Martin VANTAGE

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2018 Mercedes-AMG Project ONE – Amelia Island Concours 2018 Photoset

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The AMG Project ONE has an undeniable magic in the flesh that is absent in most photography. The slinky, almost formless nature of the bodywork is actually a pure, emotive skin wrapped tight around each wheelhouse like cheekbones.  A supermodel of a machine if there ever was one. The dimensions alone are damn near Chiron large, for one, but the cabin tucked inboard radically too.  A lower than low roof and snorkel intake up top are almost casual in their hardcore obviousness. Watching the car arrive silently was quite a spectacle indeed.  Project ONE is a star! Even with its …

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Best of Amelia Island – 2018 Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003S Stradale – Photos & Videos

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An absolutely phenomenal car is what it takes to win the real Concours trophies. In our book, a hypercar like no other is enough. SCG003S is exquisite in person.  The details for its transformation to “luxury” version of the SCG003 LMP car are slight outside. Full CHMSL and side idicator lights have a very NHTSA feel.  A backup lamp and rear fog are included along with taillights.  And a plate. This is a road car.  Fully legal in every state via a new low-volume manufacturer US certification. $2.4 mil is the cost and six are spoken for.  20 more on …

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BMW Motorcycles Evolution Since 1923 – Animated Timeline Via 20 Iconic Bikes

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  The history of BMW Motorrad is actually the story of the evolution of the motorcycle in general. Giant leaps of innovation are clear to see about every dozen years, but the BMW innovation throughout keeps moving the two-wheel world forward at warp speed. For a non-bikes guy like me and perhaps you, the names and styles are all a bit perplexing. We have labelled all the main bike photos to help make it all a bit clearer. The pre-war bikes in particular are hard to distinguish at first without the labels. So which is your favorite? We’d pick the …

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2017 Shelby 427 DAYTONA Secret Weapon COUPE CSX2605 [70 Photos!]

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A big block motor was a highly experimental concept in 1964 and Carroll Shelby kept it in his back pocket. The lengthened, re-engined monster was Shelby’s Secret Weapon for the 1964 LeMans 24 Hours. “”..it could have topped 200 miles per hour at Le Mans. Weighing about 2,200 pounds with world class aerodynamics and the power of a big block, the car had tremendous performance potential. However, destiny intervened. The truck carrying CSX2286 to Le Mans was involved in an accident that damaged the Shelby too much to be repaired in time for the race. It never ran a lap …

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2018 TVR Griffith – Gordon Murray Carbon Supercar Is REAL!

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The moment is here.  Rebirth of the famous Blackpool fiberglass wizards TVR. The brand lives on even if the old steel chassis designs and all legacy engines are dropped.  Production takes a massive leap into the future with Gordon Murray’s iStream process for fast and affordable carbon fiber.  Murrary’s GMD company has shopped this tech for a few years now so it is a double thrill for it to make its debut alongside the Griffith. The roster of other UK supercar suppliers continues to Cosworth for the 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 sending power exclusively to the back wheels.  0-60 is promised …

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1971 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Cabriolet by Frua

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We have hilarious convertibles on the brain since shooting a giggly 500C review video today. What is sillier or more absurd as a ragtop than a four-door Rolls-Royce Phantom! This 1971 All-Weather Cabriolet by Frua is famously special.  One-off design details and executions extend far beyond the giant cashmere roof.  This car has basically no miles and is as-new condition, so perhaps not the ideal beach car from the RR. But certainly one that would delight anyone in the Hamptons or other luxury seaside enclaves. This beaut sold for $390k at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 auctions the other week. 1971 …

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2017 Ferrari 70 Anni Collection at Pebble Beach Concours 8

F70! 2017 Ferrari 70 Anni Collection at Pebble Beach Concours [150 photos]

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Ferrari made a huge splash with new cars at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours.  There were LaFerrari Apertas underfoot at almost every step.  None more special perhaps than this one-off Tailor Made model for the 70th anniversary collection. This set of specialized cars included the soft-top LaFerrari, 488 Spider and F12 Berlinetta.  Each with personalized details and F70 badges on the flanks. Sitting nearby were many of the inspiration liveries for this F70 collection.  All-stars include many Testa Rossas and a dozen significant 250’s.  Favorites include the 250 California bodystyle of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off fame and the vented, beastly …

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Meet the Original 1964 Ford GT40 Concept and 1965 GT40 Roadster Prototype 11

Concept Flashback – 1965 GT40 Roadster Prototype

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The GT40 was actually a pretty derivative design – with a chassis and overall structure partially borrowed from Lola. But the GT40 as it came from Lola was not a winner right away. While the Mark I GT40 is a bit more pure, and a lot more beautiful by many eyes — it was not a race-winner. The GT40 started winning races with the Mark II GT40 with its huge air scoops, front sill spats, and other aero mutations to the overall design. But still – it is hard to argue with the clean beauty of these initial concept prototypes. …

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Concept Flashback - 1978 JAGUAR XJ Spider by Pininfarina 3

Concept Flashback – 1978 Jaguar XJ Spider by Pininfarina

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How advanced is this Pininfarina concept for Jaguar? It is hard to believe there is an XK under these swoopy panels, which predated anything else curvy by more than eight years. Of course, Jaguar had been rocking serious curves since the 1940s.  This Pininfarina exercise re-introduced a swoopy, flowing shape that was markedly different from the boxy production XK. Very, very impressive level of production value for a 1978 concept.  Although not adapted for sale, some vindication for the designers came when this basic surfacing template was a huge hit for the Aston Martin DB7 and even the Jaguar XK …

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ALFA-ROMEO Wine & Cheese at Folktale Winery – Monterey Car Week 2017

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Does Pebble Beach feel like eons ago?  Less than a week since $300-million in cars were sold at auction.  And about the same value of collectibles driving all around town. Alfa Romeo had a strong presence at 2017 Monterey Car Week.  Always a favorite on the lawn on Sunday, the brand is now heavily promoting their new Stelvio SUV and Giulia sport sedan. Both have pricing from about $50k and look a million times more special than their BMW rivals. Here are a few dozen of our favorite Alfa Romeos from Pebble Beach and beyond.  Special access to a Stelvio …

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Concept Flashback - 2006 RINSPEED ZaZen is Porsche 911 with Clear Bubble Hardtop 54

Concept Flashback – 2006 RINSPEED ZaZen is Bubble Hard 911

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This concept from RINSPEED in 2006 is actually quite magnificent. A clear polycarbonate hardtop and a variety of innovative supplier solutions round out what is a very intriguing concept car from RINSPEED. The rear fenders and nose treatment with Ferrari 612 lighting elements are very interesting, but the RINSPEED ZaZen is absolutely hideous from the pure nose and tail angles. An unusual and sloppy mess of amateurish block shapes. Other lighting by the huge list of experimental parts suppliers are more special.  Diamond-cut glass for the brake lights is intricate, beautiful and very special.  The LED laserlight CHMSL is notably …

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217mph LUCID Alpha Speed Car + 2018 LUCID Air at Pebble Beach

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One of The most promising Tesla-killer of the next year is Lucid Motors. This beauty is packing up to 1000 horsepower and in its top trim, and a base price of $55k at the bottom. It is a dead-on hit at the Tesla Model S, but upgraded to sci-fi limo spec. Fittingly, Lucid brought out their production prototype as well as this road rocket: the Alpha Speed Car. Wearing wrapped and de-mirrored bodywork and a giant clear plexiglass wing in back, the Lucid Alpha Speed was officially clocked at 217MPH. This is one fast forward to the future!  The below …

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Updated w/ 33 Real-Life Photos – 2017 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

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  Here is a car absolutely perfect for the Pebble Beach concepts lawn. Ultra low.  Ground-hugging panels and exotic, exaggerated proportions.  A level of exotic eroticism unseen on 99.999-percent of all the world’s cars. This is no ordinary car.  It is a look at what a Merc rival to Bugatti might look like.  Pricing north of two mill a pop will keep them rare, while massive top speed performance potential is clear from the machine’s very shape. We have a few dozen real-life photos of the car to share, from the Mercedes House at Pebble Beach and the Concept Lawn …

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2017 Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta – Pebble Beach Debut

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It has a name!  We knew this car was special on sight.  Next to the Huayra BC and Huayra Roadster… the Barchetta only somewhat fits in. This is a more brutal, hard-edged design in the front and rear.  Zonda lights also look like nothing else. Yet what is this?  Chopped windshield glass?  Snorkel intake and BC-like tall wing?!  Did we render something like this last summer?  [Yes=] And the coup de grace?  Shrouded rear wheels and extreme underbody aero and rear splitter.  Stunning. Here is Huayra Roadster in front of Barchetta, plus Zonda Cinque which is similar apart from the …

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2017 Guntherwerks 400R is Pro-Tuned 993 for 25-Unit 2018 Production Run

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The last air-cooled 911 is going down in history as the most-desirable, collectable and unattainable of all the rear-engined Porsches of modern times. What if Porsche kept working on the 993 without the concerns about noise, emissions or safety?  That pocket-rocket size machine before it grew new crash structures, heavier chassis details and feel-dulling insulation throughout? The result might be something like the new Guntherwerks 400R.  This concept debuted at the Quail to raves among the most hardcore car enthusiasts in the world.  Guys who have a half-dozen supercars in their collections at any one time. They absolutely love it. …

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2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN – PART THREE

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Concept lawn adjacent? Here we find the 2018 Porsche 911 RSR, 2018 Rolls-Royce DAWN Black Badge (World Soft Launch), and 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante by ZAGATO. Check out parts one and two for the full class of 2017 concept lawn stars. 2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN – PART THREE 2018 Porsche 911 RSR 2018 Rolls-Royce DAWN Black Badge 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante by ZAGATO

2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN – PART TWO

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We’re back with another round of simply gorgeous photos fresh from The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Seems our previous “all 12 cars” headline really came back to bite in the ass?! We forgot some notables. More pics of the Fux 720s, VW ID Buzz, the Italdesign Zerouno, Pagani Zonda Roadster Exclusive Evo, Lamborghini Huracan Performante, and last but not least, the Infiniti Q60 Project Black S. A few more glamor shots of the Prototype 9 and Vision 6 included for good measure. Bonus points if you can spot Horacio Pagani (aka the Head Dude at Pagani) and Gorden Wagener, the …

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2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN

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Wish you could take a slow walk around this practice putting green at the Pebble Beach Ritz? You are not alone! We have a terrific class of 2017 to show — including a few world premieres!  The Infiniti Prototype 9 and the Maybach Vision 6 are quite something to behold in the flesh. The Concept Z4 is also popular, as is the Fux pink McLaren 720S we’ve been featuring all weekend. A pair of Ford GT and GT40 Le Mans racers bring some real grit to the show, and set the tone for the Acrua ARX-05 racer nicely. Bentley’s gorgeous …

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2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series 13

Werkswagen! 2.8s, 205MPH 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series [28 Photos]

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The dawn of the $260k 911 is here and glorious.  All the performance.  All the luxury. All the power! The works.  Or Werks? 607 ponies to be exact. This shade is Golden Yellow Metallic and is one of just three on the Exclusive Series Turbo S for 2018. Favorite detail photo photographer James Crabtree?  The carbon front fender slices!  [Whoops, those are GT2RS]  In fact, all the air vents and addenda on this beauty are bare carbon to contrast the paintwork.  But no front fender slashes here. The engine cover with CF intake snorkel is a delightfully exclusive touch indeed …

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McLaren VIP Event [118 Photos] M6GT, M7A, 570S Spider, 720S + Longtails

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  This is basically the most McLarens per square mile on Earth.  Pebble Beach in general, yes.  But this exclusive mansion in particular!  Enjoy this mega set of gorgeous Macca’s from CRD pal JC, who is on site for the boostfest! If you get far enough in the gallery below you will even see these badass supercars lined up politely for test drives.  Yes please~! 2017 Pebble Beach – McLaren VIP Villa

In 150 Pictures: Exotics at Cannery Row 2017 – Monterey Car Week

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Welcome to an all-you-can-eat supercar extravaganza! In this gallery by Anthony D’Acquisto from Exotics on Cannery Row yesterday in Monterey, you will find not only 100+ cool, high-res pics how the event’s hottest cars. Not only a video with more than 20 of those machines in motion. Just 150 photos of the rarest of the rare supercars in real life. Newness captured includes the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato in dark red, the VW e-Bus concept and the brand-new 2018 Bentley SuperSports.  Nice to meet the USSV Rhino XT in wild too!  (The Bentleys and the Fux Rolls Royces are actually …

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2017 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

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  Here is a car absolutely perfect for the Pebble Beach concepts lawn. Ultra low.  Ground-hugging panels and exotic, exaggerated proportions.  A level of exotic eroticism unseen on 99.999-percent of all the world’s cars. This is no ordinary car.  It is a look at what a Merc rival to Bugatti might look like.  Pricing north of two mill a pop will keep them rare, while massive top speed performance potential is clear from the machine’s very shape. 2017 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

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2017 BMW Z4 Concept In 44-Photo Exclusive

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The recent design analysis we wrote up over here about the Z4 yesterday is growing.  Today handling some photo edits for JC I found a bevy of new details in the Z4. Things like the lower slash in front fender are as retro as it gets.  THe rest is sheer modern roadster.  It seems so much wider and shorter than the current Z4 in some photos.  But really this is just a product of all-new overhangs and level of rounded corner on both ends.  It is a softer shape.  But marked by a precious few design lines.  These bring the …

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In Pictures: Pebble Beach 2017 – Welcome to CASA FERRARI

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Ferrari’s 70th anniversary celebration at Pebble Beach this year means the place is wall-to-wall Italian stallions. At the Casa Ferrari house on the concours grounds, Ferrari has a few tasty appetizers on display.  Multiple LaFerrari Aperta’s are almost hard to spot. The combination of painted hard side pillar with cloth on the inner roof top is the way to spot the open-topped special. Along for the trip is the very rare Ferrari Sergio, designed to honor Sergio Pininfarina by his team at the design boutique.  It is so out-there and unique as to be a bit puzzling. No challenges with …

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2017 Rolls-Royce DAWN in FUXIA Celebrates Michael Fux

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The owner of the Fux Fuchsia McLaren 720S is the illustrious Michael Fux! A prolific collector and ultra-VIP client with a very bold personality streak. Mr. Fux took delivery today of his 11th bespoke Rolls-Royce: a Dawn finished in this year’s Fux Fuchsia paintwork.  This color is the most eye-popping candy metallic you have ever seen.  It makes other, normal hues look like matte construction paper. The unique shimmery metallic is part of a power group of colors from the same family, each reserved for Mr Fux and unavailable to other buyers.  Non-Fux-ers will have to find something within the …

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2018 Acura ARX-05 Endurance Racer Bringing V6TT To Track

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  Acura racer… coming in hot! This new ARX-05 will race in 2018 for Team Penske in the DPi class of endurance racers — some of the fiercest competitors on US tracks. Acura’s motorsport V6TT serves here and will power the car for its Rolex 24 race premiere in Daytona. On to the design!~ It is mean.  Mean and fast. This nose tells cars in front: You’re About To Get Passed.   2017 Acura ARX-05   Acura Reveals Striking ARX-05 Prototype Race Car in Monterey; Debut Set for Daytona Aug 18, 2017 – MONTEREY, Calif. Acura to take on top …

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FUX FUCHSIA McLaren 720S by MSO Whips Heads at The Quail

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The car causing some serious neck problems in NorCal this week? The MSO 720S in a bespoke Fux Fuchsia paint scheme over stealth grey carbon trim and opal white leather. The car is at the Quail for these photos.  Do some neck rolls now so you don’t hurt yourself when you see it. The owner is my new hero.  But he needs to get to the window tinter pronto after the show! FUX FUCHSIA McLaren 720S by McLaren Special Operations McLAREN SPECIAL OPERATIONS PRESENTS UNIQUE McLAREN 720S CUSTOMER COMMISSION AT PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Bespoke McLaren 720S by McLaren Special …

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Best of Pebble Beach – 2017 INFINITI Prototype 9 in 33 New Photos

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Updated 8.22.17 How can we give a Best Of Award already?   The Concours has not even begun yet! In terms of modern OEM exotics and concepts, the Infiniti Prototype 9 is already one of the most memorable and high-impact designs.   Absolutely stunning. High-impact but low volume!  The Prototype 9’s main drawback might be its lack of period combustion engine note….!     A 1940s racer for modern day?  How about one with an all-electric driveline and single-seater cabin? The perfect fit for the world’s most prestigious concours: Pebble Beach. Infiniti just whipped the silk capes off their Prototype …

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Monterey Car Week 2017 GALLERY By Anthony DAquisto 89

Monterey Car Week 2017 GALLERY – Thursday Carmel & Spanish Bay – By Anthony DAquisto

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Brace yourself for high-dollar, high-performance supercars galore!  Monterey Car Week 2017 is in full swing.  Centenario’s are like Corolla’s here. In the middle of August, Pebble Beach is indeed the center of the automotive universe. CRD pal Anthony D’Acquisto from Newport Beach has 100 photos of his sightings yesterday.  Glowing indigo 720s?  Check.   One-of-six Ferrari Sergio?   LaFerrari Apertas?  Yep.   New TdF and original Ferrar Tour de France specials?  You know it! The brand-new Bentley SuperSports and Black Packs?  Oh yes! A favorite has to be the shimmery silver RUF Porsche. A huge thanks to Anthony for sharing …

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1957 Arnott-Climax 1100 GT 3

1957 Arnott-Climax 1100 GT – Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach 2017 Preview

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  Have you ever laid eyes on a more beautiful teardrop racer? Competing with the likes of the Porsche 356 and other micro-lights was a tough game in the late 1950s.   Competitiveness in this era meant this Coventry Climax ran just a shouting 96-horsepower four, with all its weight mid-center ahead of the driver.  This played out on track nicely versus the rear-engined Porsches of the era.  Totally different but both very pure track setups. Granted, this little bugger might have had its gullwing doors blown off by a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racer of the same era, whose big …

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2017 BMW Concept Z4 – Design Analysis

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Well well well! The i8 Spyder rumors are unfounded as of now!  BMW just unveiled the brand-new Concept Z4 — and enticing look at the next generation of this F-Type fighter. What is that?  No longer just the Boxster and SLC in the Z4’s competitive set.  The new model aims to move significantly upmarket — and up in performance — via the unloved current model. The most radical view into the production 2018 Z4 model from this concept is its design language.  First off, a much more aggressive level of slashes and overlapping  surfaces is prominent.  Also new — for …

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2017 Monterey Car Week REVEALS List – Pebble Beach, The Quail & Concorso Italiano

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This is crunchtime for car writers and news junkies alike! America’s Goodwood, aka Pebble Beach, has gone from a concours to an all-out supercar auto show extravaganza.  What we learned on a trip to the event in 2014 is that Monterey Car Week is actually a full week of performance joy!  The classics and icons are peppered throughout the experience, of course, but mainly take center stage on the oceanfront fairway only on Concours Sunday. Until then, there are ride/drive events, VIP receptions, press events and media previews galore at the Quail, Concorso Italiano, RM Sotheby’s in downtown Monterey.. and …

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2000 Lamborghini Diablo GTR – RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

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Diablo GTR is an incredible example of Lambo previewing the future.  We’ve seen the Countach evolve radically as the template.  But as Diablo became Murcielago, and Murci became Aventador… there is always a VERY special run-out model. Think Reventon and Centenario for this generation.   These bridge the design and performance gap with the next-gen model – milking the last year of production for max profits. A good formula! GTR is so special that RM Sotheby’s expects at least $600k when it sells this week in Monterey, California.  This is the same price as a brand-new Aventador SV Roadster, coincidentally! …

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2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta – RM Sotheby’s 2017 Preview

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It is easy to lump the Huayra into the LaFerrari and McLaren P1 competitive set.  But in actuality, the only vehicle with a similar price/performance quotient is the Bugatti Chiron.  (As well as Koenigsegg and perhaps W Motors if we’re generous.) Pricing for Pagani’s never leaves much change from a $3-million cashier’s check.  While its delivery timeframes are easily 18 months or longer. So whenever one comes up for sale, particularly a US-legal model, it is newsworthy. This Huayra Tempesta was the first-ever customer car in the states and one of only 100 made in total.  It is equipped with …

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2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Gets Triple ZAGATO Gifts! Speedster + Shooting Brake

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A hot trio of new ZAGATO Aston Martin models just hit the web ahead of their concept lawn debuts at Pebble Beach Concours! The Vanquish Zagato Volante takes the DB-Z coupe looks to new heights.  Those taillights alone are worth their design weight in gold!  But wait, there is more.  More of Zagato’s trademark Double Bubbles in the Vanquish Volante Speedster!  Twin helmet cowls on the rear decklid add a racy touch indeed.  Just 28 of the Speedsters will be made, versus 99 of the cabrio and 99 coupes. A production run of 325 leaves another 100 cars somewhere.  And …

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1955 Ferrari 121LM Spider by Scaglietti – RM Sotheby’s Monterey Preview

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Only in Monterey would crummy roadside motels be filled with Ferrari’s and Lambo’s! And even around the corner from Pebble Beach, these special cars (and people!) only come out once a year. RM Sotheby’s auction this week will be action-packed.  A favorite presale machine that deserves all the spotligght in the car world? This 1955 Ferrari 121LM Spider. It is the third of four ever made.  It is a shrouded-cockpit, single-seat racer in iconic French Blue.  A shrouded roll hoop behind the RHD steering setup is glamourous, as is the tiny perspex wind deflector.  Helmet or at least goggles definitely …

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2017 INFINITI Prototype 9 Makes Retro Pebble Beach Debut

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A 1940s racer for modern day?  How about one with an all-electric driveline and single-seater cabin? The perfect fit for the world’s most prestigious concours: Pebble Beach. Infiniti just whipped the silk capes off their Prototype 9.  And boy will it stop you in your tracks. Even the ‘endless road’ Infiniti badge is expressed artfully.  It now stands proud atop the hood edge like a radiator cap.  The waterfall front grille is slightly tacky on first glance but does make sense.  When viewed directly head-on, the shape of this sunken grille matches the wide jawline of the Q60 sports coupe, …

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2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed – Walkaround Highlights Gallery in 130 Photos

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  CRD pal and all-around bon vivante James Crabtree is back from an amazing visit to the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed! All four days meant JC snapped nearly 1000 photos and 100 videos from the epic motoring event.  And best news of all?  He was gracious enough to share them here with us. We selected about 130 of our favorites from his extensive Goodwood experience.  Everything from Lego racers and racecars, to four-seat Morgans, EuroFighter Typhoons, vintage icons and future concepts.  And of course, not two steps without tripping over some high-dollar supercar. The 570S Spider, Aventador S and …

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1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S – RM Monterey 2017 Preview

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Here is one near and dear to the heart.  The red dream crosses the block this August at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey, California auctions.  These take place the week of the nearby Pebble Beach concours. This tiny but ferocious 911 has no reserve and could fetch around $350k for its cleanliness, originality and, of course, 993 desirability. Would love to rumble up to the Ritz valet in this on Concours sunday! 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S RM Sotheby’s 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S Chassis no. WP0AC2997VS375758 Photo Credit: Karissa Hosek ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Goodwood 2017 Festival of Speed – Hillclimb Mega Gallery in 200 Photos

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Goodwood is as glorious as ever this year! It seems like every supercar that matters is at Lord March’s estate – along with thousands of adoring fans. The clear stars of the show are the glorious Ford GT and the Bugatti Chiron. And of course the Lamborghini Centenario and the Aston Martin Vulcan.   Don’t forget the new Pagani Huayra BC. And clearly the McLaren 720S and world-premiere 570S cabrio are worth seeing in action. Don’t forget the fresh-facelifted Maserati GranTurismo or a back-to-back look at the Panamera’s new choice of sedan or wagon bodystyles.  They’re all represented here! Watching …

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200MPH 2017 Vanda Dendrobrium Joins Goodwood FoS Lineup

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  Geneva was filthy with million-dollar exoptics this year.  And at least half of those were from new brands with electric propulsion. The Vanda Electrics entry is one of the most compelling, visually, for its modern and carved track appeal.  A no-fluff machine clearly designed for laptimes!   Ground-effect aero, power doors and canopy and floating wheels?  Dreamy! Concept hypercars have a bad reputation for not being real, however.  And Dendrobrium’s lack of tech specs makes one worry a bit.   The targets are simple enough for any EV hypercar: 3.0-seconds to 60-mph, 200-mph top speed and a range of …

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RM Paris 2017 Highlight – 2012 Aston Martin V12 ZAGATO “No Zero”

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What car from 2012 would we kill to own!? THIS ONE! Beautifully unique versus every other Aston Martin.  And finished exquisitely as one of the 65 total, handmade units that came out of the Aston/Zagato partnership. This “No Zero” example shows no mercy in its finishes and execution.  Custom badges for the number zero special and a butterfly-wing badge accent are notable special items Aston did for this owner.  This motif is gorgeous and harks back to the original Aston logos of the 1920s.  [The wings are peeling a pit, unfort.] The bright carrara white paintwork over gloss black for …

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RM Arizona 2017 Highlight – 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722S Roadster

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Is the SLR over the hump for hypercars?  You know, the one where it is too new to be a classic, but too dated to be sexy next to the latest Chiron Bugatti. Perhaps not the SLR Coupe.  But this SLR 722S Roadster is looking stunning again in 2017.  The fact that this is the ragtop helps.  And that this McMerc is not just a 722, but the 722S!  This was the last of the run and featured unique, upsized dark alloys and special satin Crystal Antimony Grey paintwork.  The carbon splitter in front sets the serious tone this 3.6-second supercar …

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Hall of Fame – 1935 Bugatti Type 57 ATALANTE Prototype by Carrosserie Bugatti

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Here is an eye-popping exotic.  A car that many would rank number one among the most famous vehicles ever made.  The Type 57 Bugatti came in Atlantic and Atalante forms, with this prototype being the third ever produced in 1935.  And one of just three survivors from production, no less. This example is special for more than just its exquisite design.  That is something else, however.  Smooth fenders without the rivet seam are plush, but the shrouded back wheels and “faux cabriolet” roofline are what prove give the Atalante such glamor from all angles.  This pert little notchback of a …

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1950 Ferrari 166 MM 212 Export Uovo 8

1950 Ferrari 166 MM/212 Export “Uovo” by Fontana – RM Monterey 2017

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Nothing will ever — ever — beat a Uovo Ferrari for its origin-story gravitas.  This, ladies and gentleman, is where it all began.  Where engineering and racing success started to propel road car sales.  And those road car sales eventually funding the most successful, most desired car brand in the world. This stunner will go across the auction block this August in Monterey, California adjacent to the Pebble Beach concours extravaganza. Estimates of what the sale price will be?  We’d predict in the 2-4 million dollar mark. Far less that the peak Ferrari values, but also far more original.  The …

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Road-Legal 2016 McLaren P1 GTR Heads to RM Villa Erba 2017 Auctions

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Oh, the whims of the ultra rich. Who can predict what they will want in 12 months time? This P1 GTR is perfect evidence of a gift-from-God hypercar available for an eager second owner. The question now: price.  Of course.  Will it have appreciated in its short time on this earth?  Or will its current owner take a $100k bath for the privilege of being one of the lucky few. This GTR has something extra in its quiver, however, atop its one-of-58 exclusivity worldwide. That is a road-legal conversion applied to only half the cars produced. Here you have a …

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2017 W Motors FENYR SuperSport 10

2017 W Motors FENYR SuperSport In Near-Production Form for Shanghai

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W Motors sophomore supercar is almost on the road! This Fenyr SuperSport is a more attainable, yet still hyper-exotic, followup to the legendary Lykan Hypersport. The Fenyr will be W Motors big break – its chance to leverage its stunning launch success with the Lykan into commercial success.  Scale, in this sense, is relative.  Anything more than the dozen or so HyperSports made will be an increase for W Motors.  The team hopes to sell around 200 of these Fenyr SuperSports per year, with production eventually localized to the Dubai HQ.  At this time, the W Motors lineup is still …

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HyperGallery – 2017 KOENIGSEGG Regera in 33 New Photos

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Koenigsegg is rolling deeeeep lately!  Showing up to Geneva auto show with nearly a half-dozen exotics is mighty impressive.  And we hope it means their new lightning-fast Regera flagship is selling brisky! Two examples here, with both an exposed-weave carbon fiber, tinted and glossed to perfection in red/black and green.  The red Regera has chrome-red paintwork to contrast the carbon up the middle. All Koenigsegg’s are targa tops — two cars in one! — and the look is distinct with top up or off.  Off, this is a brutally rounded/chopped speedster.  Top on, and this becomes clearly a 300MPH aero …

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~1936 Delahaye 135 S Competition Roadster at Amelia [35 Photos]

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There is something really spectacular about “finding” a priceless exotic car just parked silently.  Slid into a space like any Camry, locked and left alone for however long.  The location helps.  This back lot is behind the Amelia Island Ritz residences.  On Concours weekend.  Which does tend to help the selection. WHen the car in question is the stunningly fast, low and lean Delahaye 135S Competition Roadster!? The patina of this car — its dull paintwork, its myriad road rash scars, and its unpolished brass grille details — shows it is likely authentic.  Sick, perhaps, but we thought it might …

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This Exact 1952 Mercedes-Benz W194 Won Lemans

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Just parked up on the lawn in front of the Mercedes stand!  Read into the details of W194 number 7 and you quickly learn this exact car won LeMans. Impressive!   Of course, this tanker aero design hides a Super Light alloy spaceframe with giant structural sills.  Escape was via the future-icon gullwing doors. This car went on to race at the Nurburgring and as a timer in the Carrera Panamericana.   1952 Mercedes-Benz W194 Number 7

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1980 Lancia BETA Monte Carlo Turbo at Amelia Island [22 Photos]

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This Group 5 rally racer won the WRC championship in the silhouette category for two years running for 1980 and 1981.  It was a bleeding-edge technological showpiece that ran a carbonfiber chassis and part-kevlar bodywork. Great to meet this stunner at the Amelia Island Concours 2017, where it actually lives locally in the stunning collection of John Campion. We had the pleasure of seeing its home garage before the concours and almost had to sit down from excitement.  So much Martini Racing and so many authentic Lancia race-winners! The Beta Monte Carlo turbo’s most dramatic angle and aero needs came …

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1971 Bizzarrini 128P Speedster 19

1971 Bizzarrini 128P Prototype Speedster at Amelia Island Concours [28 Photos]

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    A barchetta speedster as a racecar!?  This car is inspired by the top can-am spyder style LMP1 racecars of its era — all giant wings and scoops galore.  A simple rollbar and twin plexiglass cowls instead of a windshield means this is a helmets-on affair at speed.  The pure definition of street speedster cool! This flowing and curvy design style was the anti-wedge.  Counter-programming versus the sharp Countach and Esprit look, perhaps.  Curvy panel surfaces like these would take decades to go mainstream.   1971 Bizzarrini 128P Prototype

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1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Streamliner at Amelia Island Concours [40 Photos]

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  The 540K Streamliner is always a delight to see and photograph.  A few things to note: the machine is HUGE! It is truly enormous by all dimensions, including its width.  A massive scale for a road car. The next is that this machine was as otherworldly and advanced in 1938 as it seems today.  Nothing approaching such a streamlined design was ever applied to a closed, luxury grand tourer of a car.  This machine excelled at a core MB trait: extreme high speed and extreme luxury.  Their hotrod limos and perhaps the S-Class Coupe still embody most of the …

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1939 Bentley 4.25-Litre Embiricos Coupe – Amelia Island RM [31 Photos]

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  This Bentley really stops your eye dead on sight.  Teardrop fenders with sharp upper edges?  Pinched, gangster glasshouse?  Suicide doors and fastback tail? What is this! A Bentley true and true, with its bodywork a recreation to one-off Embiricos Coupe specification. From its rounded waterfall of a grille to its sleek tail… we adore this car! Someone else does too.  It sold for $671k at the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island 2017 auction.   Lot 154 1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre “Embiricos” Coupe Recreation by Bob Petersen Engineering Chassis no. B119MX Engine no. W9BC Sold for $671,000   1939 Bentley 4.25-Litre Embiricos …

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2017 Rolls-Royce DAWN – Bespoke Inspired By Fashion

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  The Dawn might be the best Rolls-Royce yet! Stunning grace and top-down proportions.  Swapping the Wraith’s heavy, buttressed roof lightens the look of the car dramatically.  The tail of the Dawn is then perfect for a perfectly horizontal tonneau cover and trunklid.  Truly elegant. This Inspired By Fashion creation is from the RR Bespoke team.  Andalusian white paintwork is a shimmery spectacle in bright sunlight.  THe cabin wears blue silk detailing featuring a profile headshot of the Spirt of Ecstacy.  So, looking at her from the side, that is. Little details, of course.  But the roof in bright blue …

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1965 Prince INFINITI R380 – First-Ever USA Show for Porsche-Beating Racer [50 Photos]

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Infiniti has adopted the design and sports credentials of the Prince marque from its glory days of the 1950s and 1960s.  The firm is best known for creating the Skyline and was acquired by Nissan in 1966 — the same year a pair of these stunning, magnificent beasts took one-two in the Japanese Grand Prix.  It was a pride match for the locals in Japan.  Porsche 904s and 906s beating Skyline front-engine racers on Japanese tracks that inspired the entire vehicle.  Mid-engine endurance racer. With a 1964 Brabham spaceframe to start from, the company crafted its ultra-shrieking straight six making 200 …

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2017 Maserati LEVANTE 4

2017 Maserati LEVANTE at Amelia Island Concours [22 Photos]

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The new Levante in Blu Emozione paintwork is gorgeous and quite unique in its design.  We love its serious, toothy nose and sharky hood/grille edge.  Not as sure about the rear three-quarter angle or the slightly narrow-looking rubber. The truck is even more special on the inside, where it is lined with Zegna cashmere, leathers and suedes from roof to floor.  Quite pretty.  Not a huge back seat but decent trunk room versus F-Pace or the Cayenne/Macan. The Levante starts from $74k  with 350HP while the S kicks off from $84k with a tuned V6TT making 424 ponies.  2017 Maserati …

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2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 15

2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4 at Amelia Island Concours [45 Photos]

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  Ever wanted a truck that was so outrageous it might stop traffic dead on sight? Welcome to the G-Class 4×4-squared. This G550 4×4 even upstages the G65 parked right beside it.  This “normal” twin-turbo V12 G-wagen looks like a child’s toy parked next to the 4×4! The G65 and this G550 are actually priced pretty similarly.  The 4×4 comes in G550 and G63 variants, with this G550 coming in at about $220k.  The G65 is just a few thousand more and will be MUCH quicker.  But not nearly as outlandish.   2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4

2018 Lexus LS500 6

Design Analysis: 2018 Lexus LS500 at Amelia Island Concours [23 Photos]

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A car whose in-person effect was knee-weakening? This new LS500. So, so new and so revolutionary for the Lexus icon.  Wait until you see this car’s unreal side sculpting and ultra-LWB, fastback-like proportions.  Its nose wears a next-gen level of sculpting throughout the bumper and hood.  The grille almost takes a back seat to the intensely low, long and muscular fenders and slim LED headlights.  The new DRL’s little lashes are intriguing too. The LS and its ultra low new nose and long hood lead the eye to the windshield.  Check out the rake angle!  This is seriously streamlined and likely …

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2017 Mercedes-AMG C63S Cabriolet 25

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63S Cabriolet at Amelia Island [25 Photos]

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Even parked up between the V12TT SL65 and S65 AMGs… this new C63 Cab has real style and presence.  Massive wheels and fenders are overflowing with performance and aggression from all sides. The C63’s active exhaust and Sport+ mode engage a deep, ripping bark from the exhaust was enough to draw a crowd of hooray’s from the Ritz parking area.  Its cabin impressed too.  Far better looking than new SL… The C43 starts at $61k while the C63 is priced from $73k in the USA. 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63S Cabriolet