Classics were the show stoppers at Sunday's 63rd annual Concours d'Elegance classic car show, but car makers' concept vehicles too caught the eyes of many. Well-renowned brands such as BMW, Mercendes-Benz, Aston Martin and others displayed their future concept cars with astonishing designs and next generation luxury equipped with competing horsepower.
The new concept vehicles will enter production in the coming years, but they give a glimpse of the catalogue of upcoming cars for enthusiasts. Compact and crossover SUVs, luxury sedans, convertibles from different car manufacturers were displayed at the Concept Lawn, which were exceptionally classy.
BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé was one among the concept cars that were displayed at the event. It was originally shown at the 2013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in May in Cernobbio, Italy. The huge-sized Gran Lusso is designed by the famous Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina. But the company has not revealed if the concept will enter general production. If it does, the full-size coupe will compete with Mercedes' upcoming S-Class coupe.
Another compact SUV displayed at the car show was the Mercedes Benz Concept GLA. The car is set to debut at the Frankfurt (Germany) Auto Show in September. The company said it will be made available for United States buyers in mid 2014, which is likely to compete with the likes of Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Under the hood, the GLA will pack a 1.6- or 2.0-liter gasoline engine, and also a Diesel variant is likely to hit production.
Lamborghini brought a treat for both classic and future car lovers by displaying its oldest 350GTV alongside its newest $3.9 million supercar, the Veneno. Only three Veneno models have been built till date, all of which have been sold. The highly-priced 750-horsepower supercar stood proud next to the 350 GTV, which was originally displayed at the 1963 Turin Auto Show but could never make it to production.
"Lamborghini's presence at Pebble Beach will be the pinnacle of the brand's 50th anniversary celebrations in North America," Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A, said in a press release. "We're celebrating 100 years of innovation in half the time - what better way than by showing the first Lamborghini ever built alongside our latest racing prototype and road-going super sports car - the Veneno."
An amazing treat for car lovers was the Laraki Designs Epitome, which featured an exceptional sporty look. Although the details of the concept were not revealed, however it is rumored to have twin-turbocharged 7.0-liter V-8 engine and produces up to 1,100 horsepower. This is the third concept car released by Laraki Designs, a company best known for its custom yachts.
To add more to the event was the Acura NSX Concept. The car will be powered by a V6 engine with a seven speed manual transmission. Honda redesigned the NSX to offer focused driving with a newly developed cabin. The concept will hit production soon and is likely to go on sale in 2015.
Re-entering the luxury car market was the Lincoln. The Michigan-based car company displayed a new luxury compact crossover built on the same platform as Ford Escape. The new MKC may be the game-changer for Lincoln as its new concept will compete with leading brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, once it enters production and goes on sale. The company said it will start the sales of the new car in China next year.
Other renowned car making companies also displayed their concept cars at the event as it is the world's most prestigious car show, which attracts several rich car collectors. Aston Martin DB-9 Zagato Centennial, Icona Vulcano and the Hyundai HCD-14 Genesi were some of the finest concept collections that were seen at the Concept Lawn.
