Monterey Car Week: The Ultimate Showcase of Automotive Excellence
Monterey Car Week, held in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula in Northern California, is a week-long celebration of automotive excellence that attracts car enthusiasts, car collectors, and luxury lifestyle aficionados from around the world. This prestigious event showcases the fusion of luxury, innovation, and heritage in the auto industry and offers a wide range of exhibits, fireside chats, and posh parties. Monterey Car Week has become the epicenter of automobiles and a playground for the auto industry elite.
Growing up in Pebble Beach and now residing in Carmel, Monterey Car Week has been an integral part of my upbringing. As a child, I was fascinated by automobiles and attended Car Week events with my parents. Over the years, I witnessed the event grow and expand beyond the gates of Pebble Beach, into surrounding towns and cities. From the VIP experience at the Lexus Vogue Fashion Show to exclusive soirees at The Beach & Tennis Club hosted by Jaguar Land Rover, I have seen Monterey Car Week evolve into the “It Place” for car enthusiasts and luxury lifestyle events.
For the past decade, I have been covering Car Week events and have had the opportunity to delve into the workings of the auto industry. Despite not being an expert on torque and tension or having a background in automotive journalism, I have a great affinity for automobiles, especially luxury cars, supercars, and hypercars. I am intrigued by their beauty, technological advancements, and their ability to transport us in style and speed. Throughout the next few weeks, I will be sharing in-depth interviews, illuminating experiences, and heartwarming moments with notable people in the industry, car collectors, and other interesting individuals I have met on this journey.
During Monterey Car Week 2023, I had the privilege of attending various events, experiencing exclusive interviews, and joining in the celebrations. The week kicked off with Motorlux by Hagerty, a glamorous event held at the Monterey Jet Center. This sold-out party provided attendees with a preview of extraordinary spectacles, including rare automobiles, jets, and helicopters, along with food-tasting stations, top-shelf bars, and wine tastings.
One of the highlights of Car Week was the INFINITI Press Conference and breakfast at Pebble Beach Resorts. INFINITI unveiled its bold and sophisticated QX Monograph Concept Car against the backdrop of the Pacific coastline and Pebble Beach Golf Links. This special presentation highlighted the future of automotive design for the brand, with a focus on innovative details such as the double-arched grill, a new three-dimensional emblem, and a unique lighting system.
Another notable event was the private unveiling of the Acura NSX Type S All-Electric SUV at the Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Club. This revolutionary vehicle represents Acura’s commitment to cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and exhilarating performance. It marks the beginning of production for the SUV that was showcased as a concept car last year.
I also had the opportunity to visit the Range Rover House Carmel, set in a private estate in Carmel Highlands. This exclusive refuge provided guests with a glimpse of the 2024 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition, an extremely limited production SUV with a starting price of $370,000. The Range Rover brand showcased its dedication to luxury, performance, and built-in amenities, including wellness-enhancing technology and built-in massagers in the seats.
One of the highlights of the week was The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering, held at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel. This highly esteemed event featured a wide range of unique automobiles, including classic cars, supercars, and hypercars. I had the privilege of engaging in in-depth discussions with leaders in the automotive industry while enjoying gourmet dishes inspired by global flavors.
Monterey Car Week is a celebration of the automotive industry’s excellence and offers a unique glimpse into the future of automotive design, technology, and performance. It brings together car enthusiasts, collectors, and industry leaders from around the world in a week-long extravaganza of luxury and innovation. Throughout the next few weeks, I will be sharing more insights, interviews, and experiences from this remarkable event. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of the key people and brands that are shaping the auto industry and fueling our passion for cars.