Automakers See Marketing Value In Monterey Car Week

• by Tanya Gazdik , August 18, 2024

Monterey Car Week continues to be a popular event for new vehicle introductions and other marketing activations. 

Acura debuted the Integra Type S HRC prototype at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering on Friday. The vehicle from Honda’s luxury brand applies advanced aerodynamics, engine and suspension components fine-tuned on racetrack with the Integra Type S TCX racecar.

Definitely not intended for a run-of-the-mill consumer, the rear seat has been replaced with a carbon shelf engineered to provide hardcore driving enthusiasts with secure track-day transport of four mounted wheels and tires.

Cadillac also used the event at The Quail to unveil the Opulent Velocity concept vehicle, which the company says represents the future vision of electric performance for Cadillac V-Series.

Calling it an “experience-based design study,” the General Motors luxury brand says the vehicle incorporates the company’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. 

Also at the Quail, Maserati unveiled the GT2 Stradale, which is calls “an ode to the most extraordinary and exclusive sportiness.” The car combines the best of the brand's racing and mass production, according to the automaker. 

Maserati hasn't revealed the price for the new car, but its will likely land somewhere between the MC20's $242,995 starting price and the $522,000 required for a track-day version of the GT2, according to Car and Driver. 

Ford Motor Co.’s Lincoln division held a private party Thursday night at a mansion in Carmel, California to unveil the new Lincoln Nautilus. The vehicle was driven out of a garage at the mansion with Lincoln Ambassador Serena Williams in the passenger seat. Williams joined Lincoln President Dianne Craig on stage for photos with the brand’s flagship three-row SUV. 

Meanwhile, Porsche showed off e 50th anniversary version of the 911 Turbo The interior and exterior of the car adopt design touches from historic 911 Turbo models. Porsche is limiting the 911 Turbo 50 Years, based on the current 2025 911 Turbo S (992.1), to 1,974 units globally, paying tribute to the year the 911 Turbo was first shown.

It is available to order and has an MSRP of $261,100 plus $1,995 for delivery and handling. It is expected to reach U.S. Porsche Centers late in 2024.

BMW used Monterey Car Week to introduce the first M5 Touring ever offered in the United States. The high-performance model offers a new level of utility (up to 57.6 cubic feet of luggage space) to go with the race-bred performance. It can go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

The global market launch of the M5 Touring begins in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the automaker. It will have an MSRP of $121,500 plus $1,175 destination and handling.

Range Rover debuted the SV Carmel Edition in front of select guests at Range Rover House. The vebicle is an ultra-exclusive model curated by SV Bespoke. The exclusive edition, which is limited to 17 units, is inspired by the lush greenery and ocean cliffs surrounding Carmel, California, and features a Bespoke Satin Green exterior, complementing a sumptuously soft Sequoia Green and Perlino Leather interior with contrast stitching and intricate embroidery.

Polestar displayed the brand’s Concept BST on the Concept Lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday.

Unveiled recently at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Concept BST makes its North American debut finished in classic motorsport silver with racing-livery inspired graphics. 

Infiniti and MotorTrend Group brought the Japanese Automotive Invitational back for its fifth year, with a showcase of vehicles celebrating the significant impact that Japanese automotive culture and design has had on America.