Monterey 2009: Not Just the Classics

| пятница, 21 августа 2009 г.

Aston Martin One-77

Aston Martin One-77

I have a certain appreciation for classic cars. But it’s the designs and technology of today that really get me excited.

The fact that the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance had its share of new-car debuts mixed in with the classics was great news for people like me. Even better were the kinds of cars that bowed down in California this weekend: A $500,000 American supercar, a Japanese sport sedan, an exclusive Spyder, and an all-new Bentley are among the favorites.

If you’re in the market for an ultra-exclusive supercar, you typically look to Europe and search the offerings from Italy, Britain, and Germany. But if you want to buy domestic, now you have a real option in the 2010 Devon GTX. This American-made work of art will cost you a half-million dollars, but provides a carbon-fiber body, an 8.4-liter V10 engine, and 650 hp. Get in line now, because only 36 will get built per year!

2010 Devon GTX

2010 Devon GTX

Even the Dutch came to play in California, as Spyker unveiled the C8 Aileron Spyder, a convertible masterpiece with an Audi 4.2-liter, 400-hp engine. Check it out:

spyker-c8-aileron-spyder

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

Dropping down the exclusivity scale a few notches, Infiniti showed off its new M sedan, which thankfully took styling cues from the absolutely stunning Essence concept. While the “wow” factor of the Essence didn’t translate fully into the sedan, it still looks like the car can beat BMW and Mercedes, at least in the design department.

2011 Infiniti M

2011 Infiniti M

And then came Bentley… waiting until the last day of the concours to unveil the all-new Mulsanne. I know a lot of people out there love Bentley, but seriously, I still maintain that it’s the least-attractive member of the ultra-car club. While the headlight placement on the Mulsanne is a definite improvement, it still has a most unfortunate Chrysler-like grille. The rest of the car looks like a droopy hearse. If I were developing a TV show based around an ugly-but-likable car, I’d call it “Ugly Bentley.”

I'll pass, thanks

I'll pass, thanks

If I’m dropping enough money to buy a (really) nice house, I’m opting for something more along the lines of the Aston Martin One-77, pictured at the top of this story. Now THAT is classy!

Which of these cars would you want to grace your driveway?

-tgriffith





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