The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance celebrated its 75th anniversary during the 2025 Monterey Car Week. During the past several years a curious transformation has occurred.

As automakers back away from participation in the traditional global auto show circuit, Monterey Auto Week has become an alternative venue to debut new vehicles. Attending the show is not a trivial event from a financial standpoint. The high-end demographics of attendees create an ideal opportunity to showcase automakers latest star vehicles.

This year was no different, with an intriguing mix of production and concept supercars and SUVs.

FORD BRONCO ROADSTER CONCEPT

One of the few non-luxury brands to debut a vehicle in Monterey, Ford celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Bronco with a retro-inspired, two-seat roadster concept. The original Bronco included a similar variant intended as an off-road alternative to the Mustang. The Bronco concept has no roll cage, no doors, no rear seats, modified bumpers and slick low-back silver leather bucket seats inside the otherwise stock interior.

WHY IT MATTERS: 

Ford successfully relaunched the Bronco four years ago as an alternative to the legendary Wrangler. Although its sales still lag the Jeep, it’s become a high-volume and iconic brand for Ford (and spawned a more affordable Bronco Sport sibling). Though Ford won’t build the concept, it could inspire third-party firms to develop the parts allowing Bronco owners to create their own roadsters.

ACURA RSX

Acura famously utilized the RSX badge on a sport compact car from 2002-2006. It’s now applying the RSX badge to an all-electric crossover SUV. Acura showed off the exterior design of the production vehicle due in about a year. It retains the coupe-like profile of 2024’s mode performance EV concept, with smaller (21” wheels). Under the skin, the RSX will use Asimo OS, Honda’s new intelligent operating system.

WHY IT MATTERS: 

Acura’s first internally developed EV (alongside the GM-based ZDX) appears to be the first entry off Honda’s new 0 Series platform, which was previewed with a sleek sedan and a boxy SUV at this year’s CES. It’s expected to be an 800V architecture — to compete with the new BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC EQ — and offer V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability. Shortly after the RSX’s debut, Acura also confirmed the planned all-electric vision has been set aside in favor of adding EVs and hybrids to the portfolio. Expect more news on hybrids.

INFINITI QX65 MONOGRAPH

While Infiniti has labeled the QX65 Momograph a concept, the SUV coupe is about ready for launch later this year as a new entry in Infiniti’s shrinking portfolio. Based on the front-wheel-drive QX60, the QX65 targets the Mercedes GLE Coupe, BMW X6 and Genesis GV80 coupe. It’s a spiritual successor to the FX SUV coupe launched in 2003, but lacks the dramatic proportions. A 268 horsepwer 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo L4 is expected to be the sole engine.

WHY IT MATTERS: 

The Q50 sedan is already dead, and the QX50 and QX55 SUVs will disappear late in 2025. For all of Nissan’s discussions regarding their long-term vision, Infiniti is noticeably absent. Sadly, the QX65 doesn’t appear to be a high-volume entry, but it’s better than having an empty showroom. The unimpressive powertrain and the lack of any electrification put it at a disadvantage compared to almost every competitor in the segment.

CADILLAC ELEVATED VELOCITY CONCEPT

The follow-up to last year’s Opulent Velocity sports car concept is also performance-oriented, but rides higher as a gullwing four-passenger electric crossover. It features 24-inch wheels, bold cladding and Mondrian graphics in the glass. The Morello Red Nappa leather interior features a steering-yoke-mounted display and a second crystal-inspired display on the center console. Putting the vehicle into “Elevate” mode retracts the steering wheel and pedals. A unique Sand Vision system will provide drivers with improved visibility during a sandstorm.

WHY IT MATTERS: 

Cadillac’s Escalade has been around for nearly three decades but has never hinted at an off-road-capable vehicle before the Velocity concept, even as Audi and BMW are rumored to be entering this space. With Cadillac’s new EV portfolio generating sales increases over last year, it’s apparently looking at other opportunities to broaden appeal. While the concept is far from production, some of the design elements may be under consideration.

MEYERS MANX LFG

The company that launched a Beetle-based dune buggy rebooted itself three years ago with the fully electric Manx 2.0 EV. Now, it has unveiled a carbon-bodied, gullwing-doored, internal combustion “off-road performance machine.” The all-wheel-drive two-seater uses a 4.0-liter flat-six engine from Porsche tuner Tuthill, connected to a six-speed sequential gearbox. There are also adjustable dampers and hydraulic bump stops to support off-road performance. And, if you are not up on your pop-culture slang, LFG stands for “let’s f***ing go.” 

WHY IT MATTERS: 

With legacy brands adding more off-road capable models— even as trim levels on suburban-oriented crossovers— Meyers is tapping into increased interest in this sort of recreational driving. The Manx LFG also offers an alternative to high-riding sports cars like the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE CX CONCEPT

Following concepts developed in California and the UK in 2025, Chevrolet debuted the third and final Corvette concept in Monterey from its Michigan studios (with a track-focused CX).

The CX is a 2,000 horsepower, all-wheel-drive electric supercar that sits only 41 inches tall. Built-in fans pull air in to generate downforce and manage airflow over the rear diffuser. A jet- inspired canopy flips forward for entry and exit. The steering wheel includes an integrated display, augmented by a sizable head-up display.

WHY IT MATTERS: 

Unlike the two previous concepts, Chevrolet designed the CX to “serve as an inspiration to inform Corvette design language” suggesting we might see some elements of the car in the upcoming 9th (or 10th ) generation Vettes. (Remember GM previously indicated plans for its light-duty fleet to be EV by 2035?) If that promise remains, the 10th  generation Corvette might be electric-only.

LEXUS SPORT CONCEPT

Following up on the Electrified Sport concept from 2021 and the Toyota GT concept that drove up the hill at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed in June, the Lexus Sport concept is said to preview as successor to the LFA supercar. Lexus was light on the technical details or interior photos, but the roof features four cooling fans. The production launch could be as early as late 2026, but sources are divided on what will power the new supercar. Some suggest a 4.0-liter V8 hybrid; others say it will be electric. Some believe both options are on the table.

WHY IT MATTERS: 

Lexus is by far the most successful of the three Japanese luxury brands and aspires to play in the same space as BMW, Audi and Mercedes. It helps to have a halo vehicle to showcase your engineering prowess, and this new entry—potentially badged LFR—could accomplish that for Lexus.

LAMBORGHINI FENOMENO AND BUGATTI BROUILLARD

Now boasting a fully electrified lineup, Lamborghini has unveiled its first electrified “few-off” — an ultra-low-production hypercar following in the footsteps of the Centenario, Reventon and Veneno. The $3.5 million Fenomeno is a rebodied Revuelto with a largely carryover interior and tuned V12. The new design features a vented hood, carbon fiber engine cover and centrally placed exhaust pipes. Only 29 buyers will be able to purchase one.

In contrast, the Bugatti Brouillard makes the Fenomeno seem as common as a Camry; Bugatti will build only one Brouillard as part of its new Solitaire program. As the name suggests, the program will create one-of-one masterpieces based on existing Bugatti chassis and powertrains. Leveraging the outgoing Bugatti Mistral, the Brouillard is named for Ettore, Bugatti’s favorite horse. Like the Fenomeno, the bodywork is new, including two roof-mounted, matte black, milled aluminum air intakes. The interior is largely a carryover. The equine theme is evident in the horsehair upholstery and handcrafted sculpture of a horse’s head inserted in the gear shifter.

WHY IT MATTERS: 

Ferrari and Bentley have noted bespoke divisions contribute significantly to profits, and these vehicles take the idea of customization and exclusivity a step further for the wealthy and discerning client. These vehicles are opportunities to create collectibles and leverage their heritage in the face of increasing competition.

It doesn’t seem like the “good old-fashioned” auto show is returning any time soon. So we can all be thankful for new alternative venues like Monterey Car Week to let automakers show off their best and brightest.

_{Cover photo courtesy Pebble Beach Company}