The 2018 Monterey Car Week is behind us. It seems we have witnessed an astounding event that gave us more than enough novelties to appreciate. While classic cars did take the central stage, with some of the most astounding Duesenbergs, Ferraris and the like appearing in Monterey, I find it quite refreshing to see such a huge number of peculiar debuts taking place there. This is a list of 17 new car debuts at Monterey Car Week.

Bugatti Divo

Worth $5.8 million, the Bugatti Divo represents the next step in the world of hypercars. It is actually a heavily modified version of the Chiron intended for track use and ultimate fun in the corners. The Bugatti Divo gained a lighter body compared to the Chiron. Also, it has a more prominent central fin, completely overhauled looks front and back and it will only be produced in 40 units. The thing is that this 1,480 horsepower car is actually much faster around the track compared with the Chiron. At Nardo in Italy, the Divo lapped the track 8 seconds faster compared to the Chiron. Don’t hold your breath for it even if you do have those $5.8 million laying around. The Divo is sold out.

Read more details about the 2019 Bugatti Divo.

Audi PB 18 e-Tron

The Audi PB 18 e-Tron is a look into the future. It is a glimpse an all-electric Audi future that brings us one astoundingly incredible supercar - the PB 18 e-Tron - powered only by electricity. As a supercar concept, the PB 18 e-Tron showcases some cool ideas for cars. First of all, the PB 18 e-Tron is an electric car with three electric motors, liquid cool solid batteries with 95 kWh capacity, a Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and a power output of 670 horsepower. While strange looking, the PB 18 e-Tron can do wonderful feats worthy of a supercar and more astounding than what can one expects of the fastest R8. The thing will surge to 62 mph in about 2 seconds for goodness sake. That definitely has something to do with an overboost function. It will release the fury of 764 horsepower for some time.

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi PB 18 e-Tron.

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider

As another type of the 488 lineage, the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider seems to be an extreme representation of topless driving. As learned before, the 488 Pista is a sort of a hardcore 488 for which many reported that it represents the best Ferrari can offer. While its Spider version did get much the same tricks as the coupe, the thing is that the folding hardtop makes you more open to the rumble of the 3.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 that now develops 711 horsepower. Performance figures are brutal - 0-62 mph in 2.85 seconds, 0-124 mph in 8 seconds, and a top speed of 211 mph. That's really close to what the coupe can offer. Interestingly enough, choose all the lighter pieces, and the 488 Pista Spider should actually be lighter compared to the 488 Pista Coupe.

Read more details about the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider.

2019 BMW Z4

I have been waiting for this car for what seems like ages, and with its debut at Monterey Car Week, I can only say that I am satisfied with its looks. The Z4 is an entry-level premium sports car in a way. It may be considered topless gear for the fashion conscious, but this latest generation apparently offers much more than that - including a proper sports character. With its chassis shared with the upcoming Supra, the Z4 is a stiffer, harder, refined sports car motivated by a 3.0-liter inline six with Twin Power Turbo technology and 335 horsepower. At least for a start. Going forward, the car will be offered with additional engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Go fast bits include an electronically controlled M Sport differential, a paddle shift gearbox, 50:50 weight distribution, and RWD. This setup is good enough for 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a 155-mph top speed.

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW Z4.

2019 Acura NSX

We simply did not see enough love for the latest Acura NSX. Acura didn’t see it either, so the company decided to give the supercar a mid-cycle refresh. This isn’t something one would expect of a car of this stature, but there you have it. The redesign brought some important changes - including chassis improvements for better dynamic and cornering capabilities by means of “increasing stiffness by 26 percent in front, 19 percent at the rear”. This is something many who drove the NSX criticized. Apart from that, subtle exterior tweaks gave the car a somewhat more graceful aesthetic with sexier lines that denote its prestige pedigree.

While the propulsion system remained the same, Acura did, in fact, reprogram the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, and updated the suspension dampers, electric power steering, and VSA settings. All in the name of better cornering grip.

Read more details about the 2019 Acura NSX.

Hennessey Venom F5

Making a car good enough for a 300-mph top speed run is hard. But Hennessey found a way to do it by developing a whole new car known as the Venom F5. Although some did have doubts about it, Hennessey revealed the Venom F5 at Monterey Car Week. The highlight was an all-new engine - the most powerful production engine in history. Developed in conjunction with Shell and Pennzoil, the new 7.6-liter, twin-turbocharged engine develops 1,600 horsepower and incredible 1,300 pound-feet of torque. That’s a lot.

"We're feeling confident in our quest to set new records in 2019," said John Hennessey at the debut. So, yes, we’ll have a 300 mph run in 2019. What time we live in!

Read our full review on the 2019 Hennessey Venom F5.

Infiniti Prototype 10

The Infinity Prototype 9 was, for me at least, the most astoundingly looking concept car of the past decade. The Prototype 10 follows in the same footsteps, but instead of going all the way back to the Thirties, this one gives us a glimpse of the Fifties. Designed under the watching eye of Karim Habib, Infiniti's new Executive Design Director, the Prototype 10 takes inspiration from some of the most alluring racers in history. I can even see some Mercedes SLR 722 hints on it. Can’t you? And yes, it’s electric.

“The Infiniti Prototype 10 echoes the layout and design of some of the most evocative car designs of all time, where power was celebrated through high-powered single-seat competition cars,” Karim Habib, Executive Design Director for Infiniti, explains in a statement. “Our new concept speaks of an electrified future, something which is reflected in its form and details. It is appropriate that we found inspiration in an optimistic bygone era in which cars were characterized by the simple love of driving.”

Read our full review on the 2018 Infiniti Prototype 10.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

As the fastest car that ever hit the Nurburgring, the raging bull from St Agata takes a new approach to aerodynamics that makes the most of the latest Lamborghini ALA 2.0 system furtherly developed from the likes of the Huracan Performante. But the gentle wind management is only one prospect by which Lamborghini approached taking down the Green Hell lap record. The suspension is all tweaked, the throttle response quickened, as is the steering, and the brakes. As the final touch, the $520,000 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ took the 6.5-liter V-12 from the Centenario with all of its 759 horsepower. It is the most brutal interpretation of the Lamborghini mindset.

Read our full review on the 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Polestar 1 North American Debut

It is still a mystery. I mean Polestar made a cool looking coupe with 600+ horsepower and showcased it all over the world, but the alluring, mysterious nature of the new Swedish beast is ever more apparent despite the numerous presentations all over the world. What is this? Why does it exist? Is this a halo car or an AMG S63 competitor?

I think that the answers aren’t even as important as the secrecy surrounding the Polestar 1, and that is what makes it that appealing and inviting.

The “Electric Performance Hybrid,” as Volvo calls it, sports two electric motors in the back, one 39 horsepower electric motor in the starter and a 338 horsepower 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder. All good for 0-62 mph time in less than 4 seconds. With a poise of a winner of course.

Read our full review on the

SSC Tuatara

Just when you thought that the Hennessey Venom F5 took the crown of the most powerful car at Monterey Car week, SSC brought the SSC Tuatara - a car powered by an engine good for 1,750 horsepower. All that power comes from a flat-plane crank, 5.9-liter, supercharged, V-8. All 1,750 horsepower are actually available on tap with the 85E gas. On 91 octane, it will run up to 1,350 horsepower.

I hope they will produce it, all with a carbon fiber body. And I really hope it will work with all of its power. 1.3 megawatts of it. It says so on the engine.

Read our full review on the 2019 SSC Tuatara.

Jaguar E-Type Zero

This is a unique proposition among car manufacturers - an original, manufacturer-restored Jaguar E-Type with a freaking electric drivetrain instead of the original engine inside. Jaguar Classic Works is uniquely equipped for the process of restoration or manufacturing classic cars from its history. Last year they revealed a concept E-type Zero, and now they actually offered it for sale. The car is made with the same specs as before; however, instead of the engine, one will find batteries big enough for 170 miles of range in it.

Read our full review on the Jaguar E-Type Zero.

Ford GT Heritage Edition

“The 1968 GT40 quickly became a global sensation after beating its European competitors on the track four times in a row, and in honor of the 50th anniversary of its win, we’re paying fresh tribute to the original with a new heritage limited edition," Joe Hinrichs, Ford President of Global Operations, said about the latest Heritage Editions.

If you have heard of those Ford Le Mans wins with the GT40 from the Sixties, it is possible that the Ford GT Heritage Edition finish will be more than familiar. Ford revealed the car with the Gulf livery at the Monterey Car week celebrating the ‘68 win. Carbon fiber pieces, 20-inch wheels, orange brake calipers and more, complement the exterior look of the hommage car.

Brabham BT62

After tearing down the hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last month, the Brabham BT62 appeared at Monterey Car Week. If you are still unsure WTF this is, then let me tell you that at $1.2 million, the Brabham BT62 fights its trackways with the likes of the McLaren Senna GTR. Obviously, it is a massively powerful machine with a 5.4-liter, naturally-aspirated, V-8 that develops 700 horsepower. 2,143 lbs of weight and that much power make for a car that shadows the Senna which can do 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and achieve 211 mph. Brabham will create only 70 cars though.

Read our full review on the 2018 Brabham BT62.

Lexus LC500 Inspiration Series

Lexus appeared at the 67th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance revealing two new concept cars - the LC Inspiration Series Concept and the UX 250h Concept. While neither brought anything evolutionary, the concepts were rather appealing in their own right.

The LC Inspiration Series Concept finished in Flare Yellow with 21-inch alloys and with a 5.0-liter, 471 horsepower, V-8 engine, it seems credible enough. The UX 250h Concept, on the other hand, features a set of additions:

- NIA Auto Design ABS Lip Kit

- Vossen VFS-1 wheels and Nitto Invo tires

- Apexi N1 EXV Damper Suspension

- Apexi N1-X Full Catback Exhaust System

- Inno Base Rack System with slim fork lock bike system

- Apart from that, this Lexus by Clark Ishihara of VIP Auto Salon features a cool rack on the roof with a unique bicycle.

Read our full review on the 2018 Lexus LC500 Inspiration Series.

Rimac C_Two Californian Blue

Monterey Car Week hosted an astonishing blue Rimac C_Two. With its West Coast launch, the Rimac C_Two features a new wheel design and that striking blue hue. It seems that the Croatians went for a luxurious aura on this one, though. It does have two 6-liter champagne bottles and crystal flutes. All in the name of celebrating “the elegance and vibrant atmosphere of the Monterey Car Week events.”

Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow

"Over 80 years ago, the historic Silver Arrows demonstrated that Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer when it came to speed, thanks, among other things, to their streamlined shape," said Daimler Design Boss Gorden Wagener. "The EQ Silver Arrow show car draws on that legacy.”

This astounding concept car evokes the passion of driving pleasure and gives a unique luxurious aura that may translate into future Mercedes products. Especially from the EQ line of cars. The single-seater is powered by a 738 horsepower motor making it really, really fast. Considering it tips the scales at 1,653 lbs, the EQ Silver Arrow is, well, there isn’t a better word for it, plainly mad.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow.

Porsche 911 Project Gold

Apart from that cool E-Type, the Porsche 911 Project Gold is a restomod to be excited about. The car celebrates the 70th anniversary of the company. Porsche built this gorgeous one-off, and it looks strangely similar to the Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series. The Project Gold name is self-explanatory. Just look at the 911 finish. Porsche even built an all-new 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged, flat-six with 450 horsepower to power it. It is the engine of the 993 Turbo S. Apart from celebrating the anniversary; the car is built for charitable purposes. Can’t even imagine how costly will it be.

Conclusion

Some time ago I did say that Auto shows, on a large scale (like the ones in Detroit, New York or Paris), are actually losing their ground against smaller, better focused and more exclusive shows like Monterey Car Week. Not only did we see a number of exceptional classics and new car debuts, but manufacturers at Monterey Car Week actually revealed their vision of future, showcased technology never seen before, and painted a clear picture of progress and evolution. This is something we could only witness at an Auto Show. Now, we are seeing all the glory of the automotive industry at luxury car displays such as the Monterey. While the Goodwood Festival of Speed truly was an unprecedented celebration of cars and the auto industry, Monterey Car Week 2018 had its own prerequisites to offer.