(August 19, 2011) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- The back drop of the Pacific; the fascination for the automobile, old and new; people packed in like the sardines that made Monterey famous and you have a picture of what is taking place this week surrounding America’s most famous Concours d’Elegance.

Lexus took the opportunity to introduce the 2013 GS 350 sport sedan. The new sedan which will go on sale in early 2012 will be offered only as a V6 or V6 hybrid. GS is built on a new platform with a wider track. Although built on the same wheelbase as the previous version the new sedan is longer, taller and wider. The V6 matched to a six-speed sequential shift transmission is a carryover from the previous generation. The GS comes in an all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive versions. The hybrid will be shown in Frankfurt and the V6 is expected to make its auto show debut in Los Angeles. A tricked out F-Sport model will be unveiled at the SEMA show in Las Vegas in early November prior to the LA show.

Infiniti adds to its collection of SUV’s with the JX crossover concept vehicle. The modern seven passenger vehicle will debut in the spring of 2012. It marks the upscale brand’s entry into the three-row crossover segment. It is expected to become the volume leader as it goes up against brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac, Audi and Acura. The combined sales total for the EX, FX and Q56 is about 15,700 vehicles (YTD thru July); giving the JX a strong shot at leadership inside Infiniti and an opportunity in the market in general. The front drive JX will be built in Smyrna, Tenn., not far from Infiniti’s headquarters in Nashville. JX will feature a V6 matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The JX can offer adult-sized legroom in the third row as the second row can be slid forward. The JX will also feature Infiniti’s Personal Assistant telematics system which is akin to a concierge-like service. The call center has the ability to download directions to the vehicles navigation system.

Lotus introduced its 2011Evora GTE Road Car concept, a civilian version of the Evora GTE race car. The concept strongly points at a production version according to Lotus. The road car will feature a race-bred 420-horsepower engine matched to a sequential shift AMT racing gearbox. The Evora is dressed with ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels outfitted with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires.

Cadillac in homage to the Eldorado will introduce its four-place all-wheel drive Ciel (say C-L)that some say is a hint at a possible flagship sometime in the not to distant future that can challenge the likes of the BMW 7series, the Audi A8 and Mercedes’ S-Class. According to Clay Dean, the global design director for Cadillac the Ciel’s architecture in all new and that the luxury car division of GM is working on vehicles of the size and type expressed in the concept car. The concept is powered by a twin-turbo 3.6 liter directed injection V6 paired will lithium-ion battery operated electric hybrid system. The Ciel that translates to sky from the French was developed at GM Design’s North Hollywood, California Advanced Design Concept Studio.

Lincoln here is offering up a real touch of nostalgia with the completely renovated 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster that was owned by Edsel Ford. The Speedster’s extensive restoration by award-winning RM Auto Restoration in Ontario, Canada, reveals the stunning, custom made “one off” as it originally looked in 1940 after its final redesign by Edsel and designer E. T. Gregorie.  The revelations uncovered during a year-long restoration have resolved many long-held assumptions about the illustrious vehicle’s journey over time. But more than a story of restoration, the vehicle provides a glimpse into the early years of Edsel Ford’s design and automotive styling as President of Ford Motor Company and its luxury Lincoln line. The boat tail Speedster celebrates Edsel’s eye for design that began when he was a small boy. Edsel Ford II said that his grandfather believed that everyday objects – including automobiles – could be seen as works of art. “While he wasn't a designer in the traditional sense, his eye for styling and influence was apparent as he initiated and built the design department at Ford Motor Company.” Today the car is part of the collection of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House.
  

BMW pays tribute to the venerable 328 on its 75^th anniversary with the 328 Hommage. Noted for its lightweight design and a powerful inline six-cylinder engine the 328 Hommage uses ultra-light carbon fiber reinforced plastic both for the exterior and interior of the concept vehicle. The unique material in this case in visible to the eye. Powering the concept is BMW’s most powerful modern inline 6.