Monterey Car Week, held annually in California, is where the biggest manufacturers, collectors and fans of performance and classic cars congregate. This year has seen plenty of new cars being shown off, ranging from a performance estate to restomods of automotive icons. Without further ado, here are the latest and greatest cars on show at the 2024 Monterey Car Week.
Lamborghini Temerario
Perhaps the most anticipated car of the week, the Temerario is the Huracan successor – although the V10 is gone, and it completes the Lamborghini hybrid trilogy. With a 907 horsepower twin-turbo V8 hybrid system, the new junior Lambo accelerates to 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of over 210 mph.
The design is classic Lamborghini, with a low, aggressive stance, air intakes galore and hexagons dotted around. Inside, it’s similar to the Revuelto and is designed to be easy for the driver. The Alleggerita pack saves 25 kg and is unusually available from launch. The Temerario also has up to 158% more rear downforce than the Huracan Evo, while the chassis is also stiffer than its predecessor’s.
Maserati GT2 Stradale
Think GT2 car for the roads. It takes the MC20 and turns it up a notch, with 10 extra horsepower (taking the total to 640), 60 kg less weight and a 0-62 mph time of just 2.8 seconds. Maserati promises an incredible driving experience – without sacrificing comfort and usability when it’s required.
Almost everything can be had in carbon fibre, while the interior screams lightweight race car. It’s seemingly far from the MC20 and everything else road-going Maserati makes, but there’s no doubt their supercar has sparked a performance revival.
BMW M5 Touring
It’s finally returned. But not in the way many hoped. The headline figures of 727hp and 1000Nm of torque sound great, but the new Touring tips the scales at 2,550 kg. A 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds is still impressive then, but the weight may kill some enjoyment. A more rigid chassis and plenty of performance parts will help soften the blow.
The design is bold, something alarmingly common in modern BMWs, while the interior is modern and minimalist. Practicality is excellent, with up to 1,530 litres of space in the back (with the rear seats folded). Priced from £112,500 before the long options list.
355 by Evoluto
Evoluto brought the 90s cool factor to California with their recently released F355 restomod. Designed by the legendary Ian Callum, it’s more aggressive than the original, while the pop-up headlights now feature LEDs. The interior is retro, yet driver-focused and Evoluto promises endless customisation options, although only 55 will be made.
Power is upped to 420hp, while the 6-speed gearbox has been made more tactile. The chassis has been through carbon fusing, resulting in an increase of 23% in torsional stiffness. With a target weight of just 1,250 kg and 21st-century reliability, Evoluto’s F355 may well be the best version of the iconic supercar.
Pininfarina Battista Targamerica
Thought Pininfarina no longer did coachbuilding? Think again. Admittedly the Targamerica is a one-off, but it’s a return to their roots for the Italian brand. Commissioned by a collector and owner of a Battista, it’s truly bespoke – with details like a cigar holder.
Finished in Argento Liquido Gloss, with Iconica Blu Gloss accents, it really is a work of art. Inside, the seats are wrapped in tan leather and a matching bespoke luggage set has been ordered. Performance is still mind-boggling, with 1,900hp and a 0-62 mph time of under 2 seconds.
Rimac Nevera R
Without a doubt the fastest car at this year’s Monterey Car Week. Power is increased to 2,107hp, although it’s not solely focused on straight-line speed. The rear wing and new aero package increase downforce by 15% and aerodynamic efficiency by 10%. Grippier tyres improve cornering. The performance figures are still out of this world, with a 0-60 mph time of just 1.74 seconds and 0-186 mph is faster than the ‘standard’ Nevera at 8.66 seconds.
Inside and out, there are more design choices – particularly inside. Only 40 examples of the bewitching hypercar will ever be made.
Mercedes-Maybach SL680
A Maybach sports car probably wasn’t on many people’s Monterey Car Week bingo card, but the SL680 is exactly that. The Monogram Series two-seaters come in two versions: Red Ambience and White Ambience. As always with Maybach, the design is Marmite but the option of a bonnet with the brand’s logo incorporated in it takes painstaking skill. Chrome is present in droves as usual.
Inside, crystal white nappa leather adorns the seats (and most other surfaces) and is contrasted by more obligatory chrome. Despite the 585hp biturbo V8, smooth and quiet driving seems to be the aim of the game, so there’s extra noise insulation and supple suspension.
Eccentrica V12
Another restomodded supercar icon, but this time the donor car comes from the other legendary Italian brand, Lamborghini. The Eccentrica V12 ups the iconic engine’s power to 550hp, taking the top speed to a mighty impressive 208 mph. The 6-speed gearbox is new and custom-made, while the chassis is strengthened, and active suspension is added. Brembo brakes are featured, as are Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres.
The interior balances the past and present, with a retro ambience paired with a digital infotainment system and a rear camera integrated into the rearview mirror. Yet again, production will be limited, in this case to 19, with each car promised to be unique – there’s a common theme here.
