From Track to Street: McLaren Celebrates Racing Legacy in Monterey

The future of speed meets a legacy of triumph as McLaren unleashes three extraordinary machines at Exotics on Broadway.

This August, McLaren is set to ignite the spotlight at Monterey Car Week with a trio of stunning machines that embody both its future-forward performance and legendary racing heritage. Leading the charge is the McLaren W1, making its highly anticipated public debut in the Americas at Exotics on Broadway on Saturday, August 16. It will be joined by the 750S Le Mans — a striking tribute to McLaren’s 1995 Le Mans victory — and the first glimpse of a one-of-a-kind Artura Spider wrapped for the launch of the coast-to-coast States of Endurance campaign.

The star of the show is, without question, the McLaren W1 — the spiritual successor to the legendary F1 and the groundbreaking P1. Unveiled globally in late 2024, this is the W1’s first public appearance on American soil, and it’s poised to leave a lasting impression.

Armed with a jaw-dropping 1,258 bhp hybrid V8 powertrain, the W1 is officially the most powerful road car McLaren has ever built. But it’s not just about numbers — this beast is faster to 186 mph than the Speedtail and laps McLaren’s reference track a full three seconds faster than the Senna. Those kinds of stats aren’t just impressive — they’re historic.

“The W1 is a very special supercar, tied to McLaren’s World Championship mindset in Formula 1,” said Nicolas Brown, President of McLaren, The Americas. “We’re thrilled to take it to ‘Exotics on Broadway,’ where fans can see it up close for the very first time.”

Also making its American debut is the McLaren 750S Le Mans, a limited-edition coupe celebrating the 30th anniversary of McLaren’s stunning 1995 win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans — a feat achieved on the team’s very first attempt.

This commemorative supercar wears its racing history proudly with a choice of Le Mans Grey or McLaren Orange paint, a functional roof scoop, distinctive LM-style 5-spoke wheels, and exclusive MSO styling upgrades. The High Downforce Kit (HDK) turns up the aggression with a dramatically reworked carbon fiber splitter and an Active Rear Spoiler, increasing downforce by 10% compared to the standard 750S. It’s a visceral nod to the legendary F1 LM, made for the modern road and track.

Completing McLaren’s showcase is the launch of States of Endurance, a bold new campaign that celebrates the same Le Mans anniversary — this time, by hitting the open road.

The initiative will see a McLaren Artura Spider and two 750S supercars travel from Monterey to Miami, tracing a route that spans the same distance as the grueling 24-hour race — but over real American highways. Each car is wrapped in custom livery representing different phases of a Le Mans day: daylight, dusk, and night.

The Artura Spider on display at Exotics on Broadway features a unique wrap inspired by the brightness and intensity of daytime racing — a fitting visual metaphor for endurance, precision, and performance.

All three vehicles — the W1, 750S Le Mans, and States of Endurance Artura Spider — will be on full display Saturday, August 16, at Exotics on Broadway in Seaside, CA. This free-to-attend event is a centerpiece of Monterey Car Week, drawing tens of thousands of car enthusiasts from around the globe.

Whether you’re a diehard McLaren fan, a supercar aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the intersection of art and engineering, this is a rare chance to see the future — and the legacy — of McLaren in one thrilling lineup.

For more information, visit McLaren.com

Three Cars. Three Worlds. One Bold Vision.

Eccentrica Returns to The Quail with a Trio of Show-Stopping Creations

What do you get when you mix vintage Italian soul, motorsport engineering, and unapologetic flair? Eccentrica’s 2025 lineup at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering — a masterclass in reimagining icons, delivered with style, speed, and surgical precision.

This year, the San Marino-based atelier is turning heads once again, unveiling three distinct machines that each speak to a different facet of the brand’s creative identity. From the track to the grand tour to pure artistic rebellion, Eccentrica isn’t just showing cars — it’s presenting statements on wheels.

Leading the pack is the Pacchetto Titano, a razor-sharp evolution of Eccentrica’s celebrated V12 restomod. Built for occasional track days but refined enough for canyon drives, Titano is all about raw precision wrapped in sculptural aggression. Its carbon-fiber body is more than eye candy — its aerodynamic intent made visible.

Enhanced suspension, a re-tuned ECU, and lightweight carbon-aluminum wheels ensure every corner is tight, every shift tactile, and every rev pure emotion. Even the steering wheel, milled from anticorodal aluminum, feels like it belongs in a race car — because, in many ways, it does.

As founder Emanuel Colombini puts it:

“We wanted to amplify the driving experience without losing the soul. The Titano sharpens the original design, but never overshadows it.”

Mission accomplished.

If the Titano is the athlete, Rose Phoenix is the runway model — dressed to captivate, engineered to perform.

Finished in a bespoke triple-layer Rose Gold livery, this car glows with iridescent highlights and moody semi-matte black accents. Inside, it’s Coconut-colored Alcantara and Maxpell nabuk leather — a material palette chosen with the same care as a couture designer choosing fabric.

Rose Phoenix represents Eccentrica’s Heritage world, where Italian craftsmanship meets timeless luxury. It’s a love letter to grand touring’s golden age — only with 21st-century attitude and power.

And then there’s the Green Dragon — a vivid, unfiltered burst of personality. With its Verde Chartreuse pastel exterior, green-stitched interior, and stark white wheels, this car doesn’t whisper for attention — it demands it.

Built under the Eccentrica dimension, the Dragon is the brand’s most expressive creation: maximalist design, fearless contrasts, and a healthy disregard for convention. Think performance with a wink and a growl.

Together, the Titano, Rose Phoenix, and Green Dragon form a trifecta of Eccentrica’s philosophy:

• Sport – For those who crave analogue speed and mechanical connection.
• Heritage – A refined nod to the elegance of the past.
• Eccentrica – Bold, unconventional, and boundary-breaking.

And it’s all anchored by the brand’s modern classic: the Eccentrica V12 — a reimagining of the Lamborghini Diablo that merges Gandini’s iconic silhouette with modern engineering, courtesy of design house BorromeodeSilva.

Eccentrica’s creations aren’t just customized cars — they’re bespoke masterpieces, each crafted in limited numbers for collectors who care just as much about emotional connection as they do performance stats. Every detail, from fire-suppression systems to billet aluminum interiors, reflects an obsession with excellence.

And yes — they’re fully road legal, even in the U.S.

With the debut of the Pacchetto Titano, and the dazzling presence of Rose Phoenix and Green Dragon, Eccentrica proves once again that it’s not just restoring legends — it’s evolving them.

These aren’t just supercars. They’re statements. And they’re unmistakably Eccentrica.

Legends, Laps & Living History at Laguna Seca

When Monterey hit its 50th anniversary of historic racing at the hallowed WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, it wasn’t just another motorsport event—it was a high-speed love letter to the past. Amid the echoes of engines roaring through the Corkscrew and cheers from fans around the globe, the 2024 Reunion crowned heroes both behind the wheel and in the pits.

We bid farewell to an icon this year. Sixty years behind the microphone, Dick Sisich finally took his bow. Honored with a signed poster, this beloved voice of Laguna Seca’s historic races was given a heartfelt homage for a lifetime of dedication.

Silver Screen Awards for Wheels and Wrenches

• Ken Miles Award: Michael Kaleel rocked the track in his 1962 Lola Mk 1, capturing the charm and punch of the under‑1500cc class.

• Phil Remington Award: Mechanics aren’t always in the spotlight—until Brian Garzelli’s craftsmanship in Competition Touring Cars earned him this top nod from Ford.

• Henry Ford Trophy: Matt Crandall channeled the spirit of Henry Ford behind the wheel of his 1964 Falcon, proving old-school muscle never dies.

• Bonhams – The Passion and Spirit: Michael Doyle didn’t just drive fast in his 1961 Jaguar XKE—he showed true camaraderie by being there for fellow legend Jenson Button.

• John Fitch Corvette Award: Patrick Byrne’s meticulous restoration of a ‘63 Split Window Corvette was a nod to racing heritage as slick as the car itself.

Rolex Reigns Over Racing Excellence

Rolex handed out a constellation of trophies, each shining brightly with skill, history, and heart. From Max Minshul’s 1981 Royale RP31 in the Skip Barber Cup to Amy Gould’s Porsche Platypus capturing the Jim Hall USRRC Cup—and everything in between—these winners revved up a heck of a show.

The Crown Jewel: Spirit of Monterey

Marnix Dillenius, behind the wheel of his ‘64 Alfa Romeo TZ, earned the ultimate honor: the Spirit of Monterey. Not just for his driving, but for being a part of this legacy—since day one in 1974. His name now graces a perpetual trophy in the Driver’s Club, a shining symbol of his place in history.

Rev your engines for 2025: Monterey will shift gears to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula One, with a special heritage display and not one, but two F1 run groups joining the lineup—marking a bold new chapter in the Reunion’s legacy.

Final Lap Takeaway

This was more than an awards ceremony—it was a roaring tribute to motorsport culture, to those who keep the track alive, and to the timeless romance between man and machine. As we look forward to next year’s F1 tribute, the 2024 Reunion reminds us: at Monterey, history doesn’t just pass by—it accelerates.

photo credit: Lisa Watt

Reviving a Legend: The Eccentrica V12 Brings the ’90s Diablo Into the Future

At The Quail, during Monterey Car Week 2024, Eccentrica unveiled something magical: the Eccentrica V12, a fully drivable restomod that blends the raw soul of the original Lamborghini Diablo with modern performance and luxury—rolling out just 19 tailor-made units.

Beneath its retro-futuristic hood, the V12 packs a reborn heart: a 5.7‑liter V12 from early ’90s Diablos. Upgrades—like fresh camshafts, an electronic throttle, and a refined flywheel—boost power to 550 hp and 600 Nm of torque. That’s 55 hp more than the original, and good for a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph)—a solid 10 km/h bump.

The chassis gets a modern makeover: reinforced composites, a double‑wishbone setup, and active TracTive dampers with three ride modes. Add a front axle lift—and you’re ready for both winding roads and daily driveways. Braking gets a tech upgrade too—with calipers (in unique matte paint) paired with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires and forged 19‑inch alloy wheels. Grip, precision, and style—packed in one. Step inside, and you’re in a cockpit that nods to the ’90s with analog charm—but with matching modern upgrades. Think digital infotainment, a rearview mirror cam, and a luxurious Marantz audio system that turns every drive into an event. The soul behind the build?

Only 19 of these exclusive machines will ever be made, each built to the owner’s specs. With deliveries set to begin in summer of 2025, this isn’t just a car—it’s a piece of rolling art.

Emanuel Colombini, a passionate Lamborghini collector. And advising the project: Maurizio Reggiani, former CTO of Lamborghini—bringing decades of engineering flair straight from the Raging Bull heartland. Imagine the throaty roar of a ’90s V12, the tactile agility of a pure manual gearbox, and the suave aesthetics of retro-futurism—all modernized for today’s roads and regulations. The Eccentrica V12 is more than a restomod—it’s a statement. Would you take a ride in this modernized beast of nostalgia?

Motorlux 2024: The Ultimate Kickoff Party to Monterey Car Week

As dusk fell on August 14, 2024, the Monterey Jet Center transformed into a living tapestry of automotive artistry and culinary craftsmanship. Motorlux, the unofficial but undeniably glamorous gatekeeper of Monterey Car Week, beckoned more than 4,100 aficionados to a night where steel, speed, and savored flavors converged in dazzling harmony.

The evening unfolded like a symphony orchestrated across time and terrain. Anchoring the display were 225 enthusiast vehicles and 14 aircraft, each gleaming under the hangar lights, offering a sensory journey from vintage classics to bold, avant-garde debutantes.

Yet Motorlux wasn’t purely an exhibition—it was a living gallery where culinary artistry met mechanical mastery. Twenty-five local chefs spelled culinary magic, crafting plates that complemented the vehicles’ stories. From delicate amuse-bouches to full-bodied creations, each dish whispered of California’s gastronomic soul.

In a stroke of theatrical flair, the Broad Arrow Auction opened amidst Motorlux’s festivities, unfolding in a fashion-show-inspired runway format. Bidders and enthusiasts gathered on dual galleries, experiencing one of the most spirited auctions in collector-car history. The result: a staggering $71.5 million in sales.

The night also celebrated innovation. Highlights included tremors of the future—the Kindred Motorworks EV Bronco, the rugged Meyers Manx Tarmac Touring Edition, the atmospheric McMurtry Sparrow, and the electrifying Evoluto 355, all making their grand exits onto the Monterey stage.

And amid all the glamour, Motorlux stayed true to heart. A portion of proceeds supported noble causes: the CHP 11‑99 Foundation, aiding families of California Highway Patrol officers, and the Navy Postgraduate School Foundation, where car club members volunteered as integral parts of the event’s machinery.

Motorlux 2024 was more than a celebration—it was a narrative woven from metal, flavors, flight, and collective passion. Under the hangar lights, cars and planes were more than machines—they were stories in motion. Guests left not just impressed, but inspired; reminded that at the heart of Monterey Car Week is a community that loves beauty, heritage, and human connection.

Revival of a Legend — with a V12 Heartbeat

At its core lies a 5.7‑liter, naturally aspirated V12—reworked from the early Diablo lineage—with upgraded camshafts, electronic throttle, and optimized flywheel. The result? A roaring 550 hp and 600 Nm of torque, shattering its original limits with an extra 55 hp and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).

Shift into nostalgia with a custom 6‑speed manual transmission and power steering—absent from the original Diablo—delivering a ride that’s both retro and razor-sharp.

This isn’t just a rebuild—it’s a modern marvel:

• Lightweight reinforcements: composite-enhanced chassis, double-wishbone suspension, and active TracTive dampers with adjustable settings.

• Practical perks: front axle lift, ultra-grippy Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, and 19‑inch alloy wheels for prime handling.

• Braking innovation: Brembo systems featuring their first matte-finish calipers.

Step inside: the signature retro-futuristic vibe of the Diablo is preserved—but updated:

• Sleek digital dashboard, modern steering controls, rearview mirror with integrated camera.

• Ambient luxury: a custom Marantz sound system that turns every lap into a concert.

Eccentrica founder Emanuel Colombini sums it up best: “The Eccentrica V12 is a personal passion project… a completely modern hypercar with the heart and soul of a ’90s classic.”

Only 19 units of the Eccentrica V12 will be built, each one tailored to its owner’s dreams. Expected delivery kicks off in summer 2025.

This is more than a car—it’s a time machine, bridging visceral nostalgia with 21st-century performance.

New Aston Martin Vantage wins again in IMSA

During IMSA WeatherTech Sportcar Championship series, the newest Vantage GT3 from Aston Martin claimed its second win in succession. At the Canadian Tires Motorsport Park, also known as Mosport, the Heart of Racing dubs this new GT3 as the first GTD class win, thereby dominating the GTD category.

The amazing performance of Aston Martin Racing Driver Roman De Angelis, was another brilliant achievement for this 2021 Aston Martin Academy graduate and 2022 IMSA GTD champion holder. Alongside Spencer Pumpelly from the US circuit, Roman secured this impressive victory in the 27th Thor GTS for a second time in three years. The team worked extremely well in keeping their advantage ahead of other racers, all the while withstanding the pressure of a late-race Full Course Yellow.

This win for the Aston Martin Vantage marks it’s 13th victory for the GT classes during IMSA, as well as being the 8th time Thor had emerged victorious in the GTD class since its first entry into the renowned Wings in 2020. The Thor crew has earned their podium positions with Aston Martin 26 times in four and a half years.

“This was a great day for the Heart of Racing team and another fantastic win for Vantage,” said team principal Ian James, who was racing the team’s FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC] Vantage LMGT3 in Brazil. “Winning in IMSA, at the Canadian Tires Motorsport Park, was an awesome way to start the day, and a well-deserved reward for all the hard work this year from everybody on the #27 crew. Then we finished second, equalling our best result, in WEC. It’s a great feeling to be on the podium again and hopefully there will be many more moments like this to come!”

Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport, said: “The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is really hitting its stride now, and to see it win its class with The Heart of Racing for the second successive IMSA race is extremely satisfying. The team also came very close in WEC, once again demonstrating race-winning pace just as it had in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, last month. It feels like if the competitive level can be maintained, a first WEC victory with Vantage is within our grasp in 2024.”

The 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will be taking place at Road America (USA) on the fourth of August. WEC will undergo a summer break before returning to the Circuit of the Americas (USA) for round six of the championship on the first of September.

Celebrating the 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

During Monterey Car Week, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is one of the most iconic events. Gracing the 18th fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links, the number of vintage and rare automobiles create a wide expanse completely covering the lush green grass of this beautiful venue. With a backdrop of the magnificent coastline. this grand automotive event celebrates the history and tradition of each automobile in attendance.

Many recognized this particular event as the flagship throughout the automotive week in Pebble Beach. Since its foundation in 1950, its celebrated time-honored tradition and class of the most iconic cars in automotive history. Car collectors from all around the world enter this event in hopes of winning the title: Best of Show.

The cars are graded by a group of experts in the automotive field, all of which are evaluated by their degree of elegance, technical merit, and history. This event brings many fans to cheer for their favorite car to win the Best of Show award. For example, last year’s winner was a prewar Mercedes-Benz roadster with its first owner being the Shah of Afghanistan. This car was just one of three surviving models in the world and was rightfully dubbed Best of Show during the 72nd Annual event.

This event also plays host in conjunction with new car concepts, giving everyone a glimpse into the past and a look into the future of automotive development. Please join us at this world-renowned event on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. Tickets can be purchased here.\

Photo Credit: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: The Garden Party of a Lifetime

The Monterey Peninsula plays host to generations of automotive afficionado and their private collections every year during the famed Monterey Car Week. And during this 10-day long week celebration, one event goes way beyond just paying homage to the development of automobiles, they create an expansive yard of automotive bliss.

This heralded event, dubbed ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’, is the predominant milestone to top off this magical week. Situated among a vibrant golf course facing the picturesque Santa Lucia mountain range, this event brings to life all things automotive accompanied by a fine dining experience among fellow car enthusiasts.

At the Quail Lodge and Golf Club, we welcome 4 signature themes this year: 100 Years of MG, 50th Anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo Type 930, 30th Anniversary of Koenigsegg Automotive and the Tribute to World Rally Cars. This is followed by the traditional classes of Pre-War Sports & Racing cars, Post-War Sports, Post-War Racing, the Evolution of the Supercar, the Great Ferraris, Custom Coachwork as well as Sport & Racing Motorcycles.

Among this great collection of automotive works, the venue is lined with tents featuring yacht brokers, aviation companies and more. As the host for this grand event, the Peninsula Hotels owned by the Hon. Sir Michael Kadorie, has also curated 5 culinary tents, boasting a bit of each of their world class cuisine from 5 different regions.

Another notable event taking place just on the western field of the Quail Lodge and Golf Club, is the 27th Annual Bonhams “The Quail Auction”.

Apply for tickets before they are sold out! Please visit their website for more information. Event is set for Friday, August 16th, 2024.

Hagerty’s 40th Anniversary: MOTORLUX To Kickoff Monterey Car Week

Its once again that time of year, when everyone gathers to enjoy a week solely devoted to their mutual love of cars, the world-renowned Monterey Car Week. Calling forth car enthusiasts from all corners of the globe, this weeklong celebration incorporates the best of the best throughout the whole automotive industry. And the kickoff party to this incredible week, all starts at the grand Motorlux event held every year at the Monterey Jet Center.

Set the date, on August 14th the ultimate party begins incorporating not only a plethora of automobiles, from vintage to superlatively charged models, but also an impressive array of motorcycles and aircrafts. We not only pay homage to this famed week of nothing but the best of the automotive world with this one party, as we also bond with like-minded individuals who share this deep-seated passion.

To offer the ultimate experience, Motorlux doesn’t only boast all things auto-aero-motor with over 100 airplanes and automobiles, they have gone through much effort to provide guests with the best of California’s cuisine from master chefs as well as local wines and cocktails. Furthermore, this year’s event marks the anniversary of Hagerty’s 40th year, with a special surprise in store for attendees: all access previously exclusive for VIP guests is now granted to all who attend. From being able to be move throughout the whole party, including the upstairs that overlooks the entire jet center, to all access to the event’s Broad Arrow Auction held on the 14th and 15th of August.

Cars connect us through life, they represent the past, present and future. Our innovation and ingenuity have developed the automotive industry into what it is today. The same can be said for aircrafts and motorcycles; we have watched and participated in the development and preservation for these incredible mechanical marvels, and now is the time to fully immerse yourself in this unperturbed environment that is synonymous with an automotive paradise.

Prepare to shift gears, get ready for the party of a lifetime, and rev your engines for a night of automotive bliss!

To purchase tickets for this amazing event, please visit motorlux.com. Tickets come in two different packs this year, starting at $625 for standard tickets, and $725 for their early access ticket.