2016 Lexus LX 570

Pebble Beach might be known for golf 51 weeks out of the year, but for one week each August, the cars take over. The Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, which anchors Monterey Car Week, hosts some the world’s most beautiful classic automobiles and is also the ideal venue to introduce a flagship premier luxury sport-utility, the 2016 Lexus LX 570. With a powerful V8, sophisticated 4WD chassis and seating for eight, the Lexus LX 570 remains one of the few luxury utility vehicles that combines sumptuous luxury with true off-road capability.

Lexus left barely any surface of the LX 570 untouched in a sweeping upgrade for 2016, with only door panels carried over from 2015. The restyled front end wears an even bolder rendition of the Lexus signature spindle grille, framed by elegant satin chrome trim and complemented by distinctive new standard LED headlights, turn signals and fog lights. The LX 570 design makeover gives it new 20-inch split 10-spoke wheels, and new available 21-inch 10-spoke wheels. The taillights and rear bumper also get a new look.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S500 Coupe

Stylistically self-assured presence, exclusive appointments and refined sportiness – the new S-Class Coupe from Mercedes-Benz combines the classic proportions of a large, sporty coupe with modern luxury and state-of-the art technology. As a world premiere, the breathtaking two-door coupe includes a touchpad as standard and can be optionally equipped with a head-up display. Available expressive headlamps, each featuring 47 Swarovski crystals, produce a uniquely striking appearance in the exclusive Edition 1 model.

"As exclusive as it gets – the ultimate in aesthetic sportiness", stresses Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The breathtaking design of the Concept S-Class Coupe marked by sporty-classic proportions and sensual purity is transferred to the series-production S-Class Coupe virtually unaltered. The large coupe has always been the supreme pinnacle of our model range and that's why it's now called the 'S-Class' again."

2015 Volkswagen Golf TSI BlueMotion

Body efficiency - Lightweight design and aerodynamics

Weight and CO2 reduced, torque boosted.

Three primary objectives were set for the development of the 1.0 TSI (85 kW / 115 PS) compared to the already very good 1.2 TSI (81 kW / 110 PS) with four cylinders: it should attain lower weight and reduced CO2 emissions while improving driving dynamics. This was a challenge, but all three objectives were achieved in the new three-cylinder engine. Its weight was reduced by 10 kg (to 89 kg now), and its CO2 emissions were reduced by 10 per cent. The gain in dynamics and good responsiveness are best tested on the road. Figures that most reflect driving dynamics are the boost in torque from 175 Nm to 200 Nm and the better flexibility figure of 11.0 seconds (1.2 TSI: 13.0 seconds, manual gearbox, 80-120 km/h in 5th gear). Another important goal was to attain the lowest possible level of engine noise. Based on the interplay of various internal engine modifications – that is, without additional insulating materials, the team of engineers implemented acoustics that are on the level of good four-cylinder engines here.

2016 BMW 435i ZHP Edition

Paying tribute to the iconic ZHP Performance Package, BMW today released details for a 2016 BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Edition. The original ZHP option code was created by BMW Individual as a performance package for the 2003-2006 E46 3 Series that included the M-Tech II body kit, a ZHP shifter knob and shifter, upgraded suspension parts and settings, a different DME and special cam shafts that raised power output to 235 hp and allowed for a higher redline. Fulfilling the desires of true enthusiasts, the package was soon referred to by its internal option package code ‘ZHP’. BMW of North America embraced the thirst for the unique BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Edition once more resulting in the unique collaboration between factory options and key elements from the exciting BMW M Performance Accessory catalogue. Only 100 of these very special cars will be offered.

2016 BMW X1

The new BMW X1 – the successor to the model that blazed the trail for this class of car – treats the premium compact segment to an even more potent shot of Sports Activity Vehicle DNA. The second generation of this successful model, more than 730,000 units of which have now been sold, takes to the stage with a body design straight out of the BMW X model mould. The interior of the new BMW X1, meanwhile, offers significantly more space for passengers and luggage, a cutting-edge premium ambience and functionality grounded in solid engineering. Four-cylinder engines from the BMW Group’s latest generation of power units, an efficiency-optimised version of the BMW xDrive intelligent allwheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology all help to palpably enhance sporting ability and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model – with fuel consumption and emissions reduced by up to 17 per cent, model-on-model.

2015 Range Rover Sport SVR

Capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with an electronically limited top track speed of 162 mph1, the Range Rover Sport SVR will be the first Land Rover vehicle to wear the new high-performance SVR badge.

The SVR features a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine which has been developed to produce 550hp and 502lb-ft of torque - a 40hp and 41lb-ft increase over the standard supercharged V8 - while its advanced ZF® 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive chassis have been tuned to complement the astonishing performance.

Showcasing an electronically controlled two-stage active exhaust, the SVR produces an inspired soundtrack at higher engine speeds while maintaining refinement during steady-state driving. Emphasizing all-terrain capability, vehicles are equipped with 21-inch alloy wheels with 275/45 R21 all-season Continental Cross Contact tires.

2015 Honda Civic Type R

After a five year wait, 2015 sees the arrival of the world’s most keenly anticipated hot hatch, the Honda Civic Type R. Billed as a ‘race car for the road’, the all-new Civic Type R will set new standards in the high-performance front-wheel drive hatchback segment.

The production version of Honda’s latest hot hatch icon is revealed for the first time at the 85th Geneva Motor Show (5 to 15 March; Stand 4250, Hall 4).

Type R vehicles have garnered a cult following around the world and the new model more than lives up to the high expectations. A world-first application of Honda’s new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine, aggressive function-led styling, and pioneering new chassis technologies combine to deliver one of the most immersive and rewarding driving experiences available in any sector.

The new 2015 Civic Type R will be powered by the most extreme and high-performing engine in the 22-year history of the red ‘H’ badge, signalling the start of a new performance era for the Honda brand.