KEN OKUYAMA's Latest Model Also Unveiled

The allure of sports cars never fades. This was powerfully reaffirmed at "The Quail, a Motorsport Gathering" in August 2016, an event on the U.S. West Coast that could be described as a festival of new and old sports cars. Held at a luxury golf resort for the affluent, the event is known for sports car owners, primarily from the U.S., showcasing their prized vehicles, as well as for numerous automakers using it as a venue for new car reveals.

2016 marked several milestones in the automotive world. BMW celebrated its 100th anniversary,50th Anniversary of the Lamborghini Miura's Debutand so on. The sight of sports cars lined up on the vast grounds of The Quail Lodge & Golf Club, spread across the green lawns, was truly spectacular. The Monterey Bay area, the event's setting, is known for its extreme climate with morning fog and significant temperature fluctuations, dropping to around 15 degrees Celsius after sunset. However, on August 20, 2016, the day dawned clear and sunny by late morning.

Bugatti Chiron

A major highlight was the unveiling of the "kode57" supercar by KEN OKUYAMA CARS, led by Ken Okuyama. Its low-slung hood features a large air dam, and behind it, a 6-liter V12 engine is mid-ship mounted. The cockpit is completely independent on each side, blending classic and futuristic elements to create a novel feel.

"The car's name, 57, is an homage to 1957, a year when sports car racing was vibrant, with cars like the Ferrari 290MM, Maserati 450S, Jaguar D-Type, and Aston Martin DBR1," Okuyama stated in the press materials. Alternatively, he might have named it to commemorate his own age. Okuyama himself drove the kode57, generating considerable buzz at the event. "When will it be released? I'm very interested," remarked an American man, a Ferrari owner himself, with a broad smile in front of the car.

Many manufacturers recognized the event's appeal to the affluent. Bugatti brought its "Chiron," boasting a maximum output of 1,500 horsepower, a peak torque of 1,600 Nm, and a claimed top speed of 420 km/h.ChironIn front of the Chiron, a dazzling array of "Veyrons" in various specifications were lined up. The Bugatti booth was packed with spectators. North America accounts for 30% of Bugatti's sales, making it a crucial market, hence the company's enthusiastic presence. Of course, other manufacturers were not to be outdone.VeyronIn front of the Chiron, a dazzling array of "Veyrons" in various specifications were lined up. The Bugatti booth was packed with spectators. North America accounts for 30% of Bugatti's sales, making it a crucial market, hence the company's enthusiastic presence. Of course, other manufacturers were not to be outdone.

An Intimate Connection Between People and Cars

At the "The Quail, a Motorsport Gathering" on August 20, 2016, various car manufacturers brought their sports cars. Lamborghini unveiled the open-top version of its limited-edition "Centenario," the "Centenario Roadster" (limited to 20 units), here.CentenarioThe car, displayed in a pristine white booth, had a striking design. The "Centenario Roadster" (limited to 20 units) was unveiled here.

Mercedes-AMG showcased the "GT R," the pinnacle of its highly regarded "GT" series of real sports cars.GTThe "GT R," positioned on a stage, was a rare sight, rivaling the 1952 Carrera Panamericana Mexico race car, the "300SL," which was placed on the lawn. I couldn't help but smile. The GT R, with its 585 horsepower, surpasses even the GT S (510 hp), the most powerful in the current GT lineup. Its 4-liter V8 engine has been further refined, featuring new turbochargers. This model also attracted a large crowd.GT RThe "GT R," positioned on a stage, was a rare sight, rivaling the 1952 Carrera Panamericana Mexico race car, the "300SL," which was placed on the lawn. I couldn't help but smile. The GT R, with its 585 horsepower, surpasses even the GT S (510 hp), the most powerful in the current GT lineup. Its 4-liter V8 engine has been further refined, featuring new turbochargers. This model also attracted a large crowd.

Mercedes-AMG GT R

BMW 2002 hommage

BMW occupied the largest space. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the brand emphasized motorsport as its heritage. At the highest point, they displayed the "2002 Turbo" and the concept model "2002 Hommage," conveying the message that turbo technology is once again crucial for cars, both in terms of performance and efficiency. The latter featured a witty "Turbo Meister" logo, a play on the "Jägermeister" liqueur logo that once adorned the Porsche 934 RSR.

From the "328" of the 1930s to the sporty BMW models that flourished particularly from the 1970s onwards, the display of rare vehicles was overwhelming. The "3.0 CSL," "M1," "Z8" (highly popular in the U.S.), and even the McLaren "F1," for which BMW supplied its 6-liter V12 engine, were present. The exhibition also featured a significant number of BMW motorcycles, the brand's other pillar. Many people in the U.S. seem to aspire to BMW motorcycles, with their boxer engines—inspired by the concept of aircraft radial engines—and shaft drive, and quite a few were observed spending considerable time in front of them.

BMW R65LS

Lamborghini Miura

While the "Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance," held at the nearby luxury golf resort of Pebble Beach Golf Links during the same period, attracts more exclusive and rarer cars, "The Quail, a Motorsport Gathering" offers the charm of a more casual, picnic-like atmosphere. What's astonishing is the casual display of a 1960s racing machine like the Ferrari "250 LM" (which made news recently for being auctioned for 1.1 billion yen in the U.S.). It's a delightful event, offering an intimate connection with cars in many respects. Car enthusiasts would surely never be bored.