Monterey Car Week – up there with Goodwood as a mecca for lovers of all things with four wheels – has wrapped up, and it brought with it a number of stunning reveals.
While models such as the BMW M5 Touring, Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale, and Lamborghini Temerario stole the headlines due to their relative accessibility, there were a number of interesting vehicles unveiled which have drawn attention amongst their niche fanbases.
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Unfortunately, many of them are not only ridiculously expensive but also extremely limited in numbers, or they’re just not coming to Australia at all.
However, that won’t stop us from admiring them. Here’s a handful of our favourite cars from the 2024 Monterey Car Week.
Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years
Unlike many limited-run models at Monterey, this one does what it says on the box.
Built as a celebration of 50 years since the first Porsche 911 Turbo was made in 1974, the 992-generation model is largely an appearance package – but what a nice one it is.
Porsche’s new Turbonite finish has been applied to its engine cover, fuel cap, badges and wheels, as well as on the bespoke ‘turbo 50’ insignia on the rear grille.
Anthracite Grey air intakes, rear wing, lower rear fascia and mirror caps contrast the silver paintwork.
Inside, the seat centres and door panels feature “MacKenzie” tartan upholstery, juxtaposed with Turbonite seat belts, contrast stitching, trim pieces and Porsche’s steering wheel crest.
Additional nods to the model’s history include ‘turbo 50’ door sill guards, a numbered plaque, and a sub-second clock.
Performance figures remain the same as the 911 Turbo S, with its twin-turbo 3.7-litre flat-six engine producing 478kW of power and 800Nm of torque delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Unfortunately all 1974 examples are reserved for US buyers, who have to pay US$261,100 (A$386,900) for the limited edition 911, or US$27,705 (A$41,050) more than the Turbo S it’s based on.
Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype
Though you might expect Honda to go all-out on its performance Civic Type R flagship, its North American luxury division Acura was the one to pull out the stops to present even wilder upgrades for the Integra Type S.
The Integra Type S already matches the credentials of the Civic Type R, and it’s taking things up a notch with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) showcasing performance parts for the sedan.
Inspired by the Integra Type S TCX racer – the class below TCR – modifications include a revised bumper incorporating a large front splitter and cooling ducts, bigger bonnet vents, side skirts and a carbon fibre rear wing.
Both inside and out, HRC has made use of carbon fibre to shed weight in the bonnet and rear doors, with Recaro racing seats – plus the removal of the second row – and an air-conditioning delete resulting in almost 90kg being saved.
To capitalise on its lighter weight, the Integra Type S was also fitted with a larger intercooler, twin oil coolers and a tuned exhaust system for greater performance, while also being lowered by 15mm on coilovers which sit behind forged 19-inch wheels, shod in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R ultra high-performance tyres.
Brembo six-piston brake calipers at the front and two-piston rear calipers help to slow it down too.
At present, the upgrades have yet to be locked in for sale, and it’s unlikely we’ll see them in Australia as the Acura Integra Type S isn’t sold here.
Eccentrica V12
Lamborghini Diablo not wild enough for you? Then say hello to the Eccentrica V12.
Based on the 1990s supercar, Eccentrica has brought the Diablo into the 21st century, even if it does retain an increasingly rare six-speed manual transmission.
It’s a completely new gearbox compared to what Lamborghini fitted to the Diablo, coupled to a 5.7-litre V12 engine with new camshafts, an electric throttle body, and centre-exit exhaust system.
This has resulted in it developing 410kW of power and 599Nm of torque, on par with the final production years of the Diablo when it had a 6.0-litre V12.
Thankfully there’s modern suspension underneath too, with active dampers – including a front-lift system – and Brembo brakes helping to keep things under control.
Inside there’s a mix of modern but retro-themed instruments, switches and very-’90s bucket seats, as well as a steering wheel which looks every bit like it’s out of a random parts bin – as per Lamborghini’s past approach.
Only 19 examples will be built, at an undisclosed (but assumedly high) price.
Tuthill GT One
Best known for its Porsche 911 restorations and race cars, Tuthill decided to honour one of the best periods of sports car racing with the GT One.
Named for the FIA GT1 regulations which inspired it, just 22 examples of the Tuthill GT One will be built.
They’ll offer a choice two 4.0-litre flat-six engines: a naturally-aspirated version pumping out more than 370kW, and a turbocharged unit with 440kW-plus.
Unlike the 993-based Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion (Street version) which inspired it the Tuthill GT One was built as a road car first, reflected in its use of Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4 S tyres and an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.
Weighing approximately 1200kg, it’s fitted with double wishbone front and rear suspension, as well as carbon ceramic brakes.
Despite the pictured bodywork looking sleek, Tuthill says it’s open to developing a more aerodynamic, track-focused exterior for added downforce.
RUF Rodeo
Yes, this is a very Porsche 911-heavy list, but it probably speaks to the rear-engined model’s versatility that so many homages and restomods are based on it.
RUF are arguably the originators of hotted-up 911s, all the way from its CTR Yellowbird of the 1980s to this, the Rodeo.
Think about what would happen if Porsche decided to make the 911 Dakar far earlier than it did, and it took heavy inspiration from the Ford Bronco.
With 24cm of ground clearance and Goodyear all-terrain tyres the Rodeo is built to go off-road, though at far from a glacial pace.
Its turbocharged 3.6-litre flat-six engine produces 455kW, which is sent to all four wheels and mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Additional performance equipment includes ceramic brakes, an integrated roll cage and electronically adjustable dampers, however it still weighs less than 1400kg.
The cabin’s dark brown leather upholstery and cloth inserts were inspired by the Ralph Lauren Range, and are unique to what anyone’s seen in any RUF model.
The price? You’ll struggle to get your hands on one without coughing up more than US$1.25 million (A$1.85 million).
