Automakers spent 2011 trying to woo car buyers with ever-greener powertains and ever-more advanced technology, a trend that looks set to continue in 2012. Here, a round-up of the most important auto shows of the year.







Automakers spent 2011 trying to woo car buyers with ever-greener powertains and ever-more advanced technology, a trend that looks set to continue in 2012. Here, a round-up of the most important auto shows of the year.

Iconic American luxury auto brand Cadillac has unveiled its new hybrid concept, described as an “expression of Cadillac’s historical grandeur.”
The Ciel concept, which will be on show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, is a four-seat convertible powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, paired with hybrid drive.
Designed to fit in with the touring cars on display at Pebble Beach, the model is “about the romance of the drive,” says Cadillac-owner General Motors, featuring generous room for two couples across two rows.

Infiniti has debuted a new concept aimed squarely at families at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The seven-passenger Infiniti JX crossover is a three-row model set to go on sale in the US in spring 2012, becoming another contender in the country’s fastest-growing luxury vehicle segment.
Infiniti describes the model’s new shape as that of a greenhouse, promising ‘class-leading roominess’ and an innovative access method to the rear row.

Infiniti is to team up with a group of leading chefs to add extra elegance to a new concept set to be unveiled as part of the Monterey Auto Week in California.
The Japanese brand is working with Hearst Magazines to showcase the new Infiniti JX Concept, which will be revealed at the 61st Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
As part of the reveal, chocolate, cheese and wine tasting sessions have been scheduled, as well as cooking demonstrations from US celebrity chefs including Tyler Florence, Marc Forgione, and Andrew Carmellini.

The fastest production car recently made its North American debut at the 60th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Bugatti in a new blue midnight color.
Though the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is capable of reaching 431.072 km/h (267.856 mph), its speed has been electronically limited to 415 km/h (258 mph).
Bugatti says the consumer vehicle will have identical specs, but the limitation was necessary to protect the car’s tires.

A prewar vehicle once used for transporting hotel guests at a Madrid hotel has been named “Best of Show” at the 60th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster was named the top car out of the 250 collector cars from 14 countries that were showcased on the Pebble Beach Golf Course this past weekend.
As well as being used to transport guests of the Gran Hotel Velasquez in Madrid, Spain, the 1933 Delage also made an appearance at the 1933 Salon de Paris.


















