In the realm of high-end automotive events, the question of supremacy is always a hot topic. When aficionados gather to celebrate the world’s most exclusive and performance-oriented vehicles, the discussion inevitably turns to how events like The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering stack up against the venerable Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the undisputed king of concours. For a growing contingent of enthusiasts who prioritize the latest in hypercars and supercars over vintage classics, The Quail has long surpassed the Sunday lineup at Pebble Beach as the premier automotive exhibition.
The closure of the Geneva International Auto Show left a significant void in the supercar calendar, a gap that The Quail has adeptly filled. Over the years, the event has become the launching pad for groundbreaking vehicles. For instance, the Lamborghini Aventador debuted at Geneva in 2011, followed by the extravagant Veneno in 2013. The Aventador’s successor, the Revuelto, was unveiled online, but the Temerario (the Huracán’s successor) made its global debut at The Quail in 2024. Similarly, the Bugatti Divo (2018) and Mistral (2022) were first shown to the world at The Quail, building on the Bugatti Chiron’s introduction at Geneva in 2016. This trend extends to dozens of other manufacturers, making The Quail the world’s leading showcase for the latest and most advanced automotive engineering.
However, until recently, I considered The Quail’s position in the global automotive hierarchy to be unassailable. My perspective began to shift after attending the 2025 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, which has since been rebranded as the Las Vegas Concours. My initial visit in 2024 was enjoyable, but it felt provincial, showcasing mostly the usual suspects. Had it not been for a project with Czinger, I might not have returned. Nevertheless, I am glad I did, as the 2025 event was nothing short of spectacular.
What Is the Las Vegas Concours?
The 2025 Las Vegas Concours showcased an unprecedented 48 Bugatti Veyrons on its lawns. To put this in perspective, out of the 450 Veyrons ever built and the 100 sold in North America, 48 were present in Las Vegas. In fact, there were 49 Veyrons, as Bugatti displayed a stunning white Vitesse Super Sport to commemorate the Veyron’s 20th anniversary. Alongside the Veyrons were a Bolide, Centodieci, Chiron Super Sport, Divo, Mistral, and a prototype of the upcoming Tourbillon—the 18-cylinder hybrid set to succeed the Chiron. Assembling over 10% of all Bugatti Veyrons ever produced in a single venue left me truly astounded.
The younger generation of enthusiasts are captivated by Pagani vehicles, and the 2025 Las Vegas Concours did not disappoint. There were over 40 Paganis in attendance, including several Zondas (including a Zonda Revolution, one of only five), dozens of Huayras, a selection of Utopias, and, perhaps most notably, the debut of the Huayra Codalunga Speedster. Pagani plans to produce only 10 of these exclusive machines, priced at $7 million each before taxes and tariffs. The mint-green example featured at the Concours belonged to Apple’s Tim Cook. While these carbon-titanium extroverts may not appeal to everyone, the fact that the 2025 Las Vegas Concours was the largest Pagani gathering in North America, and that Horatio Pagani himself chose this event to debut a new model (for which he was honored by emcee Justin Bell for his contributions to car design), speaks volumes. In fact, the 2025 Las Vegas Concours was the most significant display of Paganis ever assembled in North America, exceeding the number of cars the factory produces in an entire year.
The Lamborghini display was equally mesmerizing for those who appreciate these high-performance Italian marvels. The 2025 Las Vegas Concours was the largest gathering of Lamborghinis ever assembled. While I didn’t count, the approximate number was around 230, representing a significant portion of the 600 cars present that Saturday. Among these, there was a Veneno Coupe (one of three publicly sold, with the factory retaining a fourth), a Sesto Elemento (one of 10), a Centenario Coupe (one of 20) and Convertible (one of 20), and a Reventón (one of 21). The last time I witnessed all these limited-production models, known as “few-offs” by Lamborghini, in one place was at the manufacturer’s museum. It was a breathtaking assembly of precious, high-horsepower Italian metal and composite materials.
The Future of Premium Car Shows
While this list is far from exhaustive, it is worth noting that the show featured a number of Koenigseggs, a Gumpert Apollo, Czingers, Nilus models, the McLaren Project Endurance race car debut, and several judged vehicles. These included a 1929 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Barker Tourer that won Best of Show in the Pre-War class, the HWA EVO, a Mercedes-AMG One, two Oldsmobile Aerotechs, and a McLaren F1. The sheer variety and rarity of the vehicles on display made the 2025 Las Vegas Concours a truly unforgettable event.
What Could Possibly Come Next?
Throughout the 2025 Las Vegas Concours, two topics dominated conversations. The first question, posed by nearly everyone I spoke to, was: “How on earth will they top this next year?” While I have no idea, I wish the Wynn the best of luck. The second question, however, was far more intriguing, as it came from the manufacturers themselves: “Should we even bother attending The Quail next year?” This is a valid question. Perhaps I should wish The Quail the best of luck, too.
The Cost Factor in Automotive Spectacles
A single ticket to The Quail cost $1,300 last year for “legacy” ticket holders (those who have attended in the past). First-time attendees paid $1,600. While these prices are steep, OEMs spend about $400,000 to exhibit a car at The Quail for just six hours. The Las Vegas Concours charges approximately 1/20th of that. General admission tickets cost just $100, meaning each Veyron on display cost about $2 to showcase. I spoke with three different manufacturers who openly questioned the necessity of ever attending The Quail again. Perhaps, they mused, the Las Vegas Concours and Moda Miami are sufficient. Furthermore, attendees will not face exorbitant hotel rates, such as a friend who paid $1,100 per night for a minimum five-night stay near Pebble Beach, nor will they endure soul-crushing traffic navigating between events. Additionally, making dinner reservations is easy because Las Vegas is designed to handle large gatherings.
While this may sound far-fetched, the Geneva International Auto Show was once the epicenter of the supercar world. I cannot predict the future, but I can assure you that the Las Vegas Concours is now on my must-attend list. You should add it to yours, too.
Las Vegas Concours: The Next Contender for Supercar Supremacy?
The concept of a “Concours d’Elegance” typically refers to a gathering or competition of vehicles and accessories judged primarily on their aesthetic appeal and presentation. However, the automotive world is constantly evolving, and with it, the definition of what makes a car show truly exceptional.
The Evolution of automotive spectacles
Over the past decade, the automotive landscape has undergone a significant transformation. The rise of electric vehicles, the increasing complexity of hypercars, and the ever-changing preferences of collectors have reshaped the industry. As a result, traditional car shows are being challenged by more modern, experiential events that cater to a wider range of interests.
The Role of Modern Car Shows
Modern car shows are no longer just about displaying cars; they are about creating immersive experiences that engage visitors on multiple levels. These events often feature interactive exhibits, celebrity appearances, and opportunities to interact with manufacturers and engineers. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainability and technology, with many shows showcasing electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered cars, and other eco-friendly innovations.
The Economic Impact of Car Shows
Car shows have a significant economic impact on the cities and regions that host them. These events attract thousands of visitors from around the world, who spend money on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other services. In addition, car shows can boost tourism and economic development by attracting new businesses and investments to the area.
Sustainability and Technology in Car Shows
Sustainability and technology are increasingly important aspects of modern car shows. Many shows are now featuring electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered cars, and other eco-friendly innovations. Some shows are even showcasing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, highlighting the industry’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
The Future of Car Shows
The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and car shows will continue to adapt to these changes. As new technologies emerge and consumer preferences evolve, we will see more innovative and experiential events that cater to a wider range of interests. With the right blend of innovation, technology, and sustainability, car shows will remain a vital part of the automotive landscape for years to come.
Why The Quail is Still King
The Qu
