Monterey Car Week 2023: Key Announcements in Motorsport
Monterey Car Week showcased significant developments in the motorsports industry, with notable unveils from Lexus, McLaren, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles, and Chevrolet.
Lexus: New GT3 Concept
Lexus introduced the Lexus Sport Concept, hinting at the next GT3 model, purportedly named the Lexus LFR. The design closely resembles recent test mules and emphasizes a familiar aesthetic. Expected to compete in 2026, the unveiling could take place as early as September at the FIA WEC in Fuji or at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2026. There remains the possibility of a delay, pushing the debut to later in 2026 or 2027**.
McLaren: Auctioning Future Race Cars
McLaren Racing announced a partnership with RM Sotheby’s to auction three future competition vehicles, coinciding with the 2025 FIA Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 5. This includes a car for the 2026 F1 season, an NTT INDYCAR SERIES entry, and their first FIA World Endurance Championship vehicle, believed to be the only unsold model in production. CEO Zak Brown termed the auction a “historic opportunity” to secure a racing legacy, alongside exclusive team access for buyers.
Gordon Murray Special Vehicles: Le Mans Tribute Supercars
Gordon Murray Special Vehicles unveiled its first projects at Monterey, featuring the GMSV S1 LM and the Le Mans GTR. The S1 LM mirrors the 1995 McLaren F1 GTR with updated design elements, powered by a bespoke 4.3-liter V12 engine. Only five units will be produced.
The Le Mans GTR, inspired by historical longtail race cars, combines aerodynamics and aesthetic finesse. Utilizing the same engine as the T.50, it features enhancements for racing performance, limited to 24 units—one for each hour of Le Mans. Production commences in 2026.
Chevrolet: Concept Cars for the Future
Chevrolet unveiled two groundbreaking concept cars—the Corvette CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo—at The Quail, part of Monterey Car Week. The CX is an all-electric supercar producing over 2,000 horsepower, while the CX.R integrates a high-revving 2.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering an additional 900 horsepower. Both concepts aim to inspire future Corvette designs and will be available for virtual racing in Gran Turismo 7 later this month.
These announcements from Monterey Car Week reflect critical upcoming trends in motorsports, showcasing manufacturers’ strategic approaches towards innovation and competition in elite racing series.
