Full CBS New Y&R Friday, 4/11/2025 The Young And The Restless Episode (April 11,2025)

The Las Vegas Concours: America’s Bold New Challenger to Supercar Supremacy The global automotive elite has always revolved around a handful of revered pillars: the hallowed lawns of Pebble Beach, the historic cobblestones of Goodwood, and the glamorous promenades of Geneva. For generations, these have been the arbiters of true automotive excellence, the stages where legends are born and fortunes are made. Yet, in recent years, a new contender has emerged from the neon-drenched landscape of Las Vegas, threatening to shake the foundations of the supercar world. The Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, a relatively young event in the long-standing tradition of automotive gatherings, has rapidly transformed from a regional spectacle into a global powerhouse. Hosted within the opulent confines of the Wynn Las Vegas resort, this annual event is no longer just a footnote in the calendar; it’s become the main event for a generation of collectors, manufacturers, and enthusiasts who crave the thrill of the next generation of hypercars. The Evolution of Automotive Excellence The traditional definition of a “concours d’elegance” often conjures images of polished chrome, vintage leather, and automotive history preserved under glass. The most prestigious gatherings, like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, remain the definitive stage for pristine examples of automotive history. However, the definition of automotive excellence is expanding to embrace the cutting edge of engineering and design. Today, the most sought-after vehicles are no longer limited to the past. The supercar world has become a playground for forward-thinking collectors who are driven by the promise of the next big thing. The demand for “new metal” is higher than ever, and the major manufacturers are eager to showcase their latest innovations to the most influential buyers in the world. For these enthusiasts, the annual Monterey Car Week is no longer the only game in town. The death of the Geneva Motor Show left a gaping void in the supercar calendar, and The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering stepped in to fill the void. The Quail has long been considered the essential pre-game to Pebble Beach, a platform for world debuts and exclusive previews. Yet, the Las Vegas Concours has emerged as a powerful disruptor, offering a new stage that is both accessible and electrifying. The Wynn: A Stage for Legends The 2025 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas marked a turning point for the event. While the 2024 edition was a strong regional showcase, the 2025 event was on another level. It wasn’t just a gathering of cars; it was a declaration of dominance. The most staggering achievement of the 2025 show was the Bugatti display. Imagine witnessing 48 Bugatti Veyrons in one place. These legendary machines represent the pinnacle of engineering and performance. Of the 450 Veyrons ever produced, more than 10% were in Vegas. This wasn’t just a collection of cars; it was a moving museum of modern hypercar history. Adding to the spectacle, Bugatti brought a complete display of its most iconic models: the Vitesse Super Sport celebrating the Veyron’s 20th anniversary, the track-only Bolide, the Chiron Super Sport, the Divo, the Mistral, and a preview of the Tourbillon—the revolutionary 18-cylinder hybrid set to replace the Chiron. This unprecedented gathering of Bugatti’s finest was a statement to the world that the Las Vegas Concours is the new must-attend destination for the world’s most prestigious manufacturers. A Pantheon of Performance The Bugatti spectacle was merely the beginning. The automotive world is filled with brands that prioritize exclusivity, performance, and avant-garde design. The Las Vegas Concours has become a magnet for these brands, drawing in the most exotic and rare machines on the planet. Horacio Pagani, the legendary founder of Pagani Automobili, graced the event with his presence. The Wynn hosted the largest gathering of Paganis ever assembled in North America, featuring a staggering lineup of Zondas, Huayras, and Utopias. More importantly, Pagani chose the Las Vegas Concours for the world premiere of the Huayra Codalunga Speedster. With only 10 units planned at $7 million each, this debut signifies that the Wynn is the new stage for automotive innovation. Horacio Pagani’s decision to debut a new hypercar at this event speaks volumes about the growing importance and credibility of the Las Vegas Concours on the global automotive stage. The Lamborghini pavilion was equally electrifying. More than 230 Lamborghinis filled the lawn, creating the largest Lamborghini gathering in history. This wasn’t just a display of production models; it was a celebration of Lamborghini’s ultra-rare “few-off” hypercars. The collection included the legendary Veneno Coupe, the track-focused Sesto Elemento, the limited-run Centenario (both coupe and convertible), and the angular Reventón. Seeing these masterpieces together in one place was a rare privilege, reminiscent of Lamborghini’s private museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese. Beyond these titans, the Wynn was home to a remarkable collection of Koenigseggs, Gumpert Apollo, Czingers, Nilu, and the debut of the McLaren Project Endurance race car. For those who appreciate the finer points of automotive history, the show featured a former Pebble Beach Concours-winning 1929 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Barker Tourer 26/120/180, alongside the HWA EVO, a Mercedes-AMG One, two Oldsmobile Aerotechs, and a McLaren F1. This eclectic mix of timeless classics and cutting-edge hypercars created a spectacle that defies traditional categorization. The Economics of Exclusivity The dramatic success of the 2025 Las Vegas Concours has triggered a seismic shift in the supercar industry. Manufacturers and collectors are re-evaluating their spending and their choices. Consider the economics of prestige. Tickets to The Quail cost around $1,300–$1,600, while participating manufacturers shell out roughly $400,000 for a booth. The Las Vegas Concours charges a fraction of that price, offering tickets for around $100. For a manufacturer, exhibiting at the Wynn is significantly more affordable, offering a massive return on investment in terms of exposure to high-net-worth buyers. This economic reality has forced manufacturers to ask a critical question: Is it still necessary to attend The Quail? The Las Vegas Concours has proven that it’s more than just a viable alternative; it’s the new benchmark for automotive debuts. With cities like Las Vegas and Miami becoming hubs for luxury events, many are questioning if The Quail’s historical dominance can withstand the challenge from these modern, dynamic venues. A New Standard for Luxury Beyond the economics, the attendee experience at the Las Vegas Concours is simply superior. Collectors no longer have to contend with the soul-crushing traffic and exorbitant hotel prices of Pebble Beach. Las Vegas is built for large gatherings, making navigation and dining easier and more accessible. The resort environment offers a level of comfort and convenience that traditional car shows simply cannot match. The Las Vegas Concours has successfully reinvented the supercar show. It’s a place where the past meets the future, where exclusivity meets accessibility, and where legendary brands choose to debut their most significant creations. While Geneva was once the epicenter of the supercar world, that title is now hotly contested. I cannot predict the future of the automotive industry, but I can assure you this: the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas has cemented its place on my must-attend list. If you want to witness the future of supercars and experience automotive excellence redefined, you should make it your priority to attend as well.