Monterey Car Week, known for its showcase of historic vehicles, extravagant parties, and high-end fashion, experienced a significant shift this year with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), tech-centric vehicles, and the presence of Silicon Valley's software developers and founders.

The traditionally wealthy and older crowd that frequented the event was joined by a larger and younger audience. Tech founders mingled with the crowd, enjoying the luxurious festivities and embracing the opportunity to experience the cars firsthand, rather than simply admiring them from a distance.

The week-long event was filled with an array of parties, drawing in thousands of attendees. The Motorlux event at the Monterey Jet Center saw over 4,100 people, while The Quail boasted more than 5,000 attendees on Friday. The influx of visitors led to heavy traffic and a focus on parking logistics.

Notably, this year's Monterey Car Week saw a stronger emphasis on electrification. EVs have been featured in the past, but they seemed to hold a more prominent place this year. Bay Area-based Kindred Motorworks unveiled a vintage electric Bronco, reflecting the growing trend of EV conversions among classic car enthusiasts. The startup's presence contributed to the excitement surrounding electrification at the event.

Several notable vehicles caught the attention of car enthusiasts throughout the week. Acura showcased its Performance EV Concept, which is set to go into production next year. The luxury vehicle brand plans to build the coupe-utility vehicle at Honda's new EV hub in Ohio, with Honda handling the construction of the electric underpinnings. BMW delighted enthusiasts with the debut of its M5 wagon, the first time the company has decided to sell an M longroof in the United States. The wagon features a plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering an impressive 717 horsepower.

Startup company Everatti showcased its electric right-hand drive Land Rover IIA, capturing the essence of the classic Land Rover while incorporating electric power. Hispano Suiza, a 120-year-old Spanish coachworks builder, exhibited its track-focused all-electric Carmen Sagrera, boasting a remarkable 1,114 horsepower. Karma Automotive displayed its Kaveya, a super coupe with 1,000 horsepower, marking the first vehicle developed by the California automaker following a deal with Intel Automotive.

Kindred Motorworks generated significant attention with its all-electric Bronco, attracting attendees and shuttling them to various events. Lamborghini showcased its Termerario, a plug-in hybrid sports car equipped with a V8 engine and an electric all-wheel drive system. UK-based startup RBW presented its road-legal electric vehicles, designed to resemble old MGs, with customizable features and modern amenities.

Croatian startup Rimac, which merged with Bugatti, impressed the crowd with its high-performance Nevera R hypercar, boasting a whopping 2,107 horsepower. Porsche, known for catering to personalized requests, collaborated with a customer to create a unique vehicle known as the "Otto" yellow speedster, incorporating elements from different Porsche models.

Monterey Car Week continues to evolve, with the 2021 edition showcasing a strong focus on EVs, tech-centric vehicles, and the influence of Silicon Valley. The younger and larger crowd along with the array of exciting parties and groundbreaking vehicles made this year's event a remarkable experience for automotive enthusiasts.