Normally, of course, golf would be the thing to do at this California links mecca -- but for me, I'd rather ignore the "fore!" and focus on the four-wheeled wonders that are everywhere in the lead-up to the 60th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Oh, and I happen to be riding around in quite the fine car myself, though one whose history lies ahead of it rather than behind: an all-new Saab 9-5 turbo, which won't hit dealer lots for another few weeks.

I first saw the retooled 9-5 in person at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and I remember being struck first by the bold exterior design, but I was also struck by the interior, which seemed to punch below its weight class in terms of materials, fit and finish. I'm happy to say that those issues have been more than resolved and that the interior -- from its convenient and unobtrusive heads-up display to the two-toned leather seats and streamlined, handsome center console -- is befitting of its eye-catching exterior, which brings something new entirely to highways saturated with Mercedes-Benzes, Audis and BMWs. And catch some eyes it did, as I've already had several queries simply piloting the thing through a couple of parking lots -- and that's saying something, considering that I was taking up space next to a pair of '67 Corvette Stingrays.

I haven't had a chance to put the car through any paces on the road, so stay tuned for that and a whole bunch more from Pebble.