A Ferrari F12 TRS at last year's festival
A Ferrari F12 TRS at last year's festival
The 23rd annual Festival of Speed opened on Thursday with the Moving Motor Show by Lord March driving the all-new Mazda MX-5. The Moving Motor Show is where if you put your name down early enough, you can drive your choice of car up the hill, this year you can choose from the Mazda MX-5, Ford Focus RS, the Bentley Continental GT Speed and GT V8S.
The main event opens on the Friday and this year’s theme is Flat out and fearless: Racing on the edge celebrating those moments in motorsport history where drivers have really given it their all and more.
This year’s featured manufacturer is Mazda they will be displaying and demonstrating their latest models the MX-5 and CX-3 as well as their older well-known vehicles. The 787B racer, the car that won Le Mans in 1991 will be put through its paces on the hillclimb.
Peugeot 308 R Hybrid A hybrid hothatch, the 308 R offers 500bhp from its engine combination of a 1.6-litre turbo and a pair of electric motors. It is a four-wheel drive and can reach a reported top speed of 155mph. It can get from 0 to 62 in 4.0 seconds according to Peugeot.
Renault Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy Another French hothatch this one from Renault has a 1.6-litre turbo engine and a very responsive DCT automatic transmission. The reported top speed is 146mph and it reaches 0–62 in 6.6 seconds.
Ford Focus RS Power reaches 217bhp Reportedly a step up from the Ford Focus ST the RS Power is powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine. Its top speed is 174mph and gets from 0–62mph in 3.9 seconds.
SEAT Ibiza SEAT’s new Ibiza will be debuted at the show. The supermini will be the centre point of the SEAT display. Improvements made to the model have been to the performance and efficiency, dynamics and technology, the exterior hasn’t had much of a facelift. It is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated and turbo engine.
Mazda MX-5 The new MX-5 is available with a smaller engine than its predecessor at 1.5-litres, as well as a 2.0-litre option. The smaller engine reaches 0–62 in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 127mph, the lighter weight of the newer model benefitting its performance.
Mazda CX-3 Mazda is entering the compact crossover market with the CX-3. There are several engine choices and it’s available as a petrol or diesel. For more detailed information on the MX-3 take a look at the styling spec and price.
MINI John Cooper Works MINI has created their most powerful and fastest model yet with the second-generation John Cooper Works. A 2.0-litre turbocharged engine gives a top speed of 153mph and it reaches 0–62 in 6.3 seconds.
The Hillclimb. The 16-mile course rises over 300ft with an average gradient of 4.9% on its tree-lined route through the Goodwood estate.
The sculpture. Every year since 1997 British artist and designer Gerry Judah has created an automotive-themed sculpture that sits in front of Goodwood House.
2012 Festival of Speed Sculpture
The supercar run. Speciality cars manufacturers run their supercars on a timed circuit of the track, they usually showcase their latest sports models and concept cars.
The supercars at Goodwood Festival of Speed this year are:
There are also manufacturer displays, multiple other races, airshows and motor stunt shows.
Take a look at last year’s highlights to get you in the mood.
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014 Highlights
