Things to look out for at Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the world’s biggest celebrations of all things motoring, takes place this weekend (8-11 July) at the iconic estate in Sussex.

Huge manufacturer displays, new car launches and hundreds of cars going up the hill in pursuit of the fastest time of the event are just some of the highlights, and here are some of the things we’re looking forward to seeing this weekend.

Ford Electrified range

Like many manufacturers, Ford has ramped up its electrification efforts to meet the new 2030 government objectives. The Blue Oval will display a number of its new machines and concepts at Goodwood, including the Mustang Mach-E GT, Team Fordzilla P1 and Mustang Mach-E 1400. The Mustang Mach-E GT will make its driving debut on the famous hillclimb, while Fordzilla P1 is a concept race car developed in collaboration between the company’s designers and the gaming community. The Puma Rally1 WRC car is also on display for the first time.

Brand new BMW 2-Series Coupe

BMW’s latest iteration of its popular 2 Series Coupe will celebrate its world premiere at the festival. The new machine is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor and sticks with the rear-wheel drive six cylinder in-line engine layout, with four-cylinder petrol and diesel versions also to be made available. An aerodynamic facelift will also add excitement.

Lotus Emira public debut

The new Lotus Emira has had plenty of coverage over these pages in recent weeks, and for good reason, as the new model will sign off a chapter in the Norfolk marque’s history as the final solely internal combustion powered car to roll off the Hethel production line. The new model has received rave reviews, including from F1 champion Jenson Button, and the Emira will be seen several times as it takes on the famous hillclimb challenge. The brand’s new all-electric hypercar the Evija will also make its debut. It’s an important festival for Lotus, with the company being the main focal point of the ‘Central Feature’ element.

McMurty Automotive displaying experimental electric track car concept

Former Le Mans winner Derek Bell will be piloting an experimental pure electric track car, known as the McMurty Spéirling up the hill on each day of the event. The brand describes the car as the ‘ultimate no-rules track car than uninhibited technical evolution would have taken from the golden age of racing to shape the motorsport of today.’ The futuristic looking car will also be driven by British Hillclimb champion Alex Summers.

Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge Landspeed Collection

A number of bespoke Rolls-Royce cars will be on display and taking on the hillclimb throughout the event. Unique versions of the Phantom, Ghost, Dawn and Black Badge will be on show at the festival’s Laundry Green, with each being an expression of their owner’s aesthetic sensibilities and of the marque’s craftsmanship. The recently-announced Landspeed Collection commemorates records set by British engineer Captain George Eyston in Thunderbolt, which was powered by two Rolls-Royce R V12 engines.

First appearance of the Polestar 2

Electrification will be a key theme of the festival, and the Polestar 2 will be among the new machines to be seen for the first time. The experimental car has been given a makeover inspired by CEO Thomas Ingenlath’s desire to push the boundaries of the electric performance fastback’s design and performance potential. The car will produce 476hp from its twin electric motors, and will feature a wider track and lower ride height.