2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed – show report and gallery

2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed – show report and gallery

Autocar

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Motoring extravaganza celebrates 30th anniversary; Porsche centrally featured company to mark its 75 years

It is, at last, time for this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Join us on the ground and on this page from Thursday 13 July to Sunday 16 July as we cover all the latest car unveilings and public debuts, as well as some of the best classic machinery the world has to offer.

This year’s theme, Goodwood 75, celebrates the 75 years of motorsport history since the Goodwood Motor Circuit opened in 1948, as well as 30 years of the Festival of Speed.

The famed Goodwood hillclimb features a series of cars that celebrate the various eras of motorsport at the site: a group for the racing years (1948-1966); the testing years (post-1966); the Festival of Speed's 30th anniversary (1993-2023); the return of racing (1998-2023) and the next 75 years. They will be joined by a roster of brand-new metal and special exhibits, including air displays by the Red Arrows on Thursday and Friday.

Porsche, which this year marks 75 years since it produced its first sports car, will be celebrated by the Festival of Speed's central feature, this year designed by Gerry Judah. The firm will also show several new cars at the event.

So, what should you look out for at this year’s Festival of Speed? We’ve compiled a list of the biggest arrivals… 

*Cars to see at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed*

-*AIM EV Sport 01*-

The designer of the Nissan GT-R has returned to the drawing board to create this shapely 483bhp electric sports car that weighs just 1425kg. It uses two liquid-cooled, high-performance electric motors (one on each of the rear wheels) with a maximum speed of 10,000rpm. They draw their reserves from an 81kWh battery split into four packs for a total torque figure of 582lb ft, helping it to achieve a sub-6.0sec 0-62mph time.

*Nissan GT-R designer creates lightweight, 483bhp EV sports car*

-*Alpine A290*-

With its sights set on the mainstream market, Alpine is launching this Renault 5-based hot hatchback, which will make its public debut at Goodwood. With an FIA-approved racing chassis and two motors mounted on the front axle, the production car promises to be a more usable accompaniment to the widely acclaimed A110, while retaining the marque's sporting character.

*Alpine A290 on sale in 2024 as feisty electric hot hatch*

-*Aston Martin Valour*-

Aston Martin’s latest bespoke creation is a supercar heavily inspired by the one-off Victor, equipped with a thunderous 705bhp V12 and a specially developed six-speed manual gearbox. It will not, however, be shown to the general public at Goodwood – it is reserved for private previews only.

*New Aston Martin Valour brings 705bhp V12 and manual gearbox*

-*Audi Hoonitron*-

Inspired by the original S1 Quattro Group B rally car, the Hoonitron is a no-holds-barred electric car designed specifically to shred tyres. It’s said to be capable of spinning into a 93mph donut from a standstill so is expected to put on a good show going up the Goodwood hill.

*Audi S1 E-tron Quattro Hoonitron makes public debut*

*BMW 5 Series and i5*

The new BMW 5 Series is one of the most anticipated cars of 2023, and it will appear in the UK in public for the first time at the Festival of Speed. An all-electric i5 variant will also be present at the event, with both cars taking to the famous hillclimb. This generation will be the final time the 5 Series is sold with an internal combustion engine, so make sure you visit the German brand's stand to say your goodbyes. 

*New BMW 520i is last pure-combustion 5 Series*

*2024 BMW i5: electric saloon arrives with up to 593bhp*

-*Caterham Project V*-

Caterham has at last shown off its vision of a lightweight electric sports car, saying it could enter production as soon as 2026. Called the Project V, it features a single electric motor that drives 268bhp through the rear wheels, as well as 55kWh battery set-up that gives a targeted real-world range of 249 miles. And that’s not all: the production car is targeting a kerb weight of 1190kg, less than a Toyota GR86.

*Caterham shows lightweight electric sports car for 2026*

-*Caterham Seven EV*-

Two prototypes of Caterham's 700kg, 322bhp EV will make their debut at Goodwood, signalling a new beginning at Caterham as the firm dips its toes in EV waters. The cars will look to match the 3.4sec 0-62mph performance of a 237bhp Seven 485, have enough battery power to perform flat out on track for 20 minutes and be able to fully recharge via a 150kW charger in 15 minutes. 

*Electric Caterham Seven: 700kg, 322bhp EV coming to Goodwood*

-*Czinger Hyper GT*-

This striking hypercar from American start-up Czinger is touted as “the most powerful grand tourer ever produced”. It will get the same 1233bhp twin-turbocharged 2.88-litre hybridised V8 engine as the firm's more track-focused 21C coupé, mounted at the front. With gullwing doors, 3D printed wheels, and camera-operated side mirrors, it commands a hefty price of between $750,000 (£613,260) and $1 million (£817,680). 

*Czinger reveals $1m Hyper GT with 1233bhp V8 and gullwing doors*

-*Ford Explorer EV*-

Ford's new era begins with the Explorer EV, which will make its dynamic debut at Goodwood. An electric family SUV roughly the same size as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it's based on Volkswagen Group underpinnings and marks the company's shift to more upmarket cars designed around the notion of 'American-ness'. It will be joined on the hill by the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse, as well as the GT3 and GT4 racers based on the new muscle car.

*New Ford Explorer spearheads firm's US-inspired electric reboot*

-*Genesis GV80 Coupé Concept*-

This concept is a coupé version of the Korean luxury brand's GV80 SUV. Genesis says the concept “serves as a statement of intent for the future, hinting towards more emotional and performance-oriented models”, meaning it gets much sportier styling than any Genesis model to date. It is expected to rival the likes of the Audi RS Q8 and Porsche Cayenne Coupé when it reaches production. Alongside the GV80 Coupé, the brand will launch an entirely new model on 13 July. Little is known about it, but check back later as we continue to report.

*New Genesis GV80 concept previews upcoming sports SUV*

-*HiPhi Z and Y*-

HiPhi will make its UK brand debut with the Z grand tourer and X mid-sized SUV. The Z's appearance on the Goodwood hillclimb will mark the car's dynamic debut. Its twin electric motors enable the car to achieve a 3.8sec 0-62mph time. The new HiPhi Y, meanwhile, will be a part of static displays on the Electric Avenue.

*Human Horizons HiPhi Z review*

*New HiPhi Y makes debut at Shanghai motor show*

-*Hyundai Ioniq 5 N*-

We’ve been hotly anticipating the sporty version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 for some time now. It will be Hyundai‘s first electric performance car, with a focus on the UK market. Expect ramped-up performance and a more aggressive exterior design.

*Hyundai Ioniq 5 N prototype review*

*2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N EV hot hatch to be revealed at Goodwood*

-*Ineos Grenadier FCEV*-

A hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered version of the Ineos Grenadier 4x4 will be shown at Goodwood, hinting at a potential production model set to arrive later this decade.

-*Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster*-

Known previously as the Ineos Grenadier pick-up, the Quartermaster has previously been spotted in near-production guise undergoing extreme weather testing, but this will be the first time the new Toyota Hilux rival has been seen in public. 

-*Kia EV9*-

Kia's widely reported seven-seat flagship will make its UK debut at Goodwood. It will launch later this year with a choice of two powertrains: rear-wheel drive with 200bhp and 258lb ft that takes it from 0-62mph in 9.4sec; and a dual-motor version offering 378bhp and 442lb ft, along with a 6.0sec 0-62mph time. It marks the beginning of a bold new design era for Kia as it progresses with its ambitious ‘Plan S’ to launch another 13 bespoke EVs by 2027.

*Kia EV9 review*

*New 2023 Kia EV9 priced from £64,995 in the UK*

-*Lamborghini LMDh racer*-

Lamborghini will reveal its new LMDh prototype racer at Goodwood before it competes in endurance races around the world from Le Mans to Daytona. Due to make its debut on 13 July, it will be presented by the Italian firm's CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, chief technical officer Rouven Mohr and head of motorsport Giorgio Sanna. 

-*Lotus Emira four-cylinder*-

The less powerful, four-pot version of Hethel's latest sports car will be unwrapped at Goodwood. It'll feature the turbocharged M139 engine used in the Mercedes-AMG A45, but with "fundamental changes", including a new intake and exhaust system. These tweaks mean it now puts out 360bhp and 317lb ft, slightly less than in entry-level AMG cars. Prices for a First Edition Emira with the new engine start from £77,795.

*Four-cylinder Lotus Emira to make debut at Goodwood*

-*Maserati's final V8s*-

Maserati has announced that it will end V8 production this year, sending the engine off with special editions of the Ghibli super-saloon and Levante SUV. Both are inspired by the first V8-engined Maserati, produced 64 years ago.

*Final Maserati Ghibli is 207mph swansong for Modena’s V8*

-*McLaren 750S*-

The new 750S is the thoroughly updated and enhanced replacement for the 720S. Subtly restyled but said to be 30% new under the skin, the 1277kg 750S is the lightest series-production McLaren road car yet. It's available in hard-top and Spider guises, and has been designed to provide "a new benchmark" in the supercar segment. Bringing with it a power bump over the 720S to 750PS (740bhp), it gets a "segment-leading" power-to-weight ratio of 579bhp per tonne. 

*New McLaren 750S replaces 720S with more power, revised chassis*

-*McLaren Solus GT*-

The Solus is McLaren's limited-run, single-seat track car derived from a video-game concept. Making its UK debut at Goodwood, it has been created specifically for speed, downforce and lap records. Powered by a naturally aspirated V10 with more than 830bhp, it weighs less than 1000kg and produces 1200kg of downforce at full speed – which is, according to McLaren, more than 200mph.

*McLaren launches V10-powered single-seat Solus GT*

-*McMurtry Spéirling Pure*-

The Spéirling broke the Goodwood hillclimb record last year, and McMurtry has now revealed a track-only version for the public to buy. On sale from £984,000, the single-seat, 1000bhp demon is more efficient that the standard car, meaning it's, unbelievably, even faster. You can see it in public for the first time at this year's Festival of Speed.

*McMurtry Spéirling Pure goes on sale with 1000bhp for £984,000*

-*MG 4 XPower*-

The XPower version of the MG 4 EV will make its public debut at Goodwood, complete with more aggressive styling tweaks and an upgraded powertrain that delivers 429bhp and 443lb ft of torque through all four wheels. The result is a 0-62mph time of 3.8sec, putting it on par with the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A45. Unlike that hot hatch, though, the 4 XPower costs from £36,495.

*Confirmed: MG 4 XPower electric hot hatch gets 429bhp*

-*MG Cyberster*-

The Cyberster is the first all-new sports car to be fitted with an MG badge since the MG F in 1995. The Chinese firm says it wil be the world’s first “affordable” EV roadster, with prices starting at £55,000 for a rear-wheel-drive 309bhp version and rising to £65,000 for a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive variant with 536bhp. It is sure to draw a sizeable crowd. 

*MG Cyberster to be displayed at Goodwood Festival of Speed*

-*MG EX4*-

MG will also launch the EX4, an electric hyper-hatch that pays tribute to the brand's iconic Group B Metro 6R4. Based on the 4 XPower, it uses the same 429bhp dual-motor electric powertrain that allows the road car to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in 3.8sec. Its large rear spoiler, chiselled front wing and wide-box wheel arches are a clear reference to the 1980s rally car, jutting out from the basic 4’s bodywork.* *

*MG EX4 unveiled on social media ahead of Goodwood debut*

-*Nio ET5*-

This Tesla Model 3 rival is expected to arrive in the UK later this year, after it makes its debut as the brand's fifth production model. It is based on the same 'Technology Platform 2.0' as the ET7. It's available exclusively with a twin-motor powertrain, which comprises a 201bhp asynchronous motor on the front axle and a 282bhp motor at the rear, for total combined outputs of 483bhp and 516lb ft. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 4.3sec, but Nio has yet to disclose a top speed figure. Prices begin from €49,900 (£42,600) in Germany, with a 75kWh battery adding €12,000 (£10,200) and a 100kWh pack adding €21,000 (£17,900). Leasing the battery costs €169 (£144) per month for a 75kWh unit, or €289 (£247) for 100kWh.

*New Nio ET5 electric saloon confirmed for UK in 2023*

-*Porsche Mission X*-

Porsche will celebrate its big anniversary this year with the Mission X concept, a 75th birthday present to itself. The electric hypercar previews a potential EV successor to the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder, so you can guarantee it will be a very powerful machine indeed. A powertrain that could offer around 1500bhp will be key to achieving its goal of becoming the fastest road-legal car to yet around the Nürburgring.

*New Porsche Mission X concept is electric 918 Spyder successor*

-*Porsche Cayenne*-

The updated Porsche Cayenne will be showcased at this year’s event. The German car maker’s larger SUV gets a new set of upgraded engines, plus a revised chassis and a total interior overhaul. It’s unlikely that we will see the electric Cayenne, though, which is not due on UK roads until 2025. 

*Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid SUV 2023 first drive*

*New-look Porsche Cayenne gets power, EV range and tech boosts*

-*Porsche 718 Spyder GT4 RS*-

This will be the last Porsche 718 Boxster and the most powerful yet. It takes 493bhp and 332lb ft from a GT3-based atmo 4.0-litre flat six with an ear-splitting 9000rpm redline. That’s mated to a “lightning-speed” seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox, all of which combine to propel the roadster from 0-62mph in just 3.4sec. It’s likely this £123,000 sports car will be one of the most popular cars at this year’s event. 

*Porsche 718 Boxster bows out with 493bhp Spyder GT4 RS*

-*Renault 4Ever Trophy*-

The outlandish Renault 4Ever Trophy concept will make its UK debut at Goodwood, previewing what the upcoming new Renault 4 will look like. Drawing its power from a 42kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese battery mounted under the floor, the EV is expected to give a range of around 250 miles and is propelled by a 134bhp synchronous motor on the front axle.

*New Renault 4 "just weeks away" from production sign-off*

-*Renault Turbo R5 3E*-

Renault's 5 Turbo 3E is a reinvention of the iconic 5 Turbo 2. Created to show EVs can be fun, it has a 374bhp electric motor, three drift modes and pink, yellow and blue LED stripes flashing on the front of the car to give a "1980s video game vibe".

*Renault 5 Turbo 3E racer possible for production, says CEO*

-*Singer DLS Turbo*-

The DLS and its massive rear wing are both borne out of the learnings the California-based firm has made from two projects - the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study and the Turbo Study. It's due to appear at Goodwood between the 13-16 July, with two examples built to showcase the model to the public. One is a blood orange, track-focused rocket and the other is created to work on the public road, with a much tamer appearance. The racer is shown above.

*Singer to show 690bhp DLS restomod at Goodwood*

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