What makes the Goodwood Festival of Speed so special
Ever-stricter speed limits, emissions controls, noise requirements and rising prices make life hard for those who live behind the wheel.
Thankfully, there are a few sanctuaries where speed is celebrated, roaring engines are met with enthusiasm and incredible rare cars are everywhere.
The best of them might be the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Set against the grand backdrop of the Goodwood House in West Sussex, England, it draws more than 200,000 people to celebrate the full spectrum of motoring.
From vintage race cars to legendary F1 machines, road cars and outlandish concepts, Goodwood has it all.
Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture: Supplied)
MORE: Bold plan to seduce millionaires
As soon as you step through the iconic gates of Goodwood, you're immediately immersed in a breathtaking display of automotive evolution.
Leading car manufacturers from around the world showcase cherished historic models alongside modern metal and revolutionary conceptsthat will shape the roads of tomorrow.
I stood in awe, absorbing the atmosphere and watching historic cars conquer the iconic hill climb, and thought the event couldn't get any better.
However, one moment sealed it in my memory forever.
I strapped into the passenger seat of a Bentley Continental GT Speed for a ride up the hill.
Bentley's GT Speed launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, and being in the thick of it was nothing short of heart-pounding.
We hit over 180 km/h through corners, tyres screeching as the road tightened and twisted beneath us on the charge uphill.
It was an unforgettable experience, one countless people dream of having.
For me, it stands out as a truly prominent moment I will forever cherish.
Adrian Newey driving the Lotus-Cosworth 49B during the Goodwood Festival of Speed event. (Photo by)
A McLaren-TAG MP4/4 driving at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by)
MORE: Jet pilot tech to change Aussie cars
But it was the slow parade back down the hill that captured my perception and revealed what makes this event truly special.
As we crawled back towards the tent where the Bentley would be placed back on display, crowds lined the return route, and people began stepping closer.
Phones came out, kids pointed, and some even leaned in for a better look, almost close enough to touch it.
No barriers, no aggressively attentive marshals telling people off — just genuine excitement.
This is what makes it so unique.
Duncan Pittaway driving the FIAT S76 during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by)
With unrestricted access, you are free to wander through rows of priceless machinery, talk to drivers and engineers, and soak in the atmosphere.
It's a weekend for anyone and everyone. Whether that's claiming a long-sought-after autograph, turning your gaze skywards for an incredible aerial display, or staring in bewildered awe at a multimillion-dollar car as it muscles its way up the Goodwood hill.
The sound is also truly unforgettable. You hear everything from the thunderous growl of classic V8 muscle cars to the high-pitched shriek of modern F1 engines to the crowd's cheer of approval. There's even the whizz of hyper-electric performance cars that may not sound as appealing, though their looks more than make up for it.
Liam Lawson was also at the Goodwood Festival of Speed event. (Photo by)
Nigel Mansell driving the Williams FW14B Renault at Goodwood. (Photo by)
MORE: Why 'dumb ute' incentives don't make sense
The event also has a rally stage, an off-road area, a supercar corral, a concours, an auction, and an exhibition for vendors. The enthusiasts who attend the event in their wide variety of classic cars, sports cars, and supercars make the parking lot one of the best car shows you'll ever see.
Goodwood is brilliant.
If it isn't on your bucket list, I'd highly recommend adding it.
Bentley's Bentayga Speed at Goodwood. Picture: Supplied
Esteban Ocon doing donuts during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by)
Whether you're a lifelong racing nut or just someone who appreciates a beautifully engineered machine, Goodwood has a way of pulling you in.
Even if you don't know your GT40 from your GR Yaris, it's hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere.
Originally published as What makes the Goodwood Festival of Speed so special
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Man of Many
4 hours ago
- Man of Many
Bentley's ‘EXP 15' Concept is a Sneak Peek at its First EV, Due in 2026
By Somnath Chatterjee - News Published: 21 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Futuristic concept showcases what future EVs from Bentley could look like Incorporates an illuminated grille which mimics the current design Upcoming EV will have an AWD electric powertrain Bentley is best known for its slightly imperious but lavishly trimmed luxury cars. Slightly more sporting than Rolls-Royce, though, Bentley manages to make luxury cars that also deliver the power to swallow vast distances with ease. However, with an electric future looming large, Bentley has had to do change with the times—but it's done so by looking into its glorious back catalogue. You see, Bentley used to make a car called the 'Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman' coupe in the 1930s which had an unusual body style: a high-riding coupe with a fastback sloping roofline. Now, the automaker's new 'EXP 15' concept follows in those footsteps but with an even more outrageous design, and shows what the next EV from Bentley could look like. Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley This concept hints at the brand's electric future and some design cues will eventually be added to the production EV due next year while the interior is made in virtual reality. Standing tall and measuring more than five-metres, the EXP 15 concept divides opinion in terms of its styling but, to us, the design screams Bentley. The grille is not the usual EV-esque body-coloured affair, and is instead an illuminated art piece. The new Bentley badge also now sits inside the grille while new vertical headlamps give it a menacing glare. Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Move to the side and that's where things get interesting: the EXP 15 gets a unique 3-door design much like the Hyundai Veloster plus there are two active rear spoilers along with a large diffuser. The ride height is more than a typical sedan but still shorter than an SUV, delivering an interesting crossover of sorts. Inside, there is a 3-seat configuration as the space next to the driver has been reserved for taking pets or luggage—also a nod to the bespoke vintage cars. The rear seats and the passenger side seat can swivel 45 degrees for easier ingress/egress while the cabin is bathed in traditional luxury elements, and Bentley has designed the cabin to include both physical and digital design details, along with a mix of traditional, artisanal, and sustainable materials. You can even use the car's boot space as a picnic table. Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley 'The beauty of a concept car is not just to position our new design language, but to test where the market's going. It's clear that SUVs are a growing segment and we understand the GT market – through four generations of the Continental GT – but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing,' said Robin Page, Bentley's director of design. 'Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box' design, and others again something more elevated. (The EXP 15 is) a chance for us to talk to people and get a feeling.' Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Like any typical Bentley there is a lot of knurled switchgear too and the jewellery is in abundance with a superb attention to detail. The digital interface throughout the dashboard can be turned off to embrace a digital detoxication while being covered by some fine wood veneer for the passengers to ogle at. It seems Bentley is attempting to keep some balance between technology and giving its customers the feel of physical buttons, along with its traditional luxury vibe. The EXP 15 is purely a concept, not a work of science fiction, since we can expect many of these details to actually trickle down to its first EV. Whenever that arrives, we can expect a powerful AWD configuration with many motors developing more power than any of its current V8 cars along with a plethora of technology. Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley Bentley EXP 15 Concept EV | Image: Bentley
Courier-Mail
5 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
EV sales plunge forces Porsche, Fiat to slash prices across Australia
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Car companies have slashed thousands of dollars from the prices of electric vehicles, with widespread discounts as buyers hit the brakes on electric vehicle sales. Electric vehicle sales in Australia are down 6 per cent compared to 2024 in the first six months of this year – and that's despite more EV options being available to customers than ever before. And we aren't just talking about the cutthroat Chinese brands reducing costs to compete – there are some surprising discounts to be had. MORE: AI system outrages drivers Porsche's Macan phases out petrol power in a bold EV move. Picture: Supplied The Porsche Macan is the most surprising offer on the table. Industry veteran Paul Gover posted on LinkedIn: 'Through all my many years in motoring I had never seen a discount on anything new from Porsche Cars Australia. Until today. 'Do Macan owners and shoppers want a Macan EV? The sales results say 'not yet' and dealers have been sounding the alarm bells for more than 18 months. Some even ordered a full year's supply of the combustion Macan before the final cut-off for production in Germany.' The German sports car specialist rarely offers deals. MORE: The best cars of the 21st century X SUBSCRIBER ONLY But Macan EV shoppers get a '$5000 Trade-In Bonus' on all cars, plus a 'Deposit Contribution' for the new plug-in Porker ($3000 on the Macan, Macan 4; $4000 on Macan S; $5000 on Macan Turbo). And the brand is further sweetening the deal with a five-year factory warranty and five years roadside assistance at no cost. Another European brand doing discounts is Fiat. Fiat's 500e Abarth Scorpionissima. Photo: Supplied The pint-sized Fiat 500e is now being offered at a more fitting price of $38,990 drive-away – some $16,000 off the existing price ($52,500 plus on-roads). And the hotter pop-and-crackle Abarth 500e is now $43,990 drive-away, about $18,000 less than the original price with on-roads included. What is the best car of the 21st century? Toyota LandCruiser Ford Mustang Holden Commodore VW Golf Porsche 911 Toyota HiLux MG3 Tesla Model Y Toyota RAV4 Bugatti Veyron Cast your vote Fiat – part of the Stellantis Group – isn't the only marque in the stable to be chopping it up. Jeep is still doing $40,000 drive-away deals on the Avenger electric small SUV, which is the country's cheapest vehicle of its type. And there are even better prices on in-stock models with low kilometres, as low as $34,990 drive-away for a car with 2000km on the clock. MORE: Why tradies are wrong about utes 2024 Chery Omoda E5. Photo: Supplied There are also budget bargains to be had from China, too, with the outgoing Chery Omoda E5 being offered with up to $6000 off retail. The 430km-EV-range small SUV starts at $40,300 drive-away, and includes a free home charger – and it's one of the only EVs on the market with a full-size spare wheel. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY Cox Automotive analyst Mike Costello says the raging retail offers point to potentially bigger concerns in the industry. 'Discounts or incentives tell us there are still challenges to overcome in terms of increasing consumer demand, although there are plenty of signs that consumers will consider an EV if the price and performance is right for them. 'Over the next few years carmakers are expected to increase the number of EVs they offer to meet government efficiency targets, so there's every change that great deals will become a common sight,' he said. And while it isn't a full EV, Mercedes-Benz has even repositioned the mild-hybrid C43 AMG sedan to be almost $20,000 cheaper than before, too. Originally published as EV sales plunge forces Porsche, Fiat to slash prices across Australia
AU Financial Review
13 hours ago
- AU Financial Review
Bentley throws out the rule book as it enters a new electric era
Bentley has hinted at its future with a raised all-electric limousine, the EXP15 concept. Should it be built, it will not look exactly like the show car, however, nor will it be the first electric Bentley. That will be a new SUV that is smaller, sportier and faster than the manufacturer's petrol-powered luxury SUV, the Bentayga. This new SUV – to be unveiled late next year and as yet unnamed – will nonetheless exhibit some of the bold styling displayed on the EXP15.
