The Goodwood Festival of Speed (FOS) is a gala event designed for those who share a profound love for everything automotive. It’s not just a competition where cars climb hills for four exciting days. It’s more like a lively car exhibition, a diverse showcase of creative engineering.
Car brands from across the globe eagerly bring their latest marvels to this star-studded 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed event, providing spectators with an exclusive glimpse into the future of automotive technology. The 2023 edition of Goodwood Festival of Speed was a historic occasion, marking 30 years of the event itself, along with 75 years of Porsche and 60 years of Lamborghini
Even though Saturday’s (15th July) proceedings were hindered by inclement weather, the unveiling of stunning vehicles and the mesmerizing performances they delivered stole the show.
For those who couldn’t experience the thrill in person, here are the top 10 spectacular highlights from the 2023 Goodwood Festival Of Speed:
1.Lamborghini SC63 prototype
Kicking off the list is the highly anticipated Lamborghini SC63. Making its grand entry into the LMDh prototype racing arena, the car is set to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, World Endurance Championship (WEC), and IMSA in 2024. This mechanical beast’s heart is a hybrid-boosted twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8, concealed beneath aggressive, angular bodywork that screams Lamborghini design philosophy. This exceptional powertrain showcases a unique ‘cold V’ setup, where the turbos are positioned externally to ensure optimal cooling, effortless maintenance, and exceptional weight distribution.
Coupled with an impressive lineup of drivers, this race car is destined to make waves in the motorsport world.
2. Lamborghini Revuelto
The Lamborghini Revuelto, a car that had previously only existed in images, showcased its capabilities live at the 2023 Goodwood FOS. Beneath its sleek exterior lies a 6.5-liter V-12 engine reinforced with three electric motors. The combined output is a staggering 1,001 horsepower, enabling the car to charge up the hill with the ferocity of the Spanish bull it’s named after.
3. Lamborghini Sterrato
Another Lamborghini gem that left its mark was the Sterrato. This off-road supercar is the final edition of the Huracan series, equipped with chunky tires, wide rubbery arches, and a significantly jacked-up suspension. Under the hood, a 5.2-liter V10 engine roars with power. The Sterrato, perhaps slightly out of place racing up the hill, nevertheless proved its mettle, stealing the show with a high-speed run with spectators on the edge of their seats.
4. Ferrari KC23
Ferrari is no stranger to grandeur and luxury. Its one-off KC23 is a testament to that, with its unique design inspired by a Gran Turismo concept. The price tag for this exotic Italian machine would set back its lucky owner by a small fortune, but the awe it inspired and its impeccable performance made it worth every cent.
5. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai’s high-performance N division revealed one of the event’s most significant stars: the electric hot hatch Ioniq 5 N. Capable of producing 477 kW, it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. It features a sound simulator that imitates the exhaust noise of an ICE car, a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and technology.
6. INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster
Coming from the stables of energy company INEOS, the Quartermaster is the double-cab bakkie version of the Grenadier SUV. Armed with a BMW-sourced turbo 3.0-litre straight six, it’s set to test its mettle against industry giants.
7. Aston Martin Valour
The striking Aston Martin Valour took center stage with its 525 kW twin-turbo V12 and manual gearbox. With styling cues reminiscent of a steroidal 1980s V8 Vantage and arguably the best-looking wheels in the business, it left an indelible impression on spectators.
8. Aim EV Sport 01
Another car that caught our attention at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed was the Aim EV Sports 01. This electric car was crafted by Nissan’s former design guru Shiro Nakamura, the Aim EV Sport 01 is a boutique electric sports car that boasts 360 kW of electric power sent solely to the rear wheels. Weighing in at a relatively light 1,430 kg for an EV, it promises a driving experience as sharp and enjoyable as its sleek looks suggest.
9. Caterham Project V
British firm Caterham unveiled its first electric venture, the elegant sports car Project V at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. With a 200 kW rear motor and a 55 kWh battery promising over 400 km on a cruise. It’s a testament to Caterham’s commitment to sustainable innovation.
10. Porsche Vision 357 Speedster
The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster concept showcased at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed pays tribute to the automaker’s inaugural sports car and is a sibling model to the 357 concept unveiled in January 2023. It shares its chassis with the 718 GT4 Clubsport. At the same time, its electric motors and battery tech are sourced from the 718 GT4 ePerformance and Mission R. Similar to its 357 concept counterpart, the Speedster abounds with unique details and designs reminiscent of the classic 356 models.
The Vision 357 Speedster features an electric motor on each wheel, facilitating an all-wheel-drive system. In qualifying mode, the performance motors can generate a staggering 1073 horsepower and maintain 604 horsepower for a half-hour during race mode. As stated by Porsche, the ePerformance vehicle is on par with the present-day 911 GT3 Cup car in terms of lap times and can reach a maximum speed of approximately 186 mph.
After being presented at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, Porsche plans to showcase the car in the U.S. at the Porsche Rennsport Reunion in September.
The 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed served as a testament to the innovation, engineering prowess, and sheer passion that continues to drive the automotive industry forward. From menacing racers to sustainable trailblazers, this year’s event gave us an exhilarating taste of the future of motoring.