Tag Archives: Goodwood

RollsRoyce

ROLLS-ROYCE GRAVITY RACERS: THE FIRST VEHICLES OF THE GOODWOOD ERA

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates the primary autos ever commissioned within the Goodwood period
  • Two hand-built gravity racers took half within the 2001 and 2002 Soapbox Challenges on the Goodwood Festival of Speed, earlier than the corporate had formally relaunched
  • A workforce of Rolls-Royce Apprentices have labored collectively to refurbish the automobiles
  • The racers have now been loaned to the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club, and are proudly displayed at their Northamptonshire headquarters


 “It has been a great privilege to reminisce on the first vehicles ever produced at the Home of Rolls-Royce. Not many will know that, before any of the first Phantoms were handed to clients, a pair of hand-built gravity racers took part in the Soapbox Challenge at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Having been retired from racing activities and subsequently displayed in our headquarters, we are delighted to announce that they have been refurbished by our Apprentices, who have worked tirelessly to restore them to their former glory. Over two decades on from their first outing, these priceless artifacts act as a pleasant reminder of how far we have come in the last 20 years at the Home of Rolls-Royce. We are confident that they will be cherished by our friends at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club, where they will add to an already vast archive of Rolls-Royce’s rich and storied history.”
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commemorates the primary autos of the Goodwood period. Contrary to widespread perception, this was not the primary new Phantom handed over to its commissioning shopper at 00.01 on 1 January 2003; in reality, Rolls-Royce’s trendy renaissance started two years prior, on the Goodwood Festival of Speed Soapbox Challenge.

Before Spectre, Cullinan, Ghost or Phantom, there have been the Rolls-Royce Close Coupled Drophead Gravity Racers. A teaser to the marque’s Goodwood resurgence, these four-wheeled, motorless autos – codenamed RR-0.01 and RR-0.02 – had been true one-of-one commissions, constructed by the identical expert fingers that will quickly relaunch the model within the West Sussex countryside. With ‘Project Rolls-Royce’ nonetheless in its infancy – planning permission for the brand new facility had solely simply been granted – the racers had been commissioned to take part within the Soapbox Challenges on the 2001 and 2002 editions of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a gruelling downhill race for gravity powered autos.

The traces on RR-0.01 provided tantalising clues to the design of the primary Goodwood Phantom. Built from carbon and glass fibre, composite honeycomb plates and precision aluminium parts, its monocoque shell bore a hanging resemblance to Phantom VII, profitable the award for the perfect design on the 2001 Festival of Speed. It was adorned with a novel, ‘March Hare’ mascot on its bonnet; the redesigned Spirit of Ecstasy wouldn’t make its debut on Phantom till the newly constructed Goodwood website formally opened its doorways in 2003. In the 2001 Soapbox Challenge, it was pushed by Ian Cameron, Rolls-Royce’s first Design Director of the trendy period, who was capable of overhaul the Bentley racer on the ultimate nook.

RR-0.02 was impressed by the Silver Ghost, winner of the 1911 London to Edinburgh Trial and the 1913 Alpine Trial, accomplishments which cemented Rolls-Royce’s place as creators of the ‘best car in the world’. Like its illustrious predecessor, RR-0.02 was constructed with pace in thoughts, with its system racing-style steering racks combining with its slick, tubular tyres to minimise rolling resistance; in a becoming tribute, Ian Cameron led the workforce to victory within the pace problem on the 2002 Soapbox race, lifting the Newton Apple award for the quickest racer. It was additionally bestowed with the Merit of Excellence by the ‘Wazir’ of Goodwood, a discretionary award for racers of explicit distinction, incomes the honorary title of Grand Soap Wazir. Made from aluminium and carbon fibre, with a painted wooden aft deck and leather-based trim, it was emblazoned with a one-of-a-kind, double-question mark monogram above its pantheon grille, providing additional hints to the marque’s Goodwood revival.

Following these triumphs, the racers had been proudly displayed in the primary reception space of the newly accomplished Home of Rolls-Royce, attracting consideration and admiration from curious shoppers and guests for a few years. A testomony to the Goodwood website’s youth, they’d have their racing swansong within the fifth and last Soapbox Challenge in 2013. Once once more, they efficiently accomplished the course, with RR-0.02 reaching a prime pace of 72mph on its method to the end line simply exterior Goodwood House.

These outstanding autos have now been faithfully restored to their former glory by the subsequent era of expert artisans and craftspeople on the Home of Rolls-Royce, prepared for the subsequent chapter of their fascinating historical past. The racers not too long ago underwent a full-body and mechanical restoration, managed by a workforce of Rolls-Royce Apprentices. This included a fancy restore to the entrance grille on RR-0.01, and a hand-crafted substitute front-screen veneer on RR-0.02, each having been initially broken throughout their racing exploits.

From Goodwood, the racers travelled to the headquarters of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club at Hunt House in Northamptonshire. Here, they take pleasure of place within the Club’s unrivalled assortment of Rolls-Royce data and memorabilia, over 20 years since they kicked off a brand new daybreak for the marque.

RollsRoyce

Rolls-Royce and Goodwood Estate Celebrate Successful Debut of New Wild Seed Harvester

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Goodwood Estate are pleased with the performance of the new Wild Seed Harvester
  • The purchase of the specialized machine in 2022 was supported by Rolls-Royce as part of their ongoing environmental partnership with the Duke of Richmond’s estate
  • The seeds collected will promote biodiversity and grassland across the estate, contributing to the preservation of healthy ecosystems
  • This partnership is a key part of Rolls-Royce’s conservation efforts in the wider Goodwood habitat and Strategic Wildlife Corridor network

“We have had a highly successful environmental partnership with the Goodwood Estate for many years. In 2022, we expanded our support with various additional projects, including the purchase of the Wild Seed Harvester. It’s amazing to see the impact it’s already making on the important work of maintaining and improving our local wildflower populations, which are crucial to the beauty and diversity of this wonderful place we call home.” – Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations & Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The Wild Seed Harvester, a specialized machine purchased with support from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, has completed its first full season of operations on the historic Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. The acquisition was made in 2022 as an extension of the partnership between Rolls-Royce and Goodwood Estate, which has been ongoing for over 20 years.

The harvester, entirely designed and manufactured in Britain, is dragged across pastureland behind a small tractor or all-terrain vehicle (ATV), gently collecting seeds from grasses and wildflowers into a hopper. Depending on the density of the grass, the machine, which is 1.2m (4 ft) wide, can harvest approximately eight acres (3.2 ha) in a day.

During May, June, and August, the Wild Seed Harvester collected seeds from various locations on the Goodwood Estate, known for its commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices. Once dried, the collected seeds will be used to enhance biodiversity in both wild and cultivated grassland across the estate. For instance, this autumn, the seeds will be broadcast sown in an existing meadow to increase the number of plant species from 49 to over 100.

This is the first time that large-scale mechanical harvesting of this nature has been used on the Goodwood Estate. Previously, wildflower seed collection was limited to specific species and done by hand. The Wild Seed Harvester significantly improves efficiency, allowing the Gardens Team more time to focus on other important nature-based projects.

Wildflowers are crucial for preserving and promoting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. They serve as a consistent food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the year. Furthermore, their intricate root systems enhance soil health and stability, preventing erosion and improving water quality by reducing nutrient run-off.

The Home of Rolls-Royce is located on a 42-acre (17 ha) site within the Goodwood Estate. Since starting operations in 2003, Rolls-Royce has supported various sustainability projects to protect and enhance biodiversity in the area. These initiatives include maintaining their own Wildlife Garden and renowned Goodwood Apiary, as well as planting over 20,000 trees between the villages of Halnaker and Lavant as part of the Wildlife Corridor that connects the South Downs National Park and Chichester Harbour. Rolls-Royce remains committed to preserving the natural beauty of its picturesque countryside home.

Motorsport

Caterham Project V: Audi TT Parts and Maserati Seats

The Caterham Project V made its debut at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it was one of the most significant reveals of the event. Although currently a one-off model, Caterham plans to launch a production version of the car by late 2025 or early 2026. This unique vehicle stands out from other Caterham models as it is an all-electric coupe with 2+1 seating (optionally 2+2) developed by Italdesign.

Being a small brand, Caterham faces challenges in developing car parts, as is the case for niche automakers. To streamline the engineering process and reduce costs without compromising quality, the Project V has adopted some components from well-established brands. Interestingly, the car features the same door aperture as the Audi TT, and its slim seats are sourced from Maserati. While these details were not initially disclosed during the car’s debut on July 12, the company’s CEO has now revealed them.


Featured

The Range Rover Sport SV Edition One: An Exclusive SUV with 626 Horsepower

Recently, the Goodwood Festival of Speed allowed attendees to witness the impressive performance of the latest Range Rover Sport SV. While the vehicle had made its debut online earlier this year, few had the opportunity to see it in person or hear its powerful engine.

Prior to the festival, Land Rover granted access to a limited edition variant of their sportiest model, called the Edition One, in Malibu. This exclusive vehicle is specifically designed for the brand’s most loyal customers and requires an invitation to purchase. Deliveries will begin in early 2023.

Range Rover Sport SV

The Edition One shares the same mechanical specifications as the standard SV model. It features a 626-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter BMW-sourced V8 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV retains its all-wheel-drive system and multiple drive modes. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 180 mph, numbers that were typically reserved for supercars in the past.

The SV offers optional 23-inch carbon fiber wheels, which reduce weight by 78 pounds in total. It also provides massive carbon-ceramic brakes, weighing 75 pounds less than traditional steel brakes. Additionally, the vehicle features 6D Dynamics air suspension with hydraulically-linked air struts that can control pitch and roll without the need for anti-roll bars.

Range Rover Sport SV

Inside the SV, Land Rover introduces the new body and soul seat. It utilizes four transducers aligned in the backrest to produce synchronized vibrations, allowing the driver and front passenger to feel the music they are listening to – a unique feature in any Range Rover vehicle.

In addition to distinct badging on both the exterior and interior, the SV Edition One is available in a unique matte Carbon Bronze color. This exclusive color option costs an additional $10,150 and will only be offered on 215 out of the planned 675 production units worldwide.

It’s important to note that the Edition One is only available through an invitation process, and all 675 units have already been sold. Although pricing for the U.S. market has not been officially announced, it is estimated to start at around $180,000. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2023.

Motorsport

Koenigsegg Jesko In-Car Video From Goodwood Looks Amazing And Terrifying

Watching the Goodwood Festival of Speed from a third-person perspective is one thing. The course may be narrow in certain spots, but there’s still enough room to maneuver, right? However, switching to a first-person view changes the perspective entirely. And when you add speed to the mix, you gain a newfound appreciation for the bravery required to achieve a quick time over the tight 1.1-mile ascent.

Fortunately, Koenigsegg decided to install a camera inside the blue Jesko that tackled the hill at the recent Goodwood event. Factory development driver Markus Lundh was behind the wheel while YouTuber Mr. JWW (James William Walker) occupied the passenger seat. Throughout the first half of the run, Mr. JWW can be seen laughing and clearly enjoying the Jesko’s power. As they zoom down the open straight past the spectator area, the digital speedometer shows a glimpse of 213 kph, which translates to just over 130 mph. This is an incredibly impressive speed for such a short stretch of road.


Motorsport

10 Fastest Cars at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed: McLaren, Rimac, and More

The 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed was unique because the organizers canceled the event on Saturday due to the extremely rainy weather. This gave the racers less opportunity to prepare for the Supercar Shootout on the hill climb. Nothing beat the McMurtry Speirling’s record-setting time from last year, but this year’s competition was incredibly close.

This year’s fastest vehicles include many race cars, including modern and classic examples, the one-off Subaru GL Family Huckster, and a couple of modern supercars. No matter what flavor of high-performance machines you like, there’s something here to enjoy.

McLaren Solus GT At 2023 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Top 10 Fastest Cars Goodwood 2023 Video

Vehicle Driver Time
1. McLaren Solus GT Marvin Kirchöfer 45.34 Seconds
2. Subaru GL Family Huckster Travis Pastrana 46.38 Seconds
3. McLaren-Cosworth M26 Michael Lyons 46.89 Seconds
4. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Adam Smalley 47.40 Seconds
5. Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 Jake Hill 48.18 Seconds
6. Chrysler Viper GTS-R Florent Moulin 49.29 Seconds
7. Rimac Nevera Miroslav Zrncevic Mrgud 49.32 Seconds
8. Ford Puma WRC Adrien Formaux 49.47 Seconds
9. Ferrari 488 Challenge Andrew Morrow 49.88 Seconds
10. Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport Olaf Manthey 51.45 Seconds

The McLaren Solus GT was the fastest vehicle this year, completing the hill climb in 45.34 seconds. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 829 horsepower and can rev to over 10,000 rpm. The car weighs only 2,205 pounds and features aerodynamic elements that generate 2,646 pounds of downforce.

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The McLaren Solus GT did not beat Speirling’s record of 39.08 seconds from last year. However, it surpassed the time of the Porsche 718 GT4 ePerformance, which was 45.50 seconds in 2022.

Last year, four electric vehicles were among the top ten fastest cars in the Supercar Shootout: the Speirling, 718 GT4 ePerformance, Ford SuperVan, and First Corner FC1X. The Rimac Nevera was the only electric vehicle to make the list in 2023. Rimac is even celebrating its time of 49.32 seconds as the best ever for a production-spec EV.


Motorsport

Ride Shotgun In The Mercedes-AMG One During Wet Goodwood Hill Climb

At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, a stealthy AMG One took to the course on a wet surface. Behind the wheel was Bernd Schneider, a five-time DTM champion and AMG brand ambassador. Riding shotgun was a Youtuber known as Rana, who is an avid collector of high-end cars and is set to receive the F1-engined hypercar when it is released.

The AMG One was joined by a Lamborghini Revuelto and a 2024 AMG GT Coupe that had a minor incident. Despite its small 1.6-liter V6 engine, the matte black electrified supercar sounded incredible, especially in race mode. This engine, adapted from Formula 1, has an 11,000 rpm redline and remains loud even at idle speed.


Motorsport

Porsche 911 GT1 Crashes at Goodwood Festival of Speed, Losing Rear Wing and Engine Cover

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed not only showcased high-speed racing, but also witnessed several unfortunate crashes. Among them, two legendary race cars from the 1990s, the Porsche 911 GT1 and McLaren F1 GTR, encountered mishaps while tackling the hill climb section. Videos recorded by spectators captured the moments when both iconic endurance race cars lost control and suffered minor damages. It’s important to note that these were the genuine, original vehicles, not replicas.

The Porsche 911 GT1, with racing number 26, is the Le Mans-winning race car from 1998. Driven by Laurent Aïello, Allan McNish, and Stéphane Ortelli, it triumphed after 24 hours of racing, completing 351 laps – one more than another 911 GT1. This victorious endurance racer made an appearance at this year’s Goodwood Festival to celebrate Le Mans’ centenary. Unfortunately, the driver lost not only the car’s rear physically but also metaphorically.

Initially, the Porsche 911 GT1 lost its rear wing when it collided with hay. However, video footage later revealed that the car was also missing its engine cover. Both substantial body parts were then collected and placed in a trailer, which was towed by a Toyota Proace van. It appears that Porsche shouldn’t encounter any difficulties in reattaching these components to the race car.

In a coincidental turn of events, another endurance machine from the same era experienced a minor accident. The McLaren F1 GTR, labeled with the racing number 60, belonged to Team Lark and participated in the Japanese Grand Touring Championship (JGTC). During the 1996 season, it emerged victorious in the inaugural race at Suzuka, achieving a one-two finish for the McLaren F1 GTR. The car continued its winning streak, claiming additional victories at Sportsland SUGO and Mine Circuit.

The BMW V12-powered McLaren F1 GTR demonstrated its “tail-happy” nature at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Although the damage is likely minor, the cost of repairs for this specialized vehicle is expected to be substantial. It’s highly likely that we will see this legendary race car at future events, but it’s safe to assume that the insurance company is not pleased.

As mentioned earlier, this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed saw a number of accidents. Notably, an unreleased second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, a classic Jaguar, and a Hyundai RN22e were involved in incidents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

BMW

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023: MINI Showcases Exciting New Models in the UK

Goodwood. MINI gave attendees of the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023 a glimpse into the future with the debut of the all-electric MINI Concept Aceman. Visitors were also treated to the limited-edition MINI Cooper SE Convertible, offering electrified open-air driving fun. The festival, which took place in West Sussex, celebrated its thirtieth anniversary as a premier motorsport event. MINI showcased its diverse product portfolio at the festival, including the MINI JCW 1to6 Edition, MINI Concept Aceman, and the strictly limited MINI Cooper SE Convertible.

MINI Thrills at the Hillclimb. The Goodwood Festival of Speed is famous for its close proximity to the public and the exhilarating Hillclimb race past Goodwood House. This unique opportunity allows automotive enthusiasts to witness iconic vehicles and drivers up close. Taking center stage was the MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition, making its British motorsport debut on the challenging Hillclimb. Limited to 999 units, this special edition pays homage to the brand’s motorsport heritage and offers thrilling driving dynamics. Charlie Cooper, grandson of legendary racing car engineer John Cooper, drove the edition car up the track. The Goodwood Hillclimb is considered a demanding benchmark for manufacturers to showcase their vehicles’ performance and the skills of their drivers.

A Sneak Peek into the Future. The MINI Concept Aceman, a concept car showcasing the future of the MINI family, made its UK debut at the festival. This electric vehicle beautifully demonstrated the upcoming designs, interiors, and electric performance of MINI cars.

Limited Edition MINI Cooper SE Convertible at Electric Avenue. In the Electric Avenue section of the festival, visitors had the opportunity to experience the first all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible. This limited edition vehicle, with only 150 units available in the UK, showcased the benefits of electric mobility. It is the world’s first emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment and represents the next-generation of all-electric MINI models. With a range of 201 kilometers according to the WLTP test cycle, it makes a significant contribution to the transition to electric vehicles.

After four exhilarating days, both visitors and participants are eagerly anticipating the automotive innovations that will be showcased at next year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.