Tag Archives: Goodwood

News

Ford CEO: We will not make “a Mustang that’s not a Mustang”

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Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford, has simply certified thirteenth.

It’s 2pm and we’re on the 81st Goodwood Members’ Meeting, the place the Ford Mustang 289 V8 that Farley is sharing with Britain’s Steve Soper, the previous BTCC ace, has completed within the prime half of a stellar 30-car subject in qualifying for the inaugural Ken Miles Cup.

It’s a particular one-make occasion staged to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Mustang’s launch.

Farley’s lap occasions are a second or so behind Soper’s and he isn’t happy, even though that is really prodigious efficiency. At 62, Farley is driving an unfamiliar and really potent automotive on a really quick monitor that he has tackled solely as soon as earlier than. And though he loves racing, Farley actually doesn’t have a lot time for it, on condition that his day job is to steer a £180 billion Detroit-based firm whose 177,000 workers construct 4.4 million vehicles a 12 months.

The following day, in a 50-minute, two-driver race, the Farley/Soper automotive will cross the road in thirteenth place in a congested and action-packed contest stuffed with present and former greats, and not using a single mark on its gleaming blue bodywork, though a lot of the notchback Mustangs round it have had some type of ‘tap’. Again, it’s a creditable efficiency.

Today, nevertheless, sitting behind the pits in a folding chair, comfy in his driving gear, Farley’s thoughts could be very a lot on the Mustang’s industrial features and particularly its future.

He is deeply happy with the truth that the mannequin has been such a spine of Ford progress (“not many things in this industry last 60 years”) and particularly of the truth that a dangerous determination to globalise Mustang gross sales, made round 2015 initially of Farley’s personal two-year stint as president of Ford of Europe, has resulted in far more prominence and success for the historically American pony automotive.

Despite the truth that Ford has many big-volume electric car programmes underneath means, starting from the large American F-150 Lightning pick-up truck to Europe’s compact Explorer crossover, which is able to quickly be launched, Farley needs to emphasize the significance of the Mustang, which in future will seem in quite a lot of new iterations – doubtlessly together with a four-door model – however all of them with the identical “performance and attitude” of present variations.

News

New Rolls-Royce CEO reveals plan to ramp up bespoke skills

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Rolls-Royce will quickly break floor on a major extension of its manufacturing unit at Goodwood, West Sussex, that can allow it to supply considerably extra personalisation on every automotive that it builds.

Planning permission was lately granted by Chichester District Council, enabling the agency to progress with what would be the most substantial funding within the manufacturing unit because it was opened in 2003.

Extending it’s excessive on the priorities record for Chris Brownridge, the previous BMW UK boss who took the helm at Rolls-Royce on the finish of final yr, following the departure of long-standing CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

Speaking to Autocar for the primary time since taking the job, Brownridge – who has held a number of high-ranking positions within the BMW Group since becoming a member of in 2005 – stated that increasing the manufacturing unit isn’t simply essential from a industrial standpoint but additionally by way of nurturing the UK automotive trade.

“We’re proud as a British institution. Rolls-Royce has a very relevant voice in the world of luxury but also contributes to UK plc,” he stated, earlier than highlighting that Goodwood employs 2600 folks instantly and a few 7500 folks throughout the nationwide provide chain, whereas yearly contributing some £500 million to the Treasury.

“We’re a significant player,” stated Brownridge. “This little organisation that builds just 6000 cars a year gives a livelihood to many people.”

Rolls-Royce estimates that the expanded manufacturing unit will enhance its contribution to the native financial system by some £71m and will create greater than 1000 new jobs, though Brownridge emphasised that the goal isn’t to spice up total automotive output.

“When this magnificent facility was built, the business was designed around making 1000-1500 cars [annually], and today we make significantly more than that – every single one requested by a client,” he stated.

“Our strategy moving forward isn’t to grow volume, it’s to grow the bespoke content of the cars, because that’s what makes it a special experience for our clients.”

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.

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.

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.

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.