Unveiled! The Most Jaw-Dropping Cars at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed
The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed was nothing short of spectacular this year, showcasing a myriad of cutting-edge, remarkable vehicles that define automotive excellence. The theme was 'Horseless to Hybrid,' celebrating 130 years of automotive innovation. We’ve combed through the event to highlight the standout stars that captivated attendees and set the tone for the future of motoring.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
First on the list is Alfa Romeo's final combustion supercar, the 33 Stradale. This head-turner is limited to just 33 units, making its UK debut at Goodwood. Buyers have a choice between a combustion powertrain, featuring the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 from the Giulia Quadrifoglio, and an electric option. This car is a remarkable fusion of classic and futuristic design elements.
Alfa Romeo Junior
Next, we delve into Alfa Romeo's first mainstream EV, the Junior. This small crossover promises an engaging driving experience and is available in both combustion and electric forms. The electric version, shown in 'Electric Avenue,' boasts a 250-mile range and a maximum output of 278bhp in its top-tier Veloce variant.
Alpine A290
The Alpine A290 is an electrifying hot hatch based on the Renault 5 platform. Sporting the same powerplant as the Renault Mégane E-Tech, this 215bhp machine aims to bring fun and agility back to the EV segment. Visitors saw it roar up the Goodwood hill during the First Glance display.
Alpine Alpenglow Hy4
Alpine’s Alpenglow Hy4 could redefine the future of supercars. This hydrogen-powered beast, running on a four-cylinder engine, has been hinted to make it into production. At Goodwood, it served as a static display but elicited significant interest for its groundbreaking technology.
Aston Martin Valiant
Aston Martin had its own powerhouse to showcase with the Valiant. This 734bhp, twin-turbo V12 marvel was customized by Fernando Alonso and driven by a six-speed manual gearbox. It made its public debut at the Festival, drawing eyes and ears with its roar.
Bentley Continental GT
Bentley unveiled the next-gen Continental GT, a plug-in hybrid version, running up the Goodwood hill. With 771bhp, a 0-62mph time of 3.2sec, and a revamped chassis, this luxury saloon proves that sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing speed or performance.
BMW Innovations
Dominating the Goodwood space, BMW showcased a plethora of models including the i5 Flow Nostokana with its e-ink paint technology, the M2 with a boost in power, and the radically updated M5 hybrid. The BMW Skytop concept, a nod to the iconic Z8, was particularly noteworthy with its powerful V8 engine and limited production run.
BYD Seal U and Others
Chinese auto giant BYD continued its UK expansion with the Seal U, a plug-in hybrid family SUV competing on refinement and efficiency. Additionally, they featured the luxury Yangwang U8 and the hypercar U9, part of their First Glance paddock models at Goodwood.
Ferrari SF90 XX Spider
Ferrari turned heads with the SF90 XX Spider, a 1016bhp hypercar boasting a 2.3-second sprint to 62mph. This hybrid roadster combined jaw-dropping power with advanced aerodynamics, symbolizing Ferrari’s commitment to performance and innovation.
Toyota GR Yaris H2
Toyota revealed the GR Yaris H2, a hydrogen-powered evolution of their popular hot hatch, signifying a potential shift in how we fuel our performance cars. With the return of hydrogen combustion technology, Toyota aims to keep the thrill of driving alive in an eco-friendly manner.
Others to Watch
The Festival also saw notable unveilings from MG with their new HS SUV, Land Rover's extreme Defender Octa, and Mini John Cooper Works in both petrol and electric forms. Each of these cars showcased unique approaches to merging tradition with new-age tech.
The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed didn't just showcase the latest in automotive innovation; it offered a glimpse into the thrilling future of the motor industry. From the breathtakingly fast to the technologically advanced, the vehicles on display had something for every enthusiast.