Best Cars Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the most popular events on the annual automotive calendar. Here are some of the most exciting cars to be unveiled at the event this year.

Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms

As the dust settles on yet another very thrilling and successful Goodwood Festival of Speed, it is time to look at some of the most exciting cars that were unveiled at this world class event. 

As before, and during the four days, the event featured cars from nearly every continent and represented all spheres of motorsport and sectors of the automotive industry. Having said that, the focus at Goodwood is mostly on performance cars, particularly rare exotics for the rich and famous.

Attracting vast audience numbers over the four days, more than several international motor shows can (those still left!), it has become the perfect occasion for manufactures, big and small, to unveil their latest models. Here are some that got our attention.

Honda Prelude Concept

It is not often that manufacturers bring back old model names for new cars, but that is what Honda did with its Prelude Concept. According to Honda, the production model will “deliver ‘joy of driving’ via a perfect balance of driving dynamics and fuel efficiency”.

It has been confirmed by Honda that the Prelude will have a hybrid powertrain. I guess it would be a little optimistic to hold thumbs that the hybrid powertrain will feature the 2.0-litre, turbopetrol from the Civic Type-R! Needless to say, it should be one of the more exciting Honda products available, should it come to South Africa. Although the Prelude has been unveiled a number of months ago, this was the first time it was shown in Europe. 

Lanzante-converted Porsche 935

Lanzante is one of those endearing specialist UK-based companies that keeps pumping out some fascinating projects. From building 930 TAG Turbos with Formula 1 engines, maintaining and running McLaren F1 road and race cars, this company also converts race or track-only cars to road specification. This time the team unveiled a modern Porsche 935 converted for road use. 

According to Lanzante “the development and engineering programme has taken just under 18 months from initial discussions” with the two owners. Furthermore, “the road conversion has included significant upgrades to the track car, including a unique suspension set up, newly designed and engineered wheels, upgraded braking system to include an integrated handbrake, a bespoke electronics system, and the sympathetic integration of bespoke headlights into the aerodynamic bodywork.” This will now arguably be one of the fastest modern Porsches on the road, and one of the most exclusive.

Aston Martin Valiant

It is evident that special and limited-edition models don't only guarantee press exposure, but can also be profitable. Aston Martin unveiled its Valiant, which is said to be a limited-edition model of which only 38 will be produced. Aston Martin calls it a “track-focused, road-legal” car and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team driver and two-time Formula One World Champion, Fernando Alonso, was involved in its development. 

Developing an impressive 548 kW from the 5.2-litre, twin-turbo V12 engine, the driver manages this level of performance with a manual, six-speed transmission. All the body panels are said to be manufactured from carbon-fibre while the 21-inch wheels are made from magnesium. In the cabin is a steel half-cage to which a four-point harness can be fitted. The gear lever mechanism, by the way, is a sight to behold! First deliveries are planned for the last quarter of this year. 

“1933” Auto Union Type 52

When an OEM decides to spent money on its heritage, the results are usually rather impressive. That was certainly the case when Audi Tradition unveiled the Auto Union Type 52. For a car from the '30s, it looks very aerodynamic and very fast, but there's a catch! This car was never manufactured in period. 

With engineer Ferdinand Porsche guiding the pen (or pencil) at the time, this super-high-performance car was designed, but the project was canned before any further steps in the right direction were made. Also involved in the project were the specialists at Crosthwaite & Gardiner. Powering the car is a 16-cylinder engine from another Auto Union race car, the Type C. Do yourself a favour and read or watch for more interesting details about this creation.

Red Bull RB17

It has long been known that Formula One engineering guru, Adrian Newey, has been working on something quite special for a while. Apart from his involvement in the incredible Aston Martin Valkyrie, his RB17 track car takes the performance level into the stratosphere. Besides its dramatic appearance, performance enthusiasts will undoubtedly be salivating at the prospect of experiencing a 4.5-litre, V10 naturally-aspirated engine that revs to 15 000 rpm! 

With electrical assistance, the powertrain develops 895 kW in total, while the weight of the car is only 900 kg. It goes without saying, also considering the level of downforce, that the performance on track is said to be close to that of modern Formula 1 cars. The price? Around £5 million (R117 million)… and there is even a seat for your passenger.