Mercedes-Benz at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
With all eyes on the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed June 26-29, automakers are using the occasion as a springboard to debut their latest models.
In the weeks leading up to the festival, automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and Range Rover announced plans of debuts and interactive experiences slotted for attendees to enjoy. Although Goodwood is rooted in racing, it will be beneficial for automakers to promote consumer-facing models to the crowds likely to gather.
Start your engines
Added to the mix of virtual reality racing experiences and vintage automobiles (see story), automakers such as McLaren, Bentley Motors and Land Rover are preparing to showcase their latest vehicles.
McLaren announced that it will show its Bespoke 650S model for the first time at Goodwood. With only 50 models available worldwide, Goodwood will give auto enthusiasts the chance to see the vehicle in person.
Available in either a coupe or Spider body style, the latter adaption will premiere at Goodwood for an asking price of $463,694. Fitted with a number of carbon fibre style upgrades and satin finish, the model will be available in three heavy-metallic paints including a Papaya Spark, a twist on the automaker’s iconic orange, Agrigan Black, a black with ruby red metallic flake and a new option, Sargian Quartz, a silver with golden infusion.
McLaren's Bespoke 650S Spider in Sargian Quartz
Also premiering at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed is Bentley Motor’s Continental GT3-R, penned as the brand’s most dynamic and fastest-accelerating Bentley ever produced. Limited to 300 vehicles, the Continental GT3-R, like all Bentley models, was hand built in the automaker’s Crewe factory.
To further appeal to racing buffs, Bentley will also display its Continental GT3 racing model, the inspiration behind the Continental GT3-R. The GT3 will compete during Goodwood with David Brabham behind the wheel fresh from the model’s victory at the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone May 23-24 in Britain.
Bentley Motor's Continental GT3-R
Additionally, Land Rover will showcase its latest model the Range Rover Sport SVR. The automaker is promoting the model as the fastest and most powerful vehicle in its portfolio.
The Range Rover Sport SVR will be the first to wear the “SVR” designation, which will be featured on future high-performance vehicles going forward. The 550PS Range Rover Sport SVR prototype will compete in the hill course at Goodwood.
Land Rover's Range Rover Sport SVR