fbpx
Realtime UK
  • Share on Facebook
  • Post to Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn

Goodwood 2018: Roundup

Paul McSweeney 18 July 2018

The 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed was again bathed in sunshine on the Friday that the RealtimeUK team was visiting. Our early entrance to this 25th anniversary event was immediately greeted by the roar, smell and vibration of pre and post-war racers, being wrestled up the famous hill, reminding me of the true pioneering spirit of the age.

This year’s central display was Porsche’s, celebrating its 70th anniversary with a spectacular artistic landmark to its heritage (see above). The other major headline and perhaps more of a sign of the times, was from the Roborace concern. The Robocar was the first ever fully autonomous vehicle to make it up the hill. A mesmerising achievement but how does this make us petrolheads feel? Do let us know what you think!

For the RealtimeUK team, it was quickly to the business of touring the manufacturer stands and there were none more impressive than Polestar’s. The large installation, housing one single vehicle, was intentionally to ‘global motor show’ scale to really let the fabulous Polestar 1 breathe. With utterly cool Swedish styling, carbon structure, 600 horsepower and 1,000 newton metres of torque from its hybrid powertrain, it comfortably justifies its €155,000 price.

REALTIME Goodwood Festival of SpeedFrom there it was off to Lamborghini to experience the new Urus SUV and the very highly rated Huracan Performante Spyder. I’m very sure that the Urus will fly off the shelves in Sant’Agata Bolognese, with its combination of performance and accommodation coupled with no compromise, full-blooded Lamborghini styling. This particular Performante Spyder’s relatively calm matt blue paint with black hood and rims seemed perfect to me, cementing its status as a genuine track day weapon.

REALTIME Automotive

Then it was over to Woking’s finest to catch the 600LT, revealed to the Goodwood public just the day before. Carrying on McLaren’s now established nomenclature structure, 600 stands for 600PS and LT stands for minus 100kg and, well, nothing short of the pinnacle of driving performance and engagement. Launch colour remains reassuringly orange of course, in case you were worried.

REALTIME CGI Studio

Nestled suitably between the stable yard and VIP drop-off, Rolls-Royce took up its usual position at the festival with its brand new ‘Urban Inspired Specification’ Cullinan doing its best to outdo its stable mates, especially the satin-painted Phantom. Cullinan is seeking to establish leadership in go-anywhere, ultimate luxury and you certainly can’t help but be convinced it will succeed.

REALTIME VFX Studio

You could be forgiven for thinking that the Porsche 911s on display, from the relationship between Singer and Williams Advanced Engineering, were some kind of step back in time, but this is a vehicle confidently billed as the ‘most advanced, lightweight, air cooled 911 that the world has ever seen’. Easily stated but difficult to deliver… although a new braking system, new suspension, a full aero study and the finest ever air-cooled engine, would surely remove any doubts. Form an orderly queue and be quick about it, ladies and gentlemen, only 75 will be built.

Mention must also go to W Motors; the proud UAE-based manufacturer showcasing their dramatic Fenyr SuperSport. Edgy, aggressive and beautifully little, I’d advise you all to make a mental note of this brand, more is certainly to come!

Finally for us, there was just enough time to catch the Lotus Cars stand. Making a glorious return to Goodwood in celebration of its 70th anniversary (just like Porsche!), it was great to see the brand front and centre, showcasing its full range of cars and the iconic Type 79 F1 car for all to drink in.

See you all next year!