Which new cars are stealing the spotlight at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025?
If you’re a car enthusiast, Goodwood Festival of Speed is the event where dreams and reality blur. This year’s lineup is especially wild, with brands like Aston Martin, Hyundai, MG, and many more rolling out headline-grabbing debuts. Let’s dive into the most exciting reveals and why they matter.
What makes the Alpine A110 R Ultime so special?
The Alpine A110 R Ultime is more than just a farewell; it’s a celebration of everything that made the A110 a cult classic. With 345bhp—nearly 50 more than the standard R—and a featherweight 1120kg chassis, it’s a purist’s dream. The new six-speed gearbox is a must, since the original couldn’t handle the extra grunt. Only 110 will be built, each costing £276,000. If you catch one at Goodwood, consider yourself lucky—it’s a rare sight, and a fitting swan song for Alpine’s beloved sports car.
How is Alpine pushing boundaries with electric performance?
Alpine’s electric ambitions are on full display. The A290 Rallye, for example, is a rally-ready hot hatch with a limited-slip diff, beefier brakes, and even an exterior speaker for fans. Then there’s the A390, a tri-motor SUV aiming to rival the Porsche Macan, boasting torque vectoring for sharp handling. And don’t overlook the Alpenglow Hy6—a hydrogen-combustion concept with a 740bhp V6 that revs to 9000rpm. Alpine’s message is clear: the electric (and hydrogen) future can be just as thrilling as the past.
Why is Aston Martin’s presence turning heads?
Aston Martin is flexing its muscles with both luxury and performance. The DBX S, a 717bhp super-SUV, outguns even the Ferrari Purosangue. Meanwhile, the Valhalla hypercar debuts with a staggering 1064bhp and imminent production. These models aren’t just about numbers—they’re about redefining what British performance means in a new era.
Which BMW debuts are worth your attention?
BMW is making a statement with a trio of showstoppers. The M2 CS gets a 50bhp bump and a lighter body, hitting 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. The Concept Speedtop, a limited-run shooting brake, is a bold nod to BMW’s design history and future. But the real conversation starter is the Vision Driving Experience: four electric motors, five downforce fans, and over 13,000lb ft of torque. BMW’s message? The electric age can still deliver pure driving joy.
What’s new from the world of coachbuilding and restomods?
The Bovensiepen Zagato, from the founding family of Alpina, is a 603bhp coachbuilt GT based on the BMW M4. Meanwhile, the Eccentrica Diablo restomod reimagines the Lamborghini Diablo with carbon chassis reinforcements, modern traction control, and a V12 tuned for today’s roads. These projects blend nostalgia with cutting-edge engineering, showing that the art of bespoke motoring is alive and well.
How are Asian brands shaking up the festival?
Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 N is a 641bhp electric sports sedan that’s gunning for the BMW M3, with aggressive styling and serious track credentials. Honda is previewing its electric 0 Series SUV and the Super EV Concept, both signaling a new era for the brand. MG is expanding with the Cyberster Black, the rugged CyberX concept, and the high-tech IM5 saloon—each targeting a different slice of the market, from sports cars to EVs with Tesla-rivaling range.
What’s happening with supercars and hypercars?
Ferrari’s lineup is jaw-dropping: the 296 Speciale is lighter, more powerful, and more aerodynamic than the GTB; the Amalfi replaces the Roma with a fresh design; and the F80, successor to the LaFerrari, brings 1184bhp and Le Mans tech to the road. McLaren’s W1, with 1258bhp from a hybrid V8, is another showstopper. And don’t miss the Praga Bohema—a 700bhp, sub-1000kg track weapon aiming to embarrass the establishment.
Are SUVs and crossovers still in the spotlight?
Absolutely. Bentley’s Bentayga Speed swaps its W12 for a twin-turbo V8, delivering 641bhp and 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds. Denza, BYD’s premium arm, is making waves with the B5 and Z9 GT—both high-powered, tech-laden SUVs. The Mercedes-Benz CLA, Europe’s most efficient electric car, is also making its dynamic UK debut, promising up to 484 miles of range.
What about the quirky and the unexpected?
The Callum Wood & Pickett Mini, a 110bhp hot hatch reinterpretation of the classic, is a love letter to city driving. Renault’s 5 Turbo 3E is an all-electric, 533bhp tribute to the original 5 Turbo, with only 1980 units planned. And the Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition brings Camel Trophy nostalgia back with modern capability.
How are manufacturers blending heritage and innovation?
Gordon Murray Automotive’s T33 and T33 Spider channel classic sports car values—lightweight, naturally aspirated V12s, and manual gearboxes—while offering modern usability and exclusivity. Maserati’s MC20, now the MCPura, gets a mid-life refresh with subtle design tweaks but keeps its supercar essence intact.
What’s the buzz around future concepts?
Lexus is teasing a new V8 supercar, possibly the LFR, as a spiritual successor to the LFA. Honda’s Prelude is back as a hybrid coupé with simulated sequential shifting. MG’s CyberX and IM5 suggest the brand is ready to challenge both rugged SUVs and high-tech EVs.
The big takeaway? Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re drawn to electrifying innovation, heritage-inspired restomods, or the sheer spectacle of hypercars, this year’s festival proves the future of motoring is as thrilling—and diverse—as ever.