Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[John Lennon's first car being sold at auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/john-lennons-first-car-being-sold-at-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/john-lennons-first-car-being-sold-at-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/john-lennons-first-car-being-sold-at-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



This is what you get as your first car after you've just passed your driver's test at the age of 25: a 1965 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Coupe. Of course, that's assuming your name also happens to be John Lennon and you've just helped record Ticket to Ride with the rest of your Beatles cronies.

When news of Lennon getting a driver's license made the newspapers in England, luxury car makers parked outside his mansion with offerings and this is the one he chose, painted Azzuro Blue with a blue interior. He paid 6,500 pounds, said to be equivalent to 110,000 pounds today ($170K US).

Bonhams will be auctioning the blue Italian at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12. It was just one of 500 built, has been restored to its original condition, has matching numbers and its original license plate number. The pre-auction estimate is between 180,000 and 220,000 pounds ($278K - $340K US).

Have a read of the press release below for more on the history of Lennon's Ferrari and a few of the other big-money classics that will go under the hammer.

Continue reading John Lennon's first car being sold at auction

John Lennon's first car being sold at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbonhamsferrariferrari 330 gtgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedjohn lennonthe beatlesThu, 09 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564112/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/john-lennons-first-car-being-sold-at-auction/20564112/article-detail.xml 20564112 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/john-lennons-ferrari_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/john-lennons-ferrari.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the McLaren P1 hang its tail out in extreme weather testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

McLaren P1 undergoing winter testing - video screencap

Even though McLaren will only be building 375 examples of its new P1 hybrid supercar, it has to make sure the high-performance coupes are ready for just about any weather conditions. For its cold-weather testing, McLaren headed to the Arctic Circle to put the P1 through its paces, which also provided a perfect opportunity for some good photos and video. We've seen the P1 in person now in full production trim, but this artfully camouflaged prototype proves that the 903-horsepower supercar looks good in just about any color.

Incidentally, McLaren has also announced that as a part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the new P1 will be a featured car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July, along with some of the firm's vintage Can-Am racers. The video and press release are both posted below.

Continue reading Watch the McLaren P1 hang its tail out in extreme weather testing

Watch the McLaren P1 hang its tail out in extreme weather testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mclaren p1goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmclarenmclaren p1videoTue, 30 Apr 2013 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/20553034/article-detail.xml 20553034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mclaren-p1-winter-testing-drift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mclaren-p1-winter-testing-drift.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible planned, SUV rumors kicked to the curb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/rolls-royce-wraith-convertible-planned-suv-rumors-kicked-to-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/rolls-royce-wraith-convertible-planned-suv-rumors-kicked-to-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/rolls-royce-wraith-convertible-planned-suv-rumors-kicked-to-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 rolls-royce wraith convertible - front three-quarter view on show display stand

Seeing as it adheres to the exotic car template we've known for years, it should surprise no one that the next model from Rolls-Royce will reportedly be a convertible version of the Wraith. When the coupe is on its way to dealers at the end of this year, company CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has told Autocar that the British luxury marque start applying itself to the convertible.

At no time will they apply themselves to an SUV, though. Still sticking to its brand-value guns, Müller-Ötvös says that an SUV wouldn't have that trademark Rolls-Royce feeling and that such a vehicle hasn't even been discussed. Having heard this before from other brands, we can't help but suspect that one day in the future we'll hear the phrase, "Oh, but this is the Rolls-Royce of SUVs."

The investment in an SUV would also mean a huge investment in the factory at Goodwood, however, since Wraith production is expected to need three shifts and raise levels to near capacity. And forget about building anything from The Spirit of Ecstasy somewhere else, Müller-Ötvös saying, "Rolls-Royces are built in Goodwood."

Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible planned, SUV rumors kicked to the curb originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goodwoodrolls-roycerolls-royce suvrolls-royce wraithrolls-royce wraith convertibletorsten müller-ÖtvösMon, 29 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552003/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/rolls-royce-wraith-convertible-planned-suv-rumors-kicked-to-the/20552003/article-detail.xml 20552003 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wraith-convertible-coming_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wraith-convertible-coming.jpg <![CDATA[Over $20,000 in 'irreplaceable' trophies stolen from Goodwood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/over-20-000-in-irreplaceable-trophies-stolen-from-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/over-20-000-in-irreplaceable-trophies-stolen-from-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/over-20-000-in-irreplaceable-trophies-stolen-from-goodwood/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Goodwood Estate map

A band of thieves is being blamed for a brazen nighttime theft of 33 historic trophies from the Goodwood estate, where the Festival of Speed and Revival are held. According to the Telegraph, at least four burglars drove up to the Earl Of March's 12,000-acre estate on Monday night in a Range Rover, whereupon they broke a window at the Kennels Clubhouse (above, upper left) and smashed four cabinets to gain access to the trophy collection.

The trophies are valued at £15,000 - over $22,700 US - but are essentially priceless because they cannot be duplicated and some have significant historic and sentimental value. One of the stolen pieces includes the Mobil Oil Trophy, awarded in 1931 to the Earl's grandfather for a race at Brooklands.

An estate spokesperson fears the trophies may be sold for scrap, as they figure to be very difficult to sell. A reward has been set up for the return of the trophies and local police are asking for help from anyone who may know anything about the burglary.

Over $20,000 in 'irreplaceable' trophies stolen from Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earl of marchgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedgoodwood revivalgoodwood theftkennels clubhousesussextrophytrophy theftSat, 06 Apr 2013 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530185/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/06/over-20-000-in-irreplaceable-trophies-stolen-from-goodwood/20530185/article-detail.xml 20530185 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/goodwood-map-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/goodwood-map-628.jpg <![CDATA[Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mystery Renault concept caught on camera phone - video screencap

Mystery Renault concept caught on camera phone - video screencapRenault has exceptional plans for this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, bringing six classic cars, four Formula One cars from this year's season and three current offerings. It will also be showing off two brand-new concepts, one of them gasoline-powered and another that's purely electric, and it's possible that the ICE concept has been spotted in Madrid on a video shoot. If so, it would be appear to be a fresh take on the Eighties-era Renault 5 that would look very nice next to the 1984 Renault 5 Maxi that will be at Goodwood.

Some Spaniards with camera phones caught a little blue Renault hatchback with a number "5" on its flanks and a giant wing hanging off the back. Renault has to have expected someone to catch it in photos, not because it was working with a camera truck but because it was doing donuts in an intersection and spitting out a murderous exhaust note. It might actually have nothing to do with the Goodwood concepts, but the coincidence of a classic Renault 5 showing up in England does provide a potential connection.

Elsewhere in the stand from July 11 to 14 Renault will have a 1920 Renault Type K, a 1926 Renault 40CV, the first turbocharged F1 car, the 1978 RS01, the Alpine that won Le Mans in 1978 and a Groupe 5 Alpine A310 rally car, Kimi Räikkönen's Australian F1 Grand Prix-winning Lotus E21, the Red Bull RB9, Caterham CT03 and Williams FW35. Among current offerings will be the Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC, Captur crossover and all-electric Zoe. Find out more about all of them in the two videos and the press release below.

Continue reading Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot

Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept cargoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmotorsportsrenaultrenault 5spy photosspy shotsFri, 29 Mar 2013 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522523/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/20522523/article-detail.xml 20522523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault5vid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault5vid.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates decade of decadence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/rolls-royce-phantom-celebrates-decade-of-decadence/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/rolls-royce-phantom-celebrates-decade-of-decadence/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/rolls-royce-phantom-celebrates-decade-of-decadence/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe - dead-on view

Ten years ago, Rolls-Royce opened its Goodwood manufacturing facility and handed over the keys to the very first Phantom. Back then, parent company BMW was cranking out Phantom sedans at the blistering pace of one unit per day. By the end of 2003, that number had tripled, and today, the Goodwood plant builds a total of 20 Phantoms in sedan, coupe, drophead and extended-wheelbase models during a single day's working hours. Originally, there were fewer than 400 workers on staff responsible for hand-building the big cruisers, but now the plant boasts over 1,400 craftsmen, with 100 of those positions added in 2012 alone.

Rolls-Royce boasts one of the lowest staff turnover rates of any brand in the industry, thanks in part to a successful apprenticeship and internship program, and the company notes 80 percent of its workers live within 15 miles of the facility. You can read the full press release on the 10th anniversary of both the Phantom and the Goodwood plant below.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates decade of decadence

Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates decade of decadence originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 rolls-royce phantomgoodwoodgoodwood facilityphantomrolls roycerolls-roycerolls-royce phantomFri, 04 Jan 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415926/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/rolls-royce-phantom-celebrates-decade-of-decadence/20415926/article-detail.xml 20415926 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-628.jpg <![CDATA[Checking the Goodwood Revival off my bucket list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/checking-the-goodwood-revival-off-my-bucket-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/checking-the-goodwood-revival-off-my-bucket-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/checking-the-goodwood-revival-off-my-bucket-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Driving A Silver Arrow Though The Heart Of Vintage Racing



What I stumbled upon is, quite literally, the stuff of legends.

I'd have been no more flummoxed if Noah's Ark had floated past on a river of rainbows skippered by a pair of unicorns.

I had heard, off in the distance, a rumbling I couldn't quite place. I'd know the basstone of overhead-valve V8 mills from America if I heard them in my sleep, and a quick pinch to the fleshy part of my forearm proved that I was, for better or for worse, wide awake. No, not from America.

The sound continued, louder and more insistent as more engines were fired; clearly not the shriek that accompanies the spinning guts of an Italian 12-cylinder engine, either. And then the unmistakable whine of a supercharger. My walk turned into a quick jog, and then an all-out sprint.

I went out in search of the mysteriously glorious sound of internal combustion. What I stumbled upon is, quite literally, the stuff of legends. It's true: One-horned horses have managed to master the art of ark wrangling. How else could I be seeing a brace of open-wheel Silver Arrows, shivering with every percussion of compression, all hailing from 1934 to 1939 and ready to race? I must be at the Goodwood Revival.

Continue reading Checking the Goodwood Revival off my bucket list

Checking the Goodwood Revival off my bucket list originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 goodwood revivalfeaturedgoodwoodgoodwood revivalsilver arrowsFri, 16 Nov 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20355105/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/checking-the-goodwood-revival-off-my-bucket-list/20355105/article-detail.xml 20355105 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/auto-unions_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/auto-unions.jpg <![CDATA[Ten original Silver Arrows assemble at the 2012 Goodwood Revival]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/22/see-the-original-silver-arrows-run-at-the-2012-goodwood-revival/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/22/see-the-original-silver-arrows-run-at-the-2012-goodwood-revival/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/22/see-the-original-silver-arrows-run-at-the-2012-goodwood-revival/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Silver Arrows at Goodwood

The Earl of March, the man responsible for the Goodwood Revival, said he's been trying to get all of the Silver Arrows race cars - those of Auto Union, now Audi Tradition, and Mercedes-Benz - to the event for 20 years. This year, the stars aligned. 2012 marked the 75th anniversary of the Silver Arrows arriving in the UK, and there have never been as many of the instantly recognizable winners in one place at the same time. Ten of them, to be specific.

They weren't just there to sit in "the box," either, with drivers like Jackie Stewart, Jochen Mass and Karl Wendlinger throwing them around the Goodwood Circuit. For all of their Wagnerian pre-war thunder,at least one of them was apparently kinder than it sounded: Mass compared the handling of the Mercedes W25, with its over 400-horsepower 4.3-liter inline eight-cylinder, to a Volkswagen Beetle.

For more commentary and a great look at the retro style of the Goodwood Revival, check out the video posted below.

Continue reading Ten original Silver Arrows assemble at the 2012 Goodwood Revival

Ten original Silver Arrows assemble at the 2012 Goodwood Revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi traditionauto unionearl of marchgoodwoodgoodwood revivalmercedes-benzsilver arrowsvideovideosyoutubeSat, 22 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20330549/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/22/see-the-original-silver-arrows-run-at-the-2012-goodwood-revival/20330549/article-detail.xml 20330549 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/silverarrowgoodwood-rev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/silverarrowgoodwood-rev.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley releases first rolling footage and new images of EXP 9 F Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/bentley-releases-first-rolling-footage-and-new-images-of-exp-9-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/bentley-releases-first-rolling-footage-and-new-images-of-exp-9-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/bentley-releases-first-rolling-footage-and-new-images-of-exp-9-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bentley EXP 9 F concept SUV - front three-quarter dynamic view

Bentley has now paraded its EXP 9 F concept in front of crowds at the Geneva Motor Show where it debuted, the Beijing Motor Show, and most recently at last weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. Still claiming that the concept SUV is "part of a systematic and comprehensive process of gauging customer and public reaction to the idea of a Bentley SUV," yet nevertheless getting very specific about what would power such an SUV and how many they would hope to sell, the English automaker is clearly marching this concept down a path towards production.

In the wake of its latest debut to the English country folk, Bentley has released a new set of EXP 9 F images, as well as the first video of it in motion. Scroll down and hit play to see what you'd look like idling through the forest in your own Bentley sport ute.

Why release new images and a video now? It may have something to do with a report by Autocar that claims Bentley pitched the idea of developing the EXP 9 F for production to the brass at parent company Volkswagen last week. Autocar claims the concept attracted enough interest from potential buyers to play a part in the Volkswagen Group's decision, noting that the vehicle's controversial front and rear styling treatments would have to change (echoing sentiments we've heard before). The interior, however, has reportedly been so well received that it likely won't change much at all.

Continue reading Bentley releases first rolling footage and new images of EXP 9 F Concept

Bentley releases first rolling footage and new images of EXP 9 F Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley suvconceptexp 9 fexp 9fgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedvideoFri, 06 Jul 2012 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20272901/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/06/bentley-releases-first-rolling-footage-and-new-images-of-exp-9-f/20272901/article-detail.xml 20272901 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bentley-exp-9-f-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bentley-exp-9-f-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Nissan Leaf set a record up Goodwood... backwards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/watch-this-nissan-leaf-set-a-record-up-goodwood-backwards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/watch-this-nissan-leaf-set-a-record-up-goodwood-backwards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/watch-this-nissan-leaf-set-a-record-up-goodwood-backwards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



There's more than one way to set a record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Just ask Nissan. The automaker took to the hill climb this year with its electric Leaf and actually managed to capture a spot in the record books with a unique stunt.

Terry Grant jumped behind the wheel of the EV for a sprint up the course... in reverse. Surprisingly enough, Grant kept the battery-powered hatchback pointed in the correct direction, and even managed to snag an impressive time of just 1 minute and 57 seconds from the start line to the checkered flag.

Of course, the Leaf required a little bit of modification in order to pull off the feat. Engineers removed the reverse speed limiter, allowing the vehicle to theoretically travel as fast in reverse as it does going forward. Looks like fun, but something tells us it couldn't hold a candle to the Lincoln Town Car that showed up in the Car and Driver backwards lap competition. Check out a few videos of the run below.

Continue reading Watch this Nissan Leaf set a record up Goodwood... backwards

Watch this Nissan Leaf set a record up Goodwood... backwards originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedgoodwood hill climbhill climbnissan leafterry grantvideoMon, 02 Jul 2012 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/02/watch-this-nissan-leaf-set-a-record-up-goodwood-backwards/20270468/article-detail.xml 20270468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/leafvideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/leafvideo.jpg <![CDATA[Updated McLaren MP4-12C to debut at Goodwood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/updated-mclaren-mp4-12c-to-debut-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/updated-mclaren-mp4-12c-to-debut-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/updated-mclaren-mp4-12c-to-debut-at-goodwood/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

McLaren MP4-12C Union Jack

McLaren has announced that it will debut the 2013 MP4-12C at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. Jenson Button will whip a production prototype version of the machine up Goodwood Hill on June 30. McLaren has nudged final output from 593 horsepower to 616, and revised the throttle and shift mechanisms for better response. Designers have also thrown in a few more color and interior options. Buyers may now slather their MP4-12C in Volcano Yellow, and the cabin can be trimmed in perforated leather and Alcantara. The 2013 model will also be available with a new diamond cut wheel finish.

In addition to pitting the new model against the hill, McLaren will display the 2013 MP4-12C in the Goodwood Supercar Paddock so fans can get a closer look.

The company will also show off its new 12C GT3 race car, complete with a Union Jack livery, as seen in the image gallery above. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Updated McLaren MP4-12C to debut at Goodwood

Updated McLaren MP4-12C to debut at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 goodwood festival of speed2013 mclaren mp4-12cfestival of speedgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedgoodwood hilljenson buttonmclarenmp4-12cThu, 28 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20268305/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/28/updated-mclaren-mp4-12c-to-debut-at-goodwood/20268305/article-detail.xml 20268305 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-union-jack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-union-jack.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf aims to take world record in reverse at Goodwood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/nissan-leaf-aims-to-take-world-record-in-reverse-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/nissan-leaf-aims-to-take-world-record-in-reverse-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/nissan-leaf-aims-to-take-world-record-in-reverse-at-goodwood/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When Nissan wants to set a speed record, you'd expect it to use the GT-R to get there. Or maybe one of its myriad racing cars - it does, after all, power the bulk of the LMP2 racers on the grid at Le Mans, not to mention the experimental DeltaWing. But the Leaf? Sure, maybe for emissions-free motoring, but not for speed.

Yet it's the Leaf in which Nissan will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. And not the Nismo RC version, either, though that will be on hand for the festival as well. No, Nissan will attempt a world record in a bone-stock electric Leaf... in reverse.

Because EVs like the Leaf power their wheels directly from their electric motors, they should - in theory at least - be able to drive just as fast in reverse as they do moving forward. To test that theory, Nissan is brining the Leaf to Goodwood where its stunt driver Terry Grant (the same guy who drove a Juke on two wheels up the hill at the event last year) will attempt to drive the entire course backwards.

In the process, Nissan hopes that Grant and the Leaf will set a new record for the fastest time over a distance of one mile in reverse. And considering the twist, turns, peaks and dips of the Goodwood circuit, that likely won't prove too easy. But we sure look forward to seeing how it turns out. Read more in the press release below.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf aims to take world record in reverse at Goodwood

Nissan Leaf aims to take world record in reverse at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedguinnessguinness book of world recordsguinness world recordland speed recordleafnissannissan leafreverse speed recordspeed recordterry grantworld recordWed, 27 Jun 2012 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20266149/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/27/nissan-leaf-aims-to-take-world-record-in-reverse-at-goodwood/20266149/article-detail.xml 20266149 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/leaf-reverse_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/leaf-reverse.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar F-Type prototype to take the hill at Goodwood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/jaguar-f-type-prototype-to-take-the-hill-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/jaguar-f-type-prototype-to-take-the-hill-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/jaguar-f-type-prototype-to-take-the-hill-at-goodwood/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Jaguar F-Type in camouflage

Jaguar is taking its still-in-development F-Type to the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. Mike Cross, Jaguar's head of vehicle integrity, will be piloting the all-aluminum convertible up the hill, and we guess he'll probably have the 380-horsepower, supercharged V6 underhood that we'll see when the production car is introduced next year, though a V8 is also possible. We're just hoping that Jag sees fit to delete the F-filled camouflage on the model seen above and show us the car in all its glory.

Jaguar's new kid should fit nicely with this year's Goodwood theme of "young guns." Scroll down for a press release on the F-Type's appearance.

Continue reading Jaguar F-Type prototype to take the hill at Goodwood

Jaguar F-Type prototype to take the hill at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f typef-typegoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedjaguarmike crossMon, 25 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20263822/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/25/jaguar-f-type-prototype-to-take-the-hill-at-goodwood/20263822/article-detail.xml 20263822 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jagf-typeimage1040412-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jagf-typeimage1040412-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda to debut MX-5 Miata GT Concept, looking for feedback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/mazda-to-debut-mx-5-miata-gt-concept-looking-for-feedback/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/mazda-to-debut-mx-5-miata-gt-concept-looking-for-feedback/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/mazda-to-debut-mx-5-miata-gt-concept-looking-for-feedback/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 GT Concept - orange - dynamic front three-quarter view

Does the idea of a Mazda MX-5 Miata with 205 horsepower - a useful bump over the stocker's 167 ponies - sound like a good idea? How about one with an upgraded suspension, carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and spoiler?

Still not good enough for you? Fine. Throw in a free-flowing exhaust with single center-mounted tailpipe, body-color roll hoops, sticky tires and a pair of Recaro seats. If we're describing the Miata of your dreams, we suggest you tell Mazda how you feel - this exact machine, dubbed the MX-5 Miata GT Concept, will be on display at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will make a run up the hill.

Mazda says it's "seeking customer reaction" to the hotted-up sports car, which it says is inspired by its MX-5 GT race car. Mazda: We speak for all when we say, "If you build it, we will come." Also on display at Goodwood will be the Mazda Takeri Concept and the company's new CX-5 crossover.

See for yourself in the image gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading Mazda to debut MX-5 Miata GT Concept, looking for feedback

Mazda to debut MX-5 Miata GT Concept, looking for feedback originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmazdamazda mx5 miata gtmiatamiata gtmx-5mx-5 miatamx-5 miata gtmx5Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20265667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/25/mazda-to-debut-mx-5-miata-gt-concept-looking-for-feedback/20265667/article-detail.xml 20265667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mazda-mx-5-gt-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mazda-mx-5-gt-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Six-wheeled F1 cars set for Goodwood reunion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/six-wheeled-f1-cars-set-for-goodwood-reunion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/six-wheeled-f1-cars-set-for-goodwood-reunion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/six-wheeled-f1-cars-set-for-goodwood-reunion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Back in the late 1970s, several Formula One teams were experimenting with six-wheeled F1 cars. The idea was to reduce drag and increase downforce while improving traction - they did, after all, manage to increase the contact surface of rubber to road while decreasing the height of the individual wheels. They showed considerable promise, but as with many developments in F1, they were quickly banned.

Tyrrell, March and Williams all toyed with the formula, and the results varied. But not since they raced have they all been in one place at the same time. And now they will as the organizers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed are bringing them together for this year's drive up the hill.

Spectators will be able to see the the Tyrrell P34 (pictured above), the Williams FW08B and the March 2-4-0. While the former two have been at Goodwood in previous years, this will mark the first time that the March will be there for the event - fitting since Goodwood is the seat of the Earl of March, patron of the event. Check out the official announcement below.

Continue reading Six-wheeled F1 cars set for Goodwood reunion

Six-wheeled F1 cars set for Goodwood reunion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-4-0f1formula 1formula onefw08bgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmarchmarch 2-4-0p34six wheelersix-wheelertyrrelltyrrell p34williamswilliams fw08bWed, 20 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20261708/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/six-wheeled-f1-cars-set-for-goodwood-reunion/20261708/article-detail.xml 20261708 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/six-wheeler-goodwood_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/six-wheeler-goodwood.jpg <![CDATA[Pagani to debut ultimate Zonda R Evo at Goodwood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/pagani-to-debut-ultimate-zonda-r-evo-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/pagani-to-debut-ultimate-zonda-r-evo-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/pagani-to-debut-ultimate-zonda-r-evo-at-goodwood/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Pagani Zonda R - black - front three-quarter studio view

If you thought Pagani had replaced the Zonda with the Huayra, think again. The Modenese purveyor of the most exotic of supercars is apparently willing to continue building Zondas for moneyed buyers who still want them. And far from simply continuing the model it had, Pagani has been further developing the Zonda into ever-more extreme variants.

The latest, according to GTSpirit, will be the Zonda R Evo, a model Pagani is expected to bring to the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The track-only model would, if speculation manifests, combine the best features of the existing Zonda R (pictured above) with the output of the latest Zonda 760 RS. That means competition-spec suspension, brakes, aero and rolling stock with a 760-horsepower incarnation of the V12 built for Pagani by Mercedes AMG. That, for comparison's sake, is within spitting distance of twice the output of the original Zonda C12 that hit unsuspecting roads at the turn of the millennium.

With that much juice, the Zonda R Evo is tipped to hit 62 mph in under 2.7 seconds and bag a top speed of more than 218 mph. Former Formula One driver and multiple DTM champion Bernd Schneider is expected to drive the ultimate-Zonda-to-date up the hill at the Earl of March's estate at the end of the month.

Pagani to debut ultimate Zonda R Evo at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernd schneidergoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedpaganipagani zondapagani zonda rpagani zonda r evozondazonda rzonda r evoWed, 20 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20260518/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/pagani-to-debut-ultimate-zonda-r-evo-at-goodwood/20260518/article-detail.xml 20260518 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/001paganizondar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/001paganizondar.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed debuting at Goodwood with 616 HP and 205 MPH top speed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/bentley-bringing-616-hp-205-mph-2013-continental-gt-speed-to-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/bentley-bringing-616-hp-205-mph-2013-continental-gt-speed-to-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/bentley-bringing-616-hp-205-mph-2013-continental-gt-speed-to-go/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The rumors were true: Bentley will be debuting the car you see here, the 2013 Continental GT Speed, at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. And while it doesn't look all that different (if at all) from a standard Conti GT, the changes under the hood are what sets this big coupe apart from its kin. Take notice: With a top speed of 205 miles per hour, this is the fastest production car that Bentley has ever produced.

That outrageous top end comes courtesy of some extra grunt from the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine. Overall output has been increased by 49 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, meaning there's a whopping 616 hp and 590 lb-ft on tap. A new close-ratio, eight-speed automatic transmission has been employed to manage all that power (which is still sent to all four wheels), and all in, the Continental GT Speed will sprint to 60 miles per hour in four seconds flat.

For the GT Speed, Bentley has modified the chassis and steering setups, and the car's overall ride height has been lowered. Furthermore, the faster Conti rides on unique 21-inch wheels wrapped in sticky 275/35R21 Pirelli PZero tires. Inside, Bentley offers the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard equipment as well as "a number of signature Speed design cues that combine contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character." Sounds nice.

Orders for the 2013 GT Speed are being taken as you read this, with the first cars being delivered in October this year. Scroll down for the official press release, and stay tuned for the car's official unveiling at Goodwood, where drivers Juha Kankunnen, Guy Smith and Derek Bell will drive a pre-production version up the infamous hill twice a day.

Continue reading 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed debuting at Goodwood with 616 HP and 205 MPH top speed

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed debuting at Goodwood with 616 HP and 205 MPH top speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bentley continental gt speedbentleycontinental gtcontinental gt speedgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedWed, 20 Jun 2012 07:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258642/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/bentley-bringing-616-hp-205-mph-2013-continental-gt-speed-to-go/20258642/article-detail.xml 20258642 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce invites customers to dine on its assembly line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/rolls-royce-invites-customers-to-dine-on-its-assembly-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/rolls-royce-invites-customers-to-dine-on-its-assembly-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/rolls-royce-invites-customers-to-dine-on-its-assembly-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rolls-Royce

Automotive assembly plants have a reputation of being crusty, grungy places - often in stark contrast to the new cars they're assembling. But the truth is that modern auto plants are surprisingly clinical in their cleanliness. These days, you can almost hear company officials boasting that their assembly lines are almost clean enough to eat off of - so that's just what Rolls-Royce has gone and done.

The elite British automaker invited one hundred of its best customers up to its facility in Goodwood for a special dinner that had them dining right on the assembly line - or on tables set up there upon, anyway (the chandeliers were a nice touch, eh?). The guests arrived by chauffeured Phantom or by helicopter before being shown around the plant via red carpet, where craftsmen showed them their handiwork and even let them try their hand at some of it, finishing off with an up-close-and-personal encounter with the new Series II model. Sounds like our kind of fine dining.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce invites customers to dine on its assembly line

Rolls-Royce invites customers to dine on its assembly line originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assembly lineassembly plantdine on the linefactoryfactory tourgoodwoodrolls-roycerolls-royce dinnerFri, 08 Jun 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20250270/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/08/rolls-royce-invites-customers-to-dine-on-its-assembly-line/20250270/article-detail.xml 20250270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rolls-lineweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rolls-lineweb.jpg <![CDATA[Mini puts Goodwood edition on display at Harrods]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/mini-puts-goodwood-edition-on-display-at-harrods/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/mini-puts-goodwood-edition-on-display-at-harrods/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/mini-puts-goodwood-edition-on-display-at-harrods/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini Inspired by Goodwood at Harrods

If you want to buy a new car, you go to a car dealership. If you want to buy a ridiculously expensive and luxurious cashmere sweater in any color imaginable, you go to Harrods. At least that's the way it once was, but these days the swanky London department store has been turning its front window display into an automotive showroom.

A year and a half ago Aston Martin put its Cygnet city car on display at Harrods, a lead that Lexus followed with a showcase of luxury hybrids in the same space a month later. Fisker followed suit just a few months ago, and now Mini is doing the same with its Goodwood edition hatchback.

As you may recall, the Goodwood is a Mini hatchback that's had its interior fitted by the same craftsmen who do the cabins for Rolls-Royce. Only 1,000 units will be made, each with a whopping $52,000 price tag. The Mini Inspired by Goodwood has been on display at Harrods for a week already and will be for another, with a salesman on hand - swatches and samples at the ready - to answer questions and take orders behind the window on Brompton Road.

Continue reading Mini puts Goodwood edition on display at Harrods

Mini puts Goodwood edition on display at Harrods originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coopercooper goodwoodgoodwoodharrodsminimini coopermini inspired by goodwoodretailFri, 20 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217437/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/mini-puts-goodwood-edition-on-display-at-harrods/20217437/article-detail.xml 20217437 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webmini-harrods_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webmini-harrods.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce records highest annual sales in 107-year history]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/rolls-royce-records-highest-annual-sales-in-107-year-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/rolls-royce-records-highest-annual-sales-in-107-year-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/rolls-royce-records-highest-annual-sales-in-107-year-history/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

rolls-royce ghost

Some would say that 2011 wasn't exactly a banner year, but the good chaps at Rolls-Royce would likely respond with a definitive "Poppycock!" That's because the 107-year-old brand experienced its best-ever sales totals in 2011, with 3,538 very expensive autos sold around the globe. That's a 31 percent increase over the 2,711 models sold in 2010, thanks mostly to brisk sales of the Ghost and Phantom models.

With sales up 31 percent, it's clear that the storied automaker was on fire the world over, but certain markets really catapulted the marque. In fact, sales in Asia were up 47 percent, and the U.S. saw 17 percent growth. Austerity measures in England didn't stop the craze for new Rolls-Royce models, either, with sales up 30 percent.

It may not be all that exciting to see that the rich can afford more Rolls Royce models, but we're guessing the 1,000 employees working in Goodwood are probably tickled at the brand's rising popularity. Hit the jump to read over the official Rolls-Royce press release.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce records highest annual sales in 107-year history

Rolls-Royce records highest annual sales in 107-year history originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghostgoodwoodluxury car salesluxury carsphantomrollsrolls roycerolls-roycesalesWed, 11 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144151/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/rolls-royce-records-highest-annual-sales-in-107-year-history/20144151/article-detail.xml 20144151 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012-rolls-royce-ghost-extended-wheelbase-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012-rolls-royce-ghost-extended-wheelbase-opt.jpg -1 2