The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed witnessed a new record on the iconic hill climb, as the Koenigsegg Sadair's Spear, a hypercar boasting 1603 horsepower, completed the course in an astounding 47.14 seconds. This remarkable feat established it as the fastest road-legal vehicle to conquer Lord March's challenging driveway, eclipsing the previous year's record held by the Czinger 21C by a significant margin. The sheer power and precision demonstrated by the Sadair's Spear left spectators in awe, highlighting its advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction.
Breaking conventional expectations, Hyundai revealed its highly anticipated Ioniq 6 N at the festival. Following the critically acclaimed Ioniq 5 N, this new electric vehicle promises enhanced drifting capabilities and further refinements to Hyundai's innovative virtual gearshift system. The Ioniq 6 N's debut generated considerable excitement among attendees, signaling a bold new direction for performance electric cars and showcasing Hyundai's commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV technology.
Toyota generated significant buzz by offering a glimpse of its new GR GT3, or potentially the Lexus LFR, supercar. Although details remain scarce, the highly anticipated front-engined sports car, which has been undergoing rigorous testing globally, is expected to feature a twin-turbo V8 engine. Developed as a foundation for future GT3 racing, this upcoming vehicle hints at Toyota's serious intentions in the high-performance segment, promising an exciting addition to its acclaimed GR division.
In a grand celebration of Formula 1's 75th anniversary, the 2025 Goodwood Festival featured an extraordinary collection of F1 cars and legendary drivers. The presence of seven world champions alongside a stunning array of historic and contemporary F1 machinery created an unparalleled auditory experience and a nostalgic journey through the sport's rich history. The roaring engines and iconic liveries painted a vivid picture of Formula 1's enduring legacy and its continued evolution.
A poignant moment unfolded as Hollie McRae, daughter of rally legend Colin McRae, took the wheel of her late father's iconic 1995 Subaru Impreza, L555 BAT. The car, which carried Colin to his World Rally Championship victory 30 years prior, was expertly driven up the hill by rally driver Jon Armstrong, with Hollie in the co-driver's seat. This heartfelt tribute resonated deeply with fans, honoring Colin McRae's enduring impact on the world of rallying.
Drifting enthusiasts were treated to a mesmerizing display by multiple Formula D champion James Deane, who navigated the hill climb in his Ford Mustang RTR. Deane's ability to maintain extreme angles with smoke billowing from the tires, particularly through the challenging flint wall section, captivated the crowd. His precise and aggressive style reaffirmed the art of drifting as a highlight of the Goodwood Festival, leaving a lasting impression of raw power and control.
The formidable 1400-horsepower Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, essentially a massive rear wing powered by electric motors, added another prestigious victory to its name. Piloted by Romain Dumas, who also led it to glory at Pikes Peak last year, the SuperTruck dominated Goodwood's Timed Shootout. This win underscored Ford's electric performance capabilities and provided a sweet redemption following the narrow miss of their new Pikes Peak contender, the Super Mustang Mach-E, in Colorado.
The Goodwood Festival, known for its occasional mishaps, saw a minor incident involving the BMW M3 CS Touring. During its ascent, the driver briefly lost control after the first turn, resulting in a spin into a haybale. Fortunately, the damage was minimal, but the moment served as a lighthearted reminder that even advanced all-wheel-drive systems do not guarantee immunity from the challenges of the hill climb, adding a touch of unexpected drama to the event.
A significant highlight from the Bonhams Cars' FoS auction was the sale of an orange widebody FD Mazda RX-7 from "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" for approximately $1.08 million (£800,000). This particular car, one of the Veilside-kitted vehicles used in the film, commanded an extraordinary price, setting a new auction record for any RX-7. The sale underscored the growing value and appeal of movie-featured cars and the increasing collector interest in vehicles from this iconic era.
The Pagani Huayra R Evo delivered a powerful auditory experience, showcasing its 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. The open-top hypercar's performance on the hill climb captivated onlookers, reminding everyone of the visceral thrill and aural majesty of a high-revving V12. This display was a pure celebration of automotive sound and engineering, offering a rare opportunity to appreciate one of the world's most exquisite engines in action.