Wanderlust

Tag: Goodwood Festival of Speed

  • Goodwood Confirms 2025 Season Calendar

    Goodwood Confirms 2025 Season Calendar

    Save the date! Goodwood is pleased to announce its jam-packed 2025 calendar of events as we head into the new year.

    [source: Goodwood, photo: Singer Vehicle Design]

    Start your engines!

    82nd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport – Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 April
    Kicking-off Goodwood’s motorsport event season, the 82nd Members’ Meeting takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April. The Motor Circuit springs to life as Goodwood’s most passionate enthusiasts – Members and Fellows of the Goodwood Road Racing Club – come together for a weekend of thrilling racing, delicious food, and a spectacular party on Saturday.

    Members and Fellows of the Goodwood Road Racing Club also have their very own calendar of exclusive events and driving tours including:

    • Goodwood Regional Drive – Sunday 9 March – explore the scenic roads of the South Downs in your own car.
    • Summer Ball – Thursday 10 July – celebrate the Festival of Speed in style with fine wine, delicious food, live music and fireworks.
    • Peak District Regional Drive – Sunday 27 July – get together with like-minded members to enjoy your car on some of the best roads in the UK.
    • Fellowship Track Day – Monday 28 July – enjoy a high-octane fun-fuelled day at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit in your own car.
    • Go Karting – Friday 1 August – go head-to-head against other teams with a range of prizes on offer.
    • Christmas Ball – Friday 4 December – the highlight of the winter social calendar hosted at Goodwood House with an incredible firework display and three-course meal followed by a live band.

    Anyone can join the Fellowship – which can also be gifted – further information is available here. Tickets for the 82nd Members’ Meeting start from £106 at goodwood.com.

    Follow Goodwood Road & Racing on Instagram | X | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok.

    Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard – Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 July
    An unparalleled weekend for thrill-seekers, the Festival of Speed returns in July as the world’s greatest drivers, riders, teams, cars and bikes stage one of the greatest events in the summer calendar. Fans can expect to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in motorsport – and beyond – at the ultimate summer garden party held in the beautiful parkland of Goodwood House. The adrenaline-packed weekend is truly an intoxicating celebration of the world’s most glamorous sport with revving engines, exclusive debuts and premieres and a few famous faces.

    The Festival of Speed is a great day out for all the family as under 12s go free at Goodwood’s motorsport events, and a half price Young Person ticket is available for those aged between 13 and 21. Tickets for the Festival of Speed start from £67 at goodwood.com.

    Follow the Festival of Speed on Instagram | X | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok.

    Goodwood Revival – Friday 12 – Sunday 14 September
    For fans of all things vintage, the Goodwood Revival returns in September, bringing together beautiful classic cars and vintage fashion as we recreate the glamour of the Goodwood Motor Circuit’s heyday from 1948 to 1966. A truly immersive experience, visitors can enjoy everything from spectacular Spitfire flypasts to fabulous Best Dressed fashion, a retro drive-in cinema and live music. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast, an admirer of classic cars or looking for a great day out with family and friends, the Goodwood Revival promises a weekend of exceptional entertainment with a star-studded line-up of faces across the motorsport and vintage lifestyle community guaranteed.

    Tickets for the Goodwood Revival start from £75 at goodwood.com.

    Follow the Goodwood Revival on Instagram | X | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok.

    Breakfast Clubs – Sunday 4 May, Sunday 1 June, Sunday 22 June, Sunday 3 August
    Goodwood’s free Breakfast Clubs take place over four summer Sundays, each with a different theme. Crowds flock to the Motor Circuit, giving visitors the chance to get up close and personal with an amazing array of cars – completely free of charge.

    • Taxed and Tasty – Sunday 4 May – celebrating the exceptional vehicles made after 1 January 1985 to the present day. It’s not just the Goodwood bacon rolls that will be tasty; this event will showcase an exciting range of cars—from quirky to extraordinary.
    • Super Sunday – Sunday 1 June – from jaw-dropping Bugattis and legendary Lamborghinis to blisteringly fast Ferraris, Super Sunday is a true celebration of speed and luxury.
    • GRRC Sunday – Sunday 22 June – offering a morning dedicated to celebrating the club’s members. This exclusive Breakfast Club will showcase an eclectic and remarkable collection of cars and bikes from the GRRC lineup – join the GRRC to be part of the action.
    • Classic Sunday – Sunday 3 August – the beloved Classic Sunday returns, spotlighting cars registered before 1 January 1985. This year, we’ll celebrate 100 years of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, 75 years of the Aston Martin DB2, 60 years of the DB6, and 55 years of the iconic Range Rover.

    All attendees require a pre-booked entry ticket which will be available in March 2025 here.

    Follow the Goodwood Motor Circuit on Instagram | X

    Dates for your diary: Goodwood’s 2025 Event Season

    EventDateLocation
    82nd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain MotorsportSaturday 12 & Sunday 13 April 2025Goodwood Motor Circuit
    Season OpenerFriday 2 & Saturday 3 May 2025Goodwood Racecourse
    Taxed and Tasty Breakfast ClubSunday 4 May 2025Goodwood Motor Circuit
    GoodwoofSaturday 17 & Sunday 18 May 2025The Kennels
    May FestivalFriday 23 & Saturday 24 May 2025Goodwood Racecourse
    Super Sunday Breakfast ClubSunday 1 June 2025Goodwood Motor Circuit
    Three Friday Nights presented by Degen DistilleryFriday 6, Friday 13 & Friday 20 June 2025Goodwood Racecourse
    Family Race DaySunday 8 June 2025Goodwood Racecourse
    GRRC Sunday Breakfast Club
    *GRRC only    		Sunday 22 June 2025Goodwood Motor Circuit
    Festival of Speed presented by MastercardThursday 10 – Sunday 13 July 2025Goodwood Park
    Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit QatarTuesday 29 July – Saturday 2 August 2025Goodwood Racecourse
    Classic Sunday Breakfast ClubSunday 3 August 2025Goodwood Motor Circuit
    August Bank Holiday RacingFriday 22 – Sunday 24 August 2025Goodwood Racecourse
    Autumn RacingTuesday 2 & Wednesday 24 September 2025Goodwood Racecourse
    Goodwood RevivalFriday 12 – Sunday 14 September 2025Goodwood Motor Circuit
    Season FinaleSunday 12 October 2025Goodwood Racecourse

    Book now to enjoy savings with early bird pricing
    Customers can save on admission tickets in our early bird windows. Terms and conditions apply.

    Family discounts – children go free!
    A great day out for all the family, under 12s go free at Goodwood’s motorsport events and Goodwoof, with a half price Young Person ticket available for those aged between 13 and 21. Dogs go free at Goodwoof.

    Under 18s also go free at all Goodwood horseracing fixtures (except Three Friday Nights where Junior tickets are available).

    All of Goodwood’s Breakfast Clubs are free to attend with a pre-booked ticket (available in March).

    Food and Drink
    From trendy bars and a multitude of food outlets, visitors can choose from a wide selection of places to eat and drink across Goodwood’s events, whether you opt to bring your own picnic or experience exquisite dining in one of our hospitality areas.

    Getting to Goodwood
    Sit back, relax and enjoy! Our motorsport and horseracing events are served by regular shuttle bus services to and from Chichester Station.

    Further information about the 2025 events will be released in the coming months. Tickets can be purchased now at goodwood.com or by calling the Ticket Office on +44 (0)1243 755055.

    About Goodwood
    Goodwood Estate is England’s greatest sporting estate set in 11,000 acres of beautiful West Sussex countryside. Seat of the Dukes of Richmond since 1697, it is renowned for creating exceptional experiences and world-class sporting events, as well as hosting some of the largest and most anticipated occasions in the British social calendar: Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar, Goodwood Revival and Goodwoof.

    Alongside Goodwood’s rich history sits an estate-wide culture of protecting and promoting sustainability, creativity, and the environment. The diverse portfolio of businesses includes one of the largest lowland organic farms in Europe; a famous Battle of Britain airfield and aerodrome; a racecourse; a historic motor circuit; two golf courses; one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country; The Kennels members’ clubhouse; ten-bedroom luxury retreat, Hound Lodge; self-catering holiday cottages, The Pheasantry, Peach Tree and Crab Apple; Goodwood Hotel and Health Club; the Goodwood Education Centre; the award-winning sustainable restaurant Farmer, Butcher, Chef and, of course, Goodwood House.

  • Market Find: Singer “UK 1” Porsche 911 Classic Study in RM Private Sale Listing

    Market Find: Singer “UK 1” Porsche 911 Classic Study in RM Private Sale Listing

    What: 1990 Porsche 911
    Color: Egg Yolk (non-metallic UNI; no code; Singer)
    VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZMS400589
    Mileage: 4,650
    Price at Time of this Writing: £845,000 GBP Asking
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: London, UK
    Listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    The cue for a Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer is measured in years, so for those seeking to own one and not hung up on creating their own commission, purchasing one off the pre-owned market is the most likely play. Granted, they don’t come up often, and when they do we tend to expect them in prestigious places like an RM Sotheby’s private listing.

    That’s the case with the car you see here. Note the name of the commission, “UK 1”, which designates it as the first UK registered Singer. Are you surprised it’s right-hand drive? That should be obvious, but maybe adds to the cool.

    Another cool note on this car is the history. Singer used this car for promotional activities, including display at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed where it was driven up the hill by Chris Harris and Marino Franchitti. Noted automotive journalist (and 964 Carrera RS owner) Dickie Meaden also drove the car for a feature in the December 2015 issue of Evo Magazine for which they also shot a video (see above).

    Since this is an early Singer commission, it’s fitted with a Cosworth-built 3.8-liter version of Porsche’s flat six. It’s also finished in Egg Yolk paint over a relatively subtle black leather interior with comfort seats, Becker stereo with navigation and a roll bar.

    Check out more photos below.

  • Aston Martin at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Aston Martin at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

    • An incredible line-up of Aston Martin sports cars has been assembled to supply velocity with verve at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, including Valkyrie, Valour, Valiant, Victor and Vantage
    • Aston Martin Valiant will make its global debut at Goodwood and two-time Formula One® World Champion Fernando Alonso will take the wheel on Friday
    • The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place 11-14 July

    [source: Aston Martin]

    Gaydon, UK: Aston Martin will supply velocity with verve at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed (11 – 14 July) when Valkyrie, Valour, Valiant, Victor and Vantage headline the marque’s line-up of ultra-luxury sports cars heading up the famous Goodwood Hillclimb.

    The Festival of Speed, held at Goodwood every July is a highlight of the British summer season. The event has become an unmissable pilgrimage for lovers of speed who travel from across the world to revel in the sights and sounds of the world’s finest sports cars, driven by the racing stars of the past, the present and the future.

    Visitors to this year’s Festival are in for some high-octane thrills, courtesy of Aston Martin, as they witness the global debut of Aston Martin Valiant, one of just 38 ultra-exclusive, track-focused, road-legal special editions, created following a personal commission by Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver, two-time Formula One® World Champion Fernando Alonso, who will drive the new car on Friday at Goodwood. Embodying Aston Martin’s commitment to build pure driver’s cars, Valiant is sure to be one of the stars of the show, especially in its Muncher-inspired specification, which is a nod to the legendary Aston Martin Le Mans race car.

    Joining Valiant in the Supercar Paddock and on the Goodwood Hillclimb is a truly eye-watering line-up of Aston Martins.

    Valkyrie, Aston Martin’s game-changing hypercar is back. The crowd-pleasing, head-turner made its dynamic debut at Goodwood in 2021 and is now the inspiration for the new Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH-hypercar that is set to return the brand to the top echelons of sports car racing in 2025.

    Next up is Valour, created to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Aston Martin. With it’s bespoke 6-speed manual transmission, uniquely mated to a 5.2 litre Twin-Turbo V12 for maximum driver engagement and timeless classic appeal, Valour is the last of an era.

    The one-of-a-kind Aston Martin Victor, described by Top Gear as “the hypercar the eighties never had” was created by the brand’s unique personalisation service – ‘Q by Aston Martin’ – with a manual gearbox and, naturally, a V12 engine. The Festival of Speed provides a rare opportunity to see this unique car in action on the hillclimb and up-close in the Supercar Paddock.

    Launched just a few months ago, the new Aston Martin Vantage is Aston Martins truly focused sportscar. The latest car to take the vaunted Vantage nameplate is continuing the brand’s tradition of creating potent front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports cars, engineered to deliver maximum thrills with maximum confidence. Vantage is the heartbeat of the Aston Martin brand and this new model exemplifies the brand in every way.

    The new Aston Martin Vantage will also be represented in the motorsport paddock by the one-off Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1® and by the new-for-2024 Vantage GT3 race car, which competes across the globe in series including the FIA World Endurance Championship.

    Joining all the ‘V’ models at Goodwood, is the World’s first Super Tourer, the Aston Martin DB12 – the first of the new generation of sports cars. Also on display in the First Glance paddock is the new DBX707, showing off its striking new interior design, complete with new, state-of-the-art infotainment system, developed in-house at Aston Martin.

    Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand & Commercial Officer said: “The Festival of Speed is the highlight of the season for those who worship at the temple of speed. We are proud to play a part in this incredible, annual celebration of speed and this year we are delighted to offer up quite the array of Aston Martin sports cars and also the brand-new spec of DBX707. We look forward to this event every year as it is a great opportunity to showcase our brand to true connoisseurs of sports cars.”

    The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed gets underway on July 11th and runs through until July 14th.

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Celebrates Bespoke at Festival of Speed

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Celebrates Bespoke at Festival of Speed

    • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars showcases contemporary expressions at Festival of Speed
    • Collection of Bespoke motor cars presented on Festival’s Laundry Green, adjacent to Goodwood House
    • The latest iteration of Cullinan, the marque’s most requested model, makes its UK public debut at the event
    • All-electric super coupé Spectre joins the highly anticipated Supercar Run

    [source: Rolls-Royce]

    “The Festival of Speed, set in the remarkable grounds of the historic Goodwood Estate, is an important highlight in our annual calendar. It is the ultimate celebration of motorsport, located only a stone’s throw away from the marque’s headquarters in West Sussex. We are delighted to unveil a highly Bespoke collection of motor cars, which have been created especially for the occasion and exemplify the talent, creativity and ingenuity of our artisans, designers and engineers at Rolls-Royce. The latest iteration of our super-luxury SUV, Cullinan, will also make its UK public debut at the event. Alongside Cullinan Series II, we are proud to showcase Spectre, our all-electric super coupé, presented in a vivacious two-tone, as well as a highly Bespoke Phantom Extended and a unique expression of Ghost. We are looking forward to welcoming media, clients and our trusted dealer partners to the event.”
    Boris Weletzky, Regional Director, United Kingdom, Europe and Central Asia

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates a highly Bespoke presence at this year’s Festival of Speed. Displayed on the Festival’s Laundry Green, adjacent to Goodwood House, a beautifully commissioned Phantom Extended, Ghost, Spectre, as well as the latest expression of Cullinan, will each provide a unique expression of the marque’s peerless craftsmanship.

    ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN
    When Cullinan first launched in 2018, it built a new legacy for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, with a bold and uncompromising generation of super-luxury consumers. It reframed super-luxury motoring, enabling Rolls-Royce clients to experience the marque’s hallmark ‘magic carpet ride’ on any terrain and in every corner of the world.

    Earlier this year, the marque unveiled Cullinan Series II, an evolution of the world’s pre-eminent super-luxury SUV. This motor car makes its UK public debut at the Festival of Speed 2024.

    One of the key themes in Cullinan’s evolution is verticality, which echoes the illuminated skyscrapers in the megacities where Cullinan is increasingly at home. This is perhaps most apparent in the new lamp treatment, where tall daytime running light graphics ensure Cullinan Series II is easily identified, day and night.

    The marque’s signature figurine, the Spirit of Ecstasy, features inside the motor car for the very first time and is displayed in miniature inside the new Clock Cabinet in the fascia. This unique inset vitrine displays both an analogue timepiece and the up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Constructed from solid stainless steel, the Spirit of Ecstasy is placed on her own stage with a matte black back panel and high gloss side panels to create a reflection effect.

    Cullinan Series II illustrates the extensive scope of the marque’s Bespoke capabilities and talented craftsmanship. For the first time ever on a series car, Placed Perforation, the practice of creating artworks through tiny perforations in the leather, is available. Designers at the marque’s headquarters created a pattern inspired by the constantly changing shapes and shadows of the clouds over the Home of Rolls-Royce.Cullinan Series II also continues Rolls-Royce’s exploration of textiles with a new rayon fabric made from bamboo, named Duality Twill.

    A contemporary expression of Cullinan, finished in a minimalist yet sophisticated hue, Emperador Truffle, will be on show at the event. Inspired by richly-veined brown marble, Rolls-Royce colour specialists developed this unique paint finish especially for Cullinan Series II. An Arctic White Coachline provides a clean contrast to the exterior hue. Inside, the elegant yet minimalist style continues, with a Cashmere Grey and Chartreuse leather colourway, the latter with the intricate Placed Perforation pattern.

    ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE
    2023 was a momentous year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; it marked 20 years since production began at the marque’s Goodwood manufacturing facility and, in Q4 of 2023, client deliveries for Spectre, the marque’s first fully electric motor car, began. Since then, Spectre has been on a remarkable Bespoke journey.

    For this year’s Festival of Speed, a striking expression of the marque’s electric super coupé has been created. Presented in two-tone Peony Pearl and Black Diamond, this vibrant expression of the marque’s genre-defining motor car exudes modern luxury and symbolises the dawn of a bold new era for Rolls-Royce. To embolden the exterior and highlight Spectre’s dynamic presence and prowess, 23-inch wheels are fitted to the motor car. The exterior is completed with a trim, Black Coachline. Peony Pink and Arctic White are the primary and secondary interior colours chosen to complement the exterior. 

    The interior cabin is a celestial cosseting haven, with a spellbinding Starlight Headliner, Starlight Doors, which incorporate 4,796 softly illuminated ‘stars’, and a tone-on-tone starlight pattern on the rear waterfall seat. An extra special clock vitrine, delicately embellished with shooting ‘stars’, creates a serene yet magical essence.

    This year marks the 120th anniversary of the meeting of The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce and, in a gentle nod to commemorate this significant year, each of the one-of-one Phantom, Ghost and Spectre motor cars created for the event, features a painted ‘sound wave’ design on the lid of the centre console. Each ‘sound wave’ conveys a different inspirational quote from the marque’s founding fathers, whose vision underpins everything that the company is today and strives to achieve.

    Bespoke is Rolls-Royce; an ethos which permeates every commissioned creation, from exquisite motor cars to luxurious accessories. This extends from glamorous cellarettes and champagne chests, to personalised umbrellas and picnic hampers. To complement the Peony Pearl Spectre, an elegant Escapism Luggage Collection has been designed and created. Beautiful in form, yet relaxed and contemporary, this luggage collection is crafted from the highest quality leather and durable canvas, ideal for those who travel for enriching experiences and spontaneous moments of discovery.

    In addition to Spectre’s presence on the stand, this motor car will ascend the famous Hillclimb course at Goodwood during the Festival’s Supercar Run.

    ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM
    Phantom is an icon of legendary standing, which defines the barometers of luxury. A masterpiece of transcendent perfection, Phantom Extended offers tastemakers a serene and spacious realm to recharge before taking on the world. Its exquisite features and elevated nuances epitomise Rolls-Royce’s artisanship, solidifying it as an icon in the marque’s history.

    For this year’s Festival of Speed, a modern interpretation of Rolls-Royce’s pinnacle motor car has been designed and created by the marque’s highly skilled designers, engineers and artisans. This magnificent expression is finished in a striking two-tone of Diba Teal and Black Diamond, with a Black Coachline. Inspiration for this motor car comes from the French Riviera, a location internationally renowned for its glamourous lifestyle, unrivalled views and stunning scenery. There is also a strong connection between the marque and the area; in 1912, Sir Henry Royce built Villa Mimosa in the village of Le Canadel, where he subsequently spent every winter until his death in 1933.

    Phantom offers clients an unprecedented opportunity: a chance to showcase eclectic works of art, sculpture, or objects of self-expression in the Gallery. This unique single piece of uninterrupted glass, spans the entire fascia and means patrons can enjoy, admire and appreciate their favourite artwork from the sanctuary of Phantom’s sumptuous cabin. For this year’s commission, Rolls-Royce’s artisans spent over 35 hours creating a beautiful monochrome leather Gallery, with an embroidered wave pattern, which features 47,319 stitches. This pattern is once again a gentle nod to the French Riviera and is replicated throughout the motor car on the door card and picnic tables.

    Innovation meets exquisite craftsmanship with the Kinetic Luggage Collection which complements the luxurious motor car. Presented in Black leather, with Arctic White panelling and Diba Teal stitching, the collection has been meticulously designed and crafted by Rolls-Royce’s talented artisans.

    ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST
    Ghost is a study in reduction, minimalism and simplicity. Its purity provides the ideal blank canvas for Bespoke commissions, with clients able to exercise their ambitious creativity and express their personal tastes almost entirely free of technical and aesthetic constraints.

    That purity presents possibility. It creates potential as boundless as the owner’s imagination, emboldening them to bring colour, energy and vibrancy to their commission and to allow beautiful materials, expert craftsmanship and exquisite details speak for themselves, subtle and unadorned.

    Presented in Blue Crystal over Black, the expression of Ghost created in honour of the occasion, oozes timeless elegance and sophistication. A Charles Blue Coachline elegantly resolves the exterior and illustrates the extensive scope of the marque’s Exterior Surface Centre.

    Beautifully crafted leather Key Wraps have been designed and created for the Ghost, Phantom and Spectre.

    – ENDS –

    TECHNICAL INFORMATION

    • Spectre: WLTP: Power consumption: 2.6-2.8 mi/kWh / 23.6-22.2 kWh/100km. Electric range 329 mi / 530 km. NEDC: CO2 emissions 0 g/km.
    • Phantom: NEDC combined: CO2 emissions: 345 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.7 mpg / 15.1 l/100km. WLTP combined: CO2 emissions: 362-351 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.7-18.2 mpg / 15.5-16.0 l/100km.
    • Cullinan Series II: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 348 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.6 mpg / 15.2 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 377-368 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.1-17.5 mpg / 16.5-16.1 l/100km.
    • Ghost: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 343 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.8 mpg / 15.0 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 359-347 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.9-18.6 mpg / 15.2-15.8 l/100km.

    Further information: https://bit.ly/3XtQW7q

  • Envoluto Arrives, Remastering Ferrari 355 with Focus on Peak Analogue

    Envoluto Arrives, Remastering Ferrari 355 with Focus on Peak Analogue

    [source: Envoluto]

    • Evoluto Automobili unveils the 355 by Evoluto®, a programme that reimagines the iconic 90s Italian supercar, combining advanced driving dynamics, state-of-the-art technology, and class re-defining engineering.
    • The 355 by Evoluto® has been reimagined to deliver a Peak Analogue® driving experience – serving as an antidote to the digital direction of modern supercars.
    • The 355 by Evoluto®, has been meticulously remastered through a re-engineering and development programme, typically reserved for major car brands and OEM’s. 
    • The 355 by Evoluto® features a 420hp high-revving naturally aspirated V8 engine, new engine management, and bespoke tuning, providing increased power, and response all the way to 8,500rpm.
    • Engineered in the UK by DRVN Advanced Engineering and designed by the world famous Ian Callum, the 355 by Evoluto® is more than a restoration, it boasts all new exterior carbon body with an entirely new interior and extensive options for customer personalisation.
    • The original car undergoes a comprehensive carbon fusing programme, improving torsional stiffness by 23%, resulting in enhanced driving dynamics and minimised body flex for vastly improved chassis composure.
    • Only 55 units of the 355 by Evoluto® will be commissioned, each tailored to the customers’ preferences. 
    • An exclusive launch event and preview is to be held at our private DRVN House during Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car will make its international debut at the world famous and prestigious Monterey Car Week in August 2024.

    Goodwood, UK – Evoluto Automobili is proud to introduce the new 355 by Evoluto®. Delivering a significant advancement in driving dynamics, light-weighting and engineering quality. The re-engineered Italian icon combines a Peak Analogue® driving experience with exceptional design, state-of-the-art technology, and indulgent luxury all brought together through an OEM standard engineering programme.

    The 355 by Evoluto® represents a new era in the realm of bringing automotive classics back to life, distinguishing itself through a design and re-engineering process usually reserved for an OEM-grade new product engineering programme, a first in this sector. With a level of sophistication typically reserved for major luxury automotive brands. This meticulous process ensures that every aspect of the 355 by Evoluto®—from its enhanced performance and reliability to its cutting-edge technology and luxurious design—meets the highest standards of quality and precision, setting a new benchmark for excellence. 

    Evoluto’s bespoke automotive services are applied to one of the most iconic supercars of the 90’s. Beginning with a customer-supplied Ferrari 355, serving as the donor car, each commission undergoes a personalised journey, meticulously disassembled to its core chassis, thoroughly assessed, cleaned, strengthened with carbon fusing, and prepared for the next stages of customisation.

    The enhancements honour the legacy of the legendary Italian supercar while integrating cutting-edge advancements that propel it into the future of high-emotion driving.

    Carbon Fusing – Remarkable Composure:  
    The 355 by Evoluto® is a ground up commission that begins with the core integrity of the donor chassis. Through an extensive torsional rigidity study, a comprehensive carbon fusing programme is implemented, achieving a remarkable 23% increase in overall torsional stiffness. This enhancement ensures that all critical hard points on the chassis are fortified and chassis flex is minimised, providing a robust foundation for the enhanced driving dynamics Evoluto® aimed to achieve.

    Performance – Elevated Power and 21st Century Reliability:
    The 355 by Evoluto® is engineered to offer an extraordinary blend of increased performance and 21st century reliability. The soul of the car is the naturally aspirated flat plane crank V8 engine, now delivering an impressive 420hp, revving up to 8,500rpm. With over 200 new and redesigned engine components, the thoroughly reworked powertrain provides increased power, response and 21stcentury reliability.

    Upgrades include an all new engine management system and Evoluto® bespoke tuning. Evoluto’s new coil-on-plug ignition solution improves performance by delivering precise ignition timing, stronger spark energy, increased fuel efficiency and 21st century reliability through direct control of each cylinder’s ignition. The result is an explosive throttle response and an enhanced connection between engine and driver.

    The original engine is distinguished by its use of a quill shaft; a notable feature that connects the engine to the transmission, enabling a more compact and efficient design. The upgraded engine enhances this concept with a proprietary Evoluto® designed quill shaft, which reduces vibration, provides 21st century reliability through thermal optimisation, and improves engine performance by a more efficient transfer of power.

    Furthermore, Evoluto’s fully CNC ported head with larger inlet valves enhances engine performance by improving airflow and combustion efficiency, leading to increased power output and better thermal management. These upgrades also contribute to 21st century reliability by reducing mechanical stress and ensuring consistent, high-quality performance.

    As one of the best sounding Italian supercars – Evoluto® has paid particular attention to both the acoustic and performance attributes of an all new light-weight titanium sports exhaust system. Equal length headers improve performance by ensuring exhaust gases from each cylinder arrive at the collector at evenly spaced intervals, enhancing exhaust flow and reducing back pressure. This leads to more consistent cylinder pressure, balanced power output, and improved engine breathing. The result is increased horsepower and torque, especially at higher RPMs, along with optimised engine tuning and an emotional acoustic profile.

    Additionally, Evoluto® has developed solid cam lifters coupled to a bespoke inlet camshaft, that increase performance by enabling higher RPM stability and delivering precise, consistent power. This enhancement further increases power output and responsiveness and the ability to fine-tune the engine’s performance to match Evoluto’s target driving characteristics.

    The engine enhancements are designed not just for more power, but also to deliver 21st century reliability, making the car both a joy to drive and a reliable companion on any journey. 

    Optimised Weight and Handling:
    With a target weight of 1250kg, the 355 by Evoluto® promises exceptional agility and responsiveness. Each donor Ferrari 355 is subject to extensive strengthening of the chassis through strategic application of carbon bracing and fusing in key areas of the platform. Additionally, the carbon fibre body panels significantly reduce weight while enhancing stiffness, contributing to the 23% improvement in torsional rigidity. The material choice ensures hard points critical to the vehicle’s dynamics and suspension tuning are improved for enhanced handling and stability.

    New Electronic Architecture:
    The 355 by Evoluto® features an entirely new wiring and electronic architecture developed in-house, this comprehensive overhaul of the wiring harness delivers numerous benefits, including 21stcentury reliability and improved performance. The Evoluto® proprietary design ensures optimal power distribution and communication between the car’s systems, reducing the risk of electrical failures and increasing overall efficiency. Additionally, the streamlined architecture simplifies maintenance and upgrades, offering easier access for diagnostics and repairs.

    Reworked Transmission and Advanced Braking:
    In-line with targeting the ‘Peak Analogue®’ driving experience, the importance of transmission refinement, weight, and feel was paramount in the development of the Evoluto® driving experience. Particular focus was applied to the tactility of the reworked 6-speed manual gearbox, intended to make every gear shift an occasion, delivering an engaging connection between car and driver while offering precise control over the car’s performance.

    As standard, Brembo GT 6 Piston slotted discs are fitted at the front with 4 piston callipers at the rear together with uprated Brembo pads, lines and performance fluids. Optional carbon CCMR brakes are available offering stunning stopping power and minimise brake fade, ensuring consistent performance even under the most demanding conditions. These upgrades ensure the 355 by Evoluto® can handle the increased power and speed with confidence while contributing to performance closer in line with contemporary supercars.

    Wheels and Tyres – Grip and Slip:
    During the development of the car, one of the most crucial attributes was maintaining a playful nature. It was essential to have enough grip in reserve to instil confidence when driving at high speeds, while also allowing the ability to break traction and explore the dynamics of the revised chassis in environments suitable for sliding. Therefore, the choice of wheel and tire size, along with the tire compound and purpose, was imperative. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires were selected for their road-biased compound, fitted to custom forged alloys—19 inches at the front and rear, 235/35/19 and 305/30/19 fitment, respectively. The result is an ideal balance of speed and playfulness, providing maximum enjoyment in all conditions.

    Bolder by Design:
    The interior and exterior of the 355 by Evoluto® is created by famed design team at Callum Designs. True to the original ethos of the iconic Italian supercar, the exterior design is a balanced expression of power and beauty, integrating the heritage of the classic Ferrari 355 while showcasing proportions suggestive of a modern interpretation of the icon supercar. 

    The remastered design features a more muscular physique to signify the power that lies beneath, with an increase in track width enhancing its stance. The all-new front-end design includes larger and deeper cooling intakes and a re-shaped front splitter, framed by new LED pop-up headlights with a distinctive new DRL signature and intricate surface detailing. The wide-track stance is complemented by standard-fit 19-inch forged alloy wheels at the front and 19-inch at the rear, new wing mirrors improve the aerodynamic profile of the car, while new flush-fitting door release mechanisms welcome occupants into the ultra-luxurious cabin.

    For customers looking to put their own stamp on the 355 by Evoluto®, endless possibilities for personalisation are available. Customers are invited to take a unique personal commissioning journey, from selecting distinguishing details to custom paint and interior options. The Evoluto®  design team offers endless possibilities to create a true one-of-a-kind commission.

    Interior Craftsmanship and Technology:
    The interior of the 355 by Evoluto® blends timeless design with modern luxury. Owners can personalise their vehicle with bespoke paint, leather, and material finishes, creating a driving environment that is both immersive and intuitive. The state-of-the-art interior design focuses on a driver-centric cockpit, seamlessly integrating modern technology with luxury craftsmanship and materials.

    Further Comments:
    Ian Callum, renowned designer of the Peak Analogue®, 355 by Evoluto®, states: “Creating a special and updated version of such an iconic car such as the 355 is challenging. It requires total understanding of the boundaries of change. However, the team at CALLUM enjoyed bringing together new forms and details to produce a beautiful design, while fully respecting the original.”

    Darren McDermott, Executive Chair, DRVN Automotive Group, notes: “This is an exciting time for the DRVN automotive group. The Peak Analogue®, 355 by Evoluto® programme not only honours the classic legacy of an iconic Italian supercar but also offers our customers a unique journey of personalisation for each commission.”

    Amjad Ali, Technical Director of Evoluto Automobili “The 355 was iconic in 1995, now 30 years later, we’ve re-engineered it to OEM standards, utilizing contemporary technology and materials to create a car that comes alive when driven hard. In a world dominated by turbochargers, hybrids, electronic gears, and multi-stage dampers, Evoluto’s Peak Analogue® philosophy breathes new life into this classic 355, delivering an engaging driving experience that’s unparalleled today.”

    As Technical Director at GuntherWerks for 7 years, Amjad carved out a niche in the automotive world by blending classic car aesthetics with modern performance and technology.

    His philosophy at GuntherWerks revolved around maintaining the soul of the classic 911 while incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and drivability. This positioned GuntherWerks as one of the leaders in the restomod segment, influencing trends and standards in the customization of classic cars.

    Amjad’s personal passion for cars, drives his dedication to creating vehicles that honour the heritage of the brand while pushing the boundaries of what these cars can achieve. 

    Price & Availability:
    Each restoration is unique, tailored to the owner’s specific preferences and requirements. Prices for Evoluto’s restoration services vary based on these individual requests. To ensure exclusivity, only 55 units of the Peak Analogue®, 355 by Evoluto® will be commissioned, each supported by a concierge-level customer journey

    In Public:
    For those eager to witness the Peak Analogue®, 355 by Evoluto® in person, apply to attend the launch of the car at a private preview during the Festival of Speed in the UK from July 11-14 2024, or Monterey Car Week in Northern California in August 2024. 

    Further information available at www.evolutoautomobili.com

    ENDS

    About Evoluto Automobili
    Evoluto Automobili is a leading innovator in the luxury automotive sector, dedicated to the meticulous restoration and modernisation of iconic supercars through Tier 1 engineering, typically reserved for major automotive brands. With a focus on combining advanced engineering techniques and cutting-edge technology, Evoluto transforms classic vehicles into exclusive restomods that offer unparalleled performance and timeless design. At the heart of Evoluto’s ethos is the commitment to creating a peak analogue driving experience, ensuring that each vehicle not only preserves the essence of its heritage but also delivers an engaging and immersive driving experience. Each project undertaken by Evoluto is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and the celebration of automotive heritage. Based in the United Kingdom, Evoluto caters to discerning enthusiasts worldwide, delivering bespoke automotive experiences that honour the legacy of legendary automobiles while embracing the future of high-performance driving.

    About DRVN Automotive Group
    DRVN Automotive is a premier group in the luxury automotive sector, specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of performance vehicles. With state-of-the-art facilities in Scotland, Durham, Coventry, and London, DRVN unites a comprehensive ecosystem of companies, including Boreham Motorworks, Koenigsegg London, DRVN Advanced Engineering, Evolution E-types, JE MotorWorks, ITG (Induction Technology Group) and Alan Mann Racing. These companies excel in various specialties, ranging from design and consultancy for major automotive brands to high-performance air filters, classic car restorations, engine development, and race car design, build, and management.

    Committed to delivering a peak analogue driving experience, DRVN Automotive blends classic automotive heritage with contemporary advancements. Their comprehensive in-house capabilities ensure sector-leading quality and precision, making their offerings synonymous with excellence and reliability.

  • INEOS Automotive Hints at Future 4x4s, with Troop of Grenadier Prototypes

    INEOS Automotive Hints at Future 4x4s, with Troop of Grenadier Prototypes

    • The award-winning INEOS Grenadier’s versatility and adaptability is on display at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, with the public debut of a troop of Grenadier prototypes, including:
      • A portal-axled Grenadier Quartermaster and Station Wagon modified by LeTech with increased ground clearance and wading depth
      • A short-bed Quartermaster pick-up (nicknamed the ‘Shortermaster’) created by INEOS engineers, alongside a V8-powered station wagon built by apprentices at engineering partner, Magna
      • An 8-seater Safari conversion from Botswana based INEOS Kavango that takes game-viewing to the next level
      • The first FIA-compliant rally ready Grenadier created by Buzz Special Vehicles on show in the Goodwood Off-Road Arena
    • Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive, comments, “The Grenadier’s body-on-frame chassis has already proven itself to be incredibly versatile, so as we look to future product and limited editions, we want to keep innovating. As our new brand campaign states, the Grenadier is Built For More, and over the next few years we will be showing just what that means.”

    [source: INEOS Automotive]

    London, 11th July 2024 – INEOS Automotive gave a glimpse of potential future Grenadier variants at Goodwood Festival of Speed, with a series of prototypes underlining the versatility of the robust body-on-frame 4X4. A big, bold and beautiful portal-axled Grenadier Quartermaster and Station Wagon were shown alongside a short-bed Quartermaster Pick-Up, a V8-powered Station Wagon, an eight-seater Safari conversion and the first FIA approved rally modified Grenadier.

    Taking the off-road capabilities of the Grenadier Station Wagon and Quartermaster Pick-Up to literally new heights, renowned German vehicle modifiers LeTech GmbH & Co KG, a retail partner of INEOS Automotive, introduced a raised chassis fitted with portal axles and offset wheel hubs that increase ground clearance by 250mm to 514mm and wading depth from 800mm to 1050mm. Larger off-road tyres complete the modifications. The portal axle Grenadier already has real-world applications, as similarly modified vehicles were recently delivered to the fire brigade in Mühlheim an der Ruhr, Germany.

    The short-bed Quartermaster Pick-Up, nicknamed the ‘Shortermaster’, was created by INEOS engineers at the Hambach production plant in France. Based on a standard Grenadier Station Wagon, the wheelbase of the double-cab pick-up measures 2922mm / 115 inches, a full 305mm / 12 inches shorter than the Quartermaster. The rear seats have been pushed forward to maximise the capacity of the load bay, which is fully integrated into the chassis.

    The Grenadier V8 Prototype was created as a one-off project for INEOS partner Magna’s engineering apprentices to give them hands-on experience of the Grenadier. This resulted in a complete powertrain exchange, replacing the Grenadier’s BMW 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with a GM 6.2-litre V8 petrol unit that develops 317kW and 625Nm. The swap required a complete re-engineering of the engine mounts, engine electrics and electronics, water and oil cooling, exhaust manifold and rear silencer, transmission bearings and heat shields, as well a revised centre console.

    The eight-seat Safari game-viewer is a converted Quartermaster Pick-Up by Botswana based INEOS Kavango, which creates extensive specialist modifications for the conservation, safari, anti-poaching, veterinary, primary healthcare and film production sectors. The vehicle comfortably accommodates three tiered rows of seats offering excellent visibility for all passengers; enhanced off-road protection from bespoke front and side protection bars; bespoke alloy wheels shod in off-road tyres to tackle the most demanding safari terrain.

    Showing the Grenadier’s compatibility with high-speed, off-road motorsport, Buzz Special Vehicles displayed the first FIA-compliant Grenadier. Extensively modified to compete in the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship, the Buzz-prepped Grenadier features an uprated version of the Grenadier’s BMW 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine that develops 260kW and 550Nm (a 50kW and 100Nm increase over the production engine), complemented by a sports exhaust system, race suspension from Warwick-based R53 outfit, uprated brakes, and bespoke alloy wheels. A stripped-out cabin with full internal roll-cage, racing bucket seats and carbon interior door panels and roof vents completes the racing modifications.

    About INEOS Grenadier
    In 2017, INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe, a car enthusiast and experienced adventurer, identified a gap in the market for an uncompromising 4X4 engineered for modern day compliance and reliability. INEOS Automotive Limited was formed and a senior team of automotive professionals assembled to bring the vision to reality with a fresh perspective of 4X4 development and manufacturing.

    In 2022 the INEOS Grenadier was launched: a truly global 4X4 built from the ground up that combines rugged British spirit and design with German engineering rigour. The Grenadier provides best-in-class off-road capability, durability, and reliability with the modern comfort and refinement customers expect wherever they are in the world. In 2023 a double-cab pick-up variant of the Grenadier was launched called the Quartermaster, and in February 2024 a third vehicle line called the INEOS Fusilier was unveiled which will offer two powertrain options to meet global consumer needs: an all-electric and a range-extender electric.

    INEOS Automotive is a subsidiary of INEOS, a leading manufacturer of petrochemicals, speciality chemicals and oil products. It employs 26,000 people across 36 businesses, with a production network spanning 194 sites in 29 countries. From paints to plastics, textiles to technology, medicines to mobile phones, materials manufactured by INEOS enhance almost every aspect of modern life. In 2021, INEOS had sales of $65bn.

  • Maserati MC20 Specials Take Centre Stage at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Maserati MC20 Specials Take Centre Stage at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    The two MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda special series make their debut 
    alongside a fascinating MC20 Cielo Fuoriserie and the legendary MC12 Versione Corse 

    [source: Maserati]

    Goodwood, UK – From 11 to 14 July, Maserati will be there at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, with a multi-pronged tribute to the super sports car par excellence: the innovative, first-of-its-kind MC20.

    The Trident halo car with its unmistakable style – launched in 2020 as the first model equipped with the innovative V6 Nettuno engine – is a one-of-a-kind car that has carved out a leading role in both its eclectic versions, coupé and convertible, and is always ready to take over the stage at the biggest, most popular motorsport events in the world.

    One of these is the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, southern England: every year, it brings together legendary drivers, teams and modern heroes of motorsport, alongside the most beautiful and most coveted models on two and four wheels, from both the present and the past.

    At Goodwood, two MC20 special series will be unveiled live for the first time: the MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda, produced in a limited edition of 20 units each, created to celebrate a very important anniversary for Maserati, a brand with a glorious past on the track in FIA GT competitions.

    The two cars are intended as a tribute to the victorious MC12 and to the two decades since the Trident’s return to competition in 2004, when it arrived back on the racetrack after 37 years away from the chequered flag.

    For this major anniversary, two special liveries have been designed, inspired by the MC12 Stradale and MC12 GT1 Vitaphone respectively. The cars include various features from the Fuoriserie personalisation programme: refined and exclusive liveries and interiors, finally offered up for the public to appreciate them up close and personal. 

    On display in the Supercar Paddock, dedicated to breathtaking cars and the purest performance, the MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda will be in the company of another iconic creation of the Modena-based marque: the MC12 Versione Corse.

    Developed in 2006 and based on its racing sibling, it was designed for exclusive non-competitive use on the track and produced in a limited series (only 12 customer units and one prototype): with its extraordinary 755-hp V12 engine, it epitomised a car that has written unforgettable chapters in the history of motorsport.

    Rounding off the quartet of the Trident’s stars will be an exclusive MC20 Cielo in Blu Victory, also on show in the Supercar Paddock. With its bewitching paintwork, the immersive spyder whose retractable glass roof can provide a superior experience features the Trident painted in white on the tonneau cover.
    The metallic colour of the MC20 Cielo in Blu Victory from the Collezione Corse Fuoriserie was selected to take up the nuance of the MC12 from 20 years ago.

    At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the MC20 Icona, MC20 Leggenda and MC20 Cielo will offer up a taste of all their extraordinary power and appeal when they take part in unmissable Hillclimb, the highlight of the Festival, where classic and modern racing cars and motorcycles will be whizzing up the 1.16 miles of the renowned hill: an unparalleled catwalk, where Maserati will also be putting its extraordinary creations on show.

    Maserati’s attendance at the eagerly awaited British event is complemented by the display of the latest addition to the House of the Trident: GranCabrio Folgore, the first 100% electric convertible in the luxury segment and the fastest on the market. The stylish convertible with a sporty, comfortable design for four, also making it perfect for long journeys, will grab everyone’s attention along Goodwood’s Electric Avenue.

    With its engine based on 800V technology and developed with cutting-edge technical solutions, GranCabrio Folgore guarantees optimal performance encompassed in a distinctive design and is defined by its innovative technical specifications, giving it a unique presence in the luxury convertible segment.

    Maserati S.p.A.
    Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognizable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology, and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance, and safety, currently available in more than 70 markets internationally. Maserati line-up includes the Grecale, the “everyday exceptional” SUV, the GranTurismo, the iconic Italian grand tourer, and the GranCabrio, the new convertible of the Trident; all models characterized by the use of the highest quality materials and excellent technical solutions. A range equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains – available for Grecale – and V6 petrol, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, embodying the performance DNA of the Trident brand. The top of the range is made up of the MC20 super sports car and the MC20 Cielo spyder, powered by the ground-breaking 100% Maserati Nettuno V6 engine, which incorporates F1-derived technologies into the power unit of a standard production car for the first time. The GranTurismo is available with both the high-performance V6 petrol engine, derived from the Nettuno, and a 100% electric version: the GranTurismo Folgore, the first car in the Modena-based brand’s history to adopt this solution. Today the full-electric range includes also the Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first full-electric SUV, and the latest addition, GranCabrio Folgore. By 2025, all Maserati models will also be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2028.

  • INEOS Automotive Launches Their Own Tailor ‘Arcane Works’ for Custom-Made 4x4s

    INEOS Automotive Launches Their Own Tailor ‘Arcane Works’ for Custom-Made 4x4s

    • INEOS Automotive launches Arcane Works, a unique service that allows customers to personalise limited editions of its award-winning 4X4, the INEOS Grenadier 
    • Each run of hand-finished vehicles carries a specifically tailored name and takes advantage of the robust body-on-frame Grenadier platform to add new exclusive features and introduce new technologies  
    • Customers can add their personal style to the hand-finished vehicles using bespoke design elements and working with specially curated craftsmen 
    • The first Arcane Works limited edition vehicle will be unveiled in July 2024 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 
    • George Ratcliffe, Commercial Director, INEOS Automotive says, “Arcane Works is intended to create a truly individual 4X4, hand finished with exclusive materials and personalised touches by specially curated craftsmen. We know this is something our customers have been looking for and working in small batches means we can give them a genuinely custommade experience. That’s why we chose the name Arcane, as the vehicles will be so unique as to be rarely spotted in the wild.”

    London, UK – INEOS Automotive has introduced a unique service called Arcane Works that creates limited editions of its award-winning Grenadier station wagon, and then allows customers to further personalise the small-batch, hand-finished 4X4s with customised detailing and bespoke materials.        
    Retaining the Grenadier’s best-in-class off-road capability with modern on-road driving refinement, each run of limited-edition vehicles will showcase a unique set of features, introduce new technologies and carry a specifically tailored name. Engineered in Germany, built in France at the manufacturing facility INEOS Automotive acquired from Mercedes-Benz in 2021 and then hand finished, Arcane Works allows customers to work with specially curated craftsmen to select from a vast array of finishings and colour match technologies to create a very personal 4X4.  
     
    The Arcane Works custom-made service will take advantage of the versatility that the robust body-on-frame INEOS Grenadier platform provides and will still offer a choice of two straightsix, 3.0-litre BMW engines. Both the BMW B57 diesel and B58 petrol powertrains have a proven track record in refined driving, regularly appearing on top ten world’s best engine lists since 2016. Arcane Works will also become a test bed for new technologies and systems for INEOS vehicles, such as uprated engine modifications, new chassis systems, and many new materials and features. 
     
    The first Arcane Works limited edition vehicle will be unveiled in July 2024 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

  • Speed Six Continuation Series Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Speed Six Continuation Series Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    • The first car in the Speed Six Continuation Series makes its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
    • ‘Speed Six Car Zero’ is the engineering development car for the programme, and will be retained by Bentley
    • Continuation Series by Mulliner based on original drawings and mechanic’s notes drawn from the archive
    • 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans competitor ‘Old Number 3’ and Bentley’s own Speed Six (GU409) provide real-world references
    • Finished design includes race improvements found between the 1929 and 1930 iterations of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
    • 600+ new components comprise 6½-litre six-cylinder race-spec engine
    • Initial engine tests indicate peak power of 205 bhp, within 5 bhp of original Le Mans spec engine of 1929 and 1930
    • One ‘Factory Works’ car and 12 pre-sold customer cars to follow, with each customer offered a personal fitting service for their car
    • Every single car handcrafted from scratch in the Mulliner workshop in Crewe, with each taking 10 months to complete

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – The first new Speed Six in 93 years will makes its global debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The most successful Bentley racing car ever, the Speed Six is regarded as one of the most important Bentleys in history. The newest Speed Six – Car Zero – will be used in a development programme consisting of real-world durability and track based testing, before being retained by Bentley ahead of the build of 12 customer cars – all of which are already sold. 

    So much more than a replica, a continuation car is built to the same designs, using the same processes, as the original car that inspires the series. The Speed Six is the second pre-war Continuation Series by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke and coachbuilding division, following the Blower Continuation Series which itself was the first pre-war continuation ever created.

    Extensive research has been undertaken to ensure the content of the Speed Six is correct and authentic, with particular focus on the specification and setup of the original cars for the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans. As many original drawings have been used as possible; with 80% of the originals found via the WO Bentley Memorial Foundation. The drawings have been supplemented by original mechanic’s notes that detailed the changes between the 1929 and 1930 races, alongside data taken from the 1930 Speed Six in the Bentley Heritage Collection and an original 1930 Le Mans racer, known as Old Number 3.

    In excess of 600 individual new parts have been required for the creation of the new 6½-litre six-cylinder race spec engine. Initial dyno testing has shown the first engines to develop 205 bhp at their peak, within 5 bhp of that documented for the original race-tuned engines in 1930.

    Many of the authentic materials used on the Blower Continuation Series have also been utilised for the Speed Six, particularly on a number of the trimmed elements. Mulliner team members revisited the archives at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire in order to offer five authentic period Parsons exterior paints. Speed Six Car Zero is finished in Parsons Napier Green, with an interior in Tan leather.

    Speed Six Car Zero has been built over the last ten months by an exceptionally skilled team of Mulliner artisans and specialists. As with the Blower Continuation Series, a major driver of the Speed Six programme is the development and retention of modern and traditional coachbuilding skills, and the build has seen craftspeople with decades of experience working alongside the younger generation so that skills are passed on. The finished car is a work of art, having been built and trimmed entirely in the Mulliner workshop at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe.

    Over the next six months customers will have chance to discuss their specifications in further detail in personal commissioning sessions. Customers will be offered a personal fitting service in the second development car, known as Speed Six Factory Works, to ensure each car is built to each individual customer’s comfort needs.

    The validation programme for Speed Six Car Zero is comparable to that for  Blower Car Zero, and will include real world mileage accumulation and two race simulations.

    The History Of The Speed Six

    The Speed Six became the most successful racing Bentley in history, as a high-performance version of the 6½ Litre, and won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 at the hands of Woolf Barnato, Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin and Glen Kidston.

    W.O. Bentley believed that the best way to increase power was to increase capacity, as opposed to Tim Birkin’s faith in supercharging. He therefore developed a new, larger engine to succeed the 4½-litre. With a bore of 100 mm and a stroke of 140 mm, his new straight six had a capacity of almost 6.6 litres. In base form, with a single Smiths five-jet carburettor, twin magnetos and a compression ratio of 4.4:1, the 6½ Litre delivered 147 bhp at 3500 rpm. 362 examples were built at Bentley’s factory in Cricklewood, North London, on a variety of chassis of different lengths depending on the body style requirements of individual customers. 

    The Speed Six chassis was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the 6½ Litre. The engine was modified to liberate more power, with twin SU carburettors, a higher compression ratio and a high-performance camshaft, responsible for an increase to 180 bhp. The Speed Six chassis was available to customers with wheelbases of 138 inches (3,505 mm), 140.5 inches (3,569 mm), and 152.5 inches (3,874 mm), with the short chassis being the most popular. 182 Speed Six models were built between 1928 and 1930, and the factory race cars were built on a 134 inch (11’2”) chassis frame.

    The racing version of the Speed Six had a further-developed engine running a compression ratio of 6.1:1 and producing 200 bhp. Two wins at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 cemented the Speed Six’s place in Bentley history, with the 1929 victory setting a new benchmark for dominance at the race. Driven by Woolf Barnato and Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin, a Speed Six led from the first lap until the chequered flag, followed by a procession of three other Bentleys. A new lap record of 7:21 had been set by Birkin, taking 46 seconds off the previous best and requiring an average speed of 83 mph, and in covering a 2,844 km distance, a further record was also attained. Such a dominant performance by one manufacturer was not seen again at Le Mans for nearly 30 years.

    Real Life Endurance 

    Speed Six Car Zero, which will be displayed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, will show further instrumentation that will not be fitted to customer cars.  This has been added to the car to support the validation process and record many different aspects of data during the next six months.

    With the build of Car Zero now complete, a programme of real-world durability testing will begin. The test programme is designed to achieve the equivalent of 35,000 kilometres of real-world driving across 8,000 kilometres of track driving. Intervals of gradually increasing duration and speed will check functionality and durability under the most challenging conditions; giving confidence in future customer cars. 

    The first customer car will start build in October of this year, and the series of 12 customer cars is due to be completed by the end of 2025, with each car taking 10 months to complete.

  • Bentley Mulliner Bacalar Craftsmanship Nears Completion

    Bentley Mulliner Bacalar Craftsmanship Nears Completion

    • Handcrafted Bacalars near end of production
    • Eight cars now handed-over to customers around the world
    • Last four cars in final preparation by hand ready for delivery
    • Array of bespoke specifications shows diversity of customer requests
    • All cars created in Bentley Mulliner’s dedicated workshop in Crewe
    • Detailed spec of one Bacalar shows depth of customisation
    • Mulliner looks to the future for next bespoke model

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley Mulliner is completing the final stages of handcraftsmanship of 12 of the rarest Bentleys of the modern era – the exquisite Bacalar. The Bacalar is the ultimate expression of two-seat, open-air luxury and was the first in a new series of pinnacle bespoke projects that have spearheaded a return to coachbuilding by Bentley Mulliner – the oldest coachbuilder in the world. The imminent completion of the Bacalars will allow the Mulliner team to focus attention towards their next project, which will be revealed soon.

    Eight Bacalars – each in a unique colour designed by its customer – have now been handed to their owners around the world, with the final four cars in the last phases of preparation in Mulliner’s Crewe workshop for transport and delivery. With each car taking around six months to complete, the last tasks and quality checks mark the end of a long and incredibly detailed process to craft each Bacalar according to its owner’s wishes. 

    Bacalar has been brought to life by Bentley Mulliner to revive its specialism in providing rare coachbuilt cars to only a few discerning customers. A roofless Barchetta design with all-new and highly muscular coachwork, embracing a myriad of options and materials, each Bacalar is truly unique, the result of direct interaction between the Bentley Mulliner design team and each individual customer. As with every car in the series, strictly limited to 12 examples, all cars have had every detail specified by their owners, and as such are totally bespoke to them.

    Each carbon fibre body is finished in a bespoke colour for each individual customer with no two cars being the same. The cars sit on unique 22” Tri-Finish wheels, with polished faces, dark grey satin spokes and accent highlights to complement the exterior.

    Maria Mulder, Head of Colour, Materials and Finishes, comments;

    ‘Designing a Bacalar is an exercise in imagination, with the material, colour and finish of practically every interior and exterior surface being bespoke. Regardless of your personal style, whether it be to specifying your Bacalar with a bold Yellow Flame exterior paint synthesised with rice husk ash, or a more subtle Moss Green that reflects Bentley’s heritage, developing your own artisan piping, or co-create a unique fabric blend, the Bacalar has provided all of these opportunities.’

    Uniquely designed details and features in the cabin emphasise the coachbuilt character of the car, with an almost infinite number of ways for the 12 customers to express their personal taste and commission a unique interior.

    Sustainable, ethically-sourced materials previewed in the EXP 100 GT concept car have now become reality in a number of the Bacalars. These include paint containing ash from rice husks, which provides a sustainable way of delivering a rich metallic finish, natural British wool and 5,000-year-old Riverwood sourced from the ancient Fenlands of East Anglia.

    From the use of precious inlays and unique finishes to the driver controls, to the 148,199 individual stitches needed to embroider the unique Bacalar quilt on each seat, owners will find details and components not seen before on a Bentley.

    Due to the nature of these personal commissions, Bentley is not able to reveal the identity of the customers nor where the cars will be heading. However, each customer shares a love of driving, along with an avid appreciation for craftsmanship, authenticity & attention to detail, all deeply associated with Mulliner.

    A Perfect Example

    One of the finished Bacalars took pride of place on Bentley’s show stand at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, during which time it was handed over to its new owner by Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark. The specification of the car is a perfect example of how every detail of a Bacalar was chosen by its customer.

    This Bacalar was finished in bespoke Sunset Orange (sunsetorange; metallic UNI; 6809 / 9560100; Bentley), with customised  tri-colour 22” wheels in dark grey satin with polished faces and gloss black highlights providing a bold contrast to the vibrant exterior. The centres of the headlamps were colour matched to the Sunset Orange bodywork, either side of a set of gloss black grilles and surrounds. The bonnet vents provided a textural difference being finished in satin carbon fibre, as were the wing mirrors. Satin carbon fibre also gave additional definition to the ‘power humps’ behind the front seats – accented with Sunset Orange brightware – along with the side skirts and rear diffuser, complemented by exhaust finishers with gloss black outers and matte black inners.

    Side vents and the rest of the exterior brightware are in gloss black, as are the insides of the exterior door handles. 

    A white and black cabin with Mandarin Orange accents creates a striking contemporary interior theme. A satin carbon fibre technical finish encapsulates the occupants, sweeping from one side of the cabin to the other, matching the exterior technical details harmoniously. Every panel and detail of the interior was specified to the customer’s choice, through careful combinations of leather and Alcantara in white, black and orange, gloss and satin metals in black, dark tint and bright chrome finishes, and the twin usage of both gloss and satin carbon fibre.

    Mandarin Orange leather accentuates the form of the top roll, the centre line in the steering wheel and both the door release and gear lever. This continues with further stitching details to the rear of the seats within the oval perforated Beluga piping and hand cross stitching along the door following the styling line around to the centre console.

    The Bacalar is the extreme example of how the tiniest of details included in every Bentley can accumulate to form a cabin unlike any other. This customer’s car is no exception, and details include:

    • The analogue clock faces of the Bentley Rotating Display provide a splash of contrast in Bacalar Blue.
    • The carpets feature a ‘diamond carved’ pattern, with binding and stitching in Mandarin Orange.
    • The split line between satin carbon fibre and gloss black in the luggage area – usually unseen and hidden by luggage – was specified to be in satin dark tint
    • The bespoke luggage that fits behind the seats feature Alcantara uppers to match the car, along with embroidery in Mandarin Orange and oval-perforated beluga piping with a Mandarin Orange core – exactly replicating the finish to the back of the fronts seats

    Infinite Choice

    The specification of every Bentley is a voyage of discovery, with even a ‘standard’ model being configurable in literally billions of ways. The process of designing a Mulliner goes even further – with infinite combinations of materials, colours and finishes. The exquisite grand tourers that result are only bounded by the law of the land and the imagination of the customer. The next coachbuilt model from Mulliner – to be revealed soon – will be no exception.