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Eight reasons to watch the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week

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The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a car-lover’s mecca and one of the biggest motoring events in the world. Running from June 26th to June 29th, the “FOS” features a moving motor show, a 1.16-mile hillclimb, a two-wheeled action sports arena, and public appearances by F1 drivers, F1 vehicles, and rare supercars alike. 

Perhaps the most captivating part, however, are the debuts. Automakers from around the globe use the FOS as a launching pad to showcase new models, both production and concept. We know the Internet likes lists, so we’ve complied one detailing our most anticipated vehicle appearances below.

1.)   Two new 650S variants from McLaren

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McLaren 650SComing off the success of the monumental P1, McLaren is planning to unveil two new models at Goodwood: a track-bred 650S (possibly with GT3 badging) and a one-off, specially-edition 650S designed by McLaren Special Operations (MS0). The MSO 650S will take part in Goodwood’s hillclimb. 

2.)   Nissan’s 2020 Vision Gran Turismo Concept

Nissan 2020 conceptNissan’s radical 2020 Concept, a potential vision of a future performance car, will make its public debut at the FOS. It will be available for download in Gran Turismo 6 next month, but hopefully we’ll get more details on the part GTR, part stealth fighter when we see it in the flesh.

3.)   The Alpina B4 Bi-turbo

Alpina B4 Bi-turboGerman tuner Alpina has tuned and modified an M4 nearly from the ground up, dubbing it the B4 Bi-turbo. The B4 may look similar to its M-class cousin, but it boasts a torquier twin-turbo engine from the 335i as it’s name suggests. It’s not all about power with the Bi-turbo, however: Alpina’s version can manage an incredible 37.2 mpg.

4.)   Elemental’s mental RP1

Elemental RP1Considering Elementals’ carbon fiber-centric RP1 only weighs 992 pounds, one might assume that the British manufacturer has dialed back the power to keep it from flying off the track. Wrong: the RP1 has a 280-horsepower Ecoboost engine which should allow it to hit 60 mph in well under three seconds.

5.)   Bentley’s most hardcore roadcar ever

Bentley GT3-RBentley’s stripped-down, lightweight GT3-R is a Continental made for the track. It may not be the most powerful Bentley ever, but the twin-turbo, 572-hp 4.0-liter V8 pushes the GT3 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. That makes it the fastest-accelerating production Bentley ever, in part due to its 220-pound weight loss.

6.) Jaguar: Special Operations Division

Jaguar F-TypeJaguar announced its Special Operations Division earlier this month, and we will see its first new product at the FOS. We don’t know exactly what Jaguar is planning, but considering the spec ops division’s focus on vehicle customization, concepts, and high-performance cars, it’s sure to be something special.

7.) The M brothers

BMW M4BMW is set to put its new M3 sedan and M4 coupe put through paces in the hillclimb, the futuristic i8 should made an appearance as well.

8.) Lexus RC-F 

Lexus RC-FThe M4-fighting RC-F made its first appearance at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, but Lexus is giving the RC-F its first UK showcase at Goodwood. The 460-hp, 5.0-liter V8-powered rear-wheeled marvel is reportedly the subject of a “V8 rumble test” by Lexus, so get your subwoofers ready.

You can stay up to date by tuning into Goodwood’s live social stream. As always, stay tuned to Digital Trends for the latest updates.

(Header photo credit: Nicole Haines)

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Andrew Hard
Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
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