The Goodwood Festival of Speed
BMW at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed
• The new BMW 5 Series Saloon seen in the UK for the first time • Hydrogen-powered record breaker, the BMW H2R, to be unleashed at Goodwood • The BMW iX5 Hydrogen on display and participating in the Hillclimb • The new and formidable BMW M3 CS to storm up the hill • The BMW 3.0 CSL on display at Trackside
The inaugural appearance of the new BMW 5 Series in the United Kingdom will take place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2023. Joining it in action will be the groundbreaking BMW H2R Record Car, as well as the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen. The esteemed BMW M3 CS, exclusive to this event, will conquer the renowned 1.16-mile course, while the festival will also showcase the BMW 3.0 CSL, the most exceptional vehicle ever produced by BMW M. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the latest models from BMW's thrilling lineup, including the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive, BMW XM Label Red, and BMW M2.
For the first time, the BMW 5 Series Saloon will incorporate an all-electric drive. The BMW i5 eDrive40 provides an impressive range of up to 361 miles, while the BMW i5 M60 xDrive delivers exhilarating performance, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds. The latest iteration of the world's most successful business saloon will be showcased in the 'First Glance' category on the hill, as well as being exhibited at the Stable Yard and Trackside areas.
Back in 2004, BMW made a significant stride towards the future of hydrogen-powered production cars with the remarkable BMW H2R. This groundbreaking vehicle, utilising a modified version of the 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine from the BMW 760i, achieved nine world records. With its aerodynamically efficient carbon fibre body, the H2R will undoubtedly captivate visitors at the Festival as it roars up the hill.
Joining the H2R on the hill is the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, representing the latest advancements in BMW's hydrogen fuel cell technology. Based on the current BMW X5, it was initially introduced as a concept at the IAA show in 2019. After four years of development, a fleet of double-digit vehicles is now being deployed globally for demonstration and trial purposes across various target groups.
Taking the spotlight on the hill will be the exclusive and brand-new BMW M3 CS. This special-edition model from BMW M GmbH boasts a potent 550 horsepower six-cylinder in-line engine, coupled with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and the intelligent M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Together, they enable the M3 CS to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 188 mph.
This collaboration aims to invest in improving the charging infrastructure throughout the UK National Parks, as previously announced in October of the previous year. By installing Pod Point charging stations at strategic points within the parks, it will facilitate access to these scenic areas for vehicles with low emissions and minimal noise levels.
Assisting in navigating the challenging hill climb at the Festival will be Colin Turkington, a four-time BTCC champion and driver for West Surrey Racing. Joining him on the hill will be his team-mates Jake Hill, Stephen Jelley, Adam Morgan, and racing driver Charlie Martin, ensuring an exciting presence throughout the extended weekend.
Dedicated to BMW, the Stable Yard will showcase the story of Vision iCircular, highlighting the company's commitment to becoming the most sustainable manufacturer. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest range of all-electric and electrified BMW models, as well as iconic cars from the past fifty years. On display, alongside other notable vehicles, will be the BMW 1602e, the first electric BMW, the efficient BMW 525e from the 1980s, and the i8, BMW's pioneering plug-in hybrid sports car.
Accompanying these models will be the new BMW i5 and iX5 Hydrogen, as well as the high-performance all-electric BMW i7 M70 xDrive, representing the perfect fusion of electric mobility and exhilarating performance. As the flagship model of the new BMW 7 Series lineup, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in an impressive 3.7 seconds, solidifying its status as the fastest all-electric BMW model to date.
A highlight for many at the Festival will be BMW M at Trackside, where an impressive collection of the latest BMW M GmbH products will be on display. The lineup will include the new BMW M2, M3 Touring, BMW M8 Convertible, and the powerful XM Label Red, boasting a remarkable power output of 748hp and a system torque of 1,000 Nm.
Additionally, the stand will pay tribute to BMW's illustrious heritage, featuring iconic models such as the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile and the revered BMW 2002 Turbo.
Taking center stage will be the BMW 3.0 CSL, the most exclusive special model ever produced by the company. Created by BMW M GmbH to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022, this engineering masterpiece embodies 50 years of racing passion and pays homage to its historic roots with its legendary model designation. The BMW 3.0 CSL is a strictly limited edition, with only 50 consecutively numbered units of this special model being made available for sale.
Adding to the Festival's vibrant atmosphere, visitors will be treated to performances by Duke, a unique beatboxing group, and DJs including Stephanie, Sophie, and the Boom Collective, ensuring everyone gets into the dancing spirit. Former British Touring Car Championship driver Paul O'Neill will also be present at the stand throughout the weekend, providing engaging presentations.
Mark your calendars, as the Goodwood Festival of Speed will take place over four days from July 13th to July 16th, 2023. One of the biodiversity-focused projects within this partnership is exemplified by South Downs National Park, where the restoration of dew ponds is taking place. These ponds are an iconic element of the South Downs landscape. Due to the impact of climate change, characterised by hotter and drier summers, 70 percent of the National Park's ponds are either in poor condition or have completely vanished. With funding from BMW, this project aims to restore the ponds, creating a vital nature corridor that will support various wildlife species including frogs, toads, dragonflies, hedgehogs, and bats. Moreover, the ponds will serve as an educational resource within the National Park, attracting visitors for learning sessions and raising awareness about the crucial role these habitats play in supporting animal life and biodiversity in the park and its surrounding areas.