CDN's highlights from Goodwood 2025 

Heralded almost universally as one of the industry's best motor shows — and definitely the most unique — the Goodwood Festival of Speed did not disappoint on its first day. 

We witnessed a number of reveals, some of which getting their first global outing; a selection of rare and unexpected heritage models; and sat down with some big names in the design world. Read on for a brief round-up of CDN's activities on the ground. 

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

Certainly one of the busier stands ahead of the reveal, the Ioniq 6 N was clearly one of the more hotly anticipated launches of the day. Plenty of build-up and fanfare eventually led to the covers coming off not one but two versions of the performance EV based on the super sleek Ioniq 6. As with any N car, it is all about driving performance but that seems to have materialised in some exciting additions to the exterior and interior design. Drift mode was also put on full show later on in the day as it lit up the rear tyres in front of an applauding grandstand. Good stuff indeed. 

Urban Automotive

The company that started life on its founder's drive had plenty to show on its largest and most elaborate stand at Goodwood to date. It clearly worked, with one of the three cars unveiled being snapped up within minutes. A dream result for CEO and head designer Simon Dearn and the team, who by all accounts worked down to the wire to get the stand ready. On show was a new soft-top Defender with a bright orange interior; a new prototype Range Rover Sport with a unique central exhaust akin to the Lamborghini Aventador; and a deliciously brown Defender which sparkled in the sun. The main attraction was arguably the latest widebody kit for the Rolls Royce Cullinan. 

Alpine

Arriving slightly later in the day and arguably at a good time as the sun began losing some of its sting, a lively and enthusiastic Antony Villain hosted CDN on the roof terrace of Alpine's prominent central display. The new A390 was on show alongside the A290 Rallye, which has been redesigned for rally purposes. Like others at the show, Villain gushed over the mix of car launches, dynamic displays and variety of machinery on show. We look forward to transcribing the recording which will no doubt be drowned out by wailing V12s going up the hill just metres away. A good problem to have. 

Bovensiepen

Head of sales Erik Ploss did not need his arm twisted too hard to tell the story of the Bovensiepen Zagato, on display in Goodwood not long after its initial unveil in Italy. The grand tourer is in fact based on the M4 convertible, not the coupe, with a 'double bubble' roof courtesy of the designers at Zagato. It is longer and wider, too, making it more in line with the BMW M8. A closer look reveals this is more in the luxury market, with an incredibly plush interior and even a boot that is trimmed to the nines. 

Renault

It’s electric at the Renault stand – and it’s not just the atmosphere. The Renault 4 E-Tech electric makes its UK debut alongside a showing of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric and special appearance from the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Speaking to design director Gilles Vidal and chief designer advanced design Sandeep Bhambra, it’s clear the brand aims to stay emotional and daring with their design language. 

This will look like a mix of generous shapes, lots of tension and then a sudden sprinkle of geometrical cut lines or graphics. Bhambra explains that while the new Renault 4 E-Tech must be a “practical box”, you can still see flowing shapes around the wheel arches, around the corners of the car and very sharp detailing on the rear lights. Of course, all three cars on display are full of French flair and sophistication.

MG 

New(ish) SAIC design kingpin Jozef Kaban was in typically buoyant mood on the MG stand where the Anglo-Chinese brand unveiled a pair of fastback cars that are, at the moment, badged as the car company’s all-electric IM brand. 

Kaban enthused about the blocky SUV Cyber X, first seen at the Shanghai Auto show in April 2025, which he described as having a “solid function and great joy.” With expansive surfaces, a cutesy eye-opening headlamps and disregard for aerodynamics, the concept certainly has character. Alongside was a black and chrome Cyberster — a gentleman’s club interpretation of the exuberant EV sportscar.

Supplemental: if there is anyone who looks more at home with a flute of Champagne in hand than Carl Gotham, CDN has not met them.

Ford

We managed to track down Ford of Europe's chief designer Filip Krnja who echoed positive sentiments about the Festival of Speed. "What makes this particularly attractive is it's very experiential — you can see the excitement — and it attracts a wide range of people. It's great to be part of that conversation. And crucially it's really involving, it's not just about the product. It showcases this lifestyle at its core in a very positive way."

The manufacturer's stand included the Mustang Dark Horse alongside various generations of Transit vans as the nameplate celebrates its 60th anniversary, but also a virtual cycle race that had visitors drenched by the end. A little bizarre in the context of baking hot weather. Elsewhere, the SuperVan whistled around the track at some clip. 

BYD

It was a fair old stand for the Chinese brand which appeared under its Denza nameplate. CDN got a good look at two offerings with very different design languages: a blocky, upright SUV, and a sleek fastback sedan. Even by early afternoon of the first day, certain materials inside were starting to look a little sticky after plenty of prodding from curious visitors. Perhaps less of a comment on material quality and more on the tropical conditions. A chat with new PR boss Mike Gale, brought in from Maserati a few weeks ago, suggests there is plenty in the pipeline from BYD and its sub-brands in the UK. 

Maserati 

Klaus Busse was on hand to walk us through the new MCPURA, described as an evolution of the MC20 with tweaks to both the exterior and interior package. We were particularly taken by the finishing of the seats and magenta tridente. 

Corvette

 Over in the supercar run, Corvette debuted the RHD E-Ray – the first all-wheel-drive hybrid Corvette. The low stance, similar to the Z06, is coupled with a wide body, 3.6 inches wider overall than the Stingray to be exact. 

The lightweight alloy wheels have a twisted five-spoke star design which is unique to this model. 

More to come from the CDN team at Goodwood so keep coming back to this page..