The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed once again proved to be a paradise for car enthusiasts, with Porsche at the forefront, showcasing a stunning array of models. From the latest 992-generation 911 to the all-electric Macan and Taycan Turbo GT, Porsche captivated crowds throughout the event, held in southeast England.
Motorsport-Inspired Innovation
The highlight of the festival was undoubtedly the public debut of Porsche's innovative new 911 Carrera GTS. This model, the first road-going hybrid 911, perfectly aligned with this year’s theme, "Horseless to Hybrid – Revolutions in Power." With its motorsport-inspired drivetrain, featuring an electric turbo and motor, the 911 Carrera GTS delivered an impressive blend of speed, responsiveness, and efficiency on Goodwood’s famous 1.16-mile Hill Climb.
Porsche also introduced several other UK debuts, including the all-electric Macan Turbo, the new Cayenne GTS, and the Taycan Turbo GT—the most powerful production Porsche to date. For those favouring a more traditional experience, the naturally aspirated 911 S/T, complete with its celebrated six-speed manual gearbox, also made its Goodwood debut, further delighting the crowd.
Racing Glory on the Hill Climb
Among the Porsche racing cars taking on the Hill Climb were the 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup Car, driven by Porsche GB Junior James Wallis, and the Taycan Turbo GT, piloted by Porsche test driver and Nürburgring specialist Lars Kern. Notably, all Porsche vehicles tackling the Hill Climb at Goodwood were powered by eFuels, a synthetic fuel produced in a virtually carbon-neutral manner, underscoring Porsche's commitment to sustainable innovation.
Celebrating 50 Years of Porsche Turbo
This year’s Goodwood Festival also marked the 50th anniversary of the Porsche Turbo, celebrated under the theme "Beyond Performance – 50 Years of Porsche Turbo." The Porsche Heritage and Museum team expanded their presence, showcasing six historic and four current Turbo models. Highlights included a 911 Turbo 3.3 Coupé from 1988, 911 Turbos from the 993 and 996 generations, and a Cayenne Turbo.
Visitors were also treated to technical exhibits such as a cutaway model of a 911 (996) Turbo, offering insights into Porsche’s pioneering turbo technology. The legendary 911 Carrera RSR Turbo 2.1, the first Porsche 911 with a turbocharger and the first Porsche race car with a turbo engine to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also demonstrated its engineering prowess during engine starts.
Immersive Porsche Experiences
Away from the high-octane action, the "House of Porsche" offered visitors an immersive brand experience, featuring highlights from Porsche’s current range alongside historic models from Porsche Classic. The all-electric Macan, which recently went on sale, shared the spotlight with the groundbreaking Taycan, the plug-in hybrid Cayenne, and the new Panamera.
The House of Porsche also featured a range of brand merchandise, including Porsche Design timepieces, and provided a relaxing café area where visitors could watch the Hill Climb on a dedicated live screen. Meanwhile, younger enthusiasts were entertained with free activities, including the Porsche Stamp Trail, and adults had the opportunity to hear from Porsche personalities like Brand Ambassador Mark Webber.
Exploring Camp Cayenne
Behind the House of Porsche, "Camp Cayenne" offered an outdoor-themed celebration of Porsche’s luxury SUV range. This display featured the Cayenne, Macan, and the adventurous 911 Dakar. Each day, the event also showcased a rotating selection of approximately 250 cars owned by members of the Porsche Club of Great Britain, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
A Grand Automotive Celebration
The Goodwood Festival of Speed, presented by Mastercard, has been the world’s largest automotive garden party since it was first staged in 1993. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, this year’s event brought together more than 600 cars and motorcycles, along with legendary figures from the automotive world, creating an unforgettable celebration of motoring excellence.