BMW as a marque is a bit of a strange one, especially amongst the everyday consumer. More so than perhaps any other brand, BMW, in MotorMartin’s experience, would appear to be a marque that brings about extreme reactions. People aspire to owning a BMW, neighbours know that you’re doing well for yourself when you pull up in your new car yet, there are also those amongst us that allow (perhaps) their envy to get the better of them, BMW are a popular brand to not let out of a junction for example.
And yet BMW are recognised the world over for offering each and every driver of their vehicles an experience unrivaled by the more mainstream marques and for constantly pushing the boundaries with regard to what is possible in a car. And in the last decade or so, BMW have expanded their range incredibly. We now have the 1 Series, 2 Series, 4 Series, X5, X3 and X1 as well as the technologically advanced and impressive, i3 and i8. That’s not even mentioning the motorcycle division with their Road, Off Road and Superbikes.
MotorMartin still views BMW as a marque to be admired, a marque with an enviable reputation for quality built up over many decades of hard work and dedication. Indeed, one look at the film below, provided by BMW’s own YouTube channel, shows the dedication that some people have for the brand.
https://youtu.be/4FBDvP_wFOI
So there I was, sitting in MotorMartin Towers contemplating the above when news arrived that BMW will be the Central Feature Marque at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed and that in its centenary year, the company will take centre stage at the world’s most prestigious motoring festival. BMW Group have informed MotorMartin that they will be showcasing the diversity of their brands – BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad – to celebrate their illustrious sporting past, alongside the stylish cars and bikes of the current range.
BMW Group are immensely proud of the fact that, epitomising this year’s Festival of Speed theme – ‘Full Throttle – The Endless Pursuit of Power’ – the Central Feature will celebrate BMW’s myriad of motorsport successes. Taking a starring role on the sculpture created by Gerry Judah will be the legendary BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster, the Gordon Murray-designed Brabham-BMW BT52, and the Le Mans-winning BMW V12 LMR.
BMW Group have shared with MotorMartin that visitors will be able to see and hear many products from BMW’s past that continue to make their mark on the company today. Cars steering their way up Goodwood’s famous 1.16-mile course include a beautiful 1957 BMW 507, the Mille Miglia-winning BMW 328 Touring Coupé from 1940, and a 1965 BMW 1800 TiSA – an early example of BMW’s unparalleled success in touring car racing. Meanwhile, motorbike enthusiasts will be treated to an array of classic and modern bikes including a 1966 BMW R50 S Kaczor, a 1976 BMW R90 S 76 and legendary WR 750 Kompressor from 1929. A fantastic visual and oral display that is surely a must for any motoring fan
This summer’s festival also promises one of the most exciting displays ever for BMW Motorsport GmbH. Representing the most recent expression of the BMW M philosophy, the BMW M4 GTS will be seen for the first time at Goodwood – both up the hill and on display – powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine that develops 500hp with the help of a new water injection system. That should be just about enough I think.
A unique ‘M Avenue’ will celebrate iconic BMW M cars from the last 40 years alongside the hottest new M products, including the new BMW M2 – the latest compact sports coupé in a long line of legendary road and racing BMWs. Meanwhile, visitors will be enticed to the BMW Pavilion to see the Bavarian manufacturer’s newest models, including the special edition BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition. Extra details regarding the superb i8 Protonic Red Edition can be found at https://motormartin.com/2016/02/17/news-the-new-limited-edition-bmw-i8-protonic-red-edition/ where MotorMartin introduced this amazing limited edition i8 and looked at the additional detailing above and beyond the standard car.
Graeme Grieve, BMW Group UK’s Chief Executive Officer, informed MotorMartin that: “Throughout our 100 year history, BMW has always proved to be a highly innovative company which has defined change and looked to the future. From our first racing success in 1924 through to our plug-in hybrid model BMW i8, BMW Group has played a pioneering role in the automotive world. I am delighted that we will be celebrating our landmarks and achievements at Goodwood this year.”
The Earl of March, Chairman of the Goodwood Group of Companies also shared with MotorMartin that, “In its 100-year history, BMW has created many landmark cars, and has an exceptional motorsport heritage in Formula 1, Formula 2, at Le Mans, and in a variety of touring car series around the world. BMW has been one of the Festival’s most loyal and enthusiastic partners for 19 years. I am thrilled to be celebrating their centenary, and our long-standing relationship, with a BMW Central Feature. The sculpture will feature three cars which epitomise BMW’s competitive instincts and pursuit of technology in creating the ultimate driving machine.”
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is being held from 23-26 June 2016 with extra details being available from https://www.goodwood.com/flagship-events/festival-of-speed/
This looks like being another successful Festival and a grand showpiece event for BMW. Well done to you both.
Where will you go?