MG Celebrates a Century at Goodwood Festival of Speed
MG commemorated its centenary in spectacular style at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, blending past triumphs and future innovations into an unforgettable showcase. The Duke of Richmond officially opened the festival by leading a unique parade of historic and modern MG cars past Goodwood House and up the renowned hill climb.
Driving his grandfather’s legendary MG C-Type race car, which competed at the Brooklands Double 12 in 1931, the Duke was joined by a remarkable assembly of MG’s finest models. This lineup included the new MG Cyberster convertible, the MGA Le Mans, the MGC GTS Sebring, and the MG 6R4, highlighting MG’s rich heritage on both road and track.
In a dramatic global debut, the MG Cyber GTS Concept was introduced at the festival. Jozef Kaban, Vice President of MG’s Global Design Centre, presented the concept to the Duke of Richmond. The Cyber GTS Concept pays homage to the MGC GTS Sebring, which achieved the highest factory MG result at the 12-hour race in 1968, finishing 10th overall and third in its category. This tribute car aims to capture the spirit of its predecessor while featuring rear-wheel drive and advanced, high-performance EV powertrains, marking a bold step into the future of MG’s GTS models.
Also making a stunning appearance was the EXE181, a concept inspired by the original MG EX181, which set multiple small-engine speed records in the late 1950s. Known as the ‘Roaring Raindrop,’ the EX181 showcased MG’s engineering prowess with a 1.5-liter MGA Twin Cam engine boosted by a Shorrock Supercharger, achieving a remarkable 290bhp at 7,300rpm. The modern EXE181 concept reimagines this legacy with a sleek, aerodynamic design, a compact single-seat cabin, and a nod to the Bonneville Salt Flats with its white and blue color scheme.
Jozef Kaban described the EXE181 project as a unique opportunity to honor MG’s pioneering spirit while envisioning a future EV land speed record contender. The concept’s design emphasizes purpose and authenticity, with a drag coefficient of just 0.181 and a modern, connected user interface.
The celebrations continued with the Festival of Speed Central Feature, a striking display by Gerry Judah, showcasing the Cyberster alongside the beloved MGB in front of Goodwood House. A spectacular fireworks display capped off the festivities, marking MG’s 100th anniversary in true Goodwood style.
MG unveiled the all-new MG HS SUV at Goodwood, available in both petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. This new SUV underscores MG’s commitment to exceptional value, boasting enhanced features, increased cabin space, and refined styling, making it a highly attractive option in the competitive SUV market.
MG’s presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrated a century of innovation and excellence, honoring its storied past while boldly stepping into a dynamic future.
