The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed delivered its usual parade of high‑performance machines, but the spotlight fell on a few standout entries that combined raw power with engineering flair.
Subaru’s Brataroo steals the show
Travis Pastrana took the newly built Subaru Brataroo to fourth place in the Timed Shootout, making it the fastest internal‑combustion‑powered car on the hill. Only three all‑electric prototypes finished ahead, highlighting the Brataroo’s ability to compete with the event’s most advanced racers.
The Brataroo reimagines the classic Subaru BRAT for modern Gymkhana stunt work. A turbocharged 2.0‑liter boxer‑four delivers 670 hp and 680 lb‑ft of torque, revving past 9,500 rpm. A carbon‑fiber shell, all‑wheel drive and active aerodynamics—including movable front louvers and an adjustable rear wing—make the car one of Subaru’s most technically sophisticated builds.
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For Goodwood’s steep, twisty hill, engineers softened the setup, improving turn‑in response while preserving the high‑revving character that made the Brataroo a Gymkhana star. The result was a thrilling ascent that left onlookers hearing the engine’s roar echo across the Sussex countryside.
Other headline makers
Toyota unveiled the GR GT, a 4.0‑liter twin‑turbo hybrid V‑8 that produces 641 hp and 627 lb‑ft of torque. Though the GR GT didn’t enter the timed competition, its appearance on the hill offered a glimpse of what could become Toyota’s most ambitious road car since the Lexus LFA.
German tuner RUF displayed a 4.8‑liter flat‑eight boxer engine rated at 986 hp and 738 lb‑ft of torque in a CTR3 Evo prototype. The company plans to fit the powerplant into a new mid‑engine sports car within the next few years, signaling a commitment to extreme internal‑combustion performance amid an industry shift toward electrification.
Czech boutique Praga brought the Bohema to Goodwood.
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Compared with previous festivals, the 2026 lineup reflects a broader trend toward hybrid‑boosted internal‑combustion engines, as manufacturers seek to balance raw output with emerging efficiency standards while still delivering the visceral experience enthusiasts expect.
Goodwood’s hill‑climb remains a unique proving ground, where cars like the Brataroo can test their limits against a diverse field. The event’s heatwave added a physical challenge for spectators, but the roar of engines and scent of gasoline kept the atmosphere electric.
As the festival wrapped, the showcased vehicles highlighted a split in the automotive world: while electric prototypes claim pole positions, the most memorable moments still belong to gasoline‑fueled machines that push the envelope of speed and handling.
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