Ahh, Goodwood Festival of Speed! It returned this year as part of the U.K. Government's Events Research Programme for large gatherings. As the whole country started to emerge from lockdown, this was a way to quantify and measure a way for people to safely attend big events whilst examining the risk and rates of transmission of COVID-19.
Although we attended as press, we still had to go through the same precautions as the ticket holders, and it meant that we had to confirm a negative lateral flow test before we could even enter the grounds.
Once done, we were given a wristband to wear which showed our negative status clearly, and only then could we make our way to the media tent.
If you've never been to Goodwood - and you like cars - it's a must! With so much to see and do, there's something there to suit every taste, which is not surprising when you see how big the place is! (This is just one of the car parks...😗😗😗)
This year, Alpina launched it's new B8 Gran Coupe at the Festival of Speed, and Ben got chance to get up close and personal with the B3, the B5 and the B7...what joy! 😍
For those in the know, Alpina are a brand that are synonymous with BMW itself, and have been since their collaboration started in the 1960's.
The clever bods there take an M variant of BMW, and upgrade and enhance it, giving you a luxurious end product that has to be felt to be believed. (For instance, whilst the engine is fitted by BMW themselves, Alpina put them together by hand first, after, you know, enhancing it...hmmmmm)
Combine that with bespoke interior livery, and the Alpina signature 20-spoke forged alloys (and more, much more) and you have a driving experience like no other.
Whereas the M series is a street car legal version race car, the Alpina defines and enhances all aspects of the BMW creation, giving you a touring car without limits. Yes, you guessed right, as the Alpina don't have limits on the top end, so your B8 can keep going all the way up to 201 mph, whereas the M8 is limited to 155 (Autobahn, anyone?)
So the question now is - which one would you choose? M or Alpina?
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊