- McLaren MP4-12C will be shown to a public audience for the first time at Goodwood this weekend.
- An Austin Mini with a Cummins diesel engine will also be part of the festivities.
- Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason will make his annual appearance in an Auto Union Type D.
GOODWOOD, England — An Austin Mini stuffed with a massive Cummins diesel engine, a new McLaren MP4-12C dolled up in traditional McLaren Orange and a traditional appearance by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason in an Auto Union vehicle illustrate the sublime-to-ridiculous nature of the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Cummins on Wednesday contributed to the circuslike atmosphere swirling around Goodwood as exhibitors compete for attention. Touting a "3,500 bhp Mini!" Cummins said it will fit its "11 tonne" engine into an original Austin Mini. "It proved to be a bit tricky to fit under the bonnet but our engineers came up with a more creative solution," said the auto supplier in a statement. "We're certain that the Goodwood crowd will have difficulty believing what they are seeing." It said its Goodwood exhibit currently "nears completion in a secret workshop."
McLaren Automotive took a more no-nonsense approach, simply stating that the new MP4-12C will be shown to a public audience for the first time at Goodwood. Current Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and 2008 Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton will drive the 12C up Goodwood Hill on Saturday and Sunday in the Supercar Run.
It felt more like the movie Groundhog Day at Audi, with what seemed like an endless repeat of trotting out Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason for the Goodwood event. It will be the fourth year that Mason will be showcased in an Auto Union Silver Arrow for a run up the hill in Goodwood. "This time he is driving a 1939 Auto Union Type D with twin superchargers," said Audi AG in a statement. Mason is a longtime auto collector.
Inside Line says: Something for everyone at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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