Automotive Failures and Design Controversies at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025
One notable observation was the heavy presence of Chinese electric vehicle brands such as Xpeng and BYD’s Denza. While these models signal China’s aggressive push into the global EV market, their appeal in Western countries remains under debate, with critics questioning their design originality and brand identity.
The festival also highlighted a trend toward quirky, meme-worthy, or derivative vehicle styling. Some new releases seemed to borrow heavily from other manufacturers’ design languages, resulting in cars that lacked timeless aesthetics or clear identity. This shift marks a departure from the elegance and robustness often associated with earlier eras of car design.
Amid the novel and sometimes polarizing designs, there was nostalgia for classic styling and mechanical purity. The return of pop-up headlights on certain new MG models sparked interest but was viewed by some as a gimmick rather than a meaningful innovation. Similarly, the re-emergence of traditional V12 engines and small, driver-focused sports cars—such as the Gordon Murray T50 series—reminded attendees of a time when cars were designed foremost for engagement and exhilarating driving experiences.
The event juxtaposed these heritage models with numerous futuristic electric vehicles and hyper-technological offerings, which some critics described as “woke” and lacking the soul that long-time enthusiasts cherish. The looming challenge for the industry appears to be balancing cutting-edge technology and sustainability with genuine driving pleasure and lasting design appeal.
Beyond the cars themselves, the festival atmosphere featured exclusive VIP areas, bustling manufacturer stands, and a dense paddock filled with supercars, race cars, and historic models. The mix of admirers, critics, and curious spectators created a vibrant backdrop for the delicate debate over the future direction of the automotive world.
Overall, Goodwood FOS 2025 brought into sharp focus the contradictions and choices facing automakers: innovation versus tradition, spectacle versus substance, and digital control versus raw mechanical emotion. For many attendees and commentators, the question remains whether current trends are leading the industry toward bankruptcy in spirit or paving the way for a sustainable and exciting future
Key points from the video:
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Several Chinese electric vehicles dominate the festival, with models like the Xpeng G6 and BYD's Denza subsidiary showing up, though the presenter expresses skepticism about their appeal in certain markets.
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The presenter reflects on how some modern designs lack originality or timeless beauty, citing examples of cars that resemble other brands' designs, sometimes quite heavily.
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There is nostalgia for pre-2010 car design, viewing many recent cars as less stylistically compelling.
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The return of features such as pop-up headlights on new MG models is noted as a novel but somewhat gimmicky trend.
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The video discusses the resurgence of traditional V12 engines and small, driver-focused sports cars like the Gordon Murray T50 series, contrasting these with more high-tech but less emotive vehicles.
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The overall tone is a mix of admiration for heritage models and skepticism about the future, especially regarding the heavy push towards electric and “woke” designs.
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Besides specific cars, there are remarks on the festival atmosphere, including special VIP areas, manufacturer booths, and the crowded paddock featuring supercars and race cars.