Goodwood set to go green

(General Motors)

The world's automakers have been releasing details of the lineup they expect to display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed when it begins July 2, suggesting that this year's hill climb is set to be greener than ever.

Goodwood, which brings together major automakers from all over the world in the glorious setting of an English stately home, is famed for its appeal to petrolheads, who travel for miles to see top-end cars complete the grueling 1.86 km hill climb.

This year, the cars are set to be as green as the countryside, with several major manufacturers displaying electric or hybrid vehicles alongside traditional models.

All eyes are expected to be on the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera, the rebadged version of the Chevrolet Volt, which is scheduled to hit the UK market in 2012 (after its US release and its general European release).

The Ampera's Goodwood hill climb debut will come at the end of a two-week promotional tour of the UK and it will also be on display at the show's FoS-Tech technology pavilion.

MINI also intends to send its Mini E Race up the hill, following a successful debut at Germany's Nurburgring in May, when it topped out at 117 mph (188 km/h).

The Mini E Race is an attempt by MINI to prove that its electric-drive MINI E is viable under all conditions, including the race track.

It shares the same 150 kW/204 hp electric motor and lithium-ion batteries as its MINI E sibling, but has been fitted with a lightweight body and roll cage as well as modified suspension, brakes and tires for competition motorsport.

Citroen will also be showing off its Survolt and Revolte concepts, while Honda will be demonstrating the sporty new CR-Z hybrid.

The festival runs July 2-4 at the Goodwood Estate, in West Sussex, England.

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/