Performance cars from the cutting-edge of motoring technology made a record-breaking Beaulieu Supercar Weekend which attracted an intoxicating mix of nearly 1,000 plug-in, hybrid and petrol supercars.
An all-time high of 963 supercars and 16,800 show-goers – 1,900 more than last year – enjoyed the A-Plan Insurance-sponsored event in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.
Brand new feature EV Evolution brought together lightning-fast electric cars, from the BMW i8 and latest Tesla models to the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and hybrid Lexus UX 250h. The special feature marked the start of the modern electric car movement with the Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf, while diminutive Sinclair C5 three-wheelers were the veterans of the line-up and also firm favourites.
Demonstration runs on both days of the event kept the action moving, as incredible machines were put through their paces. Scores of supercar fans lined the demonstration straight and watched the giant screen as the raw power of the Koenigsegg Agera R hypercar was unleashed. Also put to the test were more nimble, lightweight cars such as the Caterham Seven and Lotus Exige S, powerful stallions such as the Maserati MC Stradale and latest Aston Martin DBS, as well as a classic Ferrari Dino GT and range of Ferraris.
Show-goers were able to win a seat in the runs, with the Sporting Bears Motor Club raising nearly £3,000 for Hampshire child bereavement charity Simon Says by raffling rides in its members’ supercars.
Some of the greatest highlights of supercar history joined the Prestige and Hypercar display on the lawns of Palace House. Examples of the landmark Jaguar XJ220 and iconic Ferrari F40s were parked alongside a Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Miura S, Toyota 2000GT, Noble M600, McLaren Senna, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, McLaren P1 and more dream machines.
A big hit with Beaulieu visitors were the Supercar sound-offs, as cars with awesome engines, including a Shelby Daytona Cobra replica, Ultima GTR, Audi R8, Ford Mustang and Nissan GT-R, competed for the loudest cheer from the crowd for the best-sounding exhaust note.
The SUV Secret Garden was filled with high-performance luxury off-roaders. Stylish Lamborghini Urus, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Range Rover SVR took their places alongside the rugged Toyota Hilux Invicible 50, BMW X7, Lexus RXL, Toyota C-HR Hybrid, Volvo XC90 D5 and Mercedes GLC 250.
Other show highlights included a live demonstration by PopBangColour artist Ian Cook, who used remote control cars to drive paint across his canvas for a supercar portrait.
In the events fields, McLaren Owners UK turned heads with an impressive display of over 60 cars, while other club displays celebrated the Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Marcos, TVR, Morgan, Maserati and Ferrari. Retro Rallycross showcased historic rallycross racers, while the lightweight but powerful Ariel Atom 4 and Ariel Ace contrasted with Jaguar’s extreme new XE SV Project 8.
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend is part of a calendar of Beaulieu motoring events which continues with VW T Chill on August 9th – 11th , Simply Mercedes on August 18th and International Autojumble on September 7th – 8th. For tickets and details click here or call 01590 612345.
