A RECORD number of important new cars will be making their world, European or UK public debuts at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed - to be held in the grounds of Goodwood House near Chichester from June 22-24.

Formula 1's shooting star Lewis Hamilton will be among the participants - as reported in Tuesday's Wheels - and it's worth remembering that supercars are the stars, too, at this world-beating event on our doorstep.

The new cars range from the world's fastest production vehicle, the Acabion GTBO, claimed at an astonishing 342mph, to the most powerful (the 1,012bhp Bristol Fighter T).

They will include the public debuts in action on the Goodwood Hill of the Maserati Gran Turismo, Caparo T1, Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster, Audi R8, Bentley Brooklands Coupe, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Porsche 911 GT3RS, bio-ethanol-powered Concept Climax, the electric Tesla Roadster, one-off Pininfarina Ferrari P4/5 Enzo, RUF CT3, and Artega GT, to name but a few.

A couple of still top-secret concepts from major manufacturers are also due to be revealed for the first time at the festival. In FoS-TECH - the new state-of-the-art Goodwood Technology Pavilion - will be an exhibition showcasing the future of motoring and environmental issues. In a series of interesting new initiatives from motor manufacturers, design specialists and other motor industry suppliers, recent concept cars such as the hydrogen-powered Ital Design Vadho, Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept and Mazda Hakaze will appear for the first time on British soil.

Also on display are other ecologically-advanced concept vehicles not seen in Britain before, such as the hybrid Toyota FT-HS, and diesel-hybrid Peugeot 908 RC, along with projects such as the NissanPivo and Honda's Asimo robot, which illustrate how the automotive world is changing and pioneering new technologies to meet future transportation requirements and legislation.

To order advance tickets, contact the Ticket Hotline on 01243 755055, fax 01243 755058, e-mail bookings@goodwood. co.uk or you can book online at www.goodwood.co.uk.