Creating a Buzz.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a festival that is marked in every automotive-related company’s calendar. And why wouldn’t it be? With an average of 200,000 visitors over the 4 days, it is one of the largest and most prestigious festivals in the world. Hidden within all of this though, lies something most automotive fans may miss - car audio. Not to worry, I was on hand to find the needle in the great big haystack.

This was my first time at the Festival of Speed and it’s safe to say, it did not disappoint. I have never really been a huge car fan, but I can appreciate the beauty of them. This was shown when walking through the supercar section and the only words that came out of my mouth were ‘oh my goodness’ and ‘oh wow’. Anyway, I digress.

Car Audio Security

I already knew that super giant Car Audio Security were exhibiting at the festival, so I headed straight to their stand. When I arrived, there was a crowd already gathered, and I had expected nothing less - Car Audio Security is famous for putting on a good audio show. After a few hello’s and brief catch-ups, I was shown to the star of the festival for me – an Audison-equipped VW ID Buzz. 

@caraudiosecurity on Instagram - VW ID Buzz

Parm Panesar, from Car Audio Security, was kind enough to give me a demonstration. Installed in the ID Buzz are Audison Prima front and rear speakers, a Forza DSP amplifier and a 10” sub-box. All of this equipment is installed in the stock locations or dead space (space that isn’t considered useful), so precious cargo space isn’t forfeited. Parm explained this was done intentionally, as a large percentage of clients like the OEM look but not the OEM sound.

A few tracks were demonstrated to me and I must say, for a modest aftermarket system, my socks would have been blown off if I were wearing any. It was the stereo image that stood out to me. The stock location of the tweeters is at the top of the dashboard, with the sound reflecting off the windscreen into the vehicle, and there is a vast amount of space between the front seats and the tweeters. Also, the woofers are firing at my shin. However, the sound was right in front of me. You would question how this is possible if you didn’t know that Audison speakers are designed specifically for in-car applications. In all fairness, I know this, but it still amazes me.

I thanked Parm for his time and complimented Car Audio Security on the fabulous job they have done on the ID Buzz. Despite wanting to sit in the car all day, not just because it was 29 degrees outside and it was the only car with the air conditioning turned on, there was audio to find!

CALLUM Designs

"Wood and Pickett Mini" by CALLUM Designs

After a wander around, I came across Callum Designs showcasing their new “Wood and Pickett” Mini. This car not only pays homage to the iconic Classic Mini, which the car is based on, buy it also breathes new and modern life into it. It’s clear that thought went into every detail, including the audio. I didn’t get to sit and have a listen to it, as the stand had attracted a large volume of people. However, I spoke to a representative from Callum Designs, Jay, who invited me down to their showroom to listen to the car when I was next available.

Lunaz Design

Just over from Callum Designs was Lunaz Design. Lunaz Design were showcasing their new range of EV Classics, and on display were a 1989 Range Rover and a 1961 Rolls Royce Phantom V. After I conducted some research, it seems the purpose of this venture was to revive their range of classic cars by electrifying them, for the modern age. One thing Lunaz Design proudly states on their website is their use of ‘premium audio’. Completely hidden away in both of these vehicles were full Audison systems. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to listen to them as the stand was very busy, but it’s clear to see that both of these smaller manufacturers are convinced that their potential customers need better than standard audio.

Rolls Royce Phantom V by Lunaz Design

I tried to get demonstrations of the OEM audio upgrades at some of the major car manufacturers, such as Bentley (Naim) and BMW (Harman Kardon), no one was available to talk about the audio systems. However, Lotus had a friendly salesman who was happy to give me a demonstration of the audio in an Emeya GT, the latest Lotus model. Lotus have teamed up with home audio brand KEF to create its audio system. This model had a KEF Reference system installed, consisting of 23-speakers and Dolby Atmos Integration. After a couple of tracks, I was underwhelmed. There wasn’t much height to the sound and it didn’t play that wide. It also lacked a lot of mid-range sound. The salesman must have seen my disappointment and tried to convince me it was still worth my money because of the other benefits. I don’t know where he thinks a 24-year-old woman has got £94,550 from to spend on this car, but I promise you, it would be spent on something that is more my style, for instance a road trip across Europe in an Audison Thesis-equipped Aston Martin.

After two long audio demonstrations, 11,000 steps and seven cars added to my wish list, including a Blue Porsche from Kaege, I was ready to make the journey home.

I can confidently state that Goodwood Festival of Speed had a lot more audio than one would think, which was refreshing. Most of this presence consisted of collaborations between motor manufacturers and home Hi-Fi brands. While these OEM upgrades are marginally better than standard car systems, they are quite expensive compared to an aftermarket upgrade, which may sound a lot better. What impressed me most was seeing Audison represented by three different companies, in three different ways.

Although there was good audio present at the festival, it should be easier to find.

Lauren Baillie - Roving Reporter