A group of engineers at Siemens did the impossible: they created an autonomous DRUNK driving technology!

Siemens reveals 1965 Ford Mustang as autonomous vehicle at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed

In a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed, Siemens is set to make history with the first autonomous hillclimb in a 1965 classic Ford Mustang.

- Siemens unveils 1965 Ford Mustang as autonomous vehicle set to attempt the iconic hillclimb course at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed
- Challenge looks set to make history, combining classic engineering with autonomous technology

Utilising autonomous technology, developed in collaboration with Cranfield University, the autonomous hillclimb will be attempted on Thursday 12th July, before being repeated every day until the end of the festival. Footage of the attempt will also be livestreamed around the festival.

Juergen Maier, CEO Siemens UK & Ireland, said: To help celebrate Goodwood’s 25th year anniversary, we’ve partnered with Cranfield University to bridge the gap between the legacy of the automotive industry while pointing to the future of autonomy in terms of both motoring and wider industrial applications.

“Customising a 1965 Ford Mustang with autonomous technologies, we’re going to attempt the famous hillclimb autonomously for the first time in Goodwood’s history.

“With digitalisation already everywhere, our aspiration will allow guests to take an awe-inspiring look into the future and experience the technology of tomorrow, today as a means of ensuring UK plc is at the forefront of a technology-led revolution like no other before it.“

Dr James Brighton, Senior Lecturer at Cranfield, said: “Goodwood offers us a chance to reflect on why we have an emotional connection with cars and acts as a reminder that humans like to be engaged and part of the action. The Siemens Autonomous Hillclimb challenge project connects the classic spirit of automotive adventure with advanced technology.”

Using a 1965 Ford Mustang for the autonomous hillclimb poses particular challenges for the team of Siemens’ engineers involved, none more so than the delicate handling control required to navigate the complex course.

Using advanced location scanning technology from Bentley Systems, the engineering team behind the vehicle have developed an accurate 3-Dimensional scan of the track to create connected awareness of the car’s own position.

The eye-catching vehicle, which has been wrapped in a silver design to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Goodwood, will be parked in the main paddock for visitors to get up close to, and learn more about the autonomous vehicle technology, and careers within STEM.

Elsewhere at Goodwood

Siemens is also exhibiting inside the Festival of Speed Future Lab, showcasing a four person Virtual Reality (VR) experience that will immerse visitors into future car design and engineering.

The world’s first VR designed, AI engineered and 3D printed car will also be on display in the Future Lab. Created by Hackrod and supported by Siemens, the ‘La Bandita’ speedster is intended to serve as proof of concept for an entirely new industrial design to production methodology.

Another highlight showcased by Siemens is the Renault R.S. 2027 Vision concept car, which leaps into the future with Renault Sport Formula One Team’s vision of where the sport is heading. Siemens utilised its advanced simulation and product lifecycle software to help Renault create its vision of a future F1 car. Displayed in the F1 Paddock, a life size model, printed in structural alloy, will be signposted from the Future Lab.