Below Watch: Jaguar Drives Episode 1: Jaguar XKR-S

Jaguar Drives is a series of test drive films Jaguar released in 2012. This time Jaguar travelled to Gaydon to shoot the stunning Jaguar XKR-S Convertible and to talk to some product experts.

On Sunday 6th May 2012 at the Donington Historic Festival, Stirling Moss will take to the track in the actual Jaguar C-type he drove to victory in the 1952 Reims Grand Prix for sports cars, exactly 60 years ago.

But, impressive as it was, his 1952 victory was more than a mere race win. This was the first-ever race victory in a disc-braked car, a landmark event which cemented the Jaguar marque’s reputation for innovative engineering and helped to make disc brakes the universal technology they are today.

The Donington Historic Festival will see the history-making car and driver reunited, as Sir Stirling – who only retired from racing last year, aged 81 – completes some demonstration laps for spectators. Stirling will be signing autographs for fans during the day, as well as driving the world-famous C-type, chassis XKC 005 (instantly recognisable by its original registration number of MDU 212), in its 60th anniversary year.

No doubt it will be a less demanding day for Sir Stirling than it was at Reims in 1952, when the heat was so intense and the competition so fierce that he was near to collapsing after taking the chequered flag. Jaguar’s team manager at the time, ‘Lofty’ England (later to become Chairman and Chief Executive of Jaguar), reported that while the National Anthem was played in honour of Stirling’s victory, the team helped him to stand while they poured a bucket of water over him to keep him conscious!

Visit the Purr-fect Gift Shop and purchase Stirling Moss Profile of a Legend DVD Here and of course Free Shipping Australia Wide!

We were lucky enough to meet Sir Stirling a couple of years ago when he was in Melbourne for Motorclassica and in this video see ‘Lofty’ talk about the 1952 Le Mans effort with the C-Type and The Man himself.

It's fair to say that when Jaguar Heritage Racing announced it's return in 2012 to compete for the first time since 1956 in the vibrant world of historic motorsport, we got a little excited.

This is the Jaguar Heritage Racing Team's official launch video, purrfect.

Visit the Purr-fect Gift Shop and purchase Jaguar at Le Mans 1954-1958 DVD Here and of course Free Shipping Australia Wide!

As mentioned last week Mike Roddy was out once again in his 1985 Bathurst winner at the AGP historic support races.

The car headed home most of the more modern competition including all but one Ford Sierra, and also the Jim Richards JPS works 1985 Bathurst BMW. According to reports the XJ-S was a highlight of the vehicles in the Historic Garage. Sadly, the immaculate JPS BMW was damaged during the meeting.

Interestingly, the other cars in this photograph include the 'Jagparts' owned and sponsored Larry Perkins-built Holden Commodore raced new by Gerald Kay, plus a TWR Commodore.

Purchase European Touring Car 1984 ETCC Victory for the TWR Jaguar Here

And listen to that V12 Howl up the montain mid race with Super Tom at the flight deck below, Purrfect

The Great Scotsman places the Howling TWR XJS in Pole for Bathurst 1985

Seeing Mike Roddy's number 10 back in action over the past couple of weeks we had to go back and have a look at these mighty TWR XJS' at full noise in their heyday. This is Tom Walkinshaws Hardies Heroes Lap in the number 8 XJS, Mike Roddy owns the number 10 that was driven to victory by our very own John Goss and Germany's Armin Hahne. Built by TWR over the winter of 1983/4, there were four genuine 'lightweight' chassis constructed by TWR to win the 1984 European Touring Car Championships. Roddy's number 10 was driven largely by the duo of Win Percy and 'Chuck Nicholson', the car experienced a great deal of its success in its 1984 campaign. Its notable victories were at the Spa 24 Hours, the Donnington 500 mile and the Bathurst 1000 in Australia. After 1984 the chassis was involved in a number of TWR's 'International' campaigns in Macau, Australia, Japan and New Zealand

Purrfect

Purchase European Touring Car 1984 ETCC Victory for the TWR Jaguar Here

1985 Revisited

Mike Roddy in the 1985 Bathurst winning JRA TWR XJ-S leads the great Jim Richards in his old works BMW which Jim drove at Bathurst in 1985 against the Jaguars. This is the car which Jim spun into the sand trap at Hell corner, quickly followed by The Talmalmo Farmer George Fury in the second works BeeEm, and which ruined Frank Gardner's race plan (to run one less fuel stop than the Jaguars).

The scene is Phillip Island last weekend for the huge historic meeting there pre the AGP.

Mike beat Jim and that is a huge thing as they don't come tougher or more skilled than Jim. Mike said his Jaguar had more power, but Jim's car is more nimble. He added that Jim is a great guy and he enjoyed it immensely too.

They should be out again this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix meeting. The BMW was over from New Zealand.

Jaguar Heritage Racing is go!

Jaguar Heritage Racing, a programme which will see Jaguar return to the competitive arena through the vibrant world of historic motorsport, has been launched. For the first time since 1956, works-supported C- and D-types will race again at venues including Goodwood and the Nürburgring, while the season-long programme will also see Jaguar Heritage Racing support numerous additional events on the historic motoring calendar. These include the Mille Miglia, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and each round of the E-type challenge in the UK – a series which in 2011 demonstrated the depth of global interest in historic motorsport, and in Jaguar's participation specifically.

As Jaguar embarks on the most extensive new product development cycle in its history, it is the perfect time to invest in and celebrate its heritage. Says Jaguar Global Brand Director, Adrian Hallmark: "Jaguar is proud of its heritage, and it is a heritage that is both alive and ever evolving.

"Advanced engineering is part of our heritage – 2012 sees the 60th anniversary of Jaguar's development of the disc brake for automotive use, and ten years since the marque introduced aerospace-inspired aluminium monocoque technology to its modern range, technology today used on both the XJ and XK. Forward looking design is part of our heritage – the poised intent of the C-X16 concept pushes the boundaries today just as much as the SS Jaguar 100 did in 1935. And racing is very much part of our heritage also – which is why we have launched the Jaguar Heritage Racing programme that this year will see Jaguar C- and D-types in competitive action."

The first event at which Jaguar Heritage Racing will be present is the 2012 Mille Miglia retrospective in May. This year's running of the Mille Miglia has particular significance for Jaguar as it marks 60 years since Sir Stirling Moss and Norman Dewis (then Jaguar's chief development driver) took the start in the first disc-brake equipped C-type. Later that same year Sir Stirling Moss recorded the first win for a disc-braked car when he drove another C-type to victory at Reims, paving the way for the wide-scale use of the technology that we all take for granted today.

In August, the Jaguar Heritage Racing team will then be in competitive action at the AVD Nürburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix. Often referred to as the 'green hell', the Nürburgring Nordschleife is regarded as one of the toughest tracks in the world, which is why Jaguar has a dedicated test facility located there running a rigorous durability and performance programme for its modern range.

Says Jaguar Land Rover Global Head of Communications, Frank Klaas: "The Nürburgring Nordschleife presents a unique automotive challenge that Jaguar's development team continually subject our current and future models to in order to perfect their attributes of quality, durability and dynamic precision. To also see historic works Jaguars in competitive action at the Nürburgring this year will be fascinating."

From Germany, the team will then head back to British shores for the Goodwood Revival in September. The undisputed jewel in the crown of the historic motor racing calendar, the Revival provides a dazzling backdrop of nostalgia for an equally dazzling array of competitive action in which the Jaguar Heritage Racing C- and D-type will play their part.

The Jaguar Heritage Racing programme is operated and managed by JD Classics, based in Maldon, Essex. An established player in the historic motorsport world, JD Classics will prepare both the C- and D-type Jaguars which will take to the track, and have responsibility for all race-day activities. Derek Hood, managing director, JD Classics, said: "Jaguars have been at the heart of our business for many years, and the opportunity to work with Jaguar Heritage Racing and ensure that the company is as well represented in historic motorsport today as it was when those same models competed in period is one we were only too happy to accept."

The Jaguar Heritage Racing programme will supplement the activities of Jaguar Heritage – a charitable trust and custodians of an extensive collection of priceless models from Jaguar's past, including the unique XJ13 prototype. Its cars are not campaigned competitively on-track, but will continue to be exhibited – and demonstrated – at a huge number of events during 2012.

Jaguar Heritage Racing will be participating in the following key events in 2012:

• Mille Miglia (Italy): 17-20 May

• Nürburgring AVD Oldtimer Grand prix: 10-12 August

• Goodwood Revival: 14-16 September

One of the amazing Silk Cut Group C Jaguar XJR 9's has just come up for sale!

Jaguar’s decision to return to international motorsport in the mid 1980s was not taken lightly; at the time, Porsche were winning every Le Mans and monopolised the World Sportscar Championship. To many, it seemed as though no one would be able to break the Stuttgart company’s winning streak until, in 1987, Jaguar stormed back with the XJR 8, winning eight of the ten qualifying rounds of the World Sportscar Championship leading to overall victory of the series. With the return of Jaguar came, for many, the return of the excitement of endurance racing that had been lost with the dominance of Porsche.

Jaguar built on this success with the 1988 season seeing the arrival of the all new XJR 9. Designed by the Formula One engineer Tony Southgate, it was built and run by Tom Walkinshaw Racing, 1988 becoming the year Jaguar would break Porsche at Le Mans whose winning streak had seen them triumph there every year since 1980.

Chassis J12-C-688 was one of the famous Silk Cut Group C Jaguar XJR 9’s of the 1988 season, the sixth and final XJR 9 built by TWR. It was raced in all but one of its six races during that 1988 season by the impressive paring of ex-Formula One ace Jan Lammers and the talented young Scottish driver Johnny Dumfries. The best result of the season came when Martin Brundle joined Lammers to come second overall at the Spa 1000 Km’s. J12-C-688 competed in a further four races in the 1989 season, most notably at Le Mans with drivers John Nielsen, Andy Wallace and Price Cobb, who qualified it 8th, sadly retiring due to a failed head gasket.

One of the most recognisable and iconic racing cars of the 1980s, this Silk Cut Group C Jaguar XJR 9 formed part of a racing programme that took Jaguar back to the forefront of motor racing. Chassis J12-C-688, especially with its 2nd place finish at Spa, was an instrumental part of Jaguar’s World Sportscar Championship victories of 1988 and played a central role in reinstating Jaguar as a motorsport leading manufacturer.

History:

10/07/88 – Brno 360 Kilometres – 3rd – Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries

24/07/88 – Brands Hatch 1000 Kilometres – DNF – Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries

04/09/88 – Nurburgring 1000 Kilometres – 8th – Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries

19/09/88 – Spa 1000 Kilometres – 2nd – Jan Lammers, Martin Brundle

09/10/88 – Fuji 1000 Kilometres – DNF – Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries

20/11/88 – Sandown 360 Kilometres – 4th - Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries

21/08/89 –Dijon – DNF - John Nielsen, Andy Wallace

11/06/89 – Le Mans – DNF - John Nielsen, Andy Wallace, Price Cobb

25/06/89 - Jarama – 6th - John Nielsen, Andy Wallace

23/07/89 - Brands hatch – DNF - John Nielsen, Andy Wallace

Purr-fect.

The Purr-Fect Gift Shop Open for Business!

Lou Guthry Motors have launched the Purr-Fect Gift Shop, our aim is to offer products that we are passionate about. Jaguars are our passion and in the future we will be looking to extend our product range into car care products, memorabilia, gifts and accessories all focusing on the Jaguar brand and its rich history.

Today we launch with a selection of Duke DVDs focusing on the history of Jaguar. From their success in the 50's at Le Mans, through to the TWR successes of the 80's, profiles of drivers we admire and cars we just love, our DVD selection is a must see for any Jaguar enthusiast. We are proud of our partnership with Duke, Duke Marketing was founded in 1981 and is based in the Isle of Man. The company employs 50 people and publishes sport and special interest DVDs, with motorsport as the core activity. The company has strong motorsport ties, particularly with the Isle of Man TT races. Not only is founder Peter Duke’s father Geoff Duke OBE – winner of six TTs and motorcycle World Champion six times – but Duke has produced VHS and DVD reviews of the TT throughout the company’s history.

Let us know what you think of our range, in the future we will add more titles.

Duke and the Purr-Fect Gift Shop... Purrfect.

The new XF Sportbrake is a truly versatile derivative of the multi award-winning XF saloon.

Entirely new from the B-pillars backwards, the XF Sportbrake represents a compelling combination of muscular yet elegant design, dynamic ability, contemporary interior luxury and, with a load-space capacity of up to 1675 litres, a no-compromise approach to practicality.

Full details of the XF Sportbrake follow; it will receive its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 6th March.

JAGUAR XF SPORTBRAKE

At-a-glance

The XF Sportbrake is the most versatile derivative of the Jaguar XF

It represents a compelling combination of elegance and capability - both practical and dynamic

It extends Jaguar's design leadership in a new direction to create a desirable, premium estate

Remote-fold levers drop the 60:40 split rear seats (with integral ski-hatch) to create up to 1675 litres of load-space

A full five-seater with an additional 48mm of rear headroom

New rear air suspension allows for self-levelling while load carrying with no dynamic penalty

Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics System - which continuously monitors the suspension and can adjust damping rates accordingly up to 500 times a second - is available on all XF Sportbrake derivatives

Tailgate features 'soft-close' as standard, and can be specified with fully powered open/close functionality

Acclaimed premium-quality interior materials used in the cabin are also a feature of the load-space

Available with both Aero and Black styling packs from launch for additional on-the-road presence

Driven by Jaguar's refined, powerful and efficient range of four- and six-cylinder turbo-diesel engines

Matches the XF saloon for both aerodynamics, torsional stiffness and dynamic handling ability

A range of accessories - both internally mounted by floor rails and externally by roof rails - extends the versatility of the XF Sportbrake still further

INTRODUCTION

The XF Sportbrake takes Jaguar's globally acclaimed sporting saloon and extends its versatility and practicality while retaining the model's core values of dramatic, muscular elegance, a dynamic driving experience and contemporary luxury.

"The XF epitomises the Jaguar sporting dynamic with its combination of innovative, seductive design and performance. In the XF Sportbrake this is complemented by a no-compromise approach to practicality and versatility."

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars

The XF Sportbrake builds on the extensive refresh received by the XF saloon for the 2012 model year which saw it adopt a more assertive appearance in line with the flagship XJ model - including striking new lightblade headlamp technology.

The XF Sportbrake is entirely new from the B-pillar backwards, endowing it with a very different aesthetic, exemplified by the tautly-drawn elegance of the side-window line and highlighted by its polished finish. The conjunction of flowing rear window graphic, rising waist and estate roofline lends the XF Sportbrake a dynamic, broad-shouldered stance.

The design-led approach that created the XF Sportbrake's exterior has been achieved in tandem with the goal of maximising practicality. The extended roofline affords rear-seat passengers an additional 48mm of headroom and the seats offer both a 60:40 split fold function and integral ski hatch. Remote-fold levers inside the load-space opening allow the seats to be stowed flat quickly and easily, creating a cargo volume of up to 1675 litres.

Befitting the XF Sportbrake's perfect balance between usability and beauty, it is powered exclusively by Jaguar's range of powerful, refined and efficient diesel engines, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.2-litre engine is fitted with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system, making it the company's most efficient powertrain to date, while the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 is available in two states of tune, with 275PS in the range-topping Diesel S.

DESIGN

Launched in 2008, the XF introduced a coupe-like profile to the sporting saloon template and received plaudits worldwide for its seductive combination of dynamics, performance, quality, design and luxury.

Substantially redesigned both inside and out for the 2012 model year, the saloon is now joined by the XF Sportbrake which builds on the model's undoubted performance credentials and provides an additional level of practicality.

The Jaguar design philosophy is based on the smooth, uninterrupted flow of lines that lead the eye along and around the vehicle and this is readily apparent in the XF Sportbrake which, despite sharing an identical wheelbase with the saloon, is imbued with even greater presence.

The first of these elegantly simple feature lines begins in the propeller-inspired blades fitted to the side air intakes, leading the eye into the lower wing crease and then along the sills of the car and around the rear bumper. The second feature line runs up from the outer edge of the same intakes, defining the edges of the front wings before wrapping the entire way around the car, creating the XF Sportbrake's muscular shoulder line.

Sharing the same new lightblade headlamp technology as the saloon, the XF Sportbrake also adopts the new, more upright grille and purposeful bonnet, giving it an enhanced 'rear-view mirror' recognition factor. The lights themselves feature bi-function HID xenon technology and LED daytime-running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar 'J-Blade' pattern.

From the leading edges of the grille, strong feature lines rise over the bonnet, then seamlessly into the A-pillars and over the roof, defining the load area before flowing down to form the slope of the tailgate and rear bumper. The roofline itself is echoed by polished roof rails (when specified) that add both functionality as well as a strong feature element. The signature Jaguar side window graphic is here seen in its most elegant and elongated form, stretched backwards to the rear windscreen like a taut bowstring and highlighted with a brightly polished finish.

The clever conjunction of the side window graphic tapering down to meet the rising shoulder line not only emphasises the XF Sportbrake's strong haunches but also helps the rear roofline appear to taper elegantly towards the tail. This impression of fluidity is heightened by the use of gloss black finishers on the rear pillars, providing a wraparound effect in conjunction with the tinted rear screen, an aesthetic inspired by the superstructures of luxury yachts. The rear lamps feature LED technology for brake, light and indicator functions and, by their width and the manner in which they sandwich the chrome signature blade, emphasise the solid rear stance of the XF Sportbrake.

The XF Sportbrake is also available with two optional exterior design packages that serve to further strengthen the assertiveness of its appearance. The Aero Pack (standard on the 'S' model) adds a deeper front bumper, side sills and rear valance plus a rear spoiler enhancement - a tailgate spoiler being standard on all models. The Black Pack replaces the exterior bright finishes with gloss black and pairs them with similarly finished alloy wheels to create new colour combinations that are subtly distinctive and eye-catching.

"Creating the Sportbrake was a great opportunity for us to extend the XF's design aesthetic. The flow and connection of lines that lead the eye around the car result in an entirely practical estate car consistent with Jaguar's reputation for drama and elegance."

Wayne Burgess, Studio Director, Jaguar Design

INTERIOR

As with the exterior, the cabin of the XF has been upgraded to ensure it retains that essential Jaguar appeal, creating a sense of sporting luxury by using the finest combinations of premium quality, crafted materials, complemented by the use of intuitive technology.

A centrally-mounted touch-screen offers control of the navigation system and a range of other functions, while the switchgear features new soft-touch matt black paint and a soft phosphor blue illumination theme throughout. The metallicAurorafinish to the majority of the brightwork complements new aluminium and veneer accents. More sculpted, heavily bolstered front seats introduced for the 2012 model year hint at the dynamic potential of the car and feature a 'racetrack' design device that creates a sporting bucket seat aesthetic.

For the XF Sportbrake, entirely new rear seats, which allow generous seating for five, are comprehensively redesigned and feature an integral ski hatch and a 60:40 split. Rear passengers also enjoy an additional 48mm of headroom.

Remote-fold levers situated just inside the tailgate allow the rear seats to be folded down with just one touch to provide an uninterrupted load surface that is 1970mm in length. The practicality of the XF Sportbrake's load-space is further enhanced by its width which allows, for instance, sideways stowage of golf clubs. The tailgate features soft-close power latching and can be specified with a fully powered open and close function.

The load-space displays Jaguar's typical attention to detail as it is trimmed in materials identical in quality to the XF Sportbrake's cabin. The central portion of the load-space floor can be lifted to reveal an extra, hidden storage compartment and can also fold and lock into position to quickly and easily divide up the bay.

The practicality of the load-space is extended through the inclusion of a floor rail system, which allows the quick fitment and release, for example, of optional nets and retaining bars to compartmentalise the space. A wide range of accessories engineered for the XF Sportbrake will allow owners to extend its versatility still further by organising or extending its carrying capacity.

A towbar can also be specified - when not needed the tow-hitch can be removed quickly, stored in a dedicated stowage space inside the boot, and replaced with a rear valance cover to disguise its mounting point. When fitted with the towbar, the XF Sportbrake's Trailer Sway Mitigation system is activated. This uses the car's Anti-Lock Braking and stability control systems to reduce the risk of 'snaking' when towing.

"Jaguar is rightly praised for its design-led products but in creating the XF Sportbrake we were careful to ensure that this was balanced with the engineering integrity required to create an estate car that is as usable as it is enjoyable."

Andrew Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer, Jaguar XF

DYNAMICS

The XF Sportbrake firmly emphasises both the practical and sporting sides of its character through its powertrain choices. Exclusively fitted with Jaguar's range of four-cylinder 2.2-litre and V6 3.0-litre diesel engines, the XF Sportbrake offers an exemplary combination of refinement, fuel economy, low emissions, plentiful power and refinement.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine is offered in combination with an eight-speed gearbox and Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system, enabling the XF Sportbrake to offer the performance and driver appeal expected of a Jaguar with reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption. When the car comes to a halt a range of parameters are automatically assessed and, if suitable, the engine is stopped. A Twin Solenoid Starter then restarts the engine in less time than it takes the driver's foot to move from the brake to the accelerator. The system also offers 'change of mind' functionality, enabling the engine to quickly restart even during its rundown phase to allow the driver to, for example, exploit a gap in traffic at a junction.

Jaguar's 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is offered in two states of tune in the XF Sportbrake, both mated to the same eight-speed gearbox that in all models offers driver control via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The range-topping 'S' model offers 275PS (202kW) and 600Nm (442lb/ft) of torque, fulfilling all the requirements of an enthusiastic driver.

Every derivative of the XF Sportbrake is fitted as standard with self-levelling air suspension at the rear to replace the coil springs fitted to the saloon. This system has been developed and tuned by Jaguar's chassis engineers to offer the same linear responses and ensure the XF Sportbrake offers identical dynamic attributes in terms of ride and handling as the saloon while keeping the car level even when fully laden.

Additionally, all XF Sportbrake models are available with the Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics system which continuously monitors the suspension and, courtesy of active dampers, can alter damping rates up to 500 times a second to ensure optimal stability and handling with no loss of comfort. The system also allows the driver - at the touch of a button - to alter suspension and throttle response parameters to increase the level of involvement.

The intuitive use of driving technology is also evident in the XF Sportbrake via safety features including Adaptive Front Lighting, which deflects headlamp beam into corners, while intelligent high beam functionality automatically switches between low and high beam when appropriate. Adaptive Cruise Control enables the XF Sportbrake to monitor vehicles around it, automatically braking should a slower vehicle be ahead, then resuming set speed once the road is clear. Operating in conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control is an Intelligent Emergency Brake system which, in the event of detecting the necessity for a severe stop, applies maximum optimal braking force.

"The XF Sportbrake matches the saloon in both aerodynamics and torsional stiffness. The use of air suspension has allowed us to create a car that captures the unique Jaguar combination of refinement and outstanding dynamic abilities regardless of its load."

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity

XF SPORTBRAKE DIMENSIONS

Length: 4966mm

Width (inc. mirrors): 2077mm

Width (exc. mirrors): 1877mm

Wheelbase: 2909mm

Front track: 1559mm

Rear track: 1605mm

Load-space maximum length: 1970mm

Load-space minimum width: 1064mm

Load-space maximum volume: 1675 litres

Load-space volume behind rear seats, under tonneau: 550 litres

Permitted trailer load, braked: 1850kg

All figures correct at time of going to press.

Purr-fect.