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Track Drive: Jaguar @ Yas Marina Abu Dhabi
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Track Drive: Jaguar @ Yas Marina Abu Dhabi

·
April 22,2014
·
3 min read

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This was fun. We got an opportunity to test out the Jaguar model line up on Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. The last time we came to Yas Marina, it was a new VAN launch from a certain German carmaker. This time, we thanked our stars it is Jaguar, simply because Jag models do deserve some alone time on the track. The line up included Jaguar F-Type Convertible Supercharged, Jaguar XFR, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XK. Before we could begin though, there was a pleasant surprise, something we never expected. 

Reveal: Jaguar F-Type Coupe R

This 5.0 V8 Supercharged monster of a coupe was revealed at this event to a round of applause. It has one hell of a rev soundtrack. Acceleration to 100 is 4.2 seconds, generates 550 PS and 680 Nm. It looks absolutely stunning. It has 80% more torsional rigidity compared to the F-Type V8 Convertible and it's so much more track friendly. It also gets available carbon ceramic performance brakes. Sadly we didn't get to drive it. After much oogling, we took a deep breath and moved on with our mundane life!

Wet Track DSC Testing

We tested the Dynamic Stability Control system of the Jaguar XF by manoeuvering on a wet track at speeds between 35 - 40 km/h. Though I must say normal driving conditions have far higher speeds than the one on which we tested the car, the point was not to check the driver's skill but the difference between having traction on and off. With traction off, the car loses control much more quickly and also loses the ability to power on. The system basically shuts down in the interest of security. It was great fun because we got a chance to test our ability to keep the car steering under control. While our first two attempts entailed visions of spectacular failures, we aced the third attempt and controlled the car pretty well with traction off. Highly recommended experience for anyone who gets a shot. 

Dry Track Cornering 

You don't need much to test cornering for a car. Get some cones and a large empty stretch of tarmac. That's exactly what we got at Yas Marina and we promptly tested out the XF on sharp turns. It's got solid handling and carries it's weight very well. I was particularly impressed with the balance and stabilty while cornering at quick speeds. The one thing a motoring journalist needs is time and space to carry out tests like these. Jaguar deserves credit for arranging such opportunities for it's line up. 

Track Time

Switch on Track Mode in F-Type Convertible V8 Supercharged and scream down Yas Marina North Circuit. It is an experience to be remembered. I had the opportunity to test other cars as well but I decided to stick with this one and ended up doing atleast 5 laps, if not more! The guys at Yas finally flagged me down and I ended up back in the Pit. On hard corners the F-Type is a joy to drive. Some experienced senior drivers I drove with confided that the extra protection offered on corners by automatic damping systems actually makes the experience somewhat mellow if not safer. For me personally, it was a blast. Since I could push F-Type much more closer to it's cornering limits that I could on actual roads, the first hand feeling of it's capabilities is eye opening. There should be more events by other brands where the DRIVE is what matters. Not the dinner, not the belly dancer, not the photo opps, the actual drive opportunities are what we look for when we come to a drive event. 

Verdict

This was a good event. We got good opportunities to test key technologies and drive capabilities of Jaguar models. We left with good memories. Jaguar is one of the few brands that have evolved a fine balance between luxury and sportiness in all their models. Their line up seems promising than ever and very competitive with the German brigade. 

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