A quick test lap with the 2013 Jaguar 495 HP X type - YouTube

I was trying to test to see if the traction control nannies were up to snuff by throwing it around a little harder and more sloppily than I would normally drive on a track and using the throttle a little more like a light switch ON and OFF. Ideally one would want to be so smooth with the steering and throttle so it was as if you had a string wrapped around the steering wheel then tied to the throttle so as you unwind from the corner, you are smoothly applying the gas. I would have done more of this if I was trying for the fastest lap vs trying to test the traction control.

I was very impressed, the car is very nimble and handles very neutrally. I was getting the traction control to come on in almost every corner, while the car still had lots of extra grip. The only time the traction control really really over intruded was the last corner where it severely cut power when the car still had lots more grip left. You can hear the engine surge as the ECU allows more power. I had my foot down farther and more of the time than the video shows. You can see the line I was taking would allow for more throttle sooner for a higher exit speed, but the ECU had other ideas.

There is one more setting that allows another 8 degrees of tail out before ECU inputs but they were not using that setting much so as to demonstrate the cars ability to save the driver from him/herself.


Listen for the Thump of the gas pedal when he says it is OK to go....I thought that was funny to hear in the video, "chuckle"

I did manage to peak at .95 Gs in a turn, this thing STICKS! This car is Very impressive on the track, especially considering it is factory stock.

 

Wish I was there!!!

 

The Jaguar Live event is invite only from Jag headquarters. You could probably get an invite if you simply call them.

This is a traveling road show, so I'm sure at some point they will be near you. Probably worth a call to try. It was a lot of fun.

There were 2 auto cross tracks and a technical track where they show off the traction and stability control over ice, sand, etc.

You get to drive the entire top end line of cars as fast and as hard as you want.

The guy said "We have boxes of brakes and tires, to go as fast as you can!"

and NO SALES PEOPLE at the event at all, so it is only pure fun!

 

JEALOUS of cause I AM you lucky person

 

That was a Good Grrrowl!
Nice one!

 

I was only test driving, I do not own one of these. I own 2.5 x308s

Enderle just bought a beautiful all black one though

 

Thank you for this-

Where do I sign up?

 

I would call Jaguar corporate directly, the individual dealers are completely out of the loop on this promotion.

 

Definitely a +1 for this event from another Bay Area attendee. What a fantastic exhaust blatt from those blown 5 liter engines at WOT.

It was tough to behave when driving home after it was over. OK, my teenage XJR may be a bit slower and a lot quieter than the new cars -- but it still makes me grin when I stomp on the loud pedal :-)

 

You should post your video-This was a super fun event!