I would like to wish all Club members and their families a Happy New Year and hope that 2025 brings everybody something extraordinary and makes it a year to remember.
By now the dust has settled on the debacle that was the Jaguar COPY NOTHING video that pretty much got panned by marketing gurus and motoring aficionados alike. I don’t recall hearing one report saying that the advert did anything good for Jaguar other than the fact that people were talking about the marque for the first time in a long time and that was really the only positive I could see.
Then came the Type 00 promotion in Miami where an eclectic, electric, & eccentric, neon pink car was released to the world to overall better reviews than the video. It should be noted that it was promoted very much as a concept car and the road going version, when released in 2026, will be considerably different. However, I tend to agree with Harry Metcalf from YouTube’s Harry’s Garage [https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MGh9Lf5oVwY&t=680s] when he says that if Jaguar are to succeed in this elevated stratosphere that it’s absolutely about how they treat their customers which is as equally as important as the car –something I think a lot of car brands can take to heart.
Anyway, seeing I am probably not the target market for a Project 00, I want to bring another concept into the discussion of classic v modern cars and that is restomod. Resto-modification, also known as restomodding, is when "an old car is modernized with an updated engine, suspension, brakes, tires and/or electronics. And if you restomod the right way, you can revert back to stock at any time."
So, the options with your tired, old, 4-door Jaguar are not limited to sell, scrap or restore back to concours, if you want to sell a kidney and spend upwards of £300 000 you can buy one of the limited number Ian Callum restomod Mark 2’s [https://www.carscoops.com/2014/09/ian-cullumsrestomod-jaguar-mark-2-to/] or if doing it yourself the first question you need to ask is do I fit a V12 or an electric engine?
“It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy... let’s go exploring!” – Calvin [Calvin & Hobbes]
Greetings from the dam
You will find that a large part of this issue is devoted to the new Type 00 announcement. I’m sure most of you will have heard of the first new marque vehicle since 2018. Yes, six years, and then it’s only a conceptual view of the 00. The car was announced at the Miami Art Week last year – amidst a flurry of colours and glitter. This issue pays, er, homage to the announcement in the cover and new car pages. Unless I get a large number of requests, we’ll go back to normal next time.
Although, as Bob has noted, the reveal was, to say the least, highly controversial. As well as covering the available details of the new electric car and the updated Jaguar branding, I’ve tried to present a balanced view of the comments – and some alternate thoughts.
One thought comes to mind. Is it all going to be worth it? So, I played with some numbers. JLR’s revenue in the year ending March 31st 2024 were £29 billion, with over 400 000 units sold. Of those, the Jaguar brand contributed some 67 000. In the 2023 year Rolls-Royce sold in the order if 5 500 vehicles in 2023. I’m guessing that Jaguar would hope to sell at least 1 000 by the second year of production. At a target price of, say, £125 000 and a profit margin of 20%, sales of the Type 00 would generate £25 000 000. Further models should ramp up the sales number towards Bentley, who managed around 13 500 in the same period.
Looking forward now, 2025 is the 50th anniversary of the XJ-S. In future issues this year, we plan to bring you more information and the story of this long-lived member of the Jaguar stable. The XJ-S (or XJS later in its life) had were three distinct iterations, with a final production total of 115 413 units over a period of more than 20 years. The longest timeframe for any Jaguar model.
Thanks are due to Darryl Simpson, for his time spent with us and his E-Type and to Emma Russell-Rademeyer for her article on the JCNR / Lotus run. Enjoy driving your Jaguars during our Gauteng summer.
X-TYPE
Front Cover: Jaguar Type 00 in London Blue
QUARTERLY QUIRKS & QUOTES
Dateline Gaydon – November 25th 2024: A New Era Begins Today For Jaguar.
A completely transformed Jaguar brand recaptures an ethos to Copy Nothing that can trace its roots back to the words of its founder, Sir William Lyons. Jaguar’s transformation is defined by Exuberant Modernism, a creative philosophy that underpins all aspects of the new Jaguar brand world. It embraces bold designs, unexpected and original thinking, creating a brand character that will command attention through fearless creativity.
“This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience. We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.”
Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer
Symbols of change – Jaguar’s new brand identity
The reimagined Jaguar begins its unveiling with an all-new brand identity that establishes its unique character, through a dramatic new visual language. Meaning is embedded in each of the four symbols of change, reflecting brand values and providing clues for what is to come.
Jaguar’s new device mark is its signature.
It is a powerful celebration of modernism – geometric form, symmetry and simplicity – demonstrating the unexpected by seamlessly blending upper and lowercase characters in visual harmony. This bold linear graphic generates an unmistakeable presence and an immediately recognisable visual for Jaguar, striking through imitation and the ordinary
Exuberant Colours
Exuberant use of colour is a cornerstone of Jaguar’s new brand identity, embedded in its values and its association with art. Primary colours, born from the painter’s palette – yellow, red and blue – are the tonal building blocks, always presented with texture or movement.
Makers Marks
Consisting of the newly reimagined Jaguar ‘leaper’ that is our precious mark of provenance. Always leaping forward, it is a representation of excellence and hallmark of the brand. The monogram is a code for expression and a signifier of a completed work. It is used as a flourish or finishing touch.
JLR
And They Said:
Marketing professional, Kevin Dahlstrom, called out the brand's strategy from a different perspective, writing on X, "This is the Zoolander of rebrands — it reads like a parody"
In response to the video posted on X by Jaguar, South Africa’s own Elon Musk wrote: "Do you sell cars?"
However, sports broadcaster and former Formula 1 racing driver Martin Brundle, who's raced in Jaguar cars, wrote on X: "I have no idea what this is all about, but it's genius. Everyone is talking about Jaguar in a moment of time when they're not actually making cars."
A South African LOW-DRAG LIGHTWEIGHT E-Type
The Back Story – a Tale of Four Peters.
Following its formidable wins at Le Mans during the 1950s, Jaguar began to take second place to Ferrari in the early 1960s. They had been victorious with the C-Type and then the D-Type. So, how about the E-Type? Initial racing in British club events were highly successful, however, internationally not so. Some thinking at Brown’s Lane, as well as the dissection of a Ferrari GTO, led to the conclusion that the E-Type would need some serious modifications. The answer was the Lightweight version in 1963. This featured the eviction of all unnecessary parts, aluminium bodywork and a highly modified engine with an alloy block.
Jaguar built only 12 Lightweight E-Types in period. Of those, only two were modified with distinctive low-drag bodywork. The first was 4868 WK, which was fitted with Malcolm Sayer’s voluptuous wind-cheating bodywork at the marque’s Browns Lane factory.
The work was carried out for the car’s owner Peter Lindner, the enterprising German Jaguar importer who’d already drummed up a lot of publicity for both his business and the Coventry marque by racing his Lightweight in ‘standard’ guise. He racked up victories in three domestic German events in 1963, twice at Avus and once at the Norisring.
But ahead of the following year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, with its long straights, Lindner returned 4868 WK to the factory’s competition department to be modified to a low-drag body design by the legendary aerodynamicist (and original E-Type designer) Malcolm Sayer. “I don’t yet know of the speed of the Lindner car, but in the wind-Tunnel it had 84% of the drag of a ‘standard’ E-Type,” Sayer commented in a letter.
During its sojourn to Coventry, 4868 WK was also treated to a raft of engine upgrades, including mechanic George Buck’s fabled six-branch exhaust manifold. This Jaguar’s 3.8-litre power unit was reportedly the
most powerful XK engine Jaguar ever built, kicking out a staggering 340bhp! It’s also the only E-Type fitted with a speedometer reading up to 200mph.
Lindner opted for his compatriot and regular co-driver Peter Nocker to share the driving duties at La Sarthe. Despite their gallant efforts and the Jaguar’s impressive pace, the German pairing was forced to retire in the early hours of the morning. Tragically, a few short weeks later during the 1 000km of Paris at Montlhery, Lindner lost his life at the wheel of his beloved E-Type.
For years, the wrecked E-Type was impounded by French authorities, until it was rescued in 1974 by Patrick Linsard. The car subsequently wound up at Lynx, where it was restored using a spare Lightweight tub. In 2007 the bold decision to restore the car to its Low-Drag specification, original alloy body and all, was made. 4868 WK was rebuilt again using 90% of the original metal.
Secondly, came 49 FXN, which was also treated to distinctive low-drag bodywork. The work was carried out by a small, highly motivated, scientifically focused team over the winter of 1963-’64. The key players were 49 FXN’s joint owners – Peter Lumsden and Peter Sargent – and Sami Klat, who had been studying mechanical engineering at Imperial College London. The final piece of the jigsaw was the garage run by Jack Playford and his sons, Brian and John. “It was a group effort,” explained Lumsden. “We all had the same objective – how can we beat the other buggers?!”
On 7 May 1963, an internal Jaguar memo was sent to Bill Heynes, copying in Lofty England, among others. It was entitled ‘Specification of Lumsden GT E-Type – 1963’. Chassis S850663 was given body number R5864 and engine number RA1348-9S, the 3 871cc unit having a 35/40 cylinder head, fuel injection, aluminium block and a dry-sump system. The remainder of the season saw Lumsden and Sargent battle in the Lightweight at
4868 WK Racing in Period
4868 WK for Sale by Girardo
Nurburgring, Goodwood, Silverstone and Brands Hatch with varying degrees of success. Season completed, Lumsden, Sargent, the Playfords and Sami Klat started their programme of modifications.
Klat first turned his attention to the E-Type’s aerodynamics, specifically reducing drag. A new roof section was developed that featured a broader, higher, flatter rear. It reduced lift as well as drag, and the team tested it on the M1 motorway with wool tufts attached at strategic points, enabling them to monitor air flow. Following a plethora of other similar modifications, a distinctive low-drag body shape resulted but this was only a small part of the team’s work. It came into its own at Le Mans, but everywhere else the modifications that had been carried out to the chassis and engine were of far greater importance.
The heavily revised 49 FXN reappeared for the Sussex Trophy at Goodwood in March and finished in an encouraging seventh position. The following month that low-drag shape had the chance to really prove its worth during the Le Mans Test Weekend. Finishing second in class and sixth overall, Lumsden and Sargent must have arrived at Le Mans for the 24 Hours with a certain amount of optimism. By the time the four-hour mark arrived, 49 FXN was up to 16th overall, and was lying fifth in the GT category behind the two Shelby Daytona Coupes plus the GTOs of Ireland and Hugus. According to Jaguar’s official report, it got as high as third in class behind only the Shelbys; it was also timed at 174mph on the Mulsanne. Sadly, however, it didn’t survive the night due to a gearbox failure.
Main Story – the Tale of Darryl and Neville
Fast forward to 2018 and Cape Jaguar Club member, Darryl Simpson, is in the UK. In his own words: “Just to introduce Neville Swales who is a brewer by profession and worked at SAB Newlands for some years. It was there that I met him selling filter sheets. Neville then frequented Killarney and other events and became very attached to my XJ13, that I had completed in 1998.
Around 2000, Neville resigned from SAB to go back to UK to pursue his dream of building an aluminium XJ13 for himself. Once he had completed his first one, he was pestered by an American to build an XJ13 for him to race in the US. This was not painted, but an all-polished aluminium car. At this point Neville decided to start ‘Building the Legend’, specialising in the build of replica XJ13 Jaguar cars.
Only one original XJ13 ever existed, which is now in the Jaguar Heritage Museum, located in Gaydon in the UK. The original XJ13 had a 4-cam V12 engine. Only three such engines were built, one in the original car, one as an experimental unit and the third - as to its whereabout, is a mystery. (I once read an article, which said it had been purchased in the US. Apparently, it was in the Jagur dealership parts listing for that year. Ed.)”
Jaguar 4-cam V12
A little more history, if I may. The XJ13 was built around a V12 5-litre engine engineered by William Heynes and Claude Bailey. The design basically mated two DOHC six-cylinder XK engines to a common crankshaft and aluminium block. It used Lucas mechanical injection to produce 502 bhp ay 7 600 rpm and was directly attached as a stressed chassis member together with the five-speed manual ZF transaxle driving the rear wheels. The block and transaxle acted as the only support structure behind the rear bulkhead which meant that the suspension mounted directly onto the sides of the unit. The car was developed for a second planned assault on Le Mans. A change in regulations had allowed Jaguar to exploit the 5.0-litres capacity, and, with a bore and stroke of 87mm x 70mm, the new engine made 4 991cc.
49 FXN at Le Mans 1964
49 FXN for Sale by Fiskens
Back to Darryl: “Around 2015, Neville spotted an engine that looked like the 4-cam Jaguar V12, but thought nothing of it as they were so rare. However, he contacted the seller from the eBay advert, to find that, in fact, it was one of the three original engines. He immediately drove across to Holland with his bakkie and a mate to go buy it and load it before anyone else noticed the advert. Over the next five years Neville tooled up to make replicas of the engine for the XJ13s, he was building.
In 2018, when I visited him at his small factory on a farm just outside Coventry, we were chatting over a beer (or two) and I asked if the 4-cam would fit into a Series 3 V12 E-Type? It was at this time, we were also bouncing around the build of a low-drag, that I was keen on doing as a project in SA. It was always going to be way out of the pocket of a poor South African! All my previous replicas had been GRP, as that was my limit in terms of funding. In January 2021 Neville gave me a call and said he had an offer to build a very authentic 4-cam tera-V12 low-drag E-Type, that I could not refuse and that he would email to me right away. My heart was pounding with the thought, but never even imagined he could get anywhere near my affordability, but I said send it and I will have a look.
I had just sold my business and the property in Paarl and I needed to find a suitable investment, so timing was perfect for both of us. The offer was extremely interesting and part of the deal was that he could use the finished car for exhibitions, photos and general marketing of his company for a period of six months, before shipping to me in Cape Town. I consulted with my financial adviser, to see if I was doing the right thing at this stage of my life? He gave me the thumbs up, if that was what I wanted, considering it as an investment too. (Hmm. Ed.)
I was then backwards and forwards with Neville to agree on an “On the Button” build, using his now developed engine and all the detailed specs I required. The 4-cam V12 engine that Neville builds, is referred to as his
tera-V12. Tera, as in terabyte, is 10 to the power of 12 and ‘teras’, in Greek, is “monster” - Neville comes from a Greek origin. Within a week we had a deal and production started in earnest. A donor car, a 1972 V12 E-Type coupe that Neville had recently imported from the US, was to be my car for the project.
The donor car was stripped bare, to expose anything and everything in terms of rust. The basic steel tub and the sills were the main component from the donor car. The sills were beefed up to take the torque of the new much more powerful V12. Then across to RJ Panels next door to BTL workshop for complete fabrication of body in aluminium. In fact, at the time, they had the only one original low-drag still in the UK in their workshop. The owner of this car had commissioned them, to replicate it in every way, to make a replica he could use more regularly, as his was getting too valuable to drive and race. So, it could not have been a better place and time, to build my car as well.”
So, in November last year, daughter Sam and I knock on Darryl’s door in Westlake, asking to see the completed car. Completed? The E-Type has already taken place in a number of Cape Jaguar Club rallies and has visited the Sedgefield Classic Car Show. No trailer queen this. Darryl showed us into his garage. Keeping the low-drag company were a replica C-Type and an immaculate all-original 1930s Singer Nine.
The Jaguar is a fabulous motor-car. The bodywork – in shining dark blue, with alloy knock-on wheels, period mirrors, lightweight detailing and recessed spot lights – is magnificent. The engine, too, seems a work of art. Due to the original design of the XK engine, with a cross-flow head, there is not a large amount of room in the centre of the V. Darryl’s car has a neat fuel injection system plumbed between the cam covers, as per the Heynes/Bailey design. Oh, and I forgot to mention. It’s not 5.0 litre – it’s 6.8 litres. The car also has a most discrete air conditioning system fitted.
There’s a V12 under the Bonnet
Darryl’s Singer Nine
6.8 Litres of Jaguar Motor
Pictures were taken, oohs and ahhs exchanged, then “would you like to go for a drive, Brian?” Well, yes – actually I would. I strap on the 4-point harness and we exit the Westlake estate and head south onto the M3 towards Cape Town. I’m not sure how far down Darryl’s foot was but, as the song says, “she picked up her skirts and flew.” The power seemed pretty limitless, as Rolls-Royce use to say, it was adequate. The ride was Jaguar smooth and lane changes produced no body roll. All too brief and back to the house where we shared a cup of tea and chatted of cars and life in South Africa.
Inside the Low-Drag
Many thanks, Darryl for sharing your time and treasure with us.
Text Ed / Darryl Simpson / Girardo / Fiskens / Pics Girado / Fiskens / Toad
Jaguar Unveils Type 00.
Unmistakable. Unexpected. Dramatic.
Dateline Miami (Yes, Miami) - December 3rd 2024
Introducing an unmistakable, unexpected and dramatic physical manifestation of Jaguar, as the brand continues its transformation. Type 00 (pronounced Type Zero Zero) embodies Jaguar’s creative philosophy of Exuberant Modernism following the debut of its new brand identity. The world premiere of the design vision concept at Miami Art Week – as South Florida becomes the centre of the art world for six- days – previews what’s to come from Jaguar, as the brand recaptures the original ‘Copy Nothing’ ethos of its founder, Sir William Lyons. In Miami, Jaguar’s transformation into an electric- only brand with an elevated family of highly desirable and exclusive new luxury vehicles continues. This transition extends beyond the products Jaguar designs and engineers; it represents a reimagination of the entire brand.
“We have forged a fearlessly creative new character for Jaguar that is true to the DNA of the brand but future facing, relevant and one that really stands out.”
Rawdon
Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar
World Premiere: Type 00
Introducing Type 00. The physical manifestation of Jaguar’s new creative philosophy – Exuberant Modernism. The ‘Type’ prefix is a link to the brand’s provenance, to models like the pioneering E-Type. The first zero references zero tailpipe emissions. The second represents its status as car zero in our new lineage. Its visionary design defies electric vehicle convention with a long bonnet, sweeping roofline, 23-inch alloy wheels,
fastback profile and boat-tail to create a dramatic silhouette with sophisticated, modernist surfaces. This design was enabled by our unique and dedicated architecture JEA (Jaguar Electrical Architecture).
“Type 00 is a pure expression of Jaguar’s new creative philosophy. It is the result of brave, unconstrained creative thinking, and unwavering determination. It is our first physical manifestation and the foundation stone for a new family of Jaguars.”
Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, JLR
Exuberant Modernism
Jaguar’s new creative philosophy is founded on three fundamental characteristics and expressed in every part of the brand and everywhere it appears – represented in both a new artistic visual identity and the way it builds relationships with clients.
Exuberant. Vibrant, uninhibited and fearless. In the vehicles it creates and moments it curates
• Modernist. Future -facing, curious and inspired by the world. Respectful of the past, not dictated by it
• Compelling. Holistic, sensory and extraordinary.
Generating meaningful connections with clients
Capturing the Spirit Of Jaguar
Type 00 is a prelude to a future generation of Jaguars that will recapture the spirit and essence of the brand at its best. Our start point was a blank sheet of paper from both a design and engineering perspective. A new and unique architecture, JEA, was developed from scratch to enable the dramatic design of Type 00. This dedicated technology platform will ensure clients experience a captivating driving experience, engaging handling and exemplary ride comfort.
The latest electrification technologies and awe -inspiring designs will make future Jaguars stand out in an increasingly homogenous EV market. Built in the UK, the first new- generation production Jaguar will be a four door GT to be revealed in late 2025. It will target a driving range up to 770km (478 miles) WLTP* or 692km EPA. on a single charge and adding up to 321km of range in as little as 15 minutes when rapid charging.*
Exclusive Brand Stores
Jaguar will come to life in a select number of exclusive brand stores for clients around the world. These environments will present an immersive step into the world of Jaguar, embracing their setting and local culture and be complemented by a wider global network of luxury retailers. Jaguar’s first new brand store will be in the heart of the luxury fashion district of Paris, in the 8th arrondissement. (Wonder how the existing dealers will take this. Ed.)
Dramatic Exterior
The confident new face combines upright, flush surfaces with the new Jaguar device mark at its centre. A distinctive and precise front light signature emphasises the corners of the car, giving width and grounding it.
The side profile is dominated by bold proportions, with the Jaguar ‘leaper’ laser- etched into a hand-finished brass ingot on each side of the car. These ingots theatrically deploy to reveal rear-facing cameras that – like the charging ports and front air intakes – remain hidden until needed. The rear continues the bold statement. A glassless tailgate and panoramic body-harmonised glazed roof create a sense of sculpture. The rear elevation is defined by distinctive horizontal Strikethrough graphics, which hide dramatic full-width taillights and emphasise the power and scale of Type 00.
“Jaguar is no place for ordinary. When you see a new Jaguar for the first time, it must have a sense of awe, of never having been seen before. Type 00 commands attention, like all the best Jaguars of the past.”
Just as a pair of E-Types attended its 1961 launch at the Geneva Motor Show, the reveal of Type 00 celebrates two contrasting interpretations of Jaguar’s new design vision. A Satin Rhodon Rose example – dubbed ‘Miami Pink’ in honour of the pastel colours of the city’s iconic Art Deco architecture – is inspired by the distinctive rose colour that brass takes on as it ages. It is joined by a striking Inception Silver Blue model. Dubbed ‘London Blue’, it is inspired by the Opalescent Silver Blue of the 1960s and was chosen to reflect Jaguar’s British heritage.
Captivating Interior
A pair of dramatic butterfly doors and ‘pantograph’ tailgate open to reveal a modernist interior that shares its exuberant proportions with the exterior. The awe -inspiring cabin features three hand -finished brass lines which run the length of the interior, with a central 3.2m -long brass spine that splits a pair of floating instrument panels.
“The Materiality ideology for Type 00 has three key materials – brass, travertine stone and textiles – and the way we use these materials represents bold pieces of art and creates a unique atmosphere.”
Mary Crisp, Chief Materiality Designer, Jaguar
Soothing travertine stone functions as a plinth, supporting the floating seats and central spine. It inspires the rich layered tonal colour palette of the interior. Woven textiles add to the sense of craftsmanship. A tactile wool blend, inspired by handwoven yarns, envelops the two seats, sound bar and flooring.
“Just as on the outside, deployable technologies are a hallmark of the interior. Screens glide silently and theatrically from the dashboard, while powered stowage areas slide open softly on demand, revealing hidden splashes of exuberant colour. We believe technology should enhance the modern luxury experience, not dominate the architecture, and the digital screen at the centre of the dashboard is an example of this philosophy. The Clearsight display replaces the traditional rear-view mirror, improving overall visibility.”
Tom Holden, Chief Interior Designer, Jaguar
A Sensory Experience
Type 00 is an experience for the senses. Its body-harmonised glazed roof casts a subtle pattern onto the materials inside, bringing textures to life and changing their character throughout the day.
Jaguar’s design team explored new ways of enhancing the interior. Occupants can tailor the cabin to suit their mood using the uniquely crafted Prism case. The objective of this feature is for occupants to engage with the vehicle and extend the concept of customisation and personalisation. It stows behind an exquisitely engineered powered door on the bodyside and contains three totems of natural materials – Brass, Travertine and Alabaster.
Placing one of the totems inside the centre console tailors the mood of the interior. Everything, from the ambient lighting and unique soundscape to the tailored screen graphics, reflect the properties of the chosen material. Bespoke scents interact with the materials for unprecedented personalisation. This exuberant and artistic approach to engaging the senses extends to the display screens, where animations are formed through the creative technique of ‘Chiaroscuro’ – using light and shadow to define three - dimensional objects.
Symbols of Change
Type 00 showcases Jaguar’s new identity with powerful symbols of the change highlighting the transformation, all inspired by Jaguar’s precious provenance. These include:
The device mark – Jaguar’s signature, the maker’s ‘leaper’ marks, the Jaguar monogram and the strikethrough, together with the new exuberant colours. Please see page three for more details.
Artistic Endeavour
Jaguar has earned a reputation for original thinking inspired by the singular vision of founder, Sir William Lyons, who believed that Jaguar should be a ‘copy of nothing’ and that its cars should be considered as artforms. Jaguar showcased its creative reimagining at Miami Art Week with a series of curated gallery spaces in two locations. As the Official Luxury Automobile of Art Miami, it presented ‘Jaguar. Exuberance.’ – an immersive exploration of its dramatic new visual language featuring original works by British artists. Then, at the fashion and architectural playground of Miami Design District, Jaguar unveiled its ‘Copy Nothing’ installation for the public global debut of Type 00.
“Our presence at Miami Art Week emphasises Jaguar's purpose as an advocate for art and creativity in all its forms. We know that art is a passion point for our future clients, so what better way than to go and talk to them directly, at one of the world's premier art festivals.”
Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar
JLR
The X150 XK
The X150 Overview
The X150's design was completed in 2002 and was previewed by Advanced Lightweight Coupé (ALC) which was first seen at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The designer, Ian Callum, was also responsible for the Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish grand tourers. The X150's grille is inspired by that of the 1961 E-Type.
Introduced in the market in 2006, the X150 has a bonded and riveted aluminium monocoque chassis shared with the XJ and uses an allaluminium construction. The X150 was the second Jaguar automobile assembled at the newly acquired Castle Bromwich plant alongside the XJ saloon. The X150, as compared to the X100 is 61.0 mm wider and is 162.6 mm longer. It is also 91 kg lighter than the X100 due to its aluminium construction resulting in performance and fuel consumption improvements. The 4.2-litre V8 engine was carried over from its predecessor and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission manufactured by ZF Friedrichshafen.
The XK received a facelift in 2009, with minor alterations to front and rear lights and bumper designs, together with the introduction of a new 5.0-litre V8 for both the naturally aspirated XK and the supercharged XKR. The interior also received some changes, in particular the introduction of the XF style rotary gear selector mated to the new ZF automatic transmission.
X150 Interior
Like the X100, the X150 has wood trim on the interior offered as standard equipment, however it is much subdued from the X100 wood trim. A notable feature on the interior was steering column mounted shift paddles for easier gear changes. A more powerful XKR version having a supercharged variant of the engine was introduced in 2007. Aesthetic differences as compared to the XK include four-way dual exhausts, redesigned front bumper and hood louvres for improved engine airflow, and distinctive Jaguar “R” logos and badges in the interior and exterior.
The X150 convertible shares the same engine options as the coupé and features a conventional cloth top that requires 18 seconds for operation.
XK Facelift
In 2010, Jaguar added the Speed Pack option, with aerodynamic body kit and speed limiter increased to 280 km/h, and the Black Pack, with black wheels and trim. The XK received a second and more minor facelift in 2011 with new front bumper and light design, which was presented at the New York Auto Show.
The range was extended in 2011, with the introduction of the new and powerful XKR-S at the Geneva Motor Show, featuring an upgraded XKR engine generating a maximum power output of 405 kW and 680 Nm of torque. The XKR-S badge was first used on the 2008 special edition XK. Jaguar claimed that this new version was the fastest production Jaguar ever at the time of its introduction, a top speed of 300 km/h and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.
Production of the XK began in early 2006 and ended in July 2014 without a replacement model. Total sales from 2009 to 2016 were 27 612 units.
Awards
The XK won the Top Gear magazine "GT of the Year" and "Car of the Year" awards in 2006. It was also awarded the Engineering and Technology Award at the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards in London. The convertible version made the Top Gear cool wall under sub-zero.
Derivatives
In addition to standard XK and XKR, the revised body shape formed the basis for the following models.
XK and XKR Special Edition: These were exclusively for the European and the UK markets. They include the use of tactile 'scraffito' finished leather and Poltrona Frau leather in the interior. 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, special Performance seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry/start, together with new choices of body colour.
Jaguar XKR-S: This is a high-performance version of the XKR. Notable changes include a supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R direct-injection V8 engine having a maximum power output of 405 kW at 6 000 to 6 000 rpm and 680 N m of torque at 2 500 to 5 500 rpm, an increased top speed of 300 km/h, active sports exhaust, a bespoke suspension system, Special sports seats, reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics, 20-inch Vulcan wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tyres along with Jaguar's High Performance Braking System.
Jaguar XKR Portfolio Edition: The 2008 XKR Portfolio is a version of the XKR developed by Jaguar's Special Vehicles team and Alcon. It includes 400 mm diameter front and 350 mm rear brake discs, six-piston front callipers and four-piston rear callipers, 20-inch five-spoke BBS wheels, power vents, more special body colours and upgraded interior. Portfolio treadplates on the doorsills and a 525 W sound system by Bowers & Wilkins.
XKR Portfolio (2008)
XK60 (2008): The XK60 is a special version of the XK for the UK market built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the XK120. Notable changes include 20-inch Senta alloy wheels, a sporty alloy gear knob and selector-gate surround, plus some distinctive body enhancements.
XKR 'Goodwood Special' (2009): Based on the standard XKR, the XKR 'Goodwood Special' is a prototype designed to explore the sportier side of the XKR's character and allow Jaguar's engineering team to extend performance boundaries. Unveiled at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the engine was uprated to generate a maximum power output of 390 kW and 700 N m of torque. The car featured a louder exhaust, 21-inch alloy wheels and a lowered ride-height as well as fancy exterior details.
XKR-S (2009): The XKR-S is a limited production (200 units) version of the XKR coupé for the European market. The model was developed by Jaguar's Special Vehicles team in collaboration with British competition brake specialist Alcon and has an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h. The additional performance was achieved through improved aerodynamics and a revised suspension set-up. Other changes include an S Alcon R Performance braking system with 400 mm diameter front and 350 mm rear brake discs, six-piston front callipers and four-piston rear callipers, recalibrated suspension, Ultimate Black body colour, a 10 mm lower ride height, 20-inch wheels, an active exhaust system, and a larney interior.
XKR 75 Goodwood LE (2010): Unveiled at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the XKR 75 Goodwood LE is a limited production (75 units) version of the XKR commemorating the company's 75th anniversary. The car featured an upgraded engine with an uprated power output of 390 kW and 655 N m torque, as well as increased top speed of 280 km/h. It also features an upgraded torque converter, upgraded suspension, an aerodynamic body pack with body coloured finish for some externals, sports exhaust, Stratus Grey exterior paint, red brake callipers, 20inch wheels and an XKR performance interior. The car was tuned and calibrated in partnership with the RSR engineering team.
Jaguar XKR-S
Jaguar XKR-S 2009
XKR 175 (2010): Unveiled at the Monterey Jet Centre during the Pebble Beach Automotive Weekend, the XKR 175 is a limited production version of the XKR for the North American market, also built to commemorate the company's 75th anniversary. Notable changes include an increased top speed of 280 km/h, a revised aerodynamic package providing increased balance and a reduction in lift; 20-inch wheels, red brake callipers along with Ultimate Black body colour; and, yes, a larney interior.
XK E-Type 50th Anniversary Edition (2011): Commissioned by Jaguar Italy, the Italian dealer of Jaguar Cars, the XK E-Type Anniversary Edition was a limited production variant of the XK built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the E-Type. Unveiled in 2011, the car features special Black Cherry Colour along with a black bonnet and 19-inch wheels with red Jaguar badging. The interior and exterior were upgraded to match. All of the 50 customers purchasing the cars were given an opportunity to drive the E-Type for one week.
XK and XKR Poltrona Frau (2011): The Poltrona Frau was a special trim level exclusive to the UK and European markets on the XK and the XKR with Poltrona Frau leather upholstery in "scraffito" finish – including the door panels, headliner, seats and dashboard. The edition was offered with upmarket interior, a 525-watt Bowers and Wilkins sound system, unique sill plates, stainless-steel pedals and a choice of 20-inch wheels.
XKR-S GT (2013): The XKR-S GT is a limited (45 units) version of XKR-S coupé. Technical highlights included a six-speed transmission, active electronic differential, bespoke aerodynamic components and suspension developments to increase downforce and optimised highspeed cornering ability (a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings, a new steering system and faster steering ratio, heightadjustable and bespoke adaptive dampers with twin spring system and increased rates of 68% at the front and 25% at the rear), a carbon ceramic brake system (398 mm and 380 mm front/rear discs, 6/4-piston front/rear monoblock callipers).
Jaguar XKR-S GT
XK Dynamic R, XK Signature (2014): The XK Dynamic R was a 'run out' version of the XKR with the Black Dynamic Pack and included stiffer suspension, a 10 mm ride height drop and body kit extensions from the Speed Pack. It also had an increased top speed of 280 km/h. The XK Signature is a special version of the XK with the V8 engine tuned to 283 kW; along with 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, upgraded interior, reversing camera and metal sports pedals.
Final Fifty (2014): Jaguar announced a special limited edition to mark the end of XK production. Only 50 were sold, all in the US. The Final Fifty is based on the XKR with Dynamic Pack. The Final Fifty cars are split evenly in 25 coupe and 25 convertible body styles and all cars were fitted with a commemorative plaque signed by the then Jaguar's chief designer Ian Callum.
Text Wikipedia / Pics from the WWW
Type 00
Trip to Beaulieu Country Estate with the Lotus Club
A Rolling Passion for Jaguar
As a new member of the Jaguar Owners Club, I’m thrilled to share a little about my journey into the world of Jaguar, a brand I’ve admired for as long as I can remember. Being born to an English father and a Scottish mother, my upbringing was steeped in British culture, from listening to The Rolling Stones with my parents to marvelling at iconic British designs. My earliest memory of Jaguar is still vivid: a striking E-Type captured in a magazine article featuring Mick Jagger. The car’s elegance and charisma were undeniable, and from that moment, my admiration for the brand was sealed.
Mick, with a Jaguar
Years later, in 2018, I finally joined the Jaguar family when I bought my first E-PACE. It wasn’t long before I upgraded to the innovative I-PACE, falling in love all over again with its sleek design and thrilling performance. For me, Jaguar isn’t just about the cars—it’s about the history, the artistry, and the way each model seamlessly blends timeless style with cutting-edge technology.
My first experience with the club was a memorable one, a Sunday morning breakfast run. Meeting fellow enthusiasts in the early morning light, surrounded by an array of Jaguars old and new, was an absolute delight. The convoy to Beaulieu Country Estate was nothing short of spectacular, and sharing breakfast with other members was the perfect way to connect over our shared passion for the brand.
I’m excited to be part of this wonderful community and look forward to more events on the club’s calendar. Here’s to the adventures ahead and celebrating the timeless allure of Jaguar together!
Emma Russell-Rademeyer
Emma, on the left, with friend Natalie and her I-PACE
The Two Meanings of Drive
1) Drive: Noun: “a trip in a vehicle, especially a short pleasure trip”
2) Drive: Noun: “a united effort to accomplish some specific purpose, especially to raise money, as for a charity”
Mister Editor, this is a club magazine – not a dictionary. I know, please bear with me.
JCNR Trip on Sunday November 3rd 2024.
This Sunday, Jaguar Land Rover Bryanston generously offered to sponsor our club lunch which was held at the prestigious 19 by Michael restaurant at Steyn City. 19 by Michael is owned by our member Michael Holenstein, who put together a great offering for the event. We had initially hoped that JLR Bryanston would sponsor a portion of the lunch costs, but then they offered to cover the entire lunch cost. Now, as a club we have been planning to raise funds for charity in 2024. Thus, the committee agreed that we should make a donation, in lieu of the expected lunch cost to the JCNR chosen charity, which is the Topsy Foundation.
The Topsy Foundation was established in 2000 with seed funding from the Rufford Foundation and pro bono administrative support from Ogilvy. The Foundation is a fully registered and internationally respected non-profit company and public benefit organisation. Topsy opened its doors in 2001, providing care to communities in some of the most underserviced rural areas of Mpumalanga and is the only NGO in the region. In the past 18 years, Topsy has made a significant impact on these communities, addressing HIV/Aids and extreme poverty through an effective, multi-faceted approach.
Topsy's current mission is to provide communities with the support and tools needed to raise happy, healthy and capable children. The Foundation established its Early Childhood Development programme in 2014, which focuses on five key pillars: stimulation and early learning, psycho-social support, nutritional education and support, health screening and monitoring, and caregiver and parental skills. The first certification ceremony for ECD practitioners was held in 2015.
Let me share an example of Topsy’s support with you: They report: “We would like to introduce you to Nonhlanhla: she attends Bophelong Stimulation Centre, which receives support from our Children with Disabilities programme. Through donor support, we could provide gorgeous Nonhlanhla with a much-needed standing frame. Once Nonhlanhla was set up in her new frame and realised she was standing without anyone having to support her, she smiled and broke into song! She is usually very quiet and shy. It was such a magical moment.
Thanks to our donors, Nonhlanhla doesn’t have to just sit in her buggy all day. She can now stand and participate in activities to get much needed physical stimulation. The need is great, but we are so thankful to be able to make a difference to a little girl’s life.”
Back to our Sunday morning. Firstly, we met at JLR Bryanston and enjoyed some barista coffee and muffins.
They had arranged their showroom for us with nary a Land Rover in sight – in fact there were two very special F-TYPEs for us to drool over. They were one of the two Project 7s in South Africa and a Project ZP edition.
Just to remind you. The F TYPE Project 7, introduced in 2015, was the first Jaguar performance vehicle from JLR's Special Operations team, and was produced in a limited edition run of up to 250 units worldwide. Its distinctive roadster body and its name pays homage to Jaguar's D-Type and their seven Le Mans wins. At the time, it was the fastest and most powerful production Jaguar ever built. Power comes from the 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine, in 680Nm form, enabling the all aluminium bodied car to achieve acceleration from 0 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h. All 680Nm are sent to the rear wheels through Jaguar's eight speed Quickshift transmission and second generation Electronic Active Differential. Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes give the car powerful, consistent, fade free braking.
JCNR at JLR Bryanston
Nonhlanhla at Bophelong
And, then, in 2024, Jaguar made just 150 examples of the F TYPE ZP Edition - the last internal combustion engined sports cars designed by the company. (Dry your eyes, all ye faithful. Ed.) These 680Nm supercharged petrol V8 F TYPEs feature specially curated interior and exterior details by the personalisation experts at SV Bespoke. Two special colours are available: Oulton Blue Gloss or Crystal Grey Gloss. JLR Bryanston’s example is in Crystal Grey.
Jason Hartog from JLR, gave us an update of the future of Jaguar. This you will get to read about in spades in this issue. He was spot on with the all-electric design and the planned price bracket – but I think the approach to marketing the Type 00 may have eluded him. Thank you, Jason.
From there the members departed around 10h30 and took a scenic drive via Kyalami, the R562 and N14 to Steyn City. Lunch at 19 by Michael, situated at the clubhouse in Steyn City, was greatly enjoyed, together with the excellent view of the picturesque 18th hole and portions of the estate.
As a follow-up to the Steyn City event, the club decided to hold a raffle for Topsy at the Chairman’s Year End event. This was our final event of the year, ably organised by Chairman Bob Brown. It was held at the Bryanston Country Club on December 7th. A good turnout of faithful members sat on the veranda at the Club and enjoyed an excellent three course lunch.
The raffle attracted a large number of members, both in person and by EFT, due to the excellent selection of prizes donated by members or rounded up by Bob. The cash register continues to chatter for our drive. In addition, many thanks are due to Lesedi Rakgokong for his generous donation to the fund.
Update: The JCNR has now reached its target of R50 000 for our donation to Topsy, which will have been presented to the Foundation by the time you read this article.
Words Ed / Pics Ed and Web
19 by Michael
Bryanston Country Club
F-TYPE Project 7
F-TYPE ZP Edition
Jaguar Type 00 – Some Comments and Doodles
JAGUAR’S RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT HAS PRODUCED SOME STRONG REACTION FROM MARQUE ENTHUSIASTS, THE PRESS AND SOCIAL MEDIA. AS WELL AS SOME HEAD-SCRATCHING AS TO WHAT THE PRODUCTION MODELS WILL, IN FACT, LOOK LIKE. I HAVE CURATED A FEW HERE FOR YOU TO PERUSE.
Firstly, Top Gear:
“After all the shouting comes this: the first chapter in Jaguar's shiny new electric story.
And so to the car. You knew there’d be an actual car, right?
Having inadvertently manoeuvred itself onto the frontline of the culture wars with its internet-enflaming media campaign, the fact that Jaguar is a company that sells cars and has a Really Important One coming down the pipe has been sidelined. But here it is, the Type 00. A monolithic pink super coupe that stakes out the territory somewhere between the RollsRoyce Spectre and the Tesla Cybertruck and previews the company’s new direction. Yep, they’ve doubled down. Although there is also one painted ‘London blue’.
Over to JLR’s chief creative officer, Gerry McGovern. “Type 00… is our first physical manifestation and the foundation stone for a new family of Jaguars that will look unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”
No kidding. Type 00 is, first and foremost, a massive statement. In every sense. It debuts a new design policy that boils down to two words, as these things invariably must: exuberant modernism. The use of colour is also key. Type 00 is more than five metres long, and although there are still curves to be found, its surfaces are sheer, bluff and unapologetically brutal.”
Jason Barlow / TopGear
A possible production version from KD Design
A thought from TopAuto Jaguar is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers
Jaguar’s polarizing teaser video of the car brand’s makeover achieved exactly what it set out to do, according to its managing director: attract attention. “The purpose of this was to indicate that Jaguar is changing, and that Jaguar is changing in a very bold and dramatic way,” said Rawdon Glover in an interview with Bloomberg TV.
TopAuto
Another evolution?
But
then from CAR magazine
“The Jaguar Type 00 concept itself? Weirdly low-res, like an unfinished lovechild of Musk’s Cybertruck and a pink wafer, it has the bold and brutal feel of a Rolls-Royce with the slinky feel of a Bentley Coupe – and that’s probably exactly where Jaguar needs to be right now.”
Curtis
Moldrich / CAR' Magazine
F1 grid walk legend Martin Brundle liked the prelude, commenting: “I have no idea what this is all about, but it’s genius. Everyone is talking about Jaguar in a moment of time when they’re not actually making cars."
TopGear again
The Independent had a go at the possible production model:
Will there be competition? From a cell-phone manufacturer?
Maextro, a joint venture between Huawei and JAC, has revealed its first model in China. Chinese products have come a long way in design, tech, quality, and luxury over the past few decades. So much so that the latest brand to emerge from the People’s Republic—Maextro—thinks it can rival Europe’s most opulent brands, including Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Maybach. (And now Jaguar. Ed.) Its debut model, the S800, promises similar grandeur at a fraction of the price.
Another View:
A couple of pixel masters from across the parallel universes of vehicular CGI have already decided the Barbie dreams are bad for the EV business and want to show us the right virtual course for an all-electric grand tourer bearing the Jaguar leaper.
Aurel Niculescu / autoevoluion
But some were unhappy: 'Completely destroyed the brand! Drivers make feelings clear on Jaguar's EV rebrand - 'Ugliest car in history'.
And Quora’s Prediction:
Jaguar Type 00: Triumph Or Travesty?
Like it or love it, the Jaguar Type 00 is a huge departure for the brand. Everyone’s eyes are on it. Maybe there’s some E-Type in it, but it’s nothing like the fast sedans driven by shady characters that have been the hallmark of the brand for decades. It’s also nothing like the mid-sized family F-PACE SUV, either. We will have to wait until later 2025 to find out if Jaguar can actually sell them to their intended customers. But the launch has definitely grabbed enough eyeballs to keep our attention.
James Morris / Forbes
Finally, I asked Bing Image Creator for its View:
Maybe something to be said for AI after all!
Ed / the Web
NEW MEMBERS 2024
The JCNR would like to welcome the following new members who have joined us recently: Emma Russell-Rademeyer from Sandton, who drives an I-PACE.
Nicola Rains , who lives in Craighall and runs an E-PACE
Lesedi Rakgokong of Northcliff, who owns an S-TYPE and a Mark 2. Specialising in
and other British cars. British Sports Cars have moved to 58 road no.4, Brentwood Park, Benoni and we are now working on modern Jaguars as well.
Our contact details for new owner Piet Bateman are: Workshop: 011 421 0531 Cell: 079 873 4029 Email: piet.bateman@gmail.com
FORMULA E UPDATE
Formula E Season 11
• Leaner and meaner – an aggressive new body kit designed to be stronger, more robust and more aerodynamic, delivering closer wheel-to-wheel racing.
• All-wheel drive (AWD), which is a first for a Formula E car. However, it’s only available during qualifying duels, race starts, and ATTACK MODE. They note is could add more involving and exciting racing. Better grip with optimised all-weather Hankook iON tyres providing 5-10% more grip, made from 35% recycled and sustainable materials.
Jaguar TCS Racing have responded to the challenge and introduced the I-TYPE 7. The initial announcement revealed scant information on the car itself, but went long on the launch livery. It apparently symbolises all 16 of Jaguar TCS Racing’s victories in Formula E to date, depicting key corners from the 11 circuits on which those race wins have happened.
But, when it matters:
Dateline Madrid – November 11th 2024: The 2024 Teams’ World Champions put the Jaguar I -TYPE 7 Prototype – with all-new GEN3 Evo specification – through its paces with drivers Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy behind the wheel. They had a constructive week in the Spanish capital across six test sessions in preparation for the new campaign, with Mitch Evans setting the fastest time overall at the pre -season test.
Despite the doom and gloom predicted when Formula E was first announced, the series goes from strength to strength. Starting in Sao Paulo in December 2024 and ending in London in July 2025, it is a 16-race championship. And there are new specifications for the cars this season –dubbed the Gen3 Evo.
Formula E describe the car: “Developed by specialists from Formula E and the FIA, the latest GEN3 Evo edition marks a significant leap in electric racing technology. Capable of accelerating nearly a full second faster than its predecessor – the GEN3 – that was the world’s first race car designed for street racing, it sets an even higher standard in performance, sustainability, and efficiency. The GEN3 Evo serves as a formidable ambassador for the future of motorsport, embodying cutting-edge advancements and a commitment to environmental responsibility.”
Key technical enhancements include:
• The quickest accelerating FIA single-seater race car – the Evo is capable of 0-100kph in 1.86s, 30% faster than a current F1 car. Top speed is 320 kph.
• Faster, stronger, more agile – the performance upgrades provide an estimated 2% performance gain from GEN3, equating to a 0.2 secs faster lap on the Monaco circuit.
The on -track action in Jarama concluded with the first all -women test session in any FIA Championship, with all 11 teams fielding some of the most talented drivers in motorsport. JTCSR’s chosen drivers were Jamie Chadwick, who finished second overall, and Lilou Wadoux, who was unable to take part due to a seat fit issue.
Formula E / Jaguar TCS Racing
Dateline Sao Paulo – December 7th 2024
FE comments: The GEN3 Evo era and the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship fired into life in incredible fashion in Brazil with one of Formula E's all-time best races, as Jaguar TCS Racing's Mitch Evans drove from the pack of the pack to the front come the chequered flag.
An all-action race at São Paulo's Anhembi Sambadrome Circuit saw five race leaders and 111 overtakes, but it was Evans who best navigated a Safety Car and two Red Flags - the latter thrown following a spectacular crash involving Pascal Wehrlein of Porsche. Antonio Felix da Costa led the race in the sister Porsche towards the end, but the Portuguese was unable to overcome Evans after the final restart - finishing just three tenths of-a-second back from the winner. NEOM McLaren pair Taylor Barnard and Sam Bird had placed themselves well as the race reached its climax, clambering from 17th and 16th on the grid to wind up third and fourth.
JTCSR reports: Mitch Evans won in São Paulo. The incredibly dramatic race followed a difficult qualifying session for both Jaguar drivers. At lights out, the new All Wheel Drive launch saw both drivers deliver a positive first lap with Nick moving up one place and Mitch progressing to P15 with a five car overtake in turn four. Executing Attack Mode early, Nick managed to take the lead of the race on Lap 8 and Mitch ran as high as third by the halfway point.
A red flag on Lap 21 brought all drivers back into the pit lane, pausing the race. Upon restarting, Nick was in P6 and Mitch in P10, both with a second Attack Mode still to take. After taking his, Nick moved up the order and closed in on the race lead, taking back first place on Lap 28. Mitch had jumped up to second by this stage making it a Jaguar TCS Racing one two, and with some of his Attack Mode remaining he overtook Nick to take first place.
As the field bunched together, Nick was then sandwiched between DS Penske’s Maximilian Günther and Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein, the impact breaking his I TYPE 7’s steering. On the following corner Nick was then a passenger and unable to avoid a further impact with Wehrlein, which saw his car flip over bringing out another red flag. At the second restart, an amazing effort from Jaguar TCS Racing’s mechanics meant Nick was able to return to the race albeit in 15th place, only to be forced into retirement with a lap remaining, while Mitch held on to the lead for the remaining laps.
Dateline Mexico City – January 11th 2025
FE reports: Nissan's Oliver Rowland produced late overtaking heroics to break a Porsche stranglehold in the 2025 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix Round 2; the Yorkshireman heading home Antonio Felix da Costa and Pascal Wehrlein. Rowland had placed himself well as the race headed towards its climax, when a stunning series of overtaking manoeuvres followed as the Porsche Taycan GT Safety Car peeled back into the pits and released the pack. He sliced by Dennis into Turn One, Wehrlein into the chicane with a late stamp on the brakes and made it beyond leader da Costa as the field headed into the Foro Sol stadium. The factory Porsche drivers each had a little energy in-hand over Rowland but neither were able to profit as the laps ticked down.
Say JTCSR: In front of a sell- out crowd of Formula E fans, at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mitch lined up on the grid in P5. On Lap 17, he took his first four minutes of Attack Mode which, for this season, triggers not only an extra 50kw of power, but also all-wheel drive capability. With this activated, Mitch was able to climb six places to a promising P4 position.
After the majority of the field had completed their Attack Mode activations, Mitch was in P8 with his final boost remaining and slightly up on energy to the cars in front of him. In the closing laps, as he was about activate his final Attack Mode, the Andretti of Nico Müller experienced a legality cut, causing Nico to slow dramatically. Despite Mitch doing his best to react, he was unable to avoid a collision and a retirement.
Nick Cassidy started the race at the back of the pack in P22. On Lap 27, he activated his first six minutes of Attack Mode, but any opportunity was quickly taken away by the first Safety Car. Nick used his remaining two minutes of Attack Mode in Lap 34 before finishing the race in P12.
Cracking Between Cylinder Liners in 4.2 Litre XJ6 Engine Blocks: Causes and Solutions
THE 4.2 LITRE JAGUAR/DAIMLER ENGINE BLOCK, DESIGNED IN THE EARLY 1960S AS AN UPGRADE TO THE 3.8 LITRE ENGINE, HAS FACED CRITICISM FOR ITS SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CRACKING BETWEEN CYLINDER LINERS.
While early versions of the engine exhibited relatively fewer issues, the quality declined over time. This article will delve into the causes of these cracks, explore potential solutions, and discuss the implications for Jaguar/Daimler owners.
Understanding the Engine Block:
Differentiating between the early and later versions of the 4.2 litre engine blocks is crucial. Early models, found in the last Mark X's, E-Types, and 420s until around 1968, can be identified by two fewer waterways at the rear, three large core plugs per side, and studs screwed directly into the block face. The later engines, typically prefixed with 7L (1968-1975) or 8L (1975 onwards), are the ones I am primarily concerned with here.
Causes of Cracking:
The primary reason for cracking is the inefficient circulation of coolant, leading to significant temperature differentials within the engine block. Coolant can only circulate effectively at the very front and rear of the block. When the thermostat opens, cooled fluid is primarily pumped down the exhaust side, while the inlet side experiences less efficient circulation. This disparity in temperature can result in extreme differentials, with fluid entering the exhaust side potentially at 0 degrees Celsius and leaving the inlet side at 88 degrees Celsius (fuel-injected cars).
The temperature differential problem was partially addressed in 1981 when longitudinal slots were machined across the block to allow coolant to circulate between the liners, equalizing the temperature in this vulnerable area. However, this solution created limited space for the
gasket, making it susceptible to corrosion damage if the correct coolant is not used. Additionally, prolonged head gasket issues can result in burning through this weak point, rendering the block unusable.
Potential Solutions:
Jaguar specialists have varying opinions on the significance of these cracks. Some renowned specialists opt for minimal intervention, only skimming the block face to remove irregularities. They argue that the majority of 4.2 litre engines last at least twelve months without significant issues. However, alternative methods have been employed to tackle the problem more effectively:
1. Cold Stitching: This technique involves drilling holes on either side of the crack, threading the holes, and inserting brass rods. The rods expand more than the block metal when hot, effectively closing the crack.
2. Welding: Welding involves filling the crack directly and subsequently filling the resulting hole with weld material. This method may create a wedge of new metal over the crack, reinforcing the weakened area.
3. Ceramic Coating: Coating the inside of the block with resin can help bind the cracks together, strengthening the block's integrity.
4. Top Hat Liners: Considered the most foolproof method, top hat liners involve machining out the old liner and creating a recess in the top of the block. A new liner is then pressed in, with a lip around the top edge fitting into the recess. The liners are designed to touch each other, allowing the head gasket to seal on the top of the liner rather than the block. This method not only resolves the cracking issue but also provides the opportunity to return to a standard bore or increase engine displacement for performance rebuilds.
The susceptibility of 4.2 litre XJ6 engine blocks to cracking between cylinder liners has been a persistent issue. The inefficient coolant circulation and resulting temperature differentials have contributed to the development of cracks, particularly in the later 7L and 8L blocks. Various solutions, including cold stitching, welding, ceramic coating, and top hat liners, have been employed to address the problem. While some experts argue that the cracks are not significant, many owners opt for more comprehensive solutions to ensure long-term engine durability. Ultimately, the choice of repair method depends on individual preferences and the desired lifespan of the engine.
Please give us your feedback on this subject. Maybe you have a better solution to this problem.
Gareth Williams-Wynn aka Wise Wrench
JAGUAR CLUB Contacts in South Africa
NORTHERN REGIONS Name Cell E-mail
Chairman Bob Brown 082 452 9308 bobbrown9989@gmail.com
Vice-Chairman Paul Olivier 082 578 5961 olivierp@jgafrika.com
Limpopo Representative John Kriel 082 449 7290 johnkriel@mweb.co.za
NATAL MIDLANDS
Administrator Elizabeth Quigley TBA elisabeth@shuter.co.za
WESTERN CAPE
Chairman Tony Kings 082-321-3019 info@cederbergchalets.co.za
Membership Secretary Roger Manton 083 415 3184 mantons@afrihost.co.za
About This Publication
This magazine, together with our website –www.jagclub.co.za – comprise the official voice of the Jaguar Club: Northern Regions.
Disclaimers
The views expressed herein, unless specifically originating from the committee as a whole, do not necessarily reflect those of the Club. The printing of any advertisements does not necessarily imply approval or recommendations by the Club, and no responsibility can be accepted for the quality of service supplied from our advertisers.
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Contributions
We welcome all contributions of any kind whether news, views or general information from both members and non-members. Wherever possible, please send any photographs or illustrations with your contribution by email to the Editor – brian@quaestior.com.
Contact us: Web: www.jagclub.co.za; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jaguar-Club-NorthernRegions-JCNR-1628968814008477/; email: info@jagclub. co.za; snail mail: P O Box 68305, Bryanston 2021.
The Jaguar Club Northern Regions is an independent organisation of enthusiasts who own Jaguar vehicles ranging from the classics of the early Thirties to the modern Jaguars of the current day. The club originated in 1977 from informal gatherings of a small band of dedicated Jaguar owners in the Johannesburg area to an organisation now comprising many hundreds of individuals from all over Southern Africa. Our purpose is to further your enjoyment of all Jaguar and Daimler automobiles both by driving them and sharing information in our website, on Facebook and in this magazine.
