“The disc brakes were incredible. Whereas the Ferrari and Mercedes could all brake once pretty well and then overheat, the Jaguar could repeatedly stop later and faster over and over again, and the Mille Miglia was the ultimate real-world test.”
Sir Stirling Moss - remembering the 1952 Mille Miglia.
Hello All – As discussed previously herewith is an update on the current planning from JLR in terms of switch over to electric vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover has been making significant strides in the electric vehicle market. The company has committed to becoming an allelectric luxury brand by 2025. This ambitious plan is part of JLR's broader "Reimagine" strategy, which aims to transform the company into a leader in sustainable luxury. As part of this initiative, Jaguar is focusing heavily on the development and commercialization of electric vehicles.
Recent news indicates that JLR is investing approximately £2.5 billion annually in electrification technologies and related software development. This includes the development of new EV platforms, battery technology advancements, and enhancing the infrastructure for electric vehicles. In addition to electric vehicles, JLR is exploring several other cutting-edge technologies to enhance its sustainability and innovation goals. These include:
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology:
- Jaguar is researching hydrogen fuel cell technology as a potential complement to its battery-electric vehicles. This technology is being developed with a focus on heavy-duty and long-range applications, where hydrogen could offer significant benefits.
- JLR has already initiated prototype testing for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and expects to have commercial models available in the late 2020s.
Autonomous Driving Systems:
- The company is investing in autonomous driving technologies to enhance safety and convenience. These systems are being integrated into both electric and traditional vehicles.
- While fully autonomous vehicles may still be a few years away, JLR aims to incorporate advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) across its lineup by 2025.
Sustainable Materials:
- JLR is also focusing on the use of sustainable and recyclable materials in vehicle production. This includes reducing the use of leather and incorporating more recycled materials into their cars.
Timeline:
- Electric Vehicles: Jaguar plans to be an all-electric brand by 2025, with new EV models expected to be released steadily leading up to this date. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles - Commercial models are anticipated in the late 2020s and Autonomous Driving Systems are expected to be integrated into vehicles by 2025.
We wait with anticipation as to what the future holds, one thing is for certain, we live in interesting times…
Bob-GPT
“The substitution of the internal combustion engine for the horse marked a very gloomy milestone in the progress of mankind.” — Winston Churchill
Greetings from the dam
As you will see, starting will Bob’s chat, there are a few pages in this issue looking at the future of our marque. One piece of recent news is the drastic thinning of the Jaguar range. JLR CEO Adrian Mardell has told investors that the company will cut five models with ‘close to zero profitability’ this year. Speaking at an investor’s days in June, he revealed that the XE, XF, F-TYPE, E-PACE and I-PACE are all due for retirement, as JLR pivots to become a luxury all-electric brand. The F-PACE will be the only model to remain in production from the current line-up, with the first of three all-new EVs to be unveiled next year.
Mardell said that axing the five models will help increase the average selling price of the company’s products. “We are eliminating five products, all lower value. None of those are vehicles on which we made any money, so we are replacing them with new vehicles on newly designed architectures,’ he noted. I’m glad that I’m don’t run a Jaguar dealer at this time. Not only do I have to retrain all my staff for 2025 (or 2026) – but now I have almost nothing to sell for two years.
Much more positively, on to Formula E. Jaguar TCS Racing have won the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E Teams’ World Championship. The win follows a dramatic season finale E- Prix in London, but one that ultimately ended with a record season points score of 368 for Jaguar TCS Racing. It is Jaguar’s first World Championship win since 1991. Drivers Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy finished second and third respectively in the Drivers’ World Championship. Jaguar have also won the newly created Manufacturer’s Trophy with 455 points. However, there were some heavy mutterings about inappropriate team orders after the race – suggesting that the driver’s championship could have also been in the team’s grasp. There will be a full report on this and the two London races in our next issue.
Talking of the Jaguar Magazine, I would like to note that 2024 is the 21st year that your humble editor has been at the helm of this publication. I must thank all of you folk for putting up with me for that long. I think in a future issue, I will go down memory lane with a look back at some of our earlier magazines.
Thanks are due to many people for their contributions to the magazine you’re reading. Andie and Jonathan Palmer for their help, pictures and coffee; Ayn Brown and Earl Don for photographs; Wilma Kramer for some pictures and our new contributor “Wise-Wrench” for his article on tyre safety.
Enjoy your ICEs – spring is on its way.
Brian
Front Cover: Event Horizon - Created by digital artist Kaiwan Shaban for Jaguar.
QUARTERLY QUIRKS & QUOTES
The Future of Jaguar
So, in this issue, I have collated some thoughts on the future of our marque. I had some sad news, some factual news, some deduction, some speculation and some optimism for you below.
Sad News
Dateline Gaydon – June 13th 2024
The final Jaguar F-TYPE sports car made at the brand’s manufacturing facility in Castle Bromwich will join the Jaguar Heritage collection –50 years to the day since the last Jaguar E-Type drove off the production line. The final F-TYPE is a 5.0 litre V8 Convertible in Giola Green with a black roof and a Tan Windsor leather interior – similar to that of the 5.3 litre V12 final E-Type Series III Convertible built in 1974 and registered as HDU 555N.
The last of the line
This special F-TYPE will be handed to the custodians of Jaguar’s history, the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. It will join its E-Type predecessor in the official Jaguar Heritage collection and take part in a series of special events and activities this year. Just as the last E-Type in 1974 heralded the birth of the radical Jaguar XJ-S, the final F-TYPE has been produced as Jaguar readies an even bolder transformation – spearheaded by a four-door electric GT that promises to be a copy of nothing when it is revealed in 2025. F-TYPE was first launched as a convertible in 2013 and was Jaguar’s first two-seat sports car in almost 40 years. It received universal acclaim and was named 2013 World Car Design of the Year.
Some Facts
Dateline Gaydon – May 21st 2024
JLR has signed a multi-year deal to use Fortescue’s advanced battery intelligence software, Elysia, in its next-generation electric vehicles. The software will help enhance JLR’s luxury vehicles with improved battery longevity, safety, and performance. Fortescue’s Elysia software will monitor all future JLR EVs. This will help to give clients a better ownership experience with faster charging, improved reliability, and increased range.
Monitoring battery health throughout its life will support sustainability by making it easier to transition batteries from electric vehicles to second-life applications. Fortescue’s innovative software uses physics-informed digital twins and probabilistic artificial intelligence to identify and solve battery issues, helping JLR optimise battery performance and safety for clients. Collaborations like this are key to JLR’s Reimagine strategy.
Dateline Gaydon – May 30th 2024
JLR is today announcing significant progress in upskilling its workforce for electrification. More than 20 000 JLR colleagues and partners have been trained in electrification and digital skills as part of JLR’s Future Skills Programme. With work to transform JLR facilities for electric vehicle production progressing quickly, electrification training for over 11 000 JLR manufacturing colleagues is now underway. And in FY24, JLR further expanded its skills base by opening a further 950 electrification roles in engineering.
Future Skills training is being led by the JLR Learning Academy which invests around £20m a year to train JLR employees and partners, so they can achieve their potential. Looking forward, JLR will be training at least a further 15 000 employees across manufacturing, engineering and workshops as part of the programme.
JLR
JLR to use Chery platform for future electric cars
Chinese carmaker Chery confirmed that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will use its M3X and E0X modular platforms for future battery-electric and plug-in cars. To that end, JLR has signed a strategic agreement with Chery brand Exeed. JLR will use two of Chery’s modular architectures. The first one is called M3X and is dedicated to combustion engine and plug-in hybrid models. For the latter, the platform combines a “petrol-powered ICE paired with two electric motors via a 3DHT165 gearbox,” Car News China explains. This so-called “Super Hybrid” offers nine operating modes, 11 gear combinations, a range of more than 1 000 kilometres, and a thermal efficiency of 44.5 per cent.
Chery E0X platform
QUARTERLY QUIRKS & QUOTES
The second platform, E0X, was jointly developed by Chery and Huawei. It covers the A to C segment with various body shapes, and can be used for purely battery-electric and Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs). The E0X platform supports 800 and 400-volt system architectures, offers advanced autonomous driving technology and an energy consumption of 12 kWh/100 km.
Earlier this year, Chery explained what the abbreviation of the platform stands for: the ‘E’ in E0X is supposed to stand for “Electric” and “represents Chery’s commitment to expand in the new energy sector and the determination to continuously develop and innovate.” According to the company, the ‘0’ stands for a new technical beginning, for the start of a journey in the high-end NEV sector to develop sustainable and green solutions. The ‘X’ is intended to symbolise “the infinite expansion possibilities of the platform,” which covers the A to C segment of SD/SUV/ MPV models with five-, six- and seven-seater variants.
The use of these platforms could help JLR to launch more electric vehicles. However, the majority of the Land Rover brand will likely be PHEVs, as the carmaker said in February that it would focus initially on plug-in hybrids instead of pure EVs.
Carla Westerheide
/ Electrive / carnewschina.com
Some Deduction
Jaguar's Future with Electric Cars Detailed Jaguar has set an ambitious target of creating a fully electric lineup by 2025, which means all of its combustion engine cars will be gone. With this move, the company is taking a significant risk, but they are committed to it. Jaguar has announced that they will be bringing two new cars in 2025, but there may be more to come. One of these cars is a four-door GT vehicle, which will be built in England and is expected to have more horsepower than any Jaguar car ever made. The new GT car will also have an impressive range of 430 miles. It is said that the car will debut this year and will be available in 2025.
Jaguar seems to have identified a gap in the market and is making a significant effort to contribute to a sustainable future, particularly with the world moving towards electric vehicles. Their aim to achieve this by 2025 is commendable, but infrastructure will need to be in place to make this happen. Compared to some manufacturers, Jaguar's plans seem to be ahead of the curve, and their focus on electric vehicles may allow them to come up with new solutions.
JLR are partnering with Tesla, who are a giant in the electric vehicle industry, and have been leading the way since 2003. Their vision was to create the most compelling automotive company in the 21st century and Jaguar's decision to partner with them for electric chargers is a positive move with many benefits. This collaboration allows Jaguar to use Tesla's vast infrastructure of over 50 000 chargers worldwide, which addresses concerns about the lack of infrastructure to support electric cars, especially on long journeys.
JLR will also be transferring racing knowledge to production vehicles
The Jaguar I-TYPE 6 (as you all know) is an electric race car designed to participate in the 2023 / 2024 FIA Formula E Championship. It is the most innovative and efficient race car ever produced by Jaguar, with the goal of winning the championship. To remain competitive, teams must adapt and enhance their vehicles to create a superior car to their competitors. Jaguar has had notable success with its I-TYPE 6, with a focus on reducing weight, increasing power, and achieving faster speeds. These enhancements have enabled the car to perform better on the track, earning the award for the fastest car of the year. Moreover, the I-TYPE 6 is the most eco-friendly vehicle in the competition, due to its fast-charging capability.
Formula E cars are designed to be sustainable, producing zero carbon emissions from their engines. Jaguar intends to apply the knowledge and expertise gained from its motorsports experience to improve its production vehicle lineup in 2025.
Jaguar believes that the future lies in electric cars and is committed to creating a new identity for itself in this evolving landscape. As a part of this effort, the company will no longer use the Jaguar badge and will only use the letters. This will allow them to create a more distinct identity for their electric cars, which they plan on making more widely available. However, despite this change, they will continue to use the name 'Jaguar', which has a rich history in motorsports dating back to 1922.
Jonathan James MacDonald-Clink / TopSpeed
I-TYPE 6 – Sao Paulo 2024
Some Speculation
Jaguar Confirms 4-Door EV GT with 430 Mile Range and $125K Starting Price for 2025
The electric sports sedan will be followed by two more new EVs based on the same platform.
A lot has been written about Jaguar’s new strategy. With the all-electric XJ canned at the eleventh hour to take stock of where Jaguar should be in today’s automotive landscape, many have asked what’s next for the famed British brand. But JLR’s new boss, Adrian Mardell, has now confirmed some early details of the first all-new up-market Jaguar.
Jaguar EV GT -??
As depicted by our purely speculative at this stage, independent renderings, the model will be a four-door GT, and yes, it’s going to be all-electric. In addition to the as-yet-unnamed GT, Jaguar will also offer two more EVs based on the JEA platform, although it won’t confirm any details on those just yet. The first of the new-age Jaguars, the fruit of the ambitious Reimagine program, will have a range of up to 700 km, with deliveries starting in 2025. It will sit on an all-new dedicated architecture, dubbed JEA (Jaguar Electric Architecture), and start at £100 000
This story contains speculative CarScoops renderings that are not endorsed by or related to Jaguar.
Sam D. Smith / CarScoops
Some Optimism
I can’t say why without breaking trusts and losing friendships, but I am increasingly encouraged by what I am hearing about the relaunch of Jaguar next year. I’ve already voiced my concerns about what appears to be a strategy to turn it into a true luxury brand, capable of rivalling even the likes of Bentley. If you’re going to do that, you need to do it over time, slowly building image and credibility with rock-solid design and engineering, as has Land Rover, whose new Range Rover is proving an ever-bigger thorn in the side of the Bentayga. But if you take a brand known for making elderly mid-market saloons and presume people will accept paying twice the money for the same badge instead of buying anything from the long-standing players at that level, you may be asking for trouble.
But so too have I always said that Jaguar succeeds when it leads, and fails when it follows, and you can see it all the way from the XK120 to the I-PACE. And I understand this is what it is going to try again with cars that make full use of the design freedoms brought by EV architecture to knock your socks off when you see them. Or at least that’s the plan.
I imagine the sound of jaws dropping all around the 1948 British International Motor Show when the wraps came off the first XK for the first time, and how they did all over again when the E-Type was revealed at Geneva in 1961. If Jaguar is to be reborn on that higher level, nothing less will do.
Andrew Frankel / MotorSport
Earl’s Court 1948
Palmers and Jaguars
THIS ISSUE, WE ARE DELIGHTED TO FEATURE TWO CLUB MEMBERS ANDIE AND JONATHAN PALMER. THEY HAVE, SIX JAGUARS BETWEEN THEM, AND THEY ARE STILL TALKING TO EACH OTHER! THE PALMERS HAVE BEEN PART OF THE JCNR FOR OVER A DECADE NOW. JONATHAN COMMENTED THAT “WE HAVE AN EXCELLENT CLUB WHERE WE HAVE MADE A NUMBER OF GOOD FRIENDS DURING OUR MEMBERSHIP.”
The car problem started when Jonathan encountered a rather desolate MGB. Feeling compassionate – as one does – he gave it a new home. This caused him to dedicate time to saving old cars – usually with British ancestry. Soon thereafter, he discovered the joys and challenges of Jaguar ownership and so the collection grew. It is an eclectic variety of cats going back to the 1960s and forward to the 2020s.
Let’s take them in chronological order. First then, is a 1960’s S-Type. This was purchased on the assumption that it was built in the year that Jonathan was born. Duly paid for, the papers proved that she missed by three years. Close but no cigar. The S has been the subject of a full respray and mechanical overhaul. Currently back in the workshop for final fettling, the Jaguar is looking beautiful inside and out.
Next on the list is a 1997 XJR six-cylinder. This is a major project that has been underway for a couple of years – a South African couple, that is. The car has been completely resprayed – more than once. Much works has been done in the proceeding and retarding departments. She will be both exciting to drive and beautiful to admire when she is completed later this year.
Moving north a few thousand kilometres, the Palmers run a 1996 S-STYPE in the UK, where they frequently visit. Previously, they borrowed a friend’s car, but rather than keep pushing they luck their invested in their own transport – naturally a Jaguar. The car is finished in the same shade of metallic blue that the South African S-Type is wearing.
A 5.0 litre XKR – the X150 version - is next on our list. This was purchased by Jonathan and he and Andie have attended many JCNR functions driving their supercharged cat.
Now we come to the current decade with their family car - an F-PACE SVR. This SUV replaces a German M5, which apparently spent more time with the dealership than it did with the Palmers. Contrasting the two “bakkies” Jonathan noted that the M5 is a better vehicle to drive around the Kruger Park, with its more compliant suspension. However, to get to the park is another matter, where the SVR wins hands down.
Andie’s personal car is an F-TYPE 3.0S, which sits comfortably in their garage beside the SVR. She says, smiling, that the F-TYPE is the best car she has ever owned. And that covers a range from Alfa-Romeo to BMW.
Jonathan is the MD of PowerMan – a Johannesburg company that supplies UPS solutions to private and industrial clients. The initial product - and the company - were the brain child of one John Palmer, who ran the company from inception until he retired in 1997, when his son took over. PowerMan started with the one product in 1984, growing in scope and variety since then.
It has always been a family run business, channelling its products through a dealer network. Andie is also involved in PowerMan, working alongside Jonathan. And they advertise in this very magazine.
Ed / Pics Andie and Jonathan
Text
Cats by the Dam
When I first arrived in Canada - a long time ago, - I met up with a Welsh lad named Alf. When asked how his evening out with young lady had been, he would typically reply “Epic, my boy, epic” if all had gone well. If not, his language was usually far more colourful. Epic is defined, by the Oxford English Dictionary, as “characterized by heroic and arduous endeavour; grand in scale or ambition.”
The JCNR is becoming very good at creating epic events. They can certainly be grand in scale – for example this year’s run to Bloemfontein. They are characterised by arduous endeavour – thank you Bob Brown and Paul Olivier for your work here. In late April, another epic day was spent by the club in Vaal Marina.
Kobus van Wyk, he of the tool-room C-Type and number 42 E-Type, graciously offered the use of his property on the shore of the Vaal Dam for the club to have a show day. Vaal Dam is the third largest dam in the country, it boasting the longest shoreline, which includes the confluence of the Vaal and Wilge rivers. The construction of Vaaldam began in 1934 and its wall was fully completed in 1938. In 1952, as industry rapidly
expanded, the wall was raised by another six metres, which included the addition of 60 sluice gates. In 1958, the wall underwent further strengthening and a three-metre increase in height. An outlet and tunnel were also constructed to supply water to the Suikerbosrand purification plant. Vaal Marina, itself, has grown over these years and now includes both holiday homes and year-round residents.
Apart from their magnificent house (mansion?), there are two notable parts to Kobus and Esme’s home. The first, the garden, impresses as soon as you enter the driveway. Masterminded by Esme it is wonderful collection of trees, shrubs, bushes, flowers and herbs. One could spend a profitable hour just walking and admiring the grounds. The second is Kobus’ car collection and workshop. There are “just a few” cars there, including a representative collection of 50s and 60s Jaguars. Not to mention the odd Morgan, Corvette, Austin Seven and Austin-Healey. Another hour would not suffice to listen to Kobus telling the history of these cars.
Anne and I were fortunate enough to spend the previous night with Marion and Gareth Williams-Wynn, who live a kilometre or so along the Ring Road. The bulk of members drove down from Jo’burg that morning. Our diligent secretary Gerry Kramer noted that he had received a wonderful response to the run and that they had pressures on some catering items and hence, for our “bring and braai”, he requested the attendees to come equipped with some extra supplies. The van Wyks
provided the braais and coffee, and the club sponsored salads and rolls. They all met at the Engen Blockhouse 1 Stop on the R59 south, and, avoiding the now ubiquitous potholes, drove down to the dam. Now, about the braais. Kobus built them a day or two before the club visit. No, they were not half an oil drum turned upside down. They were custom built works of art, with attached, hinged grills and purpose made stands.
We were all welcomed with coffee, tea and cool drinks by Esme and Kobus, ably assisted by their family members. The cats rolled in and were arranged, approximately, by age. Alright, Mr. Editor. So far, so good –but “Epic”?
Fair, enough. So, we start with not just one but two Suffolk SS100 replicas. Then, post second world war, we have, from the 1950s, a couple of C-Types, XK120, XK140 and XK150. From the 1960s, there were E-Types aplenty (you really should have been there) and a couple of Mark 2s.Several XJ-Ss represented the 1970s. From the 21st century were F-TYPEs and X150 XKs.
Epic indeed! And Ignition TV were there too. Their program, at the time of writing, is available on YouTube.
An introduction and chat from Bob and Paul allowed Kobus to greet us and talk about his collection of cars. We then repaired to his garage where he gave an overview of the acquisition and restoration of E-Type number 42 – which has featured in these very pages. We then settled down to admire the cars on display, to catch up with old friends, to eat snacks, construct and consume hot dogs and to sip the odd beverage.
The group slowly broke up during the afternoon and we headed back to Marion and Gareth’s home. A fine time was had by all, and many thanks are due to Esme, Kobus, Bob and Paul for their labours.
From here I will let the pictures speak for themselves.
Text Ed / Pics Ayn Brown, Earl Don and Ed
The XK8
THE JAGUAR XK IS A TWO-DOOR 2+2 GRAND TOURER MANUFACTURED AND MARKETED FROM 1996–2014 IN HATCHBACK COUPÉ AND CONVERTIBLE BODY STYLES, ACROSS TWO GENERATIONS. THIS ARTICLE CONCERNS THE FIRST GENERATION, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW IN MARCH 1996.
This generation was marketed as the XK8, replacing the XJS and was Jaguar's first 8-cylinder model since the Daimler 250, introducing the all-new Jaguar AJ-V8 engine. The XK8 shared its platform with the Aston Martin DB7 which was itself based on the stillborn XJ41/42 project built on a modified XJ-S chassis conceived in the mid-1980s.
XJ42 at Gaydon
The second generation of the XK, noted for its aluminium monocoque chassis and construction, was launched in 2006 for the 2007 model year. The XKR performance variant was introduced in both of the generations with the second generation also offering a more powerful XKR-S variant.
The XK8 was launched in 1996 to replace the XJS designed by then Jaguar design director Geoff Lawson. It was available in two body styles – a two-door coupé and two-door convertible with both variations featuring 2+2 seating. The car was the first in the Jaguar line-up to use Jaguar's newly developed 32-valve V8 engine – the AJ-V8 which had a displacement of 4.0 litres.
The XK8 was joined by a more powerful XKR in 1998. The XKR featured a supercharged variation of the V8 engine rated at 276 kW (375 PS; 370 hp). The engine was shared with the XJR but featured a new intercooler and a two-piece driveshaft. The supercharger was manufactured by Eaton and displaced at 2.0 litres. It generated 11.9 pounds of boost pressure to contribute to the higher power output. Visual differences from the XK8 included a rear spoiler, mesh front grille and hood louvres on the bonnet for improved airflow to the engine.
The XK range received a mechanical update in 2002 with the engines in both the XK8 and XKR models being enlarged to 4.2 litres and gaining more power, the front headlamps were also updated by the addition of a clear lens. Further changes included new exterior colours and wheels along with different badging. The models were revised again in spring 2004 and notable changes included new wheel designs, bigger front and rear spoilers and a redesigned grille.
Both the XK8 and XKR are electronically limited to a maximum speed of 250.1 km/h. The XK8 came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, while 18inch (Standard on the XKR), 19-inch, and 20-inch wheels were available for additional cost. The XKR models used Pirelli P Zero tyres measuring 245/45ZR-18 at the front and 255/ 45ZR-18 at the rear. Jaguar's Adaptive Cruise Control, introduced in late 1999, is an optional feature available on both models.
AJ-V8 Engine
1997 XK8 Coupe
Both the two-door coupé and two-door convertible came with an all-leather interior, burl walnut trim, and side airbags. The interior was available in two trims, classic and sport. The sport interior trim was aimed for younger buyers and featured an interior designed by Karen Anderson which involved leather upholstery with cloth seats. The classic trim was a more luxurious option and featured heavy use of leather. Jeremy Clarkson, during a Top Gear test-drive, likened the interior of the original XK8 to sitting inside Blenheim Palace. However, reviewers have criticised the high seating position and the improper gauge layout of the interior.
Initially, the ZF 5HP24 five-speed automatic transmission was coupled to the conventionally aspirated 4.0-litre model and a Mercedes W5A580 five-speed transmission to the supercharged version, but in 2002 the new ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic transmission was fitted in both versions of the 4.2-litre model.
Edited from Wikipedia
So, how was the XK received in the day? Following is a road test report from the US magazine Car and Driver. They drove an XKR in 1998, this report being published on New Year’s Day 2000.
Jaguar XKR - Supercharged Eroticism.
Forget, for a moment, the 370-horsepower, 4.0-litre supercharged V-8 under its hood. Put aside thoughts of its Computer Active Technology Suspension or how quiet it is at cruise or whether the warranty stretches beyond the term of the second mortgage it'll take to buy it. Instead, just look at Jaguar's XKR. It's sex on wheels! A lot sexier than the naturally aspirated XK8 upon which it's based and not sexy in a vulgar, lecherous, strip-club-near-the-airport sort of way, either. But Elizabeth Hurleywearing- Versace-at-the-Oscars sexy: provocative, confident, not at all trashy, with an upper-class British accent.
Still, all that sex appeal is just luscious icing on a fast, well-mannered, well-built cake. The XKR is the most desirable Jag two-door sold here in at least 25 years. And $79 465 for the coupe (or $84,715 for the convertible), although hardly cheap, represents some real value in comparison with other high-end performance cars such as the eerily similar Aston Martin DB7.
We tested the right-hand-drive, British-market XKR in July 1998, while Jaguar was completing the 100 000-mile emissions certification for the car now on sale here. Except for the mirror-image driving position, the Euro- and U.S.-spec cars are virtually mechanical twins (although the U.S. car weighs, according to the specifications, 19 more pounds). The XKR formula is a no-brainer. The supercharged drivetrain first seen in the '98 XJR sedan has simply been dropped into the sultry XK8 coupe and convertible shells. There's some tweaking to get the plumbing of the supercharger's twin air-to-liquid intercoolers under the hood, but the basic supercharged AJ V-8 is untouched. So are the Mercedes-built five-speed automatic and the 3.06:1-ratio final-drive gearset. About the only apparent difference between power production bits in the XJR and the XKR is the two-door's two-piece driveshaft. The exhaust system downstream of the ceramic catalyst is subdued XK8.
Despite the spectacular looks, it's the engine's magnificence that defines the XKR's character. As in every other factory-supercharged automotive powerplant sold here, the device doing the work is a belt-driven Eaton Roots-style blower. In the 370-hp, 4.0-liter DOHC AJ V-8's case, it's the same 112-cubic-inch Eaton that Ford uses on its other supercharged V-8, the 360-hp, 5.4-liter SOHC V-8 found in the SVT F-150 Lightning pickup. On the Lightning's long-stroke, two-valve engine (which redlines at a mere 5 250 rpm), the M112 supercharger spins at 2.1-times engine speed and peaks at eight pounds of boost. Atop the relatively short-stroke
XKR Interior
2003 XKR
four-valve AJ V-8 (which spins to 6 200 rpm before a fuel cutout turns off the fun), the blower turns at 1.9-times engine speed and huffs out 11.6 pounds. The relatively low supercharger drive ratio, says Jaguar, "enhances the refinement and reliability of the supercharger installation." That, and the fact that the blower nestles under its intercoolers, also means it runs more quietly compared with the same unit's operation in the Lightning.
Whatever their differences, Ford's two M112 supercharged V-8s both yield majestic wells of low-end torque. At 1 600 rpm, says Jaguar, the supercharged AJ V-8 is making more than the unblown version's peak 290 pound-feet of torque on its way to its own peak 387 pound-feet at 3 600 rpm. Toe into the accelerator, and there's no telltale sensation that this engine is supercharged other than the massive thrust. It's not some old big-block muscle-car engine (it revs too eagerly and silently), it just pulls like one.
To keep up with the engine, every U.S.-bound XKR gets Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), which uses two-stage damping to improve adhesion while maintaining a cushy ride. Furthering the advantage is a move up from the XK8's 17-inch wheels to 18s encased in 245/45ZR-18 front and 255/ 45ZR-18 rear Pirelli P Zero tires. It's somewhat surprising that Jag didn't take the opportunity to upgrade the brakes from its XK8 specification. Not that the ABS-controlled platter-size discs aren't up to the job (in fact, they work quite well), only that, in a world of beautifully detailed Porsche rotors and callipers, the XKR's brakes seem drearily ordinary behind those huge wheels.
Jaguar admits that the XKR's mesh front grille is for looks but swears there are practical reasons for both its hood louvers and small rear spoiler. The louvers don't vent much heat, but they do reduce front-end lift and help airflow through a tightly packed engine bay, while the dinky little spoiler "maintains the balance necessary for high-speed stability." Whatever. The changes are minimal, but the visual impact is electrifying.
Considering the big difference that little changes make to the XKR's exterior, we wonder why Jag didn't make some similar revisions indoors. Surely there are whole forests volunteering to become XK8 dash panels, and there's probably a special gate into Cow Heaven for those whose hides end up covering XK8 seats, but the XKR deserves some more
aggressive decoration. How about wrapping the entire circumference of the steering wheel in grippy leather? Or slipping in a different finish for the veneers? Or more supportive seats? Anything to add visual wallop beyond the XK8's undeniable grandeur would be appreciated. An excellent GPS navigation system, which stores maps for the whole United States on a single DVD in the trunk, is available for $2 520 to replace the three centre gauges in 2000 XK8s and XKRs.
As elegant as the interior is, there's not a lot of room inside the XKR. The large centre tunnel and wide sills leave the driver and shotgun passenger encased in narrow gullies, and the infinitesimal rear seat seems to be a perverse postmodern comment on the nature of seats--conceived without reference to any bourgeois notion of sitting. This space inefficiency makes the Porsche 911 seem almost cavernous and reminds us that the XK platform is descended from the ludicrously intimate XJS. However, two golf bags will fit in the trunk.
But who wants to play golf when this fast car is around to drive? The XKR coupe is seriously swift, bounding to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds at 105 mph. That's not as quick as the car we tested in England (it hit 60 in just 4.9 seconds), but it's as quick as the 0-to-60 performance Jaguar claims. It's also 0.4 second quicker to 60 than either the 213-pound-heavier XJR sedan, with which it shares its drivetrain, or the 622-pound-lighter 911 with Tiptronic S, which costs about the same. What's amazing is how even-tempered the acceleration is. The engine feels as if it were pulling exactly as hard at every rpm, and the transmission, whether in sport or normal mode, progresses through the gears in composed serenity. Even as the car approaches its electronically limited 156-mph top speed, it remains imperturbable.
With the CATS system doing the damping and the traction control on, the XKR's handling is as predictable as any episode of Walker, Texas Ranger. Short of trying to beat a commuter train across the tracks, it's tough to get into too much trouble. Turn the traction control off, and the slight initial understeer can be balanced with gentle throttle-induced oversteer. Using Jaguar's J-gate shifter to good effect, it's easy to keep the engine in whatever gear the driver's heart desires. However, that shifter has no mechanical connection to the transmission (it's actually just flipping a switch), and its feel is disconcertingly light. A car that can otherwise be driven with such precision deserves a more positively detented shifter
It used to be that there was such a thing as an identifiable British (or Czech or whatever) character to a car. But from the bottom of its Italian tires through the whirring of its American supercharger and the silken shifts of its German transmission, the Ford-financed XKR indicates just how character today is more an act of corporate will than where a car happens to be assembled. The greatest achievement of this fast, beautifully built, transnational sex machine is how completely it's a Jaguar.
1999 XKR
Additional comments from Car and Driver staff members.
Michael Dale says the mission of this car, as of all Jaguars, is to make you feel elegant. I'm strongly inclined to pay attention to Dale's pronouncements on this topic, because not only is he the head of Jaguar Cars in North America, he's also just about the last upper-management figure who goes back to the heyday of Sir William Lyons, the company's founder. Still, I dunno. When you tramp on the gas and herd this thing to 120 mph in less than 20 seconds, you don't do it with one pinky delicately raised in the air. Does Conan stop being Conan just because you dress him up in black tie? Does feeling elegant include holding your breath?
I hate to rain on this remarkable car's parade, but I have a problem. Although I'm just a tad over six feet tall, I don't, as the English say, fit properly inside this sports car. It's the same problem I had with the Mitsubishi 3000GT: My scalp touches the headliner. Not a painful experience, but distracting, irritating. I have to recline the seatback, but then I'm driving in the lying-down position, not something you want
to do at the wheel of this rocket. That's why you won't find a sunroof option--they can't spare the space up there. Jaguar should locate a sleek, high-tech seat cushion that sits at least an inch lower. I mean, seriously, aren't all rich people tall and slim like me?
Steve Spence
I wish dapper, buttoned-up Jaguar had loosened its collar a little more with the XKR. I'm not suggesting flame decals, a hoop rear wing, or tacked-on side skirts, but I wouldn't have minded a more aggressive exhaust note, a louder supercharger whine, or even a redecorated interior for my additional 11 grand. Still, I revel in what this Jaguar does offer, from its exhilarating power and grip to its gorgeous styling, right down to those little hood vents that visibly radiate heat at stoplights. Such delightful elements are what distinguish the XKR from more mainstream transportation, and they're why special cars such as this one will end up at collector auctions 30 years from now.
Tony Swan
Don Schroeder
John Pearley Huffman / Car and Driver
F-PACE 90th Anniversary Edition
F-PACE 90TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Jaguar is celebrating 90 years of pioneering design, performance and innovation as it approaches an all-electric future, with a new special edition of one of its most successful vehicles – the F-PACE luxury performance SUV.
Marking the final model of the F-PACE, 90th Anniversary Edition (available on all models except SVR) features subtle badging, with R-Dynamic exterior cues and a choice of options including diamond-turned alloy wheels, privacy glass, panoramic roof and 3D Surround Camera technology. Inside, supportive sports seats with contrast stitching, ebony headlining and aluminium interior trim provide luxurious surroundings.
Clients can choose from S, SE and HSE specifications with a choice of engines – including mild-hybrid and plug-in Electric Hybrid. The latter offers up to 40 miles (64km) (WLTP) of electric-only driving range and fast DC charging capability to top up the battery from 0-80% in as little as 30 minutes.
At the pinnacle of the F-PACE line-up, the SVR 575 Edition is a celebration of the internal combustion engine with its powerful supercharged V8 providing epic performance and – thanks to its Variable Valve Active Exhaust – a soundtrack to match.
The F-PACE SVR has performance at its heart, powered by Jaguar’s characterful 5.0-litre supercharged V8. The SVR 575 Edition, with its power increase of 25PS, to 575PS, makes it the most powerful F-PACE ever, providing a unique blend of performance and excitement. With 700Nm of torque, it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds.
The SVR 575 Edition benefits from unique SVR bodywork with a performance optimised front bumper, Black Exterior Pack with black grille surround and bonnet louvres, and SVR rear bumper with black detailing. The SVR 575 Edition also features 22-inch forged alloy wheels with Diamond Turned finish and Satin Technical Grey contrast.
Inside, Suedecloth and Windsor leather performance seats – heated and cooled with 14-way electric adjustment – provide tactile comfort, with semi-aniline leather performance seats also available. SVR branding adorns the steering wheel, while the aluminium veneer is unique to SVR models.
“F-PACE has given new clients to the brand a choice of models from the efficient plug-in Electric Hybrid to the high-performance F-PACE SVR. The 90th Anniversary Edition is a fitting tribute to nine decades of pioneering design, performance and innovation”
Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar
F-PACE 90th Interior
F-PACE SVR Interior
JCNR June Excursion
This was another great club run, arranged by our hard-working secretary, Gerry Kramer, at the end of June. This excursion was planned with ladies in mind, rather than our normal petrol-head events.
We met up at Jaguar East Rand, where welcoming coffee and muffins were served to the starving club members. We stayed and chatted to fellow members and dealership folk, before departing for The Chocolate Factory in Bedfordview. The Chocolate Factory is part of Beyers' Chocolates, who are manufacturers of hand-crafted Belgian chocolates since 1987. Here we were treated to an exclusive tour and a chocolate making demonstration, introduced by our host, Neil. Thereafter, we were
served some tasty finger food platters, both savoury and sweet. Some 'chocoholics' elected to purchase mementos from the vast variety they had to choose from.
Later, some headed to Jeff's Jags in Wadeville, where the nice Mr Connor hosted his monthly Natter & Noggin in the Lyons Den. Some had coffee and some downed a cold one - or two. There were lots of Jaguars on display in his workshop, both classic and new, some being available to purchase. A good time was enjoyed in the Den
Thanks are due to Gerry, Geoff and Jaguar East Rand.
Text Ed / Pics Ed and Wilma Kramer
A Viewt to a Thrill
SO, FOR THIS ARTICLE, WE TRAVEL TO THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN – JAPAN. HELLO, THE EDITOR HAS LOST HIS MARBLES AGAIN. ENGLAND, YES, AMERICA YES, INDIA YES – ALL ARE PART OF JAGUR’S HISTORY. BUT JAPAN? WELL, IMITATION IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY – SO THIS IS ALL ABOUT THE MITSUOKA VIEWT.
A Biography
First a little history from Wikipedia:
“The Mitsuoka Viewt is a series of retro-styled subcompact cars sold by the Japanese automaker Mitsuoka, intended to resemble the 1963 Jaguar Mark 2. It was initially a modification of the Nissan March/Micra until 2023. The Viewt Story which was introduced in February 2023 is based on the Toyota Yaris (XP210) hatchback. The line was launched in January 1993 and over the course of its production over 12 000 have been sold.
K11 Viewt (1993–2003)
The first Viewt, introduced in January 1993, was produced on the basis of the K11 March. The March's hatchback was replaced by a fixed rear window and rounded boot, and the front grille and headlamp assembly was replaced by one closely resembling that of the Jaguar Mark 2. In standard form the interior was much the same as the March's, but leather seats and wood trim could be added at extra cost. The Viewt shared its 1.0- and 1.3-litre engines with the March. It was originally available with manual or automatic transmissions; later more luxurious editions were automatic-only.
Changes to the March were usually echoed in the Viewt; for example, when the March received a new dashboard the Viewt had it too, with a new wood kit. After the March convertible was introduced in 1997, Mitsuoka developed a Viewt convertible which used the Jaguar-style front but had a unique built-out rear.
K12 Viewt (2005–2012)
When the March was updated (becoming the K12) Mitsuoka produced a new Viewt, which first appeared in September 2005. The changes in the style of the March are evident to some extent in the new Viewt: for
example, the shape of the rear door has changed and the cabin appears rounder. However, Mitsuoka have persisted with their Jaguar-style front and rear. The only two-door version is the 12SR, which is based on the March 12SR.
Like the March, the new Viewt is available with 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.5-litre engines, with automatic or manual transmissions. The interior resembles the March's; leather seats are optionally available. The 12SR version uses some of the March 12SR's interior decoration, such as carbon fibre inserts on the dashboard.
K13 Viewt (2012–2023)
The third generation Viewt was based on the K13 March and was first appeared in May 2012. The hatchback version called Viewt Nadeshiko with tailgate and tail lamps taken from the Nissan March was first appeared in July 2015.
K11 Viewt
K12 Viewt
K13 Viewt
XP210 Viewt Story (2023–present)
The Viewt Story is based on the Toyota Yaris (XP210) hatchback and was introduced on 17 February 2023. It is scheduled to be announced and released in the fall of 2023. The model lineup includes 1.5-liter gasoline vehicles "15LX" and "15DX", 1.0-liter gasoline vehicles "10LX" and "10DX", and 1.5-liter hybrid vehicles "HYBRID LX" and "HYBRID DX". In addition, a 6-speed MT is available for the 1.5-liter model, and a 4WD model (E-four for the hybrid) is available for the 1.5-liter and hybrid models.”
Viewt Story
Mitsuoka
If you visit Mitsuoka’s website, they start with a challenge:
“Be a Challenger Free Ideas and Playful Minds Produce Our Cars. Our models sold in Japan, are produced in our plant in Toyama City. We aim to be an unrivalled and unique company in the Japanese automotive industry.
Starting with the “BUBU Shuttle” (a single seat car), we came to undertake the development of replica cars. This meant we started challenging new fields which were never been touched in Japan.
Mitsuoka Motor Group has been built upon three main business pillars.
The first is a “Vehicle development” business with enormous latent potential.
The second is our “BUBU imported car distributing” business that has established a nationwide network of dealerships and high brand recognition as a dealer of used and directly imported vehicles.
The final pillar is our “Authorized imported car dealing” business that handles high value-added imported cars. These three pillars come together to form one solid base from which we can aggressively develop our business into the future.”
So, you can buy a Lamborghini or Alfa from Mitsuoka – or a Viewt.
Review
Motor1.com reviewed the Viewt Story – and this is what they thought:
“Founded in the 1960s, Mitsuoka is a niche company specializing in oddlooking cars that take after classic models. The Toyota V6-powered Orochi sports car is probably their most popular on the interwebs, but most of the coachbuilder's vehicles are based on mundane cars. Such is the case with the Viewt, which has been around since 1993 and has always been based on the Nissan Micra/Mach. Well, not anymore because the latest version is a Yaris.
Toyota's supermini is already living a double life by being a rebadged Mazda2 Hybrid in Europe and now it has a third personality in Japan.
More than 13 000 units of the previous Micra-based Viewt models have been sold in total. The fourth-generation Mitsuoka Viewt continues the tradition of adopting styling cues from the Jaguar Mark 2.
This is Another Story
The rebodied Yaris has a classic front fascia with round headlights and a large upright grille as a nod to the British luxury sedan from the 1960s. It's 70 millimetres longer than the donor car and rides on small steel wheels with chrome hubcaps. Known by its full name as the Mitsuoka Viewt Story, it gets round taillights to make it stand out from the previous three generations that mimicked the Jaguar Mark 2's rear lights.
While from the outside it's hard to tell this is a Toyota Yaris, the car's true identity is easy to notice on the inside where the changes are less significant. Mitsuoka has spruced up the cabin with new upholstery and trim colours, but the overlook remains quite familiar. Gone is the Toyota badge on the steering wheel, replaced with the coachbuilder's logo instead.
Pricing kicks off from around $23 000, which represents a massive bump over a base Yaris available in the Land of the Rising Sun from $11 000. Go for the flagship trim will all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain and Mitsuoka will charge you $31 300.
The Viewt is not the first Toyota to get the Mitsuoka treatment as fans of the brand will remember the Ryugi, Galue, and Nouera based on variations of the Corolla.”
Adrian Padeanu
Summary
Let’s allow Mitsuoka the last words on their (re)creation:
“Concept
Playful and beautiful The Viewt has beautiful curves and a classic yet playful shape that no mass-produced car can match. At our Factory, the Craftsmen are spending around 40 days on each Car and due to the reason of doing the job by hands, just one or two Cars are being completed, on each day.
It is not an industrial product, but a beautiful work of art.
Exterior
Interior
We focus on feeling and atmosphere rather than efficiency.”
There you are, homage to one of Jaguar’s most appreciated copies.
Ed and acknowledged sources
Flowing and elegant look. Luxurious, dignified design and decoration give our cars timeless beauty.
Jaguar South Africa’s
#Giveheracrown Campaign
Artists Go Global
Dateline Pretoria – June 11th 2024: Jaguar South Africa displayed the exquisite artistry of six women from the 2023 #GiveHerACrown campaign in an event at the South African Consulate in New York. The #GiveHerACrown empowerment platform uses the storytelling and the arts to fight for gender equality. Jaguar worked with the platform on this event to celebrate and showcase the talented women and their stories that are proudly curated from South African roots.
The campaign was acknowledged for its impact, purpose, women empowerment and creating a platform to celebrate South African stories and creativity. The artists each created a bespoke piece on the theme of “Celebrating the exquisite details”. Each piece portrayed a story to inspire and encourage women to embrace their uniqueness and individuality. As a result of Jaguar exhibiting the artists’ work in such a renowned venue, two of the designs have now found a home at the South African Consulate in New York. The rest found buyers on their return to South Africa, following the New York event that took place in March.
Irene Kakooza, Communications Manager, JLR South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa, said: “Jaguar understands that culture and art have the power to tell untold stories, subvert stereotypes, shed light on our collective values and explore different facets of our complex identities. Through their creative expressions these artists have provided insight into the human experience from their perspectives and diversity. It was a great honour for Jaguar to be part of this showcase.”
Jaguar is proud to amplify the #GiveHerACrown platform as it continues to empower a select number of women creatives and further their education in the creative sphere. The proceeds have gone towards the Crown Bursary Fund which will further educate 14 women creatives at private education institutions. Ten students will attend the Inscape design school while four will attend the BHC School of Design x Visi. The two have partnered to create new modular online courses ton interior design. To date 20 students have benefitted from the bursary programme.
Over the years, the Crown Collection has also helped raise funds to promote an innovative schools’ education programme, with the assistance of non-profit organisation Lalela that uses the arts to promote gender equality.
The #GiveHerACrown campaign is part of JLR’s wider commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by supporting women across the globe to thrive in creative industries.
JLRSA
NEW MEMBERS 2024
The JCNR would like to welcome the following new members who have joined us recently:
Ken Alderman from Marquard. Ken has a 1969 XJ6.
Paresh Badal of Midrand, who runs an F-TYPE R.
Kobus Duvenhage from Primrose, who has a 3.0 litre XF.
Paul Hanly of Bryanston. Paul drives a 1976 XJ6 and a 2015 XF.
Andrey Korzh from Hyde Park. Andrey has a 2004 XJR. His renewal from Ben Morgenroo d in Randfontein.
Andre van Zyl of Monrick, the owner of a 2009 XK8.
Desh Narayanan from Douglasdale. Desh has a 2017 XE.
Gerhard Smith of Garsfontein, who runs a 1977 XJ6. Welcome back to Athol Stewart from Illovo, who has a 1958 XK150.
David Treherne of Nelspruit. David drives a 1967 S-Type 3.8.
CUMBRIA ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
FORMULA E UPDATE
Dateline
Berlin – May 11th 2024
what a drive from Nick, when he needed to progress, he did it cleanly and efficiently. For Mitch, a brilliant performance all the way through, he was fighting for the lead throughout the E-Prix eventually finishing just outside the podium positions in P4.”
James Barclay. Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal
Formula E: Jaguar TCS Racing's Nick Cassidy produced a stunning comeback drive to take the race win in the Berlin E-Prix Round 9. Cassidy had started ninth on the grid but fell back into the pack as far as 21st come Lap 21. The New Zealander came from nowhere to mount a late-race charge, having successfully navigated two spells under safety car conditions.
Cassidy's winning move came on Lap 43. Having dispatched Oliver Rowland (Nissan), the Jaguar driver then sliced by DS PENSKE's Jean-Eric Vergne later that same lap. From there, he was a percentage point of usable energy to the good. Cassidy bolted to a two-second margin and the win as those behind, from second to sixth, fought for the remaining spots on the podium. Vergne was characteristically stoic in his defence, fending off Rowland for second despite the Brit's best efforts.
JTCSR: “We said at the start of the race it was going to be a long, intense and strategic affair, and we weren’t going to give up – well you don’t get much better than the win! An incredible race strategy from the team and
Dateline Berlin – May 12th 2024
Formula E: Antonio Felix da Costa (Porsche) sealed the title of Berliner Meister with a record third win. Da Costa had led early on, with the two Porsches working together for much of the opening half under pressure from the Jaguars of Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans.
Evans had pushed to the front of the pack on Lap 31 following a safety car, but da Costa was able to break Evans' resistance with a move late on the brakes into the hairpin forcing the New Zealander into outbraking himself. Oliver Rowland then followed da Costa through, but later in the race Cassidy made a move on Rowland stick for second and sealed the fastest lap in the process.
JTCSR: Nick Cassidy lined up on the front row of the grid after making it through to the finals of the Qualifying Duels. The Kiwi took the lead of the Berlin E-Prix off the start line and remained there until he went into his first Attack Mode activation in lap three. On the penultimate lap of the race, Nick made an impressive move on Oliver Rowland to finish in second.
Mitch Evans made it through to the semi-finals of the Duels and lined up in P4 on the grid. He made several decisive overtakes and battled his way through the 41-lap race without the incidents that affected many around him. The safety car in lap 25 changed the dynamic of the race and made the latter half challenging for those in contention. Despite continuing to fight for the podium right up until the final three laps, Mitch finally finished in sixth – scoring more valuable points for the team.
Dateline
Shanghai – May 25th 2024
Says Formula E: Jaguar TCS Racing's Mitch Evans produced a sweeping final lap move to snatch the win in the Shanghai E-Prix Round 11, picking his moment perfectly to steal by Porsche's Pascal Wehrlein. Evans ran all the way around the outside of Wehrlein to swoop into P1 and held fast to the flag, while the Porsche fended off the final turn advances of Cassidy - the championship leader settling for third, clipping his nose at the last and having to see off Oliver Rowland's late lunge for the podium.
Jaguar TCS Racing reports: Mitch Evans, who qualified in third position, tactically took both his Attack Mode activations by lap 11 while never deviating from the top six. Mitch then took the lead on lap 13 from the Porsche of António Félix da Costa. Mitch continued to battle in the lead group for the remainder of the race. By lap 20, Pascal Wehrlein led, swapping positions with Mitch for the lead twice more by lap 28. Mitch then made a decisive and dramatic move for the lead around the outside of Turn 1 on the final lap of the 29-lap race.
Championship leader, Nick Cassidy, drove an incredible race to move up from tenth on the grid to third place – his eighth podium finish of the season and his fifth in succession. The early laps saw Nick conserve energy, running outside the top ten, before beginning to move through the pack from lap 12 onwards. Halfway through the E-Prix, Nick had progressed to fifth place and on lap 25 he moved into third. He held position behind Mitch, allowing his teammate to attack for the win, and narrowly missed taking second place on the very last corner.
Dateline Shanghai – May 26th 2024
Says Formula E: Antonio Felix da Costa secured a second win of Season 10 in the Shanghai E-Prix Round 12, leading NEOM McLaren's Jake Hughes over the line, with Andretti's Norman Nato third.
Jaguar TCS Racing reports: With the rumour of rain in the air, the scheduled 28 laps of the 3.051km Shanghai International Circuit had the potential to present unexpected wet-weather drama, but the rain held off and with the sun beating down the race was fast-paced from early on. Nick and Mitch began in P5 and P6 on the grid respectively. The Kiwi pair and the team proceeded to deliver a controlled race strategy, with both drivers successfully managing their energy and taking their two Attack Mode activations by the seventh lap.
Neither driver was outside the top eight of the pack throughout the race. On lap 14, with Nick in fifth and Mitch sixth, the team made the call for both to move forward as they were in a strong position on energy. Nick moved into fourth position on lap 16, Mitch then moving into fifth on lap 20. With the race locked-out from an energy perspective by lap 21, Nick and Mitch remained in their respective positions until the chequered-flag to score valuable points.
Dateline Portland, Oregon – June 29th 2024
Formula E comment: Antonio Felix da Costa (Porsche) kept it cool to drive to the win in a frenetic Round 13, as an error for standings leader Nick Cassidy on the penultimate lap saw him fall from the lead at the last. Cassidy and Jaguar looked to have sewn things up in a strategic, all-action encounter at the Portland International Raceway with the standing’s leader hitting the front for what appeared to be the decisive time on Lap 23, with four laps to run.
The New Zealander had the luxury of being able to count on his compatriot and teammate Mitch Evans to play the perfect team game despite a five-second penalty for causing a collision early on effectively rendering his own battle for silverware futile. Duly, Evans swept by da Costa - Cassidy's nearest challenger on-track as the laps ticked down - to play rear-gunner. A Jaguar one-two looked nailed on. Cassidy appeared in complete control and pulled out half-a-second on Evans and da Costa behind but in Formula E, nothing is certain until the chequered flag is flown. Cassidy - usually peerlessly cool and collected - slipped wide and deep into Turn 11, taking too much kerb, which saw his I-TYPE 6 fall off the asphalt, across the grass and down to an eventual 19th position.
Jean-Eric Vergne (DS PENSKE) brought it home third ahead of Mahindra Racing's Edoardo Mortara - fourth a season-best result for both team and driver.
JTCSR: The result was a disappointing one for everyone at Jaguar TCS Racing after late race drama for Nick and a five-second penalty for polesitter Mitch – who crossed the line first – denied the team what looked like being a one-two finish with just two-laps to go.
Nick was leading on the penultimate lap, but a spin at turn ten dropped him out of the points. Mitch, who was second at that point but already facing a five-second post-race penalty for contact with the McLaren of Jake Hughes, took the lead and crossed the line first – a position then adjusted to an eighth-place finish once that penalty was applied.
Dateline Portland, Oregon – June 30th 2024
From Formula E: Antonio Felix da Costa (Porsche) secured a second consecutive win after managing the race to perfection amid a fast, frenetic encounter. It was a huge race for the championship, as Drivers’ standings leader Nick Cassidy failed to score any points in both events in the US while Mitch Evans and Pascal Wehrlein are now tied on points as we head into the London finale.
Robin Frijns made it back-to-back podiums and the Dutchman was joined by Mitch Evans on the podium.
JTCSR say: With qualifying positions of P6 for Nick and P10 for Mitch, the early stages of today’s race saw both drivers conserve energy, Mitch running in and out of the top ten with Nick tactically dropping further back down the field. On lap 13 Nick suffered front wing damage, which forced him to pit for a new front wing.
On lap 18 a safety car was called so that debris from earlier incidents could be cleared. With the race neutralised, the restart on lap 20 saw Mitch carving through the field to run as high as second before eventually taking third place. Nick was in P17 at the restart and crossed the line in P13.
Tyre Neglect: A Costly Gamble on Safety
It's astonishing how many drivers either neglect to check their tyre pressures altogether or do so inconsistently. The truth is, tyre pressures should be checked on a weekly basis. But that's not where the tyre troubles end. The age of your tyres is a critical factor to consider, especially for classic car owners who often overlook this crucial detail, believing that low mileage exempts them from tyre ageing concerns. However, even if your car hasn't clocked many miles, having tyres over ten years old is pushing the limits of safety. Some manufacturers even claim that after a mere six years, a tyre’s lifespan is essentially over. In most countries, there are no strict regulations in place, and older tyres can pass an MOT test if there are no visible signs of deterioration. But here's the catch: you can never truly know what lies beneath the surface. Is it worth risking your safety and the value of your car for the sake of saving a few hundred bucks?
The tread wear figure is another critical aspect to consider. A lower figure indicates softer rubber, better grip, and a shorter lifespan. For those adrenaline-seeking track enthusiasts, track-day tyres can boast a figure as low as 80. However, anything approaching 400 is far too hard for a majestic E-Type, for instance. While hard tyres may endure for years, they lack the necessary grip for optimal performance. Now it gets confusing. Take, for example, in 1987 Jaguar fitted 7' rims to its XJS 3.6, 4.0 Coupe and Convertible, and wider tyres in the size 235/60VR15 and they fitted this Pirelli P600. The 235/60 VR 15 Pirelli P600 was also fitted to the Jaguar XJS V12. The first of the Jaguar XJR-S V12 5.3 also fitted the 235/60VR15 P600. From 1989 Jaguar were also offering 16” wheels with 225/55R16 tyres or 245/45R16 as an alternative to the earlier 235/60 VR15 Pirelli P600.
It should be recognised that tyre legislation has changed since the 1980s and 1990s when this 235/60 VR 15 P600 was a current tyre. That tyre now qualifies for a WR speed rating instead of a VR speed rating. So, the tyre that once was a 235/60VR15 Pirelli P600 is now called a 235/60WR15 Pirelli P600 to fit modern regulations and also making this tyre qualify for the speed of these extremely powerful classic sports cars. These tyre’s perfectly suit the car's characteristics, and it's important to determine the appropriate tyre rating for your specific vehicle. So always speak with a specialist for advice.
Speed rating is easy to locate because it’s usually the last item in the character sequence in the tyre’s size code. For example, in this tyre code: “P225/70R 16 91S,” S is the speed rating. To view the tyre size code for your current tyres, just look at the side-wall. Does the speed rating on each tyre match what the manufacturer recommends? It should!
Next on the checklist is the speed rating of your tyre’s. Let's take the iconic E-Type as an example. It would have originally been fitted with VR-rated tyres. However, some insurance companies find HR-rated tyres acceptable. Anything below that rating is simply not appropriate. While a lower speed rating may not hinder your car from passing the MOT, it could potentially impact your insurance claim. Keep in mind that the tyre rating should align with the manufacturer's top-speed performance figures for the vehicle, not the speed at which you personally prefer to cruise at.
Tyre maintenance goes beyond just tyre pressures. Always inspect your tyres for uneven wear, which often results from incorrect pressures, faulty tracking, or worn suspension parts. Additionally, be on the lookout for signs of damage and cracking, which can be caused by various factors other than age, such as neglectful encounters with curbs and the dreaded pothole. Remember to ensure that your wheel nuts (or spinners) are securely tightened. When dealing with alloy wheels, be cautious not to rely on high-pressure impact wrench guns used by some tyre companies’ employees. These guns in the wrong hands can easily damage your wheels, nuts, or threads. Instead, refer to your driver's handbook for the correct torque figures.
For those of you with wire wheels, regularly check the tightness and condition of each individual spoke. After all, you wouldn't want your wheels to resemble a wobbly circus act.
So yes, there are numerous factors to consider when it comes to tyre care, not only for the well-being of your car but also for your personal safety. Neglecting tyre pressures, disregarding tyre age, or mismatching speed ratings is a gamble that can have costly consequences.
Now this statement and topic really gets my goat. In the world of many car enthusiasts, there's a crazy trend that has taken hold: proudly boasting about the presence of an original never been used before spare tyre in their vehicle's For Sale advert. It's almost as if they believe this to be a coveted selling point that will attract buyers like bees to honey. But let's take a step back and examine this phenomenon with a critical eye.
While it may seem like a testament to the car's authenticity and preservation, the truth is that the presence of an original spare tyre doesn't necessarily guarantee a smooth transaction or raise the value of the vehicle. This to me raises more questions than it answers. How often has that spare tyre been used? Has it been properly maintained and inflated? Is it even roadworthy?
Club members may argue that the inclusion of an original spare tyre adds value and completes the package of your vintage or classic Jaguar. However, seasoned buyers and collectors know that the true value lies in the overall condition, mechanical integrity and safety, more than the historical significance of the vehicle.
Spare tyres, original or not, are often overlooked when assessing the true worth of a car. Buyers are more interested in the main set of tyre’s that will provide them with a safe and reliable driving experience. Aesthetics and originality are important, but they should never overshadow practicality and safety.
While it's not entirely unwarranted to mention the presence of an original spare tyre in an ad, members should be aware that it may not be the selling point they envision. Instead, focusing on the car's overall condition, maintenance history, performance, and unique features will likely attract more serious buyers and enthusiasts who truly understand the value of a well-preserved vehicle. After all, it's the complete package that truly makes a car stand out, not just the presence of an original spare tyre.
So, let's give our tyre’s the attention they deserve. Stay safe, stay informed, and steer clear of tyre-related calamities.
Wise-Wrench
If I may, I would like to add a couple of thoughts to this excellent article – on when it is time to replace the tyres on you cat. There are two main factors at play here, assuming the tyre in in good condition with no damage to the treads or sidewalls. They are wear and age.
Tyre wear is quite straightforward in South Africa. Michelin tells us that legislation states that a tyre should be changed when the tread is less than 1.6mm high. This threshold is indicated on all tyres by tread indicators, small raised areas between the treads that measure this height precisely.
Wear indicators on a radial tyre
They indicate that the tyre needs to be changed when the tread height has fallen to the level of the wear indicators. On their tyres, small bumps are visible on the shoulder of the tyre to help you locate the wear indicators on the tread. When the tyre's tread has actually reached the wear indicator threshold, you have two things to consider. Firstly, the tyre is illegal. Also, your car is in danger of aquaplaning during a Transvaal thunderstorm. So, put a new one on – finish and klaar.
Car and Driver notes that it may be tentative, but tyres do have an expiration date. There is a general consensus that most tyres should be inspected, if not replaced, at about six years and should be absolutely be swapped out after 10 years, regardless of how much tread they have left.
How do you know how old your tyres are? There’s a code on the sidewall that you can read about here.
Manufacturing date
If the tyres have not been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tyres as a precaution. This recommendation also applies to spare tyres.
Ed
JAGUAR CLUB Contacts in South Africa
NORTHERN REGIONS
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.
Afterword – Kobus Van Wyk on his way to the Eden Car Show – full report next issue
