The only time I get to drive really cool cars is in front of a TV screen, holding a game controller in both hands. I appreciate the fact that many modern racing simulators come very close to the real thing; from the way cars look, to the way they accelerate and take corners. But these are cars in a virtual world. It’s not like we can just walk into the TV and take that roadster out on a joyride. And so actually driving that supercar remains a fantasy.
That fantasy became a reality for me not too long ago when Jaguar Cars Philippines, Inc. hosted its first ever track day at the Clark International Speedway. There’s nothing like taking a high powered machine and pushing it to its limits in a safe and controlled environment. If there’s one thing that a video game can’t replicate (yet) it’s the smell of burning rubber on tarmac.
Present at Jaguar’s Track day were renowned racing instructors Georges Ramirez and his wife, Menchie, along with their son Stefan. Participants were split up into groups, with each member of the Ramirez family leading a different exercise. As a warm-up, those present were given time with Menchie for a quick safety talk and a short run around a test course which consisted of a straightaway, a U-turn, slalom, and a hard braking section. After this, drivers were paired with either Georges or Stefan to take the Jaguars out on the track.
These cars are really easy to drive. So easy, in fact, that one could get carried away. But this is a new breed of Jaguar, with intelligent braking systems and computers that can actually sense when you are doing something reckless. But take note that this car still follows driver commands; Jaguar still makes automobiles that keep the driver at the center of things. It is responsive from the steering wheel to the pedals. It’ll go fast and stop when you want it to. And it can do these things in a jiffy.
Jaguar’s Track Day was also a momentous occasion with the launch of the new XF Diesel variants, which are available in the Diesel or S trim. In the Philippines, diesel is often associated with heavy fumes, jeepneys, trucks, and other utility vehicles. The diesel sedan is an exotic idea in our country, but it makes sense. These new engines demonstrate that it is possible to deliver improved performance, while reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy. The new engine produces 10 percent less CO2 than the original acclaimed 2.7 liter engine, while power has increased by 33 percent in Diesel S guise. These great performance leaps are achieved with combined average fuel consumption in both models of 42.0 mpg — an improvement on the 2.7 liter engine of 12 percent. And while the idea of saving more on fuel costs while being a friend to Mother Earth may still be sinking in, it still needs to be said that these cars are pumping out 240 and 275 horsepower for the diesel and diesel S models, respectively.
“The key feature of the new engine is its unique parallel sequential turbocharger system, the first of its type to be fitted to a V-engine anywhere in the world,” says Mr. Wellington Soong, JPI President and Chairman. “When the engine revs climb above 2,800 rpm, the secondary turbo is brought on line within 300 milliseconds. But for most day-to-day driving, a responsive variable-geometry primary turbocharger does all the work, while the smaller fixed-geometry secondary turbo is dormant, saving energy and improving efficiency.”
That means that the new engines in these Jaguars make sense on the track and on the street. They are smart: they’ll burn fuel when the road is open, but will save it when caught in traffic. What a nifty innovation.
Like me, when your daily driver is a 1.2 liter gasoline economy hatch, you take pride in your mileage and gas consumption. It doesn’t matter that the car doesn’t really go that fast, it saves more fuel and is more practical. But these new Jaguars are all about practicality without sacrificing luxury and the ultimate driving experience. If I had one of those diesel Jags, my current car would be jealous for good reason.
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For more information about these new Jaguars, visit www.jaguar.com or visit their showroom at the Enzo Building, Ground Floor 399 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.
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E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@gmail.com.