Jaguar Land Rover - With umbrella, charm and lots of horsepower

When the Queen calls, you immediately do. In this case, "Her Majesty herself" did not call in person, but Jaguar Land Rover but the result is the same: one follows and pronto. Unfortunately, it was not in the dazzling metropolis on the Thames, but "only" to Mendig in Rhineland-Palatinate, but the royal greeting was no less impressive. In a hangar at Mendig Airport, which serves as a test track, we awaited not only the current Jaguar XJ models but also time-honored vehicles such as the sedan of Queen Mum. With the royally appointed XJ 12 S1 Vanden Plas Saloon she fulfills her representative duties and did not want to drive another car all her life. Understandable. The long version was equipped with a 4,2-liter six-cylinder. The 1 XJ series, designed by London-based specialist Vanden Plas, replaced 1973 with the aging Jaguar Mk VII of 1955's Queen Mum, who remained loyal to the car until her death at the age of 101 and her death. 

Very British

"Very British" also showed the provided vintage cars for the racetrack. With due respect and the necessary caution we drove the vehicles over the asphalt. A memorable moment. Quite different was the ride with the Jaguar XE SV Project 8. With proud 600 PS equipped you wanted so no less cautious about the racetrack, but far faster. With a capable instructor on the side, it was as possible on the ideal line to the finish. Of course, I wanted to know what it's like to drive with a professional in the vehicle. So I swung myself into the passenger seat and got a sympathetic look first. "Are you sure?" Was the question. Yes, of course! Apparently he rarely has a wife next to it. When driving, it almost knocked my camera out of my hand, but it was fun. He did not want to believe that I wanted to do another round. Who drives as much as I, has (really) a firm stomach. I love the speed, but if you combine them with serpentines, it can quickly backfire.

 

With the adrenaline rush at the ready, we finally went on the actual test drive with the Jaguar XJ 30d LWB. After the goose bumping hissing of the Jaguar XE, there was very little here with "Grrr". Relaxing and very luxuriously equipped, but who on earth has come up with the chrome center console? Ever heard of Sonnenblendung? Oh well, the British have always only rainy weather. I forgot. In Mendig and the surrounding area, however, the sun was shining at just under 28 degrees, and the chrome-plated middle section kept me from seeing anything. Handbag on it and on it went. Woman just knows how to do it. The rest of the interior was able to calm the mind quickly: Softgrain leather seats with diamond or diamond pattern in Ebony or Ivory and headrests with embossed Jaguar Springer ensure high seating comfort. In addition to XJ50 inlays in the illuminated door sills and on the inside of the doors, optical accents include an XJ50 embossing on the center armrest, a Drive Selector with silver-colored applications, shift paddles in silver, a stainless steel pedal pedal and decor elements in Gloss Shadow Walnut. 

Hello Wroom Wroom, where are you?

Thanks to the fun button could also show the diesel variant on the road where the cat hangs. At 99.000 Euro costs you can expect a bit of something under the hood in addition to luxurious interior, after all, this is the anniversary model. Powered by the proven 3,0-liter V6 221 kW (300 PS) turbodiesel, the model is based on the Premium Luxury equipment line, but uniquely featuring elements of the XJ portfolio and XJ's diamond-tipped XJNXX five-twin-spoke wheels R-Sport is supplemented. In addition to XJ20 emblems on the rear and on the side air outlets, a black front grille and the bumpers borrowed from the portfolio reveal the anniversary edition. 

Nice thing, no question, but I missed the aggressive hissing, which one often perceives in a Jaguar. When exchanging the vehicles, I then grabbed the loud manufacturer "most powerful XJ ever" according to the manufacturer: the XJR 575. When I started the engine I knew exactly where the hiss had come from: right under this hood. Holly cow. 575 PS just want to be restrained. From 0 to 100 km / h in 4,4 seconds and up to 300 km / h, I had to try that, if only the sound of the tempered engine caused goose bumps. How did the driving experience have to be there? 

The XJR575, which is available with both a normal and a long wheelbase, is even used as a race taxi on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. His tailor-made exterior parts included a rear spoiler lip, wider and flared door sills, air vents on the bonnet and larger intake openings in the front apron. Exclusive 20 '' rims with five double spokes in Farallon glossy black and red painted calipers set the XJR575 apart from the rest of the XJ models. The color alone said everything: "Velocity Blue". Since the "Wroom Wroom" is just too incorporated. Another nice gimmick that is inherent in all new XJ is the fact that the shift knob automatically starts when the vehicle is started. Really cool. 

AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix

During the drive in the bends around Mendig I was very happy to be alone in the vehicle. With the squeaking noises that left my mouth, every passenger would have gone deaf. The thing is just fun and you just can not get enough. Only the Land Rover SVR, which I was allowed to try for a short time, was able to outrank the XJR. But hey, stay in the family. The next day was meant to be relaxing. At the Nürburgring the racers did not let themselves be lumped in their vintage cars and caused many a motor to howl at the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix. Much to my delight, this was my first time at the racetrack and then fitting my favorite topic: vintage cars. Fortunately, I had a blogger colleague at my side who could provide insight into almost any vehicle, but not 1910's oldest vehicle. But that would be too much to ask. The carriage-like vehicle could even be purchased, but just a little over a million not everyone has just in the petty cash. 

Conclusion: Two wonderful days with even better cars. In addition to the anniversary models Jaguar trumped with time-honored vehicles from history and of course their sports guns, the XJR and the project 8 on. Cars that are really fun, incredibly luxurious and just convey the typical English feeling. The true gentlemen just. So "woman" feels good and also the one or other gentlemen should have been written out of sheer ecstasy, at least the grin on the face. Repeat hopefully guaranteed. 

Photos / text: Jaguar and Simone Amores

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