Color me unimpressed. Any ordinary driver could do exactly the same thing in any rear-wheel drive car. It wouldn't look as good or sound as good, but the drift would be the same.
I'm thinking that Jaguar gave these guys a little something extra to hoon it up just so they could get some PR from their unusual treatment of the test cars.
It seemed like that guy kinda sucked at driving on dirt. I mean I know the Jag is not set up for it, but on a smooth, banked oval track you would think he would be able to hold the slide for the entire length of the curve once to get the shot (y'know, instead of cutting each shot down to 2 secs). The guys who drive there every weekend do it every lap for like 100 laps. Maybe the computer was cutting in or something. *sigh* I guess this just continues to support the theory that Car and Driver is quite irrelevant these days.
@Bad Juju: I may need to be shot, but I honestly kind-of liked the 300M Special. (the one with HID projectors, dual exhaust and sexy multi-spoke alloys... still has the same shit powerplant though.)
Personally I am glad they are doing this, because when I buy a new Jaguar XFR I want to now how it handles on the local dirt track. Nothing irritates me more than taking my new Jag out on the local circuit that night, and getting beat by some yahoo it a dilapidated 77 Malibu that is properly set up for dirt track racing.
@Flathead Smith: Exactly, I need to know if I can beat that guy with the ratty 1991 Ford Thunderbird with a 351 before I wager this week's stock dividends at the dirt track on my way to the Hamptons.
@aSoundofSleep: This is a good time to mention that one of my desktop's fans is either off balance or knocking against something, and it sounds like the computer has a rod knock.
That said, any of our ship of fools hooning a new XFR (not to be confused with the slower, less luxurious XFi) would be a riot to see, or even read about.
I would hope that "they" dont sell press cars to the GP. You'd think that they would be good cars to take back and tear apart and study....nothing like real-world abuse to test a car!
I say I say I say, those Duke Fellows have got themselves into quite a pickle this time, old bean. They'd better grow a pair of wings, or start flapping their arms, what?
05/30/09
I'm thinking that Jaguar gave these guys a little something extra to hoon it up just so they could get some PR from their unusual treatment of the test cars.
05/29/09
/its friday and I am cranky
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It actually almost sounds like all the electrical do-dads are trying to retard the timing, resulting in a buffeting sound from the engine.
Maybe it's just my girlfriend's shitty laptop speakers.
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jalopnik highers me every day.
seriously, i cannot believe the sheer audacity of asking to be PAID to be an auto tester at jalop...
many of us (with clearer english, too) would do it free.
this is my first time posting drunk.
05/30/09
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That said, any of our ship of fools hooning a new XFR (not to be confused with the slower, less luxurious XFi) would be a riot to see, or even read about.
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I could see jumping a WRX or an EVO, even a truck, but why would you jump a luxury sports car?
Does the reason "because they can" apply here?
05/27/09
I hope they come around and try it going a little faster.