REPORT: Buy an XFR or XKR, get free training at Jaguar's new R Performance Academy
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2010 Jaguar XFR
With high-performance models like the new XKR and XFR pouncing onto the scene, Jaguar is establishing itself once again as a power-player in the performance-luxury market. And to that end, the British automaker is reportedly planning on opening new facilities aimed at training drivers on how to get the most out of their cat-nip-laced performance machines.
According to Autocar, the first will be a new R Performance Academy at the company's test track near former sister company Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. Tutelage at the academy would be included in the price of a new XKR or XFR (and presumably any future performance-oriented Jaguars as well), and could be open to the public for a charge. Beyond that, however, Jaguar is also said to be looking into establishing a brand center akin to Mercedes World at Brooklands, where customers could test drive different models with different configurations to help them decide which specifications to order on their new cars. The larger facility would likely require moving to a more accessible location in the UK, while the projected £5m cost (about $6.9M USD) of the center will likely mean it won't be ready until a few years from now.
Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XFR
Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XKR
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ALEXDB9 2:38PM (3/10/2009)
Stupid Jaguar, why didn't they offer this for the 07 models..I would of loved that. But I don't in England so I guess I would be screwed anyways
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superman211 3:26PM (3/10/2009)
I think Ferrari or Audi should do this for the more expensive cars. R8s and 599s that would be a great idea. Most rich folks don't know a damn thing about high performance driving. Look at www.wreckedexotics.com
trevor 6:37PM (3/10/2009)
Hey Superman, ferrari does do this already, they have a performance driving school in Montreal, just outside of MT Tremblant. Me and My dad went to it, and it was one of the best experiences ever in a car. Although you have to be an owner.
waiownsyou 2:42PM (3/10/2009)
Something's not quite right about those drifting pics.
Regardless, I would love the manufacturer offering me to test drive my brand new sports car and possibly voiding my warranty and causing damage from novice drivers. I wonder if Toyota is doing that so I can "test drive" a Camry going 60 sideways...
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neutralgear 2:57PM (3/10/2009)
Well, they're rendered, if that's what you mean.
Stumpy 2:48PM (3/10/2009)
I thought it was going to be a class for how to fix it when it breaks down.
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Mazda FTW! 3:03PM (3/10/2009)
HEY that was gonna be my joke!
Red 2:51PM (3/10/2009)
Perhaps they should focus a bit more on the XF's reliability woes before showing people how they're likely to break the damn thing.
Still, it's a nice vehicle. I hadn't been out in awhile, but I saw my first couple the other day and they have a really nice road presence. Very sleek and sexy.
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Richard 2:50PM (3/10/2009)
From earlier news this week re. this car, it seems that it may be better value to get a free home repair course to keep your kitty in fine fettle.
My mom, God bless her, used to carry a little bent hanger to short open the fuel cut-off switch that was on the exhaust manifold of her XJ. If she sat in traffic in Massillon, OH (???) for too long, they'd open up and the kitty would quit. Who could imagine what Jags back then were like in NYC or somewhere where there actually was traffic.
That was back in the 1970's when the XJ6 had a manual choke.
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jamie 3:17PM (3/10/2009)
They were going to offer the same training for Lincoln, but not that many people were interested in becoming a livery or limo driver. LOL
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John 3:28PM (3/10/2009)
Jaguar was rated 2nd behind only Lexus recently in the JD Power quality survey.
I don't know what sources you bashers base your opinion on, but after 20 years of industry experience, I would tend to believe JD Power over opinions on a blog.
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nowonder 3:35PM (3/10/2009)
Another poser performance machine... Come on, automatic only? What exactly do they teach you, how to hold your latte, talk on the cell phone and navigate the mall parking lot?
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axium 4:01PM (3/10/2009)
Spoken like a true poser. Because driving dynamics revolve all around the transmition... get real!
CarbonBlack 4:15PM (3/10/2009)
I want to buy an XFR, take the driving course, and sell it on ebay for a profit!
(This scheme probably wouldn't work, but it is fun to dream)
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Alex 5:26PM (3/10/2009)
can i go there with my older XJR?!
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Hexachrome 6:29PM (3/10/2009)
I bet the POSs break down during your training.
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CarbonBlack 2:38AM (3/11/2009)
POS?!?!
Your posts love to dis lots of cars...........So what does the "King of Cool" drive?
Hexachrome 1:47AM (3/15/2009)
The "King of Cool" drives in 08 Infiniti G35x.
Lets get this straight, I think the XF is one of the most beautiful sedans on the road along with the Mercedes CLS. My friend has an XF and has had numerous issues. Even this site posted and article about them having issues, hence me calling it a POS. Read the following: http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/09/report-quality-problems-afflicting-jaguar-xf/
What does "Dear Abby" drive? ;)