Jaguar trains gentleman racers at its R Performance Academy
The surfeit of driving academies means that behind-the-wheel instruction is no longer only about being a better driver; it's about learning to vigorously drive the car you want to drive. Now it is Jaguar's turn to leap through the flaming driving school ring with the launch of its R Performance Academy.
In this case, though, your wish to learn how to flog a Jaguar will only be granted if you have actually bought one: for now, the academy is open to those who have purchased an XFR or XKR. If that's you, the Performance Academy site is accepting registrations now, and dates are available through next Spring at three tracks around the country. You can check out the press release after the jump for more info. Nothing is indicated about them teaching you to the proper inflection for "Rather!" and "Good show, old chap!" but we're sure it'll be part of your training. Burnouts, however... not so much...
[Source: Jaguar]
PRESS RELEASE
JAGUAR ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF R PERFORMANCE ACADEMY
High Performance Driving Academy Allows Customers to Satisfy Their Need for Speed
MAHWAH, N.J., November 9, 2009 – For some, a day at the track driving the fastest Jaguar with some of the world's most renowned driving instructors is a dream. For those lucky buyers of a 2010 Jaguar XKR or XFR, it will be a reality. Jaguar Cars announced today the launch of its R Performance Academy, beginning December 1, with a session at one of America's premier racing facility, the Homestead Miami Speedway, which features 2.21 miles of challenging asphalt and 14 turns that provide a rewarding challenge to even the most experienced racers.
The R Performance Academy is complimentary with the purchase of a 2010 XFR, the ultimate Jaguar sports sedan, or 2010 XKR, the new generation of Jaguar's sports coupe, and offers an exhilarating, experiential adventure for the ultimate auto enthusiast. Both the XFR and XKR are powered by a supercharged, 510-hp V8 engine, and boast accelerations from 0 – 60 in 4.7 and 4.6 seconds, respectively. The Academy is designed to help drivers explore the capabilities of these special automobiles and develop the skills and techniques needed to safely experience their high-performance dynamics.
"Our all-new R Performance Academy was specially developed to ensure that our customers can responsibly enjoy the full potential and incredible capabilities of the dynamic XFR and XKR," said BJ Colaric, General Manager, Sales Operations for Jaguar Cars. "The security of having a world-class professional driving instructor by your side on an enclosed, high-speed track creates the perfect setting for both education and appreciation."
The experience begins with a reception the night before the driving day where coaches will explain the program and share some of their racetrack experiences. The next day, guests arrive at the track bright and early for a driver orientation and a full day of driving in Jaguar R Performance Academy cars. The lessons learned on the racetrack are made relevant to everyday, real world driving by the instructors and will leave Jaguar owners more aware of their vehicles' abilities and feeling more confident behind the wheel. This program features unique and exciting driving activities:
– maximum acceleration using various Jaguar Drive Control settings
– braking – and experiencing complete ABS stopping
– emergency lane changes
– Dynamic Mode and DSC Off mode handling
– cornering
– autocross (slalom course)
– full laps at speed with driving coach and hot laps with racing drivers
In 2010, the Academy will visit various tracks, including the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, New York and the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA, among others, on a quarterly basis. Invitations to attend this unforgettable driving adventure were distributed nationwide to 2010 XKR and XFR customers who purchased a 2010 XFR or XKR through September. To learn more about the all new R Performance Academy, visit www.jaguarperformanceacademy.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dukeisduke 9:28AM (11/11/2009)
Ah, some smoky burnouts, followed by a glass of Port and a fine cigar, in the library.
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dukeisduke 9:29AM (11/11/2009)
Ahh, some smoky burnouts, followed by a glass of Port and a fine cigar, in the library.
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dukeisduke 9:29AM (11/11/2009)
Damn AB posting engine burned me again.
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dukeisduke 9:30AM (11/11/2009)
Damn AB posting engine burned me again.
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Nicolas 9:35AM (11/11/2009)
CTS-Vs are strictly prohibited on the school grounds.
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anonymous j 9:57AM (11/11/2009)
How lame, Jaguar pulled their XFR from competing with the CTS-V because it couldn't handle it but still offers a "Performance Academy". Who wants to attend a performance academy for cars that can't even handle the abuse??
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davinci 10:33AM (11/11/2009)
What is this supposed to do for the brand, owners , and potential buyers ?
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Blacksabre 1:51PM (11/11/2009)
Notice from Jaguar of America:
All Jaguars used for on-course training have been upgraded with Brembo brakes to ensure driver safety. A normal Jaguar has entirely functional brakes, however when exceeding 70 mph, the possibility exists that braking distances will become excessive and driver safety would be compromised. Jaguar will continue to sell their retail autos with the standard braking system, but for any high performance use, they urge that you do not exceed 70 mph, or use hard braking, without upgrading the brakes..
(note this is sarcasm, and unofficial, although...maybe it shouldn't be :shrug:)
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