In conjunction with the launch of the F-TYPE, Wearnes Automotive organised a Jaguar LIVE Experience event where participants could learn about and drive different Jaguar models as well as fully experience the brand in a dynamic setting at the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) from 24th to 26th July 2013.
The event allowed participants to experience the performance and technology of the brand's key models, including the latest and definitely the main stars of the show, the F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S models. Also making guest appearances were the XF 2.0 Luxury, XF 3.0 V6 Supercharged Premium Luxury as well as the XJ 3.0 V6 Premium Luxury LWB.
With professional Jaguar instructors from the United Kingdom, participants were encouraged to test the high performance cars to their limits, while learning about safe performance driving including handling, braking and acceleration techniques, in closed simulated driving courses.
Circuit
Over at the uniquely created race track, participants got to put the F-TYPE S, XF 2.0 Luxury, XF 3.0 V6 Supercharged Premium Luxury, XJ 3.0 V6 Premium Luxury LWB through their paces. The latest supercar, as you'd come to expect, is fast and loud. Every step of the throttle equates to an aural soundtrack that could easily wake the entire neighbourhood. It handles, rides and steers with precision and comfort, even if it means going head on around a sharp bend at higher speeds than usual.
The XF, on the other hand, remains to be more of a cruiser than an outright bruiser. It maintains a comfortable and plush ride and instils confidence everytime you reach a bend. But head into the corner with too much speed and you'll be greeted by a fair bit of understeer.
The XJ has a different proposition altogether. Jaguar's flagship wasn't meant for the track or for this circuit for that matter. It rolls more than it should but it never loses its composure, giving you a level of security you'll need to go past tighter corners. Credit also goes to Jaguar's enduring dynamic hallmark that has helped such a huge and long car like the XJ to overcome its less than desirable balance on the circuit.
Slalom, Acceleration, ABS
In this segment, the handling, speed and braking of the top of the range F-TYPE and the XJ 3.0 V6 Premium Luxury LWB were tested.
Participants went through a specially constructed course put together to allow participants to have a better feel of the cars.
The first activity was a slalom before a U-turn to the other side where one of the most exciting activities of the station awaited us - participants had to blast the cars down a straight road.
The athletic F-TYPE V8 S roared to the century mark in 4.3 seconds before we tested out the brakes and came to a stop. And true enough, the sweet soundtrack has to be heard to be believed. Even without the sport exhaust switched on, the exhaust note is phenomenal.
A bigger slalom awaited participants at the other end and the station ended with a test of the ABS system. The F-TYPE delivered precision and stability with a perfectly balanced grip even without Dynamic mode engaged. Put it into Dynamic mode and the steering response becomes sharper and cleaner while the suspension tightens up the body.
Though the spotlight was on the F-TYPE V8 S, the XJ did not fail to perform. Compared to the former, the XJ may take 2.1 seconds more to reach 100km/h, but it delivers a creamy performance that suits its character. Even with its sheer size and length, handling it was not a very big issue either.
The all new F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S retail at $430,000 and $490,000 respectively (at press time).
