Set against the backdrop of greenery, the Behala Flying Club airstrip is a sea of calm. But that serenity doesn’t last very long as it is soon obliterated by a loud, ripping, snarling roar that only grows in pitch and amplitude, and what you see is a red blur racing away in the distance.
We were at ‘The Art of Performance Tour’ by Jaguar – a series of dynamic experience events across India that provide an opportunity to witness what it’s like to get behind the wheel of a Jaguar under the guidance of expert drive instructors and that red blur I was referring to earlier was the prodigious Jaguar F-Type SVR.
Joining the F-Type SVR in this event is the rest of Jaguar India’s line-up – the XE, XF, XJ-L, F-Pace, and F-Type S, each of them with design cues typical of the brand including the large chrome grilles, cat-eye headlamps and low-slung silhouettes.
The airstrip has been demarcated to experience three different aspects of capabilities – acceleration, handling and braking.
First up is the acceleration run and here I get to sample the F-Type SVR. Its gorgeous lines are more stunning in flesh, and I see why this is one of the best looking cars in the world. As I strap myself inside, I notice that the exquisite design extends to the interiors as well with its airplane-like cockpit feeling at home on the pilot’s runway. One cool detail on all the Jaguars is the welcome gesture, where turning on the ignition causes the AC vents to revolve open and gear selector dial to rise.
Heading towards the start line with both hands on the steering wheel and right foot nursing the gas pedal, I can feel my heart pumping in anticipation. “Go,” says the accompanying instructor – I press pedal to metal and what I experience next is nothing short of mental. I’m pinned to the back of the seat while sprinting from 0 to 100 kmph in matter of seconds and with 150 kmph fast approaching. All this while, there’s that growling roar of the supercharged 5-litre V8 that is music to the ears.
Next we hit the slalom to showcase the handling prowess of Jaguar cars. Here I get to sample the company’s entire line-up of luxury sedans and the F-Pace SUV. Driving the XE and XF through the course is easy as they take the quick direction changes in their stride. However, what’s noteworthy is the performance of the F-Pace SUV as it seem to shrink in size without feeling unsettled as we drive through the slalom. Of course, in the interests of safety, ESP remains on at all times.
The final course turns out to be a driving simulation that emulates an emergency braking situation, and here too, Jaguar’s mainstream line-up proves to be more than able to handle the manoeuvre and panic braking.
All the cars delivers the performance that one expects from a car wearing the Jaguar badge. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable drive experience filled with thrill and adrenaline. There has never been a better way to soak in the pre-winter sun on a Saturday afternoon.
Power Drive 