In reply to a message from Dr. Gregory Andrachuk sent Wed 17 Mar 2010:
I really like the new XJ. Looking at the frontal aspect the other
day, I even noted a bit of early XJ influence. Nice job, Ian
Callum.
I’ve always loved the high speed handling of the series 1-3 XJs.
Above 90, they seem to hunker down and stick to the road - very
reassuring.
I don’t know what top speed is in my ser3, but the 2.88 diff and
30% overdrive 4th gear really make it a highway car. I’ve had the
V12 '74 up to 130 mph and the handling was still rock solid. Any
speed over that and I want a rudder and ailerons.
The older saloons do have a lot of wind resistance with those big
headlights and wipers sticking out in the wind. The low drag
cooeficient of the new car would account for much of it’s quiet
ride.–
The original message included these comments:
And I can tell you that modern Jaguars are perfectly stable, controllable
and safe (in themselves) at 115 mph (and certainly at speeds much, much
higher) - but Zurdo’s point is well taken - hence my comment yesterday that
a car such as the new XJ can be lethal in the wrong hands.
In reply to a message from Doug Dwyer sent Wed 17 Mar 2010:
Doug and Bill,
maybe Bill is right and my concern is one of ‘‘perception’’ of both
Jags being ‘‘nose-heavy’’, maybe it’s just I don’t have the stomach
to drive at 100+ mph for fear of the unknown. But I do remember a
1970 crash I had in my first car, a 1969 MG-B, going only 45 mph
and losing the car in a tight turn and crashing front first after
the spinout. I ended up with the school bus sized steering wheel
hitting me hard on my chest, it hurt for months. Like Barbara
Streisand once sang, ‘‘Memories’’! I still have that MG-B steering
wheel!
however, you might agree that these cars are heavy at the front,
which is the heaviest part of the car, that’s what I mean.
Zurdo–
The original message included these comments:
I share your concern over high speed driving. A tire or suspension failure
at 100 mph will likely be catastrophic and the changes of walking away from
the wreck are slim. I have obligations in my life. I’m willing to push only
so far. That said, I have had all of my Jags over 100 mph, but I’m very
selective about the circumstances in which I’ll do so. Dry weather,
unlimited visibility, good road quality, and no other traffic.
Doug Dwyer
In reply to a message from Dr. Gregory Andrachuk sent Wed 17 Mar 2010:
Gregory,
I have been reading this thread with great interest and even
holding my breath a bit. If I interpret the written cues and
phrases correctly when is the new 2011 XJ going to grace the
Andrachuk garage?
More importantly which one of the ‘‘Andrachuk Pride’’ is going
to be surplussed to make room for it? If by chance it was
something clothed in Black Cherry it could be worth a ticket
to Victoria. Don’t suppose you would take trade ins?–
The original message included these comments:
Gregory,
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
1966 3.8 Mk 2, Pale Primrose
1992 Series III V12 Vanden Plas, Black Cherry,
2002 X-Type, 5 sp. manual, Anthracite
2004 XJ8, Ebony