After around six months of planning, the Jaguar F-PACE has been revealed with a stunt that showcases its versatility… Although this may be way beyond its usual remit…
British stunt driver Terry Grant took a full production-specification F-PACE First Edition to a new world record, as certified by the Guiness book of records.
The quest? To complete the largest-ever loop-the-loop.
Standing at an imposing 19.08 metres, the loop conveniently doubled as the zero in a superbly-crafted ‘80’ structur
e at Frankfurt’s Niederrad Racecourse horse racing facility, to signify Jaguar’s 80th anniversary.
Grant approached the loop at 53mph, before withstanding 6.5G on the initial run up the ramp. The sheer angle of attack reduced the F-PACE’s speed to 15mph at its slowest, before the Caesium blue SUV accelerated down the other side. The whole climb and fall lasted around three seconds, and was orchestrated by a team of structural engineers, mathematicians and safety specialists.
To prepare Grant underwent two months of training and dietary monitoring to ensure he was able to cope with the peak g-forces, which exceeds that achieved by space shuttle occupants.
The record was designed to showcase the F-PACE’s agility and safety attributes, while showing off the limited-build First Edition (2000 units allocated globally).
The First Edition F-PACEs are only available with the 220kW turbo-diesel 3.0-litre V6, or 280kW supercharged petrol. The vehicles ride on 22-inch alloy wheels feature contrasting inserts and standard equipment includes a sliding panoramic roof, adaptive dynamics and full-LED headlights. Inside, Windsor soft-grain leather seats are trimmed in Light Oyster, and contain twin-needle stitching and an embossed houndstooth pattern that serves as a nod to the C-X17 concept’s interior.
No news on whether you're required to emulate Grant's feature before you take delivery!
More News: Jaguar F-PACE to deliver up to 280kW
Full coverage from motoring.com.au at Frankfurt motor show here