RE: PistonHeads at the Nurburgring

RE: PistonHeads at the Nurburgring

Wednesday 19th September 2012

PistonHeads at the Nurburgring

Four PHers, three supercharged Jaguars, one rather special day



Last month, Jaguar approached PistonHeads with a competition which, to say the least, caught the attention of many PHers. On offer was an all expenses paid trip to Jaguar's Nurburgring Test Center (their spelling) to see first hand how they use this infamous track in the development of its road car range.

That rather dry description doesn’t really do it justice though, does it? Because as well as a trip around their development HQ the trip also included a chance to sample some 'Ring rituals'. That meant steak on a stone and war stories in the Pistenklause the night before a day spent on a near-empty track hammering around in Jaguar’s fastest production models: the XFR, the XJ Supersports (in lwb form) and their most powerful ever production car, the astonishing XKR-S.

With editor Dan off sick, it fell to me to accompany our PHers on the trip. As a bloke who spends his days wrestling with spreadsheets rather than the wheel of the latest press car, this was to be my first trip to the ‘Ring. Whilst I’m fully aware of the obsession with the place of many of my journalist colleagues, I’d always been a bit 'meh', a bit overtaken by manufacturer PR point scoring, and frankly a bit terrified by YouTube videos of big offs.

With all this furkling in the background I attempted to affect an air of detached nonchalance at the airport, and in the VIP lounge at Frankfurt, and in the fleet of XJ-Ls which ferried us down to Nurburg. I’m not sure I was managing to pull it off all that well, but when we spotted a superb 964RS on the outskirts of Nurburg (East German plates, mega cooling pipes, dour 50-something German bloke at the wheel) my guard dropped and my inner 7 year old was released. We’re going to the 'Ring. And we’re going to be driving really really fast Jags. Other people’s really really fast Jags...

First, a chance to chat to some of Jaguar’s Nurburg team. Good banter abounded with Phil Talboys, manager of Jaguar’s test programmes. He alternates between Nurburg and their winter facility up at Arjeplog in Sweden. Joining him were Vehicle Dynamics engineer James Matthews (steering feel specialist, top bloke and Shed fanatic - he owns an X308 XJR) and Klaus Panchryz - one of our racing driver instructors for the following day, ‘Ring veteran, Schumacher contemporary and 80s German hairstyle fan.

In conversation with Phil, Klaus and James it soon became clear just how useful this place is to Jaguar. Before our arrival they had completed two weeks of capability and durability testing as part of their manufacturer pool time. In essence this means setting a benchmark time around the circuit (the capability bit) and then repeating it over and over again (durability). For the XKR-S that means a time of “around 8 minutes” (they wouldn’t be drawn on the exact time) and then repeating that 390 times, always within 20 seconds of the benchmark time. That’s just over 5000 miles at full chat, in the interests of ensuring your car won’t boil its brakes after 5 laps at Bedford Autodrome.

What also became clear over dinner is the enthusiasm and optimism at Jaguar under Tata ownership. There’s a refreshing sense of optimism about the future of the business, excitement about the coming product range (particularly just a few days ahead of the F Type’s Paris reveal) and a sense of a confident and well-funded business with a real desire to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

XKR-S. Brutally fast and capable
XKR-S. Brutally fast and capable

The following day was our appointment with the Green Hell. After breakfast and a briefing, we were soon on track. An immediate surprise for all was the format - alone in a car with an instructor at the front of a group of 4, with turn-by-turn instructions by radio, and two laps per stint before a return to the Jaguar test centre for coffee and war stories. With three cars to drive, that meant 3 stints on track, with an adrenalin-dissipation break between.

We had plenty of track time, but it was very much in at the deep end. Trying to stay with the lead car, remember the instructions for the corner and keep an eye out for faster cars was quite a sensory overload. Finally the instructors took us out for flying laps in Jag’s XJ Ring Taxi (from where the video is taken) and in the XKR-S.

This isn’t a review piece on any of the cars, since we only had a limited time in each and I’m far less qualified than many colleagues to appraise a car’s handling characteristics. Still, I was left with some surprising impressions after my first time at the Nordschleife.

The XKR-S is as quick and as competent as you’d expect, but the XJ-L was surprisingly nimble for something so long. I felt far more at home and “together” in this car by comparison to the XFR, which felt heavy and with far more interruptive ESP.

The biggest impression by far though was not made by the cars, but by the place itself. I now absolutely get what the fuss is about. I want to do a better job of my approach into Brunnchen. I want to be faster. I want to go back. Immediately. In an XJ Supersports please. Black on black on black, with extra black.

Before you watch the onboard footage from one of our Ring Taxi laps at the end of the day, here's what our lucky competition winners thought of their day at the ‘Ring.

Colin attempts to look cool, calm and collected. Fails.
Colin attempts to look cool, calm and collected. Fails.
Colin Kilby

"From the moment Dan confirmed it was real and not someone on the internet wanting mysort code and account number, I was as excited as I was when I was nine and knew I was getting a Grifter for Christmas.
"I’ve driven the circuit previously in my S1 Elise, so from the minute I knew I was going back, I was constantly checking the weather and hoping for dry conditions.
"Meeting fellow PHers is always good, and our group was no disappointment. I’ve never been a VIP before so the Obama style XJ-L convoy from Frankfurt to Nurburg (and back) was awesome. It was also fantastic to spend time with people from the engineering side, so a big thanks is due to James and Phil for explaining what they do so well.

"Standout moments for me were many. The XKR-S was a complete weapon, and the XJ-L inexplicably good. The trip in the Ring Taxi defied logic (we overtook a GT3...) and Tom’s driving was incredible.

"However the passenger ride in the XKR-S challenged my understanding of what a road car can do. Klaus drove with his finger tips at corner speeds that made my eyes pop out. I think we lapped in about 8:30 but I was rendered mute for double that after the lap as I struggled to understand what had just happened. I texted my wife with the message "all laps done, I'm still here, I can't wait to tell you what I’ve been through" - the last part of that sentence indicating I felt like I had just survived some major trauma!

"All the drivers were great and very engaging. Klaus made me laugh after our lap when I offered him a Marlboro Light. He smiled and said “thank you, but I only smoke full strength”. Of course you do I thought, you're a proper hairy-chested racing driver and I am a mere mortal."

PHer "Funbus" off for some fun. Just not in his bus
PHer "Funbus" off for some fun. Just not in his bus
Rob Shelton

"I thought I had a rough idea as to what the Nurburgring would be like, but I didn’t thinkthat the reality would be so far removed. You expect it to feel much longer in time and distance, but after the first lap I remember thinking “have I done a lap already?!”

"First up was the XJ-L Supersport. I didn’t anticipate an almost 2 tonne car handling so well, it was very planted and gave bags of confidence.

"Next was the XKR-S, which caused me to utter an expletive as I really gave it the beans for the first time. Great pace accompanied by an amazing soundtrack. Last was the XFR which I started out loving but, after a slight 'moment' at Breidscheid just didn’t connect with again.

"My passenger fast lap in the XKR-S was with Klaus Panchyrz who has had an interesting motorsport career. This was the highlight for me, as was an 8:43.6 in the ‘Ring Taxi.

"The hospitality Jaguar laid on was wonderful and it was great to learn so much about the development of Jaguars and the how the ‘Ring plays such a part in what we drive on the road."

Work that badly fitting cotton balaclava look, Stuart
Work that badly fitting cotton balaclava look, Stuart
Stuart Forward

"I had masses of anticipation of what was ahead, but nothing could really prepare me forthe 13 miles of track that was in front of me. I can understand the deservedly fearsome reputation of the place, with blind crests and narrow long sweeping bends and only the Armco to collect me. The words “don’t be the first to bin it, please don’t be the first to bin it” certainly went through my head as I first entered the track.

"My car of choice would be the XKR-S. An addictive V8 sound track and nimble sports handling was a combination that I could’ve spent all day exploring.

"The XF was the biggest handful. You could feel the weight of the car as it was thrown into the bends with its traction control system trying hard to stop the car running off the track. I think a lot more effort was needed to keep the weight evenly balanced to get the most out of the car.

"The shock car of the day had to be the XJ-L. I don’t understand how a car that can be compared to the size of a small yacht can be so balanced and agile. No matter how hard I threw it into bends, it always felt stable, completely balanced through the bend and off like a shot as the power went down.

"The one thing about all the cars that will keep a smile on my face for a long time is the astonishing power delivery - I saw 220kph on several occasions.

"The Nordschleife is a driving Mecca and I could very easily see myself being addicted to it. I’m sold on it and want to go back and conquer it."

Kai from Essex trying not to look terrified
Kai from Essex trying not to look terrified
Kai Chung Lo

"Reflecting on the Jaguar/Nurburging experience, I’m actually feeling a little disappointed. I'm disappointed that the experience of my life has ended so quickly. Driving at the Nurburgring is special in its own, but doing it in three different Supercharged Jags and then riding with the ‘Ring Specialists was just Heaven. On top of that, from the moment we landed in Germany, the VIP treatment from Jaguar was amazing. And now it's all memories.

"I've totally fallen for the XJ Supersport, for me it was the Car of the experience, the breadth of its abilities is just totally amazing. Forget the M5 and E63, I want an XJ Supersport.

"Thank you Jaguar and thank you Pistonheads for this dream day!"







Here's a video of a flying lap of Jag's XJ-L Ring Taxi in the hands of Tom Schwister.

 

Author
Discussion

Mermaid

Original Poster:

21,492 posts

170 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
One word - envious. thumbup

Debaser

5,665 posts

260 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Sounds like you had fun!

sodslaw

189 posts

138 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
when will it be my turn? frown

Bisonhead

1,567 posts

188 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Hmmmmm...green

635csi

125 posts

170 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
The Super Sport becoming a bit of a cult car

Stuart

11,635 posts

250 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
635csi said:
The Super Sport becoming a bit of a cult car
I can see why. It really hadn't entered my consciousness until this trip, but it sounds great, looks good (IMHO) and is much stiffer and lighter feeling than I thought it would be.

Shinobi

5,072 posts

189 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Jealous!

Vocal Minority

8,582 posts

151 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Very lucky boys... *harumph*

*Kosta*

911 posts

202 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Sounds like a fantastic experience was had by all. I'm green with envy.

I'm also 28 in six days, so please hurry up and get another one of these competitions sorted smile

Charlie Michael

2,750 posts

183 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Sounds like everyone had a great time, very envious.

Need to keep my eyes peeled for the next comp.

TheDoggingFather

17,089 posts

205 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
I hate you all.

Nobby77

36 posts

163 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
So I didn't win then frown (I'm massively jealous too)

RobCrezz

7,892 posts

207 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Wow! Sounds like a fantastic experience! smile

tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Shame the wind noise masks the tyres and engine but I'll love a go in one

CraigVmax

12,248 posts

281 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
great article

GilesGuthrie

169 posts

146 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
I'm very jealous. But thanks to all who went who have justified completely my purchase of an XJ L Supersport! biggrin

I did Jaguar track day recently at Knockhill, and they certainly know how to look after people. A great prize.

4lf4-155

700 posts

242 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
GilesGuthrie said:
I'm very jealous. But thanks to all who went who have justified completely my purchase of an XJ L Supersport! biggrin

I did Jaguar track day recently at Knockhill, and they certainly know how to look after people. A great prize.
I'll never forget the feeling of chasing an xkrs down towards the foxhole in the xj l it' has has shag pile foot rests in the back ffs!

A truly incredible day and thanks to jag and PH

V12 Migaloo

805 posts

145 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Excellent article but Damn You Pistons Heads and your Classified section... Time to sell the XJD and plump for a SuperSport... Will my Gaffer still pay my fuel bills!

jamespink

1,218 posts

203 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
What a great idea - I am clear there are sufficient manufacturers out there to do this that if I keep applying... Eventually I will get picked!

Pork

9,453 posts

233 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
Just watching the video is tiring (even on mute, damn wind!) so I can't imagine what 390 laps at full chat feels like.