Supercharged XKR 5.0 + Snake Pass = sooo much fun....
Discussion
Are you familiar with another road in that region which breaks off a nice bypass and takes you across one of the resevoirs? lovely little hill climb with a hairpin, plenty of twisties with a negative camber right hander, on a hump, not long after the sailing club - if you know which one I mean... quite popular with our two wheeled friends, that part of the region... according to the number of roadside shrines next to the holes in the dry stone walls.
adycav said:
I look forward to your reports Beef, and as usual it didn't disappoint.
Was there any point at all in your drive when you hankered after a manual 'box, or is the auto and paddles that good?
(Of course I would be interested in the opinion of anyone else who's driven it too)
Paddles work very very well in Sport mode, great blips on downchanges, not left wanting for quicker shifts unless you;ve driven a GTR or California etc. It really is a car for every occasion, as Beef says.Was there any point at all in your drive when you hankered after a manual 'box, or is the auto and paddles that good?
(Of course I would be interested in the opinion of anyone else who's driven it too)
Vantage? DB9? Only the badge is better IMO.
Great write up chap!
The car looks stunning. & obviously goes like hell,if only I could convince myself to like that kind of gearbox.
I know that road very well, as I am from Sheffield & lived at the start of the road for many years, & travelled it's length many many times in all sorts of vehicles. You just need it to be clear to really enjoy a spirited drive though, so it sounds like you were lucky.
The car looks stunning. & obviously goes like hell,if only I could convince myself to like that kind of gearbox.
I know that road very well, as I am from Sheffield & lived at the start of the road for many years, & travelled it's length many many times in all sorts of vehicles. You just need it to be clear to really enjoy a spirited drive though, so it sounds like you were lucky.
Fantastic write up again Beefmiester!
When I've earnt me a fortune this Ecurie business sounds a hoot!
Cracking roads - and yes, there are plenty oh PH'ers who know this area quite well, eh Ben!? Mind the sheep
Next time your visiting, stick a post up and we can show you where some more great bits are.
When I've earnt me a fortune this Ecurie business sounds a hoot!
Cracking roads - and yes, there are plenty oh PH'ers who know this area quite well, eh Ben!? Mind the sheep
Next time your visiting, stick a post up and we can show you where some more great bits are.
Beefmeister said:
As I mentioned in my previous report on the Ferrari California, I recently had a week in Sheffield for a training course. As a masterstroke of timing, ecurie25 have just opened a Leeds branch (free booze launch party on the 12th anyone? See you there... 
), and there just happens to be the fantastic bit of road known as the Snake Pass a stone’s throw from where i was staying.
So – Snake Pass, a free day on Friday...hmmm, what car to choose.... It would have to be one I’ve not driven yet, and they have just the car – sitting there when I arrive is a gleaming black Supercharged 5.0 Jaguar XKR. And by God, that is one stunning car. I’ve always admired the looks of the new XK, but in the new XKR form, with the extra spoilers, with the 20” wheels and new front bumper, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
From every angle it looks beautiful, powerful, menacing, all of the above.
And the visual excitement continues when you swing open the door and take in the interior.
The new centre console, with the oh-so-cool rising gear selector, and pulsating Start button, is right on the money, and the touch-screen Satnav is brilliant. Tactile aluminium paddles sit in the exact right position behind the wheel, and the wheel itself is a marvel to hold.
As you may have guessed, I quite like this XKR – and that’s before I’ve even got to the best bit – the driving.
Thumb the starter button, and that 503bhp (510PS) V8 fires into life with a bark and a rumble. Twist the selector to the right, and you burble away to your destination. Which for me, was the Snake Pass...
Sitting in Sheffield, at the start of the Snake, I paused for thought about how civilised the XKR was on the drive here from Leeds. Soft, supple suspension soaking up the imperfections our roads are cursed with, auto ‘box shifting seamlessly, engine wafting me along. All very Jaguar-like. I must say, I was concerned that it wasn’t going to be the right tool for the Snake after that initial drive, but I needn’t have worried...
Push and twist the selector to ‘S’ to engage Sport mode, and you instantly feel the XKR squat a little, the suspension tightening up. Hmmm, this is a bit better...
First straight and I introduce the throttle pedal to the carpet, and experience what this new Jag is all about. 500+ horses catapults you down the road, V8 growling and snarling, gears holding on to the very last rev before shifting into the next surge of punishing acceleration. Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.
First set of corners, flick the left paddle a few times, and the revs rise, exhaust blaring the V8 soundtrack to anyone who’ll listen. Turn in, dart left, squeeze the throttle again, dart right. Straight bit – floor it, brake, turn..... this goes on all day. I traversed the Snake Pass 4 times that day, and it never got boring.
Any slow mover could be easily dispatched by the Jag’s V8, any corner scythed through, any straight made immeasurably short.
When I stopped to take some photos of the gorgeous cat, it suddenly occurred to me that this really is all the car you could ever need. Powerful, easy to drive, amazing handling, practical boot, 4 seats, all you may need extra is a folding roof, and you can have one of those if you want. It certainly makes the Aston V8 look a bit silly in my eyes, which I never thought I’d say.
I could wax lyrical for another 1000 words on how much I adore this Jag, but I think I’ll just let you revel in its beauty a bit more...
And finally, my favourite picure…
Nothing but clear, empty twisty road ahead.....
XKR looks V smart ! ), and there just happens to be the fantastic bit of road known as the Snake Pass a stone’s throw from where i was staying.So – Snake Pass, a free day on Friday...hmmm, what car to choose.... It would have to be one I’ve not driven yet, and they have just the car – sitting there when I arrive is a gleaming black Supercharged 5.0 Jaguar XKR. And by God, that is one stunning car. I’ve always admired the looks of the new XK, but in the new XKR form, with the extra spoilers, with the 20” wheels and new front bumper, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
From every angle it looks beautiful, powerful, menacing, all of the above.
And the visual excitement continues when you swing open the door and take in the interior.
The new centre console, with the oh-so-cool rising gear selector, and pulsating Start button, is right on the money, and the touch-screen Satnav is brilliant. Tactile aluminium paddles sit in the exact right position behind the wheel, and the wheel itself is a marvel to hold.
As you may have guessed, I quite like this XKR – and that’s before I’ve even got to the best bit – the driving.
Thumb the starter button, and that 503bhp (510PS) V8 fires into life with a bark and a rumble. Twist the selector to the right, and you burble away to your destination. Which for me, was the Snake Pass...
Sitting in Sheffield, at the start of the Snake, I paused for thought about how civilised the XKR was on the drive here from Leeds. Soft, supple suspension soaking up the imperfections our roads are cursed with, auto ‘box shifting seamlessly, engine wafting me along. All very Jaguar-like. I must say, I was concerned that it wasn’t going to be the right tool for the Snake after that initial drive, but I needn’t have worried...
Push and twist the selector to ‘S’ to engage Sport mode, and you instantly feel the XKR squat a little, the suspension tightening up. Hmmm, this is a bit better...
First straight and I introduce the throttle pedal to the carpet, and experience what this new Jag is all about. 500+ horses catapults you down the road, V8 growling and snarling, gears holding on to the very last rev before shifting into the next surge of punishing acceleration. Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.
First set of corners, flick the left paddle a few times, and the revs rise, exhaust blaring the V8 soundtrack to anyone who’ll listen. Turn in, dart left, squeeze the throttle again, dart right. Straight bit – floor it, brake, turn..... this goes on all day. I traversed the Snake Pass 4 times that day, and it never got boring.
Any slow mover could be easily dispatched by the Jag’s V8, any corner scythed through, any straight made immeasurably short.
When I stopped to take some photos of the gorgeous cat, it suddenly occurred to me that this really is all the car you could ever need. Powerful, easy to drive, amazing handling, practical boot, 4 seats, all you may need extra is a folding roof, and you can have one of those if you want. It certainly makes the Aston V8 look a bit silly in my eyes, which I never thought I’d say.
I could wax lyrical for another 1000 words on how much I adore this Jag, but I think I’ll just let you revel in its beauty a bit more...
And finally, my favourite picure…
Nothing but clear, empty twisty road ahead.....
Edited by Beefmeister on Friday 4th September 15:16
I hear ecurie25 London have some very interesting new metal in V soon. I'll not say the model but it's from the Ferrari range. Awesome piece of kit !
Cheers !
J
Justin French said:
Beefmeister said:
As I mentioned in my previous report on the Ferrari California, I recently had a week in Sheffield for a training course. As a masterstroke of timing, ecurie25 have just opened a Leeds branch (free booze launch party on the 12th anyone? See you there... ), and there just happens to be the fantastic bit of road known as the Snake Pass a stone’s throw from where i was staying.
So – Snake Pass, a free day on Friday...hmmm, what car to choose.... It would have to be one I’ve not driven yet, and they have just the car – sitting there when I arrive is a gleaming black Supercharged 5.0 Jaguar XKR. And by God, that is one stunning car. I’ve always admired the looks of the new XK, but in the new XKR form, with the extra spoilers, with the 20” wheels and new front bumper, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
From every angle it looks beautiful, powerful, menacing, all of the above.
And the visual excitement continues when you swing open the door and take in the interior.
The new centre console, with the oh-so-cool rising gear selector, and pulsating Start button, is right on the money, and the touch-screen Satnav is brilliant. Tactile aluminium paddles sit in the exact right position behind the wheel, and the wheel itself is a marvel to hold.
As you may have guessed, I quite like this XKR – and that’s before I’ve even got to the best bit – the driving.
Thumb the starter button, and that 503bhp (510PS) V8 fires into life with a bark and a rumble. Twist the selector to the right, and you burble away to your destination. Which for me, was the Snake Pass...
Sitting in Sheffield, at the start of the Snake, I paused for thought about how civilised the XKR was on the drive here from Leeds. Soft, supple suspension soaking up the imperfections our roads are cursed with, auto ‘box shifting seamlessly, engine wafting me along. All very Jaguar-like. I must say, I was concerned that it wasn’t going to be the right tool for the Snake after that initial drive, but I needn’t have worried...
Push and twist the selector to ‘S’ to engage Sport mode, and you instantly feel the XKR squat a little, the suspension tightening up. Hmmm, this is a bit better...
First straight and I introduce the throttle pedal to the carpet, and experience what this new Jag is all about. 500+ horses catapults you down the road, V8 growling and snarling, gears holding on to the very last rev before shifting into the next surge of punishing acceleration. Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.
First set of corners, flick the left paddle a few times, and the revs rise, exhaust blaring the V8 soundtrack to anyone who’ll listen. Turn in, dart left, squeeze the throttle again, dart right. Straight bit – floor it, brake, turn..... this goes on all day. I traversed the Snake Pass 4 times that day, and it never got boring.
Any slow mover could be easily dispatched by the Jag’s V8, any corner scythed through, any straight made immeasurably short.
When I stopped to take some photos of the gorgeous cat, it suddenly occurred to me that this really is all the car you could ever need. Powerful, easy to drive, amazing handling, practical boot, 4 seats, all you may need extra is a folding roof, and you can have one of those if you want. It certainly makes the Aston V8 look a bit silly in my eyes, which I never thought I’d say.
I could wax lyrical for another 1000 words on how much I adore this Jag, but I think I’ll just let you revel in its beauty a bit more...
And finally, my favourite picure…
Nothing but clear, empty twisty road ahead.....
XKR looks V smart ! ), and there just happens to be the fantastic bit of road known as the Snake Pass a stone’s throw from where i was staying.So – Snake Pass, a free day on Friday...hmmm, what car to choose.... It would have to be one I’ve not driven yet, and they have just the car – sitting there when I arrive is a gleaming black Supercharged 5.0 Jaguar XKR. And by God, that is one stunning car. I’ve always admired the looks of the new XK, but in the new XKR form, with the extra spoilers, with the 20” wheels and new front bumper, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
From every angle it looks beautiful, powerful, menacing, all of the above.
And the visual excitement continues when you swing open the door and take in the interior.
The new centre console, with the oh-so-cool rising gear selector, and pulsating Start button, is right on the money, and the touch-screen Satnav is brilliant. Tactile aluminium paddles sit in the exact right position behind the wheel, and the wheel itself is a marvel to hold.
As you may have guessed, I quite like this XKR – and that’s before I’ve even got to the best bit – the driving.
Thumb the starter button, and that 503bhp (510PS) V8 fires into life with a bark and a rumble. Twist the selector to the right, and you burble away to your destination. Which for me, was the Snake Pass...
Sitting in Sheffield, at the start of the Snake, I paused for thought about how civilised the XKR was on the drive here from Leeds. Soft, supple suspension soaking up the imperfections our roads are cursed with, auto ‘box shifting seamlessly, engine wafting me along. All very Jaguar-like. I must say, I was concerned that it wasn’t going to be the right tool for the Snake after that initial drive, but I needn’t have worried...
Push and twist the selector to ‘S’ to engage Sport mode, and you instantly feel the XKR squat a little, the suspension tightening up. Hmmm, this is a bit better...
First straight and I introduce the throttle pedal to the carpet, and experience what this new Jag is all about. 500+ horses catapults you down the road, V8 growling and snarling, gears holding on to the very last rev before shifting into the next surge of punishing acceleration. Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.
First set of corners, flick the left paddle a few times, and the revs rise, exhaust blaring the V8 soundtrack to anyone who’ll listen. Turn in, dart left, squeeze the throttle again, dart right. Straight bit – floor it, brake, turn..... this goes on all day. I traversed the Snake Pass 4 times that day, and it never got boring.
Any slow mover could be easily dispatched by the Jag’s V8, any corner scythed through, any straight made immeasurably short.
When I stopped to take some photos of the gorgeous cat, it suddenly occurred to me that this really is all the car you could ever need. Powerful, easy to drive, amazing handling, practical boot, 4 seats, all you may need extra is a folding roof, and you can have one of those if you want. It certainly makes the Aston V8 look a bit silly in my eyes, which I never thought I’d say.
I could wax lyrical for another 1000 words on how much I adore this Jag, but I think I’ll just let you revel in its beauty a bit more...
And finally, my favourite picure…
Nothing but clear, empty twisty road ahead.....
Edited by Beefmeister on Friday 4th September 15:16
I hear ecurie25 London have some very interesting new metal in V soon. I'll not say the model but it's from the Ferrari range. Awesome piece of kit !
Cheers !
J
trackdemon said:
Justin French said:
Beefmeister said:
As I mentioned in my previous report on the Ferrari California, I recently had a week in Sheffield for a training course. As a masterstroke of timing, ecurie25 have just opened a Leeds branch (free booze launch party on the 12th anyone? See you there... ), and there just happens to be the fantastic bit of road known as the Snake Pass a stone’s throw from where i was staying.
So – Snake Pass, a free day on Friday...hmmm, what car to choose.... It would have to be one I’ve not driven yet, and they have just the car – sitting there when I arrive is a gleaming black Supercharged 5.0 Jaguar XKR. And by God, that is one stunning car. I’ve always admired the looks of the new XK, but in the new XKR form, with the extra spoilers, with the 20” wheels and new front bumper, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
From every angle it looks beautiful, powerful, menacing, all of the above.
And the visual excitement continues when you swing open the door and take in the interior.
The new centre console, with the oh-so-cool rising gear selector, and pulsating Start button, is right on the money, and the touch-screen Satnav is brilliant. Tactile aluminium paddles sit in the exact right position behind the wheel, and the wheel itself is a marvel to hold.
As you may have guessed, I quite like this XKR – and that’s before I’ve even got to the best bit – the driving.
Thumb the starter button, and that 503bhp (510PS) V8 fires into life with a bark and a rumble. Twist the selector to the right, and you burble away to your destination. Which for me, was the Snake Pass...
Sitting in Sheffield, at the start of the Snake, I paused for thought about how civilised the XKR was on the drive here from Leeds. Soft, supple suspension soaking up the imperfections our roads are cursed with, auto ‘box shifting seamlessly, engine wafting me along. All very Jaguar-like. I must say, I was concerned that it wasn’t going to be the right tool for the Snake after that initial drive, but I needn’t have worried...
Push and twist the selector to ‘S’ to engage Sport mode, and you instantly feel the XKR squat a little, the suspension tightening up. Hmmm, this is a bit better...
First straight and I introduce the throttle pedal to the carpet, and experience what this new Jag is all about. 500+ horses catapults you down the road, V8 growling and snarling, gears holding on to the very last rev before shifting into the next surge of punishing acceleration. Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.
First set of corners, flick the left paddle a few times, and the revs rise, exhaust blaring the V8 soundtrack to anyone who’ll listen. Turn in, dart left, squeeze the throttle again, dart right. Straight bit – floor it, brake, turn..... this goes on all day. I traversed the Snake Pass 4 times that day, and it never got boring.
Any slow mover could be easily dispatched by the Jag’s V8, any corner scythed through, any straight made immeasurably short.
When I stopped to take some photos of the gorgeous cat, it suddenly occurred to me that this really is all the car you could ever need. Powerful, easy to drive, amazing handling, practical boot, 4 seats, all you may need extra is a folding roof, and you can have one of those if you want. It certainly makes the Aston V8 look a bit silly in my eyes, which I never thought I’d say.
I could wax lyrical for another 1000 words on how much I adore this Jag, but I think I’ll just let you revel in its beauty a bit more...
And finally, my favourite picure…
Nothing but clear, empty twisty road ahead.....
XKR looks V smart ! ), and there just happens to be the fantastic bit of road known as the Snake Pass a stone’s throw from where i was staying.So – Snake Pass, a free day on Friday...hmmm, what car to choose.... It would have to be one I’ve not driven yet, and they have just the car – sitting there when I arrive is a gleaming black Supercharged 5.0 Jaguar XKR. And by God, that is one stunning car. I’ve always admired the looks of the new XK, but in the new XKR form, with the extra spoilers, with the 20” wheels and new front bumper, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
From every angle it looks beautiful, powerful, menacing, all of the above.
And the visual excitement continues when you swing open the door and take in the interior.
The new centre console, with the oh-so-cool rising gear selector, and pulsating Start button, is right on the money, and the touch-screen Satnav is brilliant. Tactile aluminium paddles sit in the exact right position behind the wheel, and the wheel itself is a marvel to hold.
As you may have guessed, I quite like this XKR – and that’s before I’ve even got to the best bit – the driving.
Thumb the starter button, and that 503bhp (510PS) V8 fires into life with a bark and a rumble. Twist the selector to the right, and you burble away to your destination. Which for me, was the Snake Pass...
Sitting in Sheffield, at the start of the Snake, I paused for thought about how civilised the XKR was on the drive here from Leeds. Soft, supple suspension soaking up the imperfections our roads are cursed with, auto ‘box shifting seamlessly, engine wafting me along. All very Jaguar-like. I must say, I was concerned that it wasn’t going to be the right tool for the Snake after that initial drive, but I needn’t have worried...
Push and twist the selector to ‘S’ to engage Sport mode, and you instantly feel the XKR squat a little, the suspension tightening up. Hmmm, this is a bit better...
First straight and I introduce the throttle pedal to the carpet, and experience what this new Jag is all about. 500+ horses catapults you down the road, V8 growling and snarling, gears holding on to the very last rev before shifting into the next surge of punishing acceleration. Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.
First set of corners, flick the left paddle a few times, and the revs rise, exhaust blaring the V8 soundtrack to anyone who’ll listen. Turn in, dart left, squeeze the throttle again, dart right. Straight bit – floor it, brake, turn..... this goes on all day. I traversed the Snake Pass 4 times that day, and it never got boring.
Any slow mover could be easily dispatched by the Jag’s V8, any corner scythed through, any straight made immeasurably short.
When I stopped to take some photos of the gorgeous cat, it suddenly occurred to me that this really is all the car you could ever need. Powerful, easy to drive, amazing handling, practical boot, 4 seats, all you may need extra is a folding roof, and you can have one of those if you want. It certainly makes the Aston V8 look a bit silly in my eyes, which I never thought I’d say.
I could wax lyrical for another 1000 words on how much I adore this Jag, but I think I’ll just let you revel in its beauty a bit more...
And finally, my favourite picure…
Nothing but clear, empty twisty road ahead.....
Edited by Beefmeister on Friday 4th September 15:16
I hear ecurie25 London have some very interesting new metal in V soon. I'll not say the model but it's from the Ferrari range. Awesome piece of kit !
Cheers !
J
blindswelledrat said:
Beefmeister said:
Nothing but clear, empty twisty road ahead.....
]
Edited by Beefmeister on Sunday 6th September 20:15
Beefmeister said:
blindswelledrat said:
Beefmeister said:
Nothing but clear, empty twisty road ahead.....
]
Edited by Beefmeister on Sunday 6th September 20:15
Loverly car by the way, must of been a hell of alot of fun down snake pass. Not far from there is Castleton and there is a truly great road that leads to/from Castleton. Might not be much fun in a low sprung sports car but its ace in my nice, stiff diesel hatchback
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