SIBLING RIVALRY - OLYMPIC ATHLETES COMPETE IN UNIQUE JAGUAR XF TRIATHLON

23 August 2017

Alistair and Jonny Brownlee reignite their rivalry in a trio of challenges behind the wheel of a Jaguar XF and XF Sportbrake

  • Olympic triathletes and brothers, Jonny and Alistair Brownlee, go head-to-head in trio of Jaguar XF sedan and XF Sportbrake challenges to showcase space, performance and technology
  • All-wheel drive and All Surface Progress Control systems (1)
  • Semi-automated Park Assist technology is designed to provide assistance with f common parking maneuvers (1)
  • Jaguar XF Sportbrake offers 31.7-cu. ft. of loadspace, with a maximum load space of 69.7-cu. ft. and a 40:20:40 rear seat split for greater flexibility
  • Gesture Tailgate lets you open the trunk when your arms are full of kit

Olympic triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee have reignited their rivalry in a triathlon with a difference – behind the wheel of a Jaguar XF sedan and XF Sportbrake.

The pair competed in a trio of challenges to show off the dynamic performance, increased loadspace and parking technology of both vehicles.

First was the swim, otherwise known as the ‘Smartcone Slide’, pitting the brothers against each other in a slalom contest 2 on a wet skid pan to showcase  the all-wheel-drive capability, outstanding traction and overall performance of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake in low-grip conditions.

Round two put the pair on their bikes for ‘Pedal to Pack’ as they raced to stow their equipment the quickest in the 31.7-cu. ft. of rear load space and on the versatile roof rack of the new XF Sportbrake estate.

With all to play for in the final challenge ‘Race to Reverse’, the brothers were tested with a parallel park in the XF sedan. Alistair took the wheel and manually tried to park the car in the shortest possible time, while Jonny put his faith in the semi-automated Park Assist function1, proving the difference as he triumphed over his brother to take overall victory.

SIBLING RIVALRY - OLYMPIC ATHLETES COMPETE IN UNIQUE JAGUAR XF TRIATHLON

Alistair might have got the better of me in the Olympics, but this one is really going to hurt him. He prides himself on his driving skills, so to beat him here will give me serious bragging rights. This might have been a little different to what we’re used to, but it was great fun to test the capability of the Jaguar XF and XF Sportbrake. They’re both very impressive cars.

Jonny Brownlee
World Champion Triathlete

With a maximum loadspace capacity of 69.7-cu. ft and a flexible 40:20:40 folding rear seat split, the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake is a premium estate that sets new standards for practicality and convenience. This combination of space, driving dynamics and advanced technologies make it the ideal vehicle for customers with active lifestyles.

SIBLING RIVALRY - OLYMPIC ATHLETES COMPETE IN UNIQUE JAGUAR XF TRIATHLON
SIBLING RIVALRY - OLYMPIC ATHLETES COMPETE IN UNIQUE JAGUAR XF TRIATHLON
SIBLING RIVALRY - OLYMPIC ATHLETES COMPETE IN UNIQUE JAGUAR XF TRIATHLON
SIBLING RIVALRY - OLYMPIC ATHLETES COMPETE IN UNIQUE JAGUAR XF TRIATHLON

It also boasts a maximum roof payload of 220.5-lbs and a number of different accessories and racks that can accommodate skis or snowboards, cycle racks and water sports equipment. The load space is also accessible with the convenient Gesture Tailgate, letting you open the trunk when your arms are full with just a wave of a foot.

Its lightweight construction and optimized driving dynamics combine with near 50:50 weight distribution to deliver the ideal balance between ride and handling. All Surface Progress Control enables smooth, effortless traction on low-grip surfaces, while on-demand all-wheel drive and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics deliver optimum performance and capability.1

Both the XF sedan and XF Sportbrake feature Park Assist. There are semi-automated functions for both bay and parallel parking, with ultrasonic sensors to measure the space and steer the car into position. All the driver has to do is manage the accelerator and brake, while the car does the rest.1

As a triathlete I’m used to being in control of my own performance. I’ve also always prided myself on my parking, so when it came to the final challenge, I wanted to make sure I was in charge. As it turned out, I would have been better off trusting the XF’s technology. I’ll get Jonny back next time!

Alistair Brownlee
Two-time Olympic Triathlon Champion

The new XF Sportbrake joins Jaguar’s award-winning XF sedan in its tenth year of production and delivers a compelling combination of design, driving dynamics and advanced technologies. Both are manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich plant alongside the Jaguar XE and XJ sedans and F-TYPE sports car.

 

1 These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving.  Please consult the owner’s manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details.

2 Closed course. Drivers operating vehicles under supervision. Do not attempt.”

Further information

About Jaguar

Jaguar is a premier manufacturer of luxury sedans, sports cars and SUVs offering unparalleled design with tremendous performance. The company's vision throughout its storied 80 year history has been simple: To produce beautiful, fast cars that are desired the world over. Jaguar strives to provide a world class ownership experience to every owner. Today's Jaguar lineup consists of the Jaguar XE and XF sports sedans, the XJ full-size luxury sedan, the two-seat F-TYPE sports car and the brand’s first-ever performance SUV, the F-PACE. Jaguar designs, engineers and manufactures exclusively in the United Kingdom, at the Castle Bromwich and Solihull manufacturing plants in the British Midlands. Jaguar is fully engaged with sustainability initiatives and social concerns with continuous involvement in environmental and community programs. For more information, visit the official Jaguar website at www.jaguarusa.com.

About Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover is the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands: Land Rover, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all-wheel-drive vehicles; and Jaguar, one of the world’s premier luxury sports sedan and sports car marques.

The company employs over 40,000 people globally, with 330 in the U.S. and supports around 275,000 more through our dealerships, suppliers and local businesses. Manufacturing is centered in the UK, with additional plants in China, Brazil, India and Slovakia.

At Jaguar Land Rover we are driven by a desire to create class-leading products that deliver great customer experiences. The largest investor in R&D in the UK manufacturing sector, we have invested £12 billion (USD$15.7 billion) in the last five years and in the current year alone will spend over £3.5 billion (USD$4.5 billion) on new product creation and capital expenditure. Last year Jaguar Land Rover sold over 583,000 vehicles in 136 countries, with nearly 80 percent of our vehicles produced in the UK being sold abroad.