- A Jaguar XE 300 Sport has established a lap record for a production sedan at the original Circuit de Charade, Clermont Ferrand
- Vincent Radermecker piloted the XE 300 Sport around the 5‑mile, 48 turn track in 4min 09sec at an average speed of 72mph (116kmh) (1)
- Record set on first flying lap of the former GP circuit in 30 years
- The Jaguar XE 300 Sport is powered by a 2.0‑liter turbocharged Ingenium 4‑cylinder gas engine, generating 296hp and 295lb. ft. of torque
- The 2019 Jaguar XE 300 Sport is available at U.S. retailers now and is priced from $53,400 (2)
WATCH THE FILM OF LAP RECORD AT FORGOTTEN GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT
After completing the fastest ever lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a production saloon behind the wheel of the XE’s track‑ready stablemate, the SV Project 8, driver Vincent Radermecker attempted to set a production saloon lap record in the XE 300 SPORT. With a roundabout and two narrow gateways not used in the original circuit to contend with, Vincent lapped the demanding track in just 4 minutes 09 seconds at an average speed of 116km/h (72mph).
JAGUAR XE SETS LAP RECORD AT FORGOTTEN GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT
I set the production saloon record at the Nürburgring in the XE SV Project 8 last year and this lap was every bit as demanding. The agility, dynamic handling and all‑wheel drive traction of the XE 300 SPORT came into its own on this challenging track. The longest straight is barely 600 metres, so I can see why drivers used to call this the French Nürburgring. It’s a privilege to drive this track and it’s really special to drive here with Jaguar.
Vincent Radermecker
Racing driver
The XE 300 Sport is powered by a 296hp 2.0‑liter turbocharged Ingenium gas engine and is capable of 0‑60mph in 5.4 seconds (0‑100km/h in 5.7 seconds)1. With 295lb.‑ft. of torque, Vincent was able to make full use of the exceptional handling capabilities found in the XE to exploit the smallest of opportunities throughout the twisty, undulating track, which snakes around an extinct volcano that sits in the center of the original layout.
JAGUAR XE SETS LAP RECORD AT FORGOTTEN GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT
JAGUAR XE SETS LAP RECORD AT FORGOTTEN GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT
JAGUAR XE SETS LAP RECORD AT FORGOTTEN GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT
The 2019 Jaguar XE 300 Sport
Available exclusively with the 296hp version of the 2.0‑liter turbocharged Ingenium gas 4‑cylinder engine, all 300 Sport models feature a number of unique interior exterior enhancements designed to set the car apart from the core R‑Sport trim level from which it is derived. The 300 Sport will be offered in four exterior colors: Yulong White, Santorini Black, Indus Silver or Caldera Red. The following unique features are standard on all XE 300 Sport vehicles:
Interior Design:
- Ebony Perforated Grained Leather Sport Seats with Yellow Contrast Stitching and 300 Sport Front Head Rest Embossing
- 300 Sport Branded Soft Grain Leather Sports Steering Wheel with Yellow Contrast Stitching and Machined Aluminum Gearshift Paddles
- Luxtec Wrapped Instrument Panel Topper with Yellow Contrast Stitching
- Metal Treadplates with 300 Sport branding
- 300 Sport Branded Sport Carpet Mats with Yellow Contrast Stitching
Exterior Design:
- Distinctive 19‑inch Dark Satin Grey Diamond Turned Finish wheels or optional 20‑inch 10‑spoke wheels with summer performance tires
- 300 Sport Branded Black Brake Calipers
- Gloss Black Grille with Dark Satin Grey Surround
- Unique 300 Sport badging
- Dark Satin Grey Trunk Lid Finisher, Rear Bumper Valence, Rear Spoiler, Front Air Curtains, Front Bumper Splitter, Side Vents, Side Window Surround and Side Sills
In the US, there are more than 30 different derivatives of the 2019 Jaguar XE, available with a range of diesel and gas engines. The XE is priced from $36,9952 for the rear wheel drive 25t model and from $53,4002 for the 300 Sport model. Additional press information on the full 2019 Jaguar XE model range can be found by visiting media.Jaguar.com/en‑us or www.JaguarUSA.com.
Each new Jaguar sold in North America comes with the added peace of mind of Jaguar EliteCare, a best‑in‑class ownership package3. Jaguar EliteCare includes:
- 5 year / 60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty
- 5 year / 60,000 mile complimentary scheduled maintenance
- 5 year / 60,000 mile 24/7 roadside assistance
- 5 year / unlimited mile Jaguar InControl® Remote and Protect™
For complete details regarding Jaguar EliteCare coverage, please visit www.JaguarUSA.com, call (855) JAGUAR‑USA / (855) 524‑8278 or visit your local Jaguar Retailer.
Circuit de Charade
The 5‑mile Circuit de Charade in Clermont Ferrand, included public road sections and hosted the French Grand Prix in 1965, 1969, 1970 and 1972. It fell out of favor as loose volcanic rock and the lack of any real run‑off areas took their toll on cars and drivers alike. The full, longer circuit was last used in 1988; Jaguar returned to the historic track to mark the anniversary of its closure by completing the first flying lap of the circuit in three decades. Jaguar worked closely with the track owners and local authorities to re‑establish the original Circuit de Charade layout for the flying lap record attempt by reopening sections linking today’s track with the public roads that make up the daunting original.
Watch the full lap HERE.
1 Always follow local speed limits.
2 All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for details.
3 Class is cars sold by luxury automobile brands and claim is based on total package of New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance, 24‑Hour Roadside Assistance, and Jaguar InControl® Remote & Protect™. For complete details regarding Jaguar EliteCare coverage, please visit JAGUARUSA.COM, call (855) JAGUAR‑USA / (855) 524‑8278 or visit your local Jaguar Retailer.
Notes to Editors
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 around the world. 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 a line of performance SUVs, the E‑PACE, F‑PACE and first‑ever Jaguar electric vehicle, the I‑PACE. Jaguar designs and engineers exclusively in the United Kingdom. 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.
We employ more than 44,000 people globally and support around 260,000 more through our retailer network, suppliers and local businesses. Manufacturing is centered in the UK, with additional plants in China, Brazil, Austria and Slovakia.
At Jaguar Land Rover, we are driven by a desire to deliver class‑leading vehicles, which will provide experiences our customers will love, for life. Our products are in demand around the globe. In 2017 Jaguar Land Rover sold 621,109 vehicles in 130 countries, with more than 80 per cent of our vehicles being sold abroad.
Our innovation is continuous: we will spend in the region of £4.5 billion this year on new product creation and capital expenditure.
From 2020 all new Jaguar Land Rover vehicles will be electrified, giving our customers even more choice. We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug‑in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles as well as continuing to offer ultra‑clean petrol and diesel engines.
