Jaguar has announced a major technical partnership with The Bloodhound Project, aiming to raise the world land speed record above 1,000mph and assist in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
On the relatively soft surface of the Hakskeen Pan desert in the Northern Cape of South Africa, the stability of the new F-TYPE R AWD Coupé today enabled the successful completion of a vital communications test for the Bloodhound SSC team. Click here to watch the film.
Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar said: “Our target with engineering the All Wheel Drive F-TYPE was to maintain the engaging rear-drive character that’s so important to Jaguar sports cars, yet offer even greater dynamic capability. The result is a controllable, exploitable and blisteringly fast performance car in all weather and road conditions.”
The F-TYPE R AWD Coupé was driven flat-out by Bloodhound Project Director and former World Land Speed Record holder, Richard Noble, who said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce Jaguar as a Main Partner to the Bloodhound Project. This is a very fine match – Jaguar is very strong on innovation and with its huge drive in advanced technology, education and motorsport track record, we have the perfect partner. Together we have developed outstanding inter-team synergy and this is a very special relationship. We are proud to carry the Jaguar branding on Bloodhound SSC.”
Fitted with the same radio equipment as the jet and rocket powered Bloodhound SSC, the F-TYPE R AWD was driven head-to-head at top speed with a similarly equipped jet flown at 500 knots and just 50 feet above the ground. The combined closing speed of almost 700mph enabled the successful test of the system that will allow communications between the ground crew and driver Andy Green in Bloodhound SSC, which will run for the first time on the Hakskeen desert just twelve months from now.
The addition of All Wheel Drive is one of a number of performance enhancements to the award-winning Jaguar F-TYPE range, which will grow from six to 14 derivatives in 2015. The full range will debut at the LA Auto Show on 19 November.