THE JAGUAR'S ROAR - Nation's Capital Jaguar Owners Club

New Model Review
I
The Jaguar XJ – Another View
By Bob Engh
had an interesting experience the other day that I wanted to
pass along as a potential item for the Roar.
Jaguar Hunt Valley had sales training and a "ride and drive" in the
new XJ, which is finally scheduled to arrive in the May timeframe.
I had the good fortune to participate in the ride and drive
and it was an experience. As I was contemplating what to write, I
discovered that the movie LeMans (1971 starring Steve McQueen)
was being shown. The connection with the ride and drive was that
Jaguar has contracted with Davy Jones, world recognized race
driver and winner of LeMans, Daytona and other prestigious
races, to conduct the dealer sessions. Further, and unbeknown to
Davy, I later realized that a race photo taken by my brother Eric, of
Davy Jones in an XJR10, hung over my desk for almost my entire 6
years with Chesapeake Jaguar (now Jaguar Hunt Valley). Another
proof for 6 degrees of separation!
Now, for my very biased impressions. We were driving a long
wheel base car (no Vanden Plas is being designated for the new
XJ) and it was just amazing. I firmly believe that this is the finest
full size car that I have driven in my lifetime. It is clearly a vehicle
worth waiting for and will raise a lot of eyebrows. There are
marked departures from the current XJ, but Jaguar DNA is present
at a number of levels - so don't be misled, this car is all Jaguar.
Take a good look at the major Jaguar sedans over history and
you will find something from all displayed in this new car, even if
it is only a reference that has been brought up to the present.
We know that the long wheel based car is roomy and that is only
the beginning. With four climate zones, heated and cooled seats,
picnic tables, and a 600 watt sound system, this is comfort at the
highest level. As usual, the leather seating was superb and the
headliner, made of a suede material was terrific. The wood trim
has been refined (if that could be possible) where it now feels like
part of the cabin rather than just trim. The balance of things
is definitely in keeping with transition and tradition.
My first ride was as a passenger in the back seat, and I can see how
one might want to ride back there and let someone else drive. But,
the fun really starts when you get behind the wheel. The new 5L
engine is just superb. At 385 HP, there is more than enough
oomph to merge on the insanity of I 83 N! The delight in driving
the XJ for me was the handling and responsiveness. With an electronic
suspension system standard, this car acts more like a sports
car when entering a corner. There is no roll and there is no loss of
comfort. Keeping speed in check on the back roads was my biggest
challenge and it was really fun to work the shift paddles. With all
of the comfort and technology it is still, like all other Jaguars, a
driver's car. When it finally arrives, take a drive!
Next NCJOC Monthly, Meeting
Monday April 19, 2010
O'Donnell's Restaurant
311 Kentlands Boulevard Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(301)519-1650
www.odonnellsrestaurants.com
DIRECTIONS
The Jaguar’s Roar April,2010 7
O’Donnell’s Restaurant is located in the Kentland shopping center
in Gaithersburg. From most surrounding Communities, you
will need to approach Gaithersburg from I- 270 or the Great Seneca
Hwy:
From I-270 :
Take exit 9B (west), on to Sam Eig Highway.
Continue west on Sam Eig Hwy approximately 1.0 mi to Great
Senica Highway.
Turn Right on to Great Seneca Hwy.
Continue on Great Seneca Hwy to third (3rd) stoplight
(Kentlands Blvd).
Turn Left on Kentlands Blvd.
O’Donnells is about 1/4 miles on your right, just past the roudnabout
The entrance to the parking lot just before the restaurant.
YOU MAY PREFER THESE ALTERNATIVE DIREC-
TIONS:
Getting to the meeting at O'Donnell’s can get a bit complicated if
you chose to exit I-270 at I-370 in Gaithersburg. The traffic at
that exit bunches up on the access road. Jamie Delgadillo recommending
an alternate route which although it has more traffic
lights, it allows for better traffic flow. Here are the directions:
Take exit 5 (Falls Road) off of I-270. This allows you to get onto
the right lane comfortably since you'll be getting off at the next
exit, exit 6B.
Get off at exit 6B. That is route 28 in the direction of
Darnstown .
Stay on route 28 which is also Key West Blvd.
At the ninth traffic light, turn right onto Great Seneca Hwy.
At the fifth traffic light, turn left onto Kentlands Blvd. O'Donnell's
is on the fourth block on your right.
A very big thank you to Davy Jones for making my day! If
you want to keep track of his racing exploits check out www.
davyracing.com. Also, I want to thank Brad Capatch and the gang
at Jaguar Hunt Valley for allowing me to participate. BE