Brian Joss –
The Jetman Dubai pilot Yves Rossy, took on his first ever live race when he went head-to-head against a Jaguar XJR driven by former Formula One star Martin Brundle in a unique contest deep in the Dubai desert.
The Jetman Dubai pilot Yves Rossy, took on his first ever live race when he went head-to-head against a Jaguar XJR driven by former Formula One star Martin Brundle in a unique contest deep in the Dubai desert.
Brundle, who drove in F1 alongside Michael Schumacher and is now a commentator, had the new all-aluminium 405kW, 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 Jaguar XJR at his disposal while Rossy was strapped to his 2m-wide fixed wing, powered by four Jet-Cat superchargers.
The race took place on a closed private road and in the skies above it, and was captured in a three-minute short film.
“This was the most unique race I have ever taken part in. I have never seen anything like the Jetman wing, full of technology and innovation, and Yves is an extremely brave man. It turns out he is also a very fierce competitor,” said Martin Brundle. “The Jaguar XJR gave him some stiff competition. The smooth, effortless drive was exceptional and it also handled superbly when I had to avoid sand that had blown onto the road. But as for who won – you’ll just have to watch the *film…”
Brundle was helped off the line by the XJ’s innovative All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), a high-tech system that automatically limits traction loss on the rear-wheel drive car at low speeds on slippery surfaces, maximising grip in tough conditions. He was able to reach a top speed of 280 km/h before crossing the finish line.
After five seconds of free-fall following his jump from the Jetman launch helicopter, Rossy was able to level off and power through the sky above the car, reaching a top speed of 314km/h before he flew over the line.
“Racing a former Formula One driver was exciting as we were very close in performance. Racing in a straight line may sound simple but it is not easy and this was the first genuine test for my equipment and my flying technique in competition,” said Rossy. “Just like the Jaguar, we use light yet strong materials in our wing to optimise performance, and superchargers to power me along. But while it is the technology and the aerodynamics that make the XJR perform the way it does, with me it is my body movements under the jetwing strapped on my back that make me fly the way I do.”
“The new Jaguar XJ reaffirms its status as the most dynamic, distinctive luxury saloon. Its all-aluminium construction gives it a low weight but high strength base and technology like the electric power-assisted steering and All-Surface Progress Control, really does help the driver get the most out of the car,” said Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, XJ. “In fact, the XJ has a suite of advanced driver assistance systems available including adaptive cruise control with queue-assist, reverse traffic detection, closing vehicle sensing, 360° surround camera system and semi-automated bay- and parallel parking. But just like Yves and his jetwing, the driver can still enjoy getting the most out of the car.”
The Jaguar XJR will form part of the 2016 Jaguar XJ line-up, which goes on sale in South Africa early next year. It has a recommended retail price of R2 194 290 (including CO2 tax). All-Surface Progress Control will be available on select models.
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xssOxHoEhrk
