The Jaguar XF Sportbrake may have four wheels - but this forthcoming estate car is
supporting two-wheeled machinery at this year's Tour de France. Jaguar, you see, has
created two bespoke vehicles to help Team Sky compete for the coveted yellow jersey.
As such, these XF Sportbrakes include customised roof racks, race radios, and televisions
which enable Team Sky to monitor the race action without leaving their cars. Did we
see something similar when the Jaguar E-Type launched - its dashboard gramophone,
maybe?
Team Sky Sports Director, Servais Knaven, said recently: “From the driver’s seat I have
to make all the decisions, and fast. I need a car that can drive in all circumstances and
I’m really excited about the new XF Sportbrake. I get a good feeling when I drive it.
It’s
versatile loaded with nine bikes, there is still space and it looks cool. I’d quite like to take it
home.”
The Jaguar XF Sportbrake will soon be available to non-cyclist too. And what a treat.
As well as the rock-solid handling, staggering equipment specification, and exceptional
ride – this cycle lover has a spacious 550-litre cargo capacity. This increases to a bike
swallowing 1,675-litres when the rear seats are folded flat. This complements the soft-
closing tailgate which avoids slamming, the LEDs that illuminate the area behind the car,
its under-floor storage, and the optional power tailgate. Cyclists have never had it so good.
By Stephen Turvil
Tue, 10 Jul 2012
