2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake breaks record

IF YOU were unaware that there is a Guinness world record for ‘fastest towed speed on skis’ then you’re not alone, but that hasn’t stopped Jaguar making a successful attempt at the title using an XF Sportbrake and a champion on snow.

The British car maker is fond of a publicity stunt and has previously driven a Jaguar XF across the River Thames, completed a full 360-degree vertical loop in an F-Pace and a barrel roll in its more recent E-Pace, but the latest spectacle involved staying firmly on the ground.

For the attempt, Jaguar took the most powerful all-wheel drive version of its new XF Sportbrake wagon to its winter testing facility in Sweden along with British Olympic ski champion Graham Bell.

While most owners’ towing activities would be limited to trailers, a caravan and perhaps the odd boat at freeway speeds, Jaguar pushed the envelope somewhat. Bell ended up registering 188km/h, smashing the previous record of 113km/h.

Jaguar says the assault on the record was made possible by the Sportbrake’s all-wheel drive traction and adaptive, self-levelling suspension, coupled to a 280kW/450Nm supercharged 3.0-litre V6.

“The XF Sportbrake's superb traction, handling and high speed stability made it the perfect choice for this speed record attempt,” said Jeremy Hicks, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover.

“We’re extremely proud to have supported Graham in this incredible world-beating achievement. It’s this kind of trail-blazing activity that really tests our cars to their limits.”

The XF Sportbrake arrives in Australia next month and will be available in four variants priced from $90,400, but the all-paw version that made the stunt possible is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market.