Jaguar and former British Olympic skier Graham Bell have smashed the world record for towing somebody on skis by reaching an average speed of 117mph.
With the record attempt completed at Jaguar Land Rover’s Revi Test Centre in Arjeplog, Sweden, Bell and Jaguar’s new XF Sportbrake smashed the previous record by 47mph, gaining a place in the Guinness World Records.
Temperatures at the Arctic Circle test site were at -28oC so it pushed both Bell and the new Sportbrake to the limit, but with four-wheel drive, adaptive surface response and all surface progress control, the latest version of the XF could comfortably drive in the icy conditions.
Jaguar Land Rover managing director Jeremy Hicks said: “The XF Sportbrake's superb traction, handling and high speed stability made it the perfect choice for this speed record attempt. 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 builds on the success of the saloon and has all of the advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) technologies and aluminium-intensive architecture that have made the XF a multi-award winner.”
The XF Sportbrake was unveiled earlier this year and is the estate version of the XF saloon that has been voted as the best ‘Large and Luxury Car’ in the JD Power survey.
Models come in four trims, with the base Prestige level starting from £34,910 and is accompanied by air suspension, cruise control, two-zone climate control, 40/20/40 split rear seats, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Hotspot and many other premium fixtures.
