Jaguar XJR15 Race 1991

racer

Le Mans Winner

14-nov-2004 03:43

Jaguar XJR15 Race 1991

Editado: 14-nov-2004 03:58 -

racer

Le Mans Winner

14-nov-2004 03:44

Jaguar XJR15 001-Race 1991

Throughout the 1950s, the British motorcar firm Jaguar dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans; both C-Type and D-Type cars scored victories in 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957. More than three decades later, under the leadership of Tom Walkinshaw, Jaguar once again scored Le Mans victories in 1988 and 1990. More importantly, Jaguar won three World Sportscar Championship titles, finally breaking Porsche's long reign as the champion of endurance racing. Jaguar's outstanding competition pedigree was reaffirmed and it was in this positive environment that the company decided to manufacture and market a car for very select customers based on the Le Mans-winning XJR9. Jaguar formed a partnership with Tom Walkinshaw Racing and created JaguarSport. Walkinshaw, who had overseen the very successful XJR9 program for Jaguar, endeavored to use the same technology and expertise in a more useable, road and track-ready car. In November 1990, a JaguarSport press release announced the creation of XJR15, of which only 50 examples would be built.
The XJR15 used the same central monocoque as the XJR9, designed by Tony Southgate. It was constructed of lightweight composite materials including carbon-fiber and Kevlar. XJR9 suspension was retained at all four wheels with fabricated wishbones and horizontally mounted pushrod spring dampers at the front, and coil springs at the rear. Four-piston AP Racing calipers were mounted to disc brakes housed completely within the wheels.

The engine, a 450bhp six-liter alloy, dry sump V12, was constructed to Group C specification and included the use of Cosworth forged aluminum pistons, and forged crankshaft and rods. Fuel was delivered via Zytec electronically-controlled sequential fuel injection. The transmission for the race version of the car was a TWR six-speed, straight-cut transaxle mated to a triple-plate carbon AP clutch.

Walkinshaw's final result was a car that weighed only 2,315 pounds and was endowed with awesome handling characteristics, excellent power-to-weight ratio, proven reliability and a top speed of 215mph. All of it came at a price of a $1 million. Interestingly, customers weren't allowed to drive the XJR15 off the lot. A pre-condition of any order was that clients agreed to enter the cars in a three race series, the Jaguar Intercontinental Challenge. Using professional drivers only, the series included races at Monaco, Silverstone, and Spa. Davy Jones, Bob Wollek, Derek Warwick, David Brabham, Juan Fangio II, and series winner Armin Hahne competed wheel-to-wheel gaining valuable press for Jaguar and proving the effectiveness of the car's power and handling.

Considered to be Jaguar's ultimate super car, the XJR15's sculpted lines rank with those of the fabled C-Type, D-Type and XJ13 in aesthetic appeal. One of only 50 total cars built, this Jaguar is an outstanding example. Of those 50 cars, only 20 were built for the track. The example presented here was the first one in race configuration, hence the serial number, 001Вace. In 2001, 001-Race was returned to TWR for a full restoration. Since then, it has only been used sparingly and is in track-ready condition.

Imágenes Adjuntas

Jaguar XJR15 XJR15 001-Race 1991 01.jpg (32,9 KB, 106 visitas)

Editado: 14-nov-2004 04:04 -

nikiporch

FC's Old Breed

14-nov-2004 10:55

ese es mi jaguar favorito desde hace unos acos...

Editado: 14-nov-2004 10:58 -

racer

Le Mans Winner

14-nov-2004 20:32

Lo subo

Klingsor

ForoCoches: Miembro

14-nov-2004 20:38

Tengo un video de Top Gear donde el probador (no se como se llama, es el que como chiste, estaba probando el nuevo 911 y se da cuenta de que se ahbía confundido con el viejo, pòr el gran parecido), en fin, estaba muy descepcionado de ese Jaguar, no le gustó nada nada. Bueno, según recuerdo, por ahi checaré el video de nuevo. Saludos!