Jaguar has announced that it has entered into a technical partnership with the Bloodhound Project and its quest to break the 1,000mph barrier (1,609km/h) and in doing so also revealed the all-wheel-drive version of the F-Type Coupé.
The dual announcement took place at the Hakskeen Pan desert in the Northern Cape of South Africa as the all-wheel drive F-Type R was deployed to test the radio equipment that will be used by the Bloodhound team. With Bloodhound Project Director and former World Land Speed Record holder Richard Noble at the helm the sporty Jag was driven flat out across the soft surface of the Hakskeen Pan desert with a jet airplane flying 50 feet above it.
With a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and top speed of 300km/h even the surety of all-wheel drive would not allow the F-Type to keep up with the 800km/h jet, but it was the relative distance between the vehicles and the effectiveness of the Bloodhound communications systems that was undergoing testing as the team looked to ensure the equipment would continue to work when the plane tracks the jet- and rocket powered Bloodhound SSC in twelve months' time.
"We are absolutely delighted to announce Jaguar as a Main Partner to the Bloodhound Project, commented Richard Noble. "This is a very fine match - Jaguar is very strong on innovation and with its huge drive in advanced technology, education and motorsport track record, we have the perfect partner. Together we have developed outstanding inter-team synergy and this is a very special relationship. We are proud to carry the Jaguar branding on Bloodhound SSC."
Anything else?
The all-wheel drive F-Type will be unveiled to the public at the LA Auto Show on November 19 where it will be joined by Wing Commander Andy Green - current world record holder and the first man to break the sound barrier in a car, and also the man who will take the helm of the Bloodhound SSC for its 1,000mph run. Green will confirm the full extent of the technical collaboration between Jaguar and the Bloodhound Project.