Just wondering if anyone has done the Jag Driving Experience and can tell a little about the experience? Or is anyone planning to do so? I got a couple of letters about participating the first weekend of March at the Zmax Dragstrip near Concord, NC. I was just trying to determine if it is worth going to the trouble of going to for a few hours or not. Thanks for any comments!

 

Trust me on this, IT IS WORTH IT!!!!

Go, you will have a great time.

I went to the one in Orlando last month and it was great, very first class affair and lots of fun.

I took a friend of mine who is not really a "car guy" and he can't stop talking about it.

You get to drive the cars on the street, on a very cool and fast simulated road course with a pro driver to coach you and on an "off road" circuit to show off the wet traction capabilities of the cars.

The 0-60 run in the XKR-S is amazing. Put it to the floor, hold it there and feel all 550 ponies pushing you back in the seat. They will shoot a video of you doing the run and give you a copy of it.

Here is an example:
They also have lots of pretty girls, good food and the nicest "tent" I have ever seen in my life.

And they never tried to sell me one, not a salesman in sight, just a bunch of car guys and race car drivers, very cool.

Jaguar corporate did a great job with this "drive experience."
Vector

 

As the Jaguar Driving Experience has gone round the US several members have posted about it.

Nothing but praise from all who have attended so far. Given the chance, I'd jump at the opportunity.

Graham

 

next 3 events - looking at the Charlotte one myself:

Charlotte, NC March 1 - March 3, 2013; Washington, D.C. - March 22 - March 24, 2013; Miami, FL - April 5 - April 7, 2013

 

Wow... looks like a great event. It looks like it's set up more for people that are in the market for a jag, rather than current owners. I've just purchased an XKR so probably not in the market for a new one just yet but would definitely love to attend the CLT event if anybody knows the event organizers or knows how to get my name on the list. This is the type of event, I would even gladly pay to attend.

 

Paul - I requested info and will gladly pass along - although not in the market since still totally enjoying my xk8, I did say within 3-6 months as that was one of the questions they asked

 

Thanks Steve! Much appreciated.

 

Not true, they don't care if you have one or are looking.

It really is a bunch of car guys having fun with the cars.

Just go.....
Vector

 

For the driving experience - it is by invitation only. Since it has been about a week since I requested info and still nothing,I called the concierge and was given the following number for the Alive driving Experience - 888-703-3888 (left a voice mail).
Did some more looking on the site and saw they even have a performance driving academy for a moderate fee (~$1800 for basic and ~$2400 for advanced).

Vector Is there a fee for the driving experience?

 

No. No fee, but it is by invitation only, I believe.

I was told that some folks just showed up and signed up at the one I went to in Orlando, so I'm not really sure if you need and invitation.

They did a very brief (6 questions or so) survey at the end. They did ask about purchase plans, but there was no sales staff there or any pressure to do anything but have fun with the cars.
Vector

 

thanks Vector - invite or not - heading to Charlotte - worse thing that could happen is they say no, but what the hell - gives me a nice 4 hour ride in the jag, spend some time in Charlotte visiting family, then 4 hours back - can't get any better than that (well it could if I get to play at the event)

 

Wow!! Thanks for ALL of the responses. They have me really looking forward to attending the Charlotte event. It sounds like it should really be fun. I recently did a Ferrari drive which left me smiling, and this sounds like it will certainly do the same.

Not complaining but still curious as to why I received the invitation. I thought at first it was because we have an XJ6 VDP, but it is in my wife's name and the invitation was sent to me. In the past, I have also received coupons for discounted service at the local Jag dealer but have never used them since I do my own repairs and service. Any ideas?

By the way, I was on an out of state trip when the invitation came so was kind of late registering. As a result, the only times available in Charlotte were 8:30am on Friday or Sunday morning. All other times were all booked up. That might be of interest to anyone trying to walk in.

 

Had received an invitation and attended the event today. As others have mentioned, it was a free, well organized, invitation only, event with refreshments and snacks along with the chance to sit in the "not yet released" F type and XJR-S which were on display. After a brief intro, you were guided to different stations, given a professional racer as your passenger, who also gave helpful driving tips , while you drove the new XJ, XK and XKR's on different obstacle courses. As a finale, you were able to drive the new Supercharged XKR-S for the 1/4 mile run at full throttle! They even video taped it for you as a souvenir!! At the end, you answered a very short survey and were given a goody bag with some cool Jaguar nick-nacks. A class act all the way around!

 

Looking forward to tomorrow - my scheduled day for the Driving Experience. 05XKRconv's comments make me even more excited about going. Really sounds like they do a good job and with the variety of NICE cars - WOW. Especially looking forward to the 1/4 mile since I would not to feel like I was abusing my car like that.

 

Thats a chance to drive cars you may never get to own which would be a blast. I guess I missed this one but I will be prepared for the next in my area

 

Well, how was it?
Vector