rayainsw
04-18-2007, 11:10 AM
So – I was thinking this weekend about a test drive I took some 18 months ago. I was looking quite seriously at a supercharged & inter-cooled Jaguar S-Type R.
OK – First: I am NOT suggesting that the G8 will compete directly with a $60K+ Jag S-Type R.
I do find some statistical comparisons very interesting – since before I decided on ordering my 2007 Corvette, I took an S-Type R for a 36 hour test drive, at the insistence of my local Dealer’s Sales Manager. ( Oh, please, don’t throw me in that briar patch. ) And I was rather impressed.
The S-Type R, for those not familiar with this Jag, is a 4DR sedan, has Approx. 400 HP & TQ, driving the rear wheels through a six speed automatic trans. ( ZF )
Jag Wheelbase = 114.5 in. ( G8 = 114.8 )
Jag Overall Length = 193.1 in ( G8 = 196.1 )
Jag Width = 81.1 ( G8 = 74.8 )
And the Jag weighs
( short drum roll )
just over 4,000 lbs.
Hmmmmm.
So – I re-read the several posts I wrote immediately after that extended test drive.
( The sales manager & I ended up about $3K apart on a negotiated price = “no deal” - sigh. )
Anyway, the dynamics of that 4,000# Jag sedan were surprisingly well managed. The eCATS suspension system likely had much to do with that, though the Holden \ G8 reports I have read so far suggest that Holden has produced a well sorted chassis as well – though clearly not as complex, or expensive as the Jag’s. The Jag’s weight distribution I believe to be approx. 52\48. Not bad. And the G8’s quoted numbers are similar, as I recall.
Now the 3.0L V6 version of the Jag lists for just under $50K. So again, this is clearly NOT a direct G8 competitor – nor a fair comparison. But in this context, any number in the mid-$30Ks for a well equipped G8 V8 begins to sound very attractive & rather aggressive. Depending on many things – not least the actual quality ( fit & finish & materials & ergonomics & sound isolation, etc. ) of the final, production interior – as well as the chassis & drivetrain dynamics. . . the G8 ‘could’ prove quite a bargain.
And if ( ** IF ** ) the recent rumor of an actual October introduction prove accurate, I’d expect ‘long lead’ press introductions in June or July – and published tests of production G8s to appear in September.
We do live in ‘interesting times’ . . .
At least I find it interesting.
- Ray
Still very interested to see what the G8 V8 dynamics will be, as well as interior & exterior fit, finish, etc. . . .
OK – First: I am NOT suggesting that the G8 will compete directly with a $60K+ Jag S-Type R.
I do find some statistical comparisons very interesting – since before I decided on ordering my 2007 Corvette, I took an S-Type R for a 36 hour test drive, at the insistence of my local Dealer’s Sales Manager. ( Oh, please, don’t throw me in that briar patch. ) And I was rather impressed.
The S-Type R, for those not familiar with this Jag, is a 4DR sedan, has Approx. 400 HP & TQ, driving the rear wheels through a six speed automatic trans. ( ZF )
Jag Wheelbase = 114.5 in. ( G8 = 114.8 )
Jag Overall Length = 193.1 in ( G8 = 196.1 )
Jag Width = 81.1 ( G8 = 74.8 )
And the Jag weighs
( short drum roll )
just over 4,000 lbs.
Hmmmmm.
So – I re-read the several posts I wrote immediately after that extended test drive.
( The sales manager & I ended up about $3K apart on a negotiated price = “no deal” - sigh. )
Anyway, the dynamics of that 4,000# Jag sedan were surprisingly well managed. The eCATS suspension system likely had much to do with that, though the Holden \ G8 reports I have read so far suggest that Holden has produced a well sorted chassis as well – though clearly not as complex, or expensive as the Jag’s. The Jag’s weight distribution I believe to be approx. 52\48. Not bad. And the G8’s quoted numbers are similar, as I recall.
Now the 3.0L V6 version of the Jag lists for just under $50K. So again, this is clearly NOT a direct G8 competitor – nor a fair comparison. But in this context, any number in the mid-$30Ks for a well equipped G8 V8 begins to sound very attractive & rather aggressive. Depending on many things – not least the actual quality ( fit & finish & materials & ergonomics & sound isolation, etc. ) of the final, production interior – as well as the chassis & drivetrain dynamics. . . the G8 ‘could’ prove quite a bargain.
And if ( ** IF ** ) the recent rumor of an actual October introduction prove accurate, I’d expect ‘long lead’ press introductions in June or July – and published tests of production G8s to appear in September.
We do live in ‘interesting times’ . . .
At least I find it interesting.
- Ray
Still very interested to see what the G8 V8 dynamics will be, as well as interior & exterior fit, finish, etc. . . .