Cars & Autos | Wednesday 25 March, 2015 12:31 pm |

• All-New Jaguar XF completes world’s longest high-wire journey above London’s business district, Canary Wharf
• Only two 34mm carbon wires, suspended 18 metres above water, supported the vehicle
• High-wire water crossing stunned commuters and a global audience who watched online at jaguar.com/newxf
• 240 metre journey showcases the new XF’s lightweight credentials: 80kg lighter than the competition*
Jaguar teamed up with Bond stuntman, Jim Dowdall to complete the daring stunt
London reveal kicks off the launch of the all-new Jaguar XF, which is lighter, more efficient and more refined than its competitors
• The New XF is the second all new Jaguar to pounce in Jaguar's 80th anniversary year making 2015 the true ‘year of the cat’

Commuters in the heart of London’s business district were stopped in their tracks this morning as the all-new Jaguar XF seemingly achieved the impossible and performed the world’s longest hire-wire water crossing.
Jaguar’s newest saloon demonstrated its poise, agility and dramatic good looks as London’s business community watched in awe. The new XF made a careful journey across two, three centimetre thin wires suspended high above the waters of Canary Wharf.
Jim Dowdall, Hollywood movie stuntman and veteran of action scenes in films including Bourne, Indiana Jones and Bond, was in the driver’s seat for the 240 metre three minute journey:
“Over my 35 years in the industry I’ve driven Jaguars on many Hollywood movie sets. However the biggest test for me on this stunt was the unpredictability of the elements. Potential oscillation in the high-wires from wind speeds meant it added a real challenge. The wires are only 34mm in diameter so the journey required absolute precision, balance and control.”
Meteorological experts and structural engineers were on hand to determine precise drive conditions, based on comprehensive crosswind analysis. As a contingency, top stunt man Jim Dowdall was rigged up with abseil equipment, a cherry picker crane was on hand and a RIB safety speedboat waited on the banks.
Fiona Pargeter, Global PR Communications Director for Jaguar Land Rover said:
“Canary Wharf’s commuters stood still this morning when they saw what the XF was doing; it was lovely to bring a smile to their faces on their way to work. It seemed like the rush hour hustle stopped for a few minutes as the XF made its graceful journey above the water.”
The sky-high tightrope journey showcased the XF’s lightweight credentials – its new aluminium body means it is 80kg lighter than its nearest competitor and 190kgs lighter than its predecessor.
The new XF is the third Jaguar to be based on the brand’s advanced aluminium architecture, making every Jaguar now produced aluminium intensive. The British firm is the globally recognised leader in high-tech aluminium construction, which leads to strong and safe but ultra-lightweight body structures.
Less weight means better efficiency and the new lightweight XF can now boast segment-leading figures of over 70mpg and 104g/Km CO2. It also offers more rear seat space than its competitors as well as new touch screen technology and unrivalled levels of luxury and refinement.
The all-new XF will next be seen in America on 1 April, where it will debut at the New York International Auto Show.
*Ingenium four-cylinder diesel 163PS with manual transmission
- ENDS -
NOTES TO EDITORS

For high resolution video files visit www.broadcast.jaguarlandrover.com
Full technical details, images and film of the all-new XF will be available on 01 April at 00:01 BST from www.media.jaguar.com

About the all-new Jaguar XF
The all-new Jaguar XF: lighter and more efficient, with unrivalled refinement, dynamics and design
• The all-new XF’s aluminium-intensive architecture enables class-leading weight: 80kg lighter than the competition*
• The lowest CO2 emissions of any non-hybrid model in the class: 104g/km
• Elegant, progressive design combines short overhangs and outstanding proportions with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency: Cd 0.26
• Segment-leading rear seat space
• All-new 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system: InControl Touch Pro
• Bespoke 825W Meridian digital surround sound system with 17 speakers
• Reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster
• Powertrains from 163PS Ingenium diesel to 380PS V6 supercharged petrol
• Double-wishbone and Integral Link suspension deliver exceptional ride comfort, handling and unrivalled refinement
• Torque on-demand all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics delivers the optimum balance of performance and all-weather capability
• Full technical and range specifications released 01 April

*Ingenium four-cylinder diesel 163PS with manual transmission


About Jim Dowdall
Jim has over 35 years of experience as a Stunt Co-coordinator/Performer and over his career has worked on films including James Bond, The Bourne Supremacy, Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan, Indiana Jones and Superman to name just a few.

Jim also lectures regularly at the National Film and Television School in the UK and schools and universities around the world.
For further information log onto newsroom.jaguarlandrover.com , live.jaguar-me.com or contact: Angelina Hedra at Weber Shandwick MENA on +971 4 445 42 22 / email jlr@webershandwick.com
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