Video Find: Jaguar F-Type Follows in XK120's Footsteps With 179-MPH Sprint

Video Find: Jaguar F-Type Follows in XK120's Footsteps With 179-MPH Sprint It’s been 60 years since a record-setting, modified Jaguar XK120 hit an average flying mile speed of 172.4 mph, and in this Video Find, a Jaguar F-Type V8 S revisits the same area to set a new speed record. The F-Type V8 S accelerated from 0-179 mph and back to a stop in Jabbeke, Belgium, piloted by 1988 Le Mans 24 Hour winner Andy Wallace. Before Wallace sets out on his run, he and former Jaguar chief test engineer Norman Dewis share their thoughts in this Video Find.

Video Find: Jaguar F-Type Follows in XK120's Footsteps With 179-MPH Sprint

Video Find: Jaguar F-Type Follows in XK120's Footsteps With 179-MPH Sprint

 Video Find: Jaguar F-Type Follows in XK120's Footsteps With 179-MPH Sprint

Video Find: Jaguar F-Type Follows in XK120's Footsteps With 179-MPH Sprint

Video Find: Jaguar F-Type Follows in XK120's Footsteps With 179-MPH Sprint

Jaguar F TYPE V8 S 0 179 0 mph run right rear 1 300x187 imageThe 0-179-0 mph acceleration and braking run was done in Jabbeke – the same area where Dewis made a record-setting run with a 172.4-mph average in the flying mile behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK120 in 1953. While Dewis had a five-mile stretch of road to accomplish his run, Wallace had just two miles for his acceleration and braking attempt.

While the F-Type is available with a 340-380-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 or a 495-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V-8. The V-8 model’s 0-60 mph time is estimated at 4.2 seconds, though we’re guessing the car is capable of slightly quicker performance. With more than two miles of track, the car’s top speed is said to be 186 mph. Like the V-6 powered F-Types, the V-8 model uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Jaguar