Malibu Ride and Drive of the All-New Jaguar XJ

Written by Alessandro

With seductive lines and state-of-the-art equipment, it was the test drive of the all-new Jaguar XJ that brought many Jaguar aficionados and car collectors to the Malibu Ride and Drive organized in partnership with Robb Report magazine. Held in the scenic hills of the Rosenthal Malibu Estate, the event was part of Jaguar’s City Takeover efforts in Los Angeles. George Rosenthal first planted his special vineyards twenty three years ago and today his grapes have become award-winning wines that are sold at only the finest restaurants. The all-new XJ is comparable to a great bottle of 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon "Block M," not only for the sophisticated notes of cedar and toasty oak that are reminiscent of the elegant wooden interiors of the Jaguar, but also for the hints of black raspberry, dark cherry, anise and exotic spices that flourish in the palate like the 2011 XJ does on the road.
What A Line-Up At Malibu Ride and Drive of the New Jaguar XJ

What A Line-Up At Malibu Ride and Drive of the New Jaguar XJ

The road is where this sedan, with its heart of a sports car, is at its best. All participating drivers had the opportunity to experience the agility and the grit of the 2011 XJ through the curves of the Malibu hills. More than a dozen 5.0-liter V8 Supercharged and Naturally Aspirated vehicles were available to test drive with the supervision of a team of professional drivers that lead the English convoy on the ultimate driving experience. Once inside the passenger compartment, drivers were finally in control of the ultimate four-door sports sedan. In spite of the large dimensions (over 16.8 feet for the standard wheelbase and 17.2 for the long wheelbase), its size does not hamper its driving performance (which can go easily from the soft luxury ride to the sports car feel, especially while in dynamic mode). When pushed, the steering is very precise, responding to anything the driver commands. Also, the paddle shift is incredibly crisp and fast.

The manic care and abundant space of the interior stunned the crowd of test drivers; this became apparent as soon as each one opened the door. Luxury and exclusivity are the prerogative for this latest creation from the Jaguar design team directed by Ian Callum. After their behind the wheel experience, many guests got out of the cars invigorated and excited by what this luxury English experience provoked. For many, comparisons with German and Japanese luxury sedans on the market lost every meaning and purpose. The test drivers of the highly anticipated automobile capped off their all-new Jaguar XJ experience by enjoying the good life poolside at the stunning Malibu estate. Guests nibbled on gourmet cuisine, compared their test-drives, and of course partook in the wine tasting offered on the exquisite patio of the Rosenthal Malibu Estate. The beautiful view of Newton Canyon was the perfect environment to enjoy the excellent notes of the Rosenthal Chardonnay and Cabernet; such a perfect end to a day full of pleasures, centered around the 2011 Jaguar XJ.

For more information of the Jaguar City Takeover visit: http://www.interactivejaguar.com/cto/DisplayBlogList.php

-- By Alessandro Gambaro

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