Matt Becker: The man who makes Jaguars and Land Rovers drive like they do #275
About this episode
Matt Becker, Director of Driven Attribute Integration at Jaguar Land Rover, shares insights into his role in shaping the driving experience of Jaguars and Land Rovers. He discusses his journey from Lotus to JLR, the complexities of vehicle dynamics, and the evolution of automotive technology, including active suspension systems. Becker reflects on his father's legacy in vehicle engineering and the challenges of developing vehicles that balance performance with comfort. The conversation also touches on the future of electric vehicles and the importance of character in car design.
Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel are joined by legendary development driver Matt Becker. After learning his craft at Lotus, where he was responsible for some of the world's great sports cars, Matt moved to Aston Martin and then to Jaguar Land Rover. Matt's career has spanned simple sports cars to ultra-sophisticated performance SUVs using the latest technologies, with GTs, luxury 4x4s and saloons in between. Having been an apprentice at Lotus as a teenager, he now has almost 500 people reporting into him. Matt reflects on how the job has changed over the years, what it takes to produce cars with world-class ride and handling characteristics, and how new technologies will make next-generation cars even better to drive.
He also explains his father Roger's role as a stand-in stunt driver on a James Bond film.
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Jaguar
"But to me, you are the bloke who is responsible for making Jaguars and Land Rovers behave the way that they do..."
Jaguar is a company that makes fancy cars. They are known for their stylish designs and fast performance.
Jaguar is a British luxury vehicle brand known for its performance cars and elegant design. It has a rich history in both sports and luxury vehicles.
Land Defenders
"...ce across all of the models, not just Rangeovers, Defenders, but actually the whole lot Jaguars included. So ..."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough, boxy SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures very well. It's famous for being able to go almost anywhere, and many people love it for its strong and adventurous look.
The Land Rover Defender is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and exceptional capability in challenging terrains. It has a rich history dating back to the 1940s and has become a symbol of adventure and exploration, making it a popular choice for both enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable vehicle for outdoor activities.
Range Rover Sport SV
"...the SV Vehicle Engineering team that do all the specials like Range Rover Sport SV and most recently the Defender Octa."
The Range Rover Sport SV is a sportier version of the regular Range Rover Sport, made to be faster and more fun to drive while still being a luxury SUV.
The Range Rover Sport SV is a high-performance variant of the standard Range Rover Sport, designed for enhanced speed and handling while maintaining luxury features.
Defender 110
"...most recently the Defender Octa."
The Defender 110 is a version of the Land Rover Defender that is designed to be tough and capable off-road, while also being comfortable for everyday use.
The Defender 110 is a variant of the Land Rover Defender, known for its rugged off-road capabilities and spacious design, suitable for both urban and adventurous environments.
Lotus Elise
"...because in reality, the Elise and the Aurora suspension system..."
The Lotus Elise is a small, lightweight sports car that is very fun to drive. It's designed to be quick and nimble, making it great for driving on twisty roads or tracks.
The Lotus Elise is a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and minimalist design. It has a mid-engine layout and is popular among driving enthusiasts for its performance and driving experience.
passive dampers
"You've got passive anti-roll bars, passive dampers, passive geometry. There isn't really any active systems on there."
Passive dampers are parts that help control how a car moves over bumps. They don't change automatically; they work the same all the time.
Passive dampers are shock absorbers that do not adjust their settings based on driving conditions. They provide a consistent level of damping to control the vehicle's motion.
passive anti-roll bars
"You've got passive anti-roll bars, passive dampers, passive geometry. There isn't really any active systems on there."
Passive anti-roll bars are parts of a car's suspension that help keep it stable when turning. They work automatically without any electronic help.
Passive anti-roll bars are components that help reduce body roll during cornering without any electronic control. They use mechanical properties to maintain stability and improve handling.
hydraulic steering system
"And there were a conventional E-pass system, hydraulic, sorry, hydraulic and power assisted steering system as well."
A hydraulic steering system helps you steer the car by using fluid pressure. It makes turning the wheel easier than in cars without this system.
A hydraulic steering system uses fluid pressure to assist in steering the vehicle, providing a smoother and more responsive driving experience compared to manual steering.
Lotus Elite
"So I mean, cars like, I guess, the Esprit and the Elite in their club."
The Lotus Elite is another car made by Lotus that was known for being luxurious and sporty. It was one of the first cars to be made with a lightweight body.
The Lotus Elite is a luxury sports car that was produced from 1958 to 1963 and then again in the 1970s. It is known for its fiberglass body and was one of the first cars to use a monocoque chassis, which contributed to its lightweight design.
Lotus Esprit
"So I mean, cars like, I guess, the Esprit and the Elite in their club."
The Lotus Esprit is a famous sports car made by Lotus that was produced for many years. It has a unique shape and has appeared in movies, making it well-known.
The Lotus Esprit is a sports car that was produced from 1976 to 2004. It is known for its distinctive wedge shape and has been featured in various films, including James Bond movies, making it a pop culture icon.
Toyota
"which then started to work with other manufacturers, Toyota, a lot of Korean companies, a lot of Chinese companies"
Toyota is a car company from Japan that makes many different types of cars. They are known for making reliable cars that last a long time.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. Founded in 1937, it has become one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, with popular models like the Camry and Corolla.
Aston Martin Vanquish
"...taught by people. So cars like, you know, the original Aston Martin Vanquish"
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a high-end sports car that looks great and drives fast. It's made by Aston Martin, a brand famous for luxury vehicles.
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a luxury sports car known for its elegant design and powerful performance. It has been a flagship model for Aston Martin, showcasing advanced engineering and craftsmanship.
200 miles per hour
"...we wanted to crack the 200 miles per hour on that car. And we never quite got there."
Going 200 miles per hour is very fast for a car. It's a goal for many sports cars to reach this speed during testing to show how powerful they are.
Reaching 200 miles per hour is a significant milestone for performance cars, often associated with high-speed testing and engineering achievements. It represents a benchmark for speed in the automotive industry.
Nardo
"But I was the young test driver that was doing the VMAX runs at Nardo. And I remember one time we were..."
Nardo is a famous test track in Italy where car companies test how fast their cars can go. It's designed for high-speed driving.
Nardo refers to the Nardo Technical Center in Italy, which is known for its high-speed test track. It is a popular location for manufacturers to test the performance of their vehicles at high speeds.
VMAX
"But I was the young test driver that was doing the VMAX runs at Nardo. And I remember one time we were..."
VMAX is the highest speed a car can reach. It's important for testing how fast a car can go safely.
VMAX refers to the maximum speed that a vehicle can achieve during testing. It is often used in performance evaluations to assess a car's capabilities at high speeds.
bonnet
"Now, I remember they put these spotlights on the bonnet because we had to do this specific bonnet pool test..."
The bonnet is the part of a car that covers the engine. It can be opened to check or fix things inside the engine area.
The bonnet is the hinged cover that rests over the engine compartment of a vehicle. It is important for protecting the engine and providing access for maintenance.
handbrake cables
"Basically, they put these I can remember to this day, they put some huge handbrake cables on there with massive washers. So if it did go that it would have been caught."
Handbrake cables are the wires that help you pull the handbrake, which keeps the car from rolling when parked. They are important for safety.
Handbrake cables are components that connect the handbrake lever to the braking system, allowing the driver to engage the parking brake. They are crucial for vehicle safety when parked.
spotlights
"But the biggest problem they did is is that the spotlights that they're fitted to the bonnet, they hadn't made the brackets very strong."
Spotlights are extra lights on a car that help you see better at night or in bad weather. They need to be attached well so they don't move around while driving.
Spotlights are additional lights mounted on vehicles to improve visibility during night driving or in poor weather conditions. They can enhance safety but must be securely mounted.
vehicle dynamics
"he said that so much knowledge about vehicle dynamics was lost with your dad."
Vehicle dynamics is about how cars move and handle on the road. It helps engineers make cars that are safe and fun to drive.
Vehicle dynamics refers to the study of how vehicles behave while in motion, including aspects like stability, handling, and ride comfort. Understanding vehicle dynamics is crucial for designing cars that perform well and provide a safe driving experience.
shock absorber tuning
"Shock absorber tuning. He was he was, you know, the amount of ride units and the amount of different valve codes..."
Shock absorber tuning is about adjusting how the shock absorbers work to make a car handle better and feel more comfortable when driving. It's like fine-tuning the suspension system for different types of roads or driving styles.
Shock absorber tuning refers to the process of adjusting the settings of shock absorbers to optimize a vehicle's handling and ride comfort. This involves changing the damping characteristics to suit different driving conditions or preferences.
R33
"you know, F1 or an R 33 or whatever. And he would always write meticulous notes on every single evaluation"
The R33 is a model of the Nissan Skyline, a car known for being fast and sporty. It was made in the mid-1990s and is popular among car enthusiasts.
The R33 is a generation of the Nissan Skyline, produced from 1995 to 1998. It is known for its performance and advanced technology for its time, particularly in the GT-R variant.
F1
"you know, F1 or an R 33 or whatever. And he would always write meticulous notes on every single evaluation"
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and important races around the world. It's known for having the best technology and engineering in racing.
F1 refers to Formula 1, the highest class of single-seater auto racing, known for its high-speed cars and prestigious races. It features advanced technology and engineering, making it a pinnacle of motorsport.
force-velocity curve
"I mean, we when you do damper tune, we have what's called a force velocity curve and you run at seven different speeds up to one and a half meters per second. Some of the cars we do now would go beyond that just because of some of the things they have to do."
The force-velocity curve is a way to see how a car's shock absorbers work at different speeds. It helps engineers make sure the car feels good to drive, especially over bumps or during turns.
The force-velocity curve is a graphical representation that shows how a damper's force output changes with the speed of the damper's movement. It helps engineers understand how the damper will perform under different driving conditions.
damper tune
"I mean, we when you do damper tune, we have what's called a force velocity curve and you run at seven different speeds up to one and a half meters per second. Some of the cars we do now would go beyond that just because of some of the things they have to do."
Damper tuning is about adjusting the parts of a car that help control how it moves over bumps and turns. It makes the ride smoother and helps the car handle better.
Damper tuning refers to the adjustment of shock absorbers to optimize a vehicle's handling and ride quality. It involves modifying the force-velocity curve, which determines how the damper responds to different speeds and forces during driving.
Aston Martin DB10
"...I remember when Aston Martin supplied 10 DB 10s to whichever, was it, Spectre?"
The Aston Martin DB10 is a special car that was made just for a James Bond movie. They only made 10 of them, making it very rare and unique.
The Aston Martin DB10 is a limited production model created specifically for the James Bond film 'Spectre'. Only 10 were made, showcasing the brand's luxury and performance.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
"...ver, was it, I can't remember which, what was it, Spectre? Yeah, I think so."
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a very fancy electric car that is all about luxury and comfort. It's designed for people who want to drive a high-end car that is also good for the environment.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is an ultra-luxury electric coupe that represents the brand's commitment to sustainability while maintaining its hallmark opulence and performance. As Rolls-Royce's first fully electric vehicle, it signifies a new era for the brand in the luxury automotive market.
BMW M3
"you then get into something like a BMW M3 or something that's got loads of power, limit slip, diff and loads of lock."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car that many people love to drive. It's known for being fun to handle and has a lot of power, making it easier to control on the road.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. It's popular among driving enthusiasts for its balance and agility on the track.
Vauxhall Carlton
"...I did a massive clutch kick in this one point eight litre Carlton estate and the thing went so sideways so quickly that I hit the wall..."
The Vauxhall Carlton is a family car that was made by the British company Vauxhall. The estate version is a larger model with extra space for carrying things.
The Vauxhall Carlton is a mid-size car produced by Vauxhall from 1978 to 1998, known for its spacious interior and practicality as an estate variant.
Ford Fiesta
"And I'm in a Ford Fiesta. I think it's a bit sort of I would have thought you might be something a bit more senior than that."
The Ford Fiesta is a small car that is easy to drive and park. It's often chosen for its good fuel economy and lower price compared to larger cars.
The Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car known for its affordability and efficiency. It has been popular in various markets for its compact size and fun driving experience.
Snetterton
"...his friend that was racing at Snetterton the next day phoned up. And I think it was about 10 or 11 o'clock at night and said,"
Snetterton is a racetrack in England where cars and motorcycles compete in races. It's a popular place for both professional and amateur racing.
Snetterton is a motor racing circuit located in Norfolk, England. It hosts various types of racing events, including car and motorcycle races, and is known for its challenging layout.
Lotus Evora
"... was 2007 because it was just before I started on Evora. I spent a year or 18 months doing this XKRS proj..."
The Lotus Evora is a small, lightweight sports car that is really fun to drive because it can turn and handle well. It's designed for people who love speed and want a car that feels very connected to the road.
The Lotus Evora is a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and performance-oriented design. It features a mid-engine layout and is celebrated for its driving dynamics, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a pure driving experience.
mid-engine sports cars
"...your engineering capabilities on little, often, mid-engine sports cars. Now you're presented with a 500 horsepower heavy saloon."
Mid-engine sports cars have their engines placed in the middle of the car, which helps them handle better and be more stable when driving fast. It's a popular design for sports cars because it makes them more fun to drive.
Mid-engine sports cars are vehicles where the engine is located between the front and rear axles, providing better weight distribution and handling characteristics. This layout is common in high-performance cars, allowing for improved agility and balance during driving.
Aston Martin DB11
"...I worked on GT12, GT8, obviously DB11..."
The Aston Martin DB11 is a high-end sports car that is known for its beautiful design and powerful engine. It's made for comfortable long drives and has a lot of modern technology inside.
The Aston Martin DB11 is a luxury grand tourer that combines performance with elegance, featuring a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and advanced technology. It represents a significant evolution in the DB lineage, known for its stunning design and driving dynamics.
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
"worked on the previous Vantage, the Vantage and Vantage Roadster, worked on repeat, AMR, and we did that."
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is a fancy sports car that you can drive with the top down, letting you enjoy the breeze while you drive fast. It's known for being very stylish and fun to drive, making it a dream car for many people.
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is a luxury sports car that combines high performance with elegant design, featuring a convertible top for an open-air driving experience. It is known for its powerful engine and precise handling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and those seeking a stylish vehicle.
Aston Martin DBX
"because Aurora was one of them and DBX was the other one. And DBX, I mean, goodness,"
The Aston Martin DBX is a high-end SUV that combines the sporty feel of a sports car with the space and comfort of an SUV. It's designed for people who want a luxurious ride that can also carry their family or gear.
The Aston Martin DBX is the brand's first luxury SUV, blending the performance characteristics of a sports car with the practicality of an SUV. It offers a spacious interior and advanced technology, appealing to those who desire both luxury and versatility in their vehicle.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR
"... done tons of benchmark. Now remember we bought a Range Rover Sport SV, we bought a Porsche Cayenne Turbo,"
The Range Rover Sport SVR is a luxury SUV that is built for speed and performance while still being able to handle rough terrains. It's perfect for people who want a stylish and powerful vehicle that can also go off-road.
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR is a high-performance variant of the Range Rover Sport, featuring a powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension for enhanced driving dynamics. It combines luxury with impressive off-road capabilities, making it a standout choice for those seeking a sporty yet versatile SUV.
Bmw X6M
"we bought a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, we bought a BMW X6M, we bought a Mercedes GLE 63."
The BMW X6M is a powerful SUV that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's designed for people who want the space of an SUV but also want to enjoy a thrilling driving experience.
The BMW X6M (E71) is a high-performance version of the X6, combining the characteristics of an SUV with the power and handling of a sports car. Known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine, it appeals to those looking for a sporty driving experience in a larger vehicle.
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