We’ve driven the new Jaguar! | The Car Podcast #84

The Goodwood Members’ Meeting is a motorsport and car-event weekend held at the Goodwood circuit in the UK. It’s mentioned as a place where several of the hosts went, framing the episode’s “what we did this week” segment.

“Jaguar Classic” refers to Jaguar’s heritage and classic-car division/program, focused on the brand’s history and preservation. The hosts mention going to Jaguar heritage first, which is a common setup for understanding a brand’s past before discussing current products.

The Jaguar XJ12 is a classic Jaguar flagship from the 1970s/1980s era, known for its V12 engine and grand-touring comfort. In this segment, it’s described as a mid-80s example with a Targa-style roof and period-correct details, which helps set the scene for Jaguar Classic’s collection.

The “brick phone” is a reference to the bulky, early mobile phones used in the 1980s—often installed in cars as a status feature. Mentioning it as “original” emphasizes period authenticity and how Jaguar Classic preserves not just the car, but the era-correct accessories.

The Renault 25 is a mid-to-large family sedan from the 1980s, known for being a mainstream, everyday car rather than a sports model. The podcast references an 80s advertisement that wasn’t actually for a Renault 25, which points to how recognizable the model was in that period. It’s discussed here as part of that era’s car culture and marketing.

The Jaguar F-Type is a modern Jaguar sports car designed for performance and driver engagement. The podcast references it in a comparison that mentions “Series 1E type Jaguar” and specific colors, using the F-Type as a contemporary example of that classic spirit. It’s discussed because it brings Jaguar’s sports-car identity into a more modern package.

This is a specific paint-and-interior color combination: “Deep Metallic Grey” exterior with “Oxblood” (a deep reddish-brown) leather upholstery. Color specs like this matter a lot on classic Jaguars because original or correctly restored combinations can strongly affect desirability and value.

In the podcast, “Jaguar” is used as a brand reference rather than a single specific model, and it’s tied to the idea of driving multiple Jaguar cars. The host mentions driving a “Type convertible” with a 3.6 straight-six, which points to a classic Jaguar model and engine configuration. It’s discussed because Jaguar’s lineup spans both classic and modern sports and luxury cars.

“Third to second” refers to a downshift sequence where the driver moves from 3rd gear into 2nd. On older manual cars, this can be “tricky” due to gear spacing, synchro behavior, and the need to match engine speed to avoid harshness or missed shifts.

The Jaguar XJ6 V12 is a V12-powered version of the XJ6, combining the XJ6’s long-wheelbase luxury with a much more dramatic engine note and power delivery. In classic Jaguar circles, the V12 swap/variant is a big deal because it changes the car’s personality from “smooth cruiser” to “proper grand tourer.”

The Jaguar XJC 12 refers to an XJ6/XJ12-era Jaguar with a V12 (“12”) configuration, often discussed as a later/variant form of the XJ line. The key point is that it’s a V12 XJ, so it’s aimed at effortless high-speed cruising with a more exotic engine character.

A “pothole road” is a real-world test of how well a car controls impact harshness and keeps the wheels in contact with the road. If you “can’t feel” potholes, it usually means the suspension is tuned to absorb bumps without transmitting harshness into the cabin.

A vinyl roof is a covering material used to mimic the look of a traditional soft-top or to add a classic styling cue. It’s mostly an appearance choice, but it can also affect how the roof is insulated and how the car feels in terms of cabin comfort.

This describes an automaker’s media/analyst invitation model: bringing reviewers into the factory or brand environment before or alongside a test drive. The idea is that access and hospitality can influence impressions, leading to more favorable reviews.

“Make or break” describes a moment where the outcome will determine the future success or failure of a company or product. In this context, the host is saying Jaguar’s situation is critical and the drive is tied to that high-stakes perception.

Maranello is the famous Italian town associated with Ferrari’s headquarters and factory operations. Mentioning it reinforces the “inner sanctum” idea—being physically at the brand’s core can shape the emotional context of a review.

A test track is a controlled circuit used by automakers and media to evaluate vehicle behavior under repeatable conditions. The host implies that track driving—especially when paired with factory access—can strongly influence how reviewers describe a car.

The Infiniti M45 is a performance-oriented luxury sedan from Infiniti, with the “45” indicating a larger engine and a more powerful setup than the base models. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside a drive on the M1 and M45, placing it in the context of real-world highway driving. It’s brought up because it represents a more performance-leaning take on a comfort-focused sedan.

The Bentley Bentayga is Bentley’s luxury SUV, known for a very upscale interior and a smooth, powerful ride. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the car they used for the drive, highlighting the “grand tour” vibe rather than any specific performance detail.

The Porsche Cayenne is Porsche’s SUV, known for blending everyday usability with performance and handling. In this segment, the host mentions buying one with high mileage, which is a common way enthusiasts evaluate whether a used Porsche can still make sense as a daily or weekend car.

This describes a contractual return/recall-style protection: a written clause that allows the buyer to send the car back if it doesn’t match agreed expectations. In practice, buyers often use this to cover issues discovered after purchase, especially when features don’t work correctly.

A car’s service history is the record of maintenance and repairs performed over time. It helps buyers judge how well the car has been cared for and can reveal recurring issues or deferred maintenance.

“Internal combustion engine” refers to engines that burn fuel inside the engine to produce power. The joke here is that there aren’t “buttons inside the engine,” contrasting physical controls with the mechanical powerplant.

A racing suit is purpose-built driver apparel designed to improve safety and comfort during motorsport. Beyond looks, it’s typically made from fire-resistant materials and helps reduce risk and movement during high-speed driving.

Steve McQueen is a cultural reference to the actor who was also a well-known racing enthusiast and driver. Mentioning him here is a “look/attitude” comparison—evoking the classic, cool racer image rather than discussing any specific car or tech.

“Ken Miles” refers to the legendary British-American racing driver known for his aggressive style and Le Mans/GT racing success. Calling it a “Ken Miles vibe” is a stylistic comparison—suggesting the person’s look resembles the classic racer persona associated with Miles.

In this context, “revival” likely refers to a motorsport or racing event/experience that brings back classic racing culture or a brand’s heritage. It’s the idea of participating in a modern event that’s themed around past racing eras, rather than just watching from the sidelines.

An “away day” is a team outing or event where a group meets somewhere other than their usual base. In car culture, it often means a club meeting, track day, or social drive organized away from home.

The M25 is the major motorway that circles London, and it’s commonly referenced in UK driving routes. Mentioning it signals the speaker’s location and the kind of traffic/commute planning UK drivers deal with.

The M11 is a major UK motorway. Saying it “always takes forever” near the M11 is a real-world reference to traffic and travel time, which helps listeners picture the driving conditions being discussed.

“Bogey part of the UK” is a colloquial way to describe a place that’s especially annoying, difficult, or frustrating to deal with—often due to traffic, logistics, or personal experience. It’s not a technical automotive term, but it frames the travel/route discussion that follows.

“Shunt” is a UK term for a collision or impact, and “stages of the shunt” refers to how the crash unfolds over time—initial contact, vehicle rotation/deformation, and the subsequent loss of systems. In safety discussions, breaking a crash into stages helps explain why certain components fail when they do.

When the steering “stopped working” in a crash, it usually means the steering system was damaged or the steering assist/control was lost due to impact forces. In modern cars, steering can be hydraulic/electric-assisted, and severe crashes can disable assist or break linkages.

A “dynamic exercise” in this context means a structured test drive focused on how the car behaves—acceleration, braking, steering feel, ride quality, and stability—rather than just static impressions. For an electric car, it often includes evaluating torque delivery and how the vehicle manages traction and balance.

“Heritage” here refers to how Jaguar frames its past—design, motorsport, and brand identity—as part of its current product story. In an electrification era, heritage messaging is often used to reassure buyers that the brand’s character is still present even as powertrains change.

“Ride and handling” refers to two different aspects of driving quality: ride comfort over bumps and control/response during steering and cornering. A car can be very fast yet still feel composed and comfortable, which is what the host emphasizes here.

“Thousand horsepower” is a shorthand for extremely high engine output, typically associated with supercar or high-performance EV/ICE applications. At that power level, acceleration and top speed potential are usually very high, but the real story becomes how the car manages traction, weight, and stability.

The host uses a humorous exaggeration to describe very high vehicle mass, which matters because weight affects braking distances, tire grip, and how the suspension can keep the ride composed. The key point is that even with big mass, the car still feels fast and well-controlled.

“Jaguar-ness” is a brand-feel description—how a Jaguar is supposed to drive and feel. Here, the host suggests the car’s dynamics are tuned to deliver Jaguar’s signature comfort and composure, not just performance numbers.

“Marketplace they’re entering” refers to the competitive segment the new Jaguar is targeting—its rivals and customer expectations. For listeners, it’s a reminder that car success depends not only on engineering, but also on positioning versus what buyers in that segment want.

Electric steering refers to steering assist systems that use an electric motor (commonly electric power steering) instead of relying purely on hydraulic pressure. It can improve packaging and efficiency, and it also allows tuning the steering feel and assist characteristics more precisely.

The hosts are describing how the car’s body reacts under acceleration—specifically a small rise rather than the usual flat, settled attitude. That kind of motion can be influenced by suspension geometry, damping, and how the chassis manages weight transfer.

Weight transfer is how the car shifts load between tires when you accelerate, brake, or corner. Under acceleration, the rear typically takes more load, and the suspension can extend or compress in response, changing ride height and attitude.

“Great British Jaguar Day” is presented as an event concept, and the hosts emphasize its purpose: not nostalgia, but showcasing Jaguar’s past, present, and future. That framing helps listeners understand why the day exists and what the audience should expect.

Vista Motion is named as another partner for the “Great British Jaguar Day.” The mention suggests a collaboration with a company that likely supports automotive events or experiences, helping bring the day to life for attendees.

An engineering prototype is an early, test-focused version of a car built to validate engineering decisions before the production model exists. The “big red buttons” and the presence of a minder highlight that prototypes are often instrumented and operated differently than customer cars.

This is an example of top-speed capability or test speed achieved on a straight, used here to emphasize how confident and stable the car feels at high velocity. Rather than focusing on the exact number, the key takeaway is the prototype’s ability to sustain very high speed.

The hosts compare the prototype’s behavior to typical electric-car characteristics, especially how it delivers torque and how the car feels under acceleration. They’re pointing out that this car’s response felt “grown up” and more linear than what they associate with many EVs.

“Uncamouflaged” means the car was shown with its bodywork largely free of disguise (or with minimal coverings). That usually indicates the design is close to final and the manufacturer is moving from testing secrecy toward public reveal.

The Nürburgring is Germany’s famous motorsport circuit (often called “the Green Hell”) used by manufacturers for durability and performance testing. Mentioning that Jaguar drove the car there and back signals real-world validation on a track known for stressing chassis, cooling, and braking.

Four-wheel steering is a system where both the front and rear wheels can turn, improving low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. When it’s “subtle,” it usually means the system helps without making the car feel twitchy or overly dramatic.

“2.7 tons” is the car’s approximate curb weight, which matters because heavier vehicles typically feel more stable but can require more effort to change direction. The hosts connect the weight to why the car feels composed and why they’re not trying to drive it like a race car.

The host describes building confidence over multiple laps, which is a common track-driving progression as you learn the car’s grip, braking points, and how it reacts through corners. It’s essentially a feedback loop: more laps reveal more predictable behavior and allow faster, smoother inputs.

“Silent engine” here is about reducing or eliminating the sound you associate with traditional internal-combustion engines. The host argues that an electric powertrain can deliver the kind of near-silent operation Jaguar was “seeking,” tying it to the brand’s luxury identity.

The Peugeot 205 GTI is a famous hot hatch that became a benchmark for its era, known for sharp steering, strong performance for the time, and a driver-focused feel. When the hosts compare another car to the “205 GTI of its era,” they mean it dominated tests and was widely regarded as the go-to enthusiast choice.

The Volkswagen Golf is a widely used compact car, and the podcast compares it to the “205 GTI of its era,” meaning it was a benchmark hot hatch for its time. That kind of comparison points to the Golf’s role in making practical cars feel sporty and fun. It’s discussed because it’s influential and has been a reference point for driving dynamics in its class.

An “original racing car” implies a historic competition vehicle that’s being run as authentically as possible, often with period-correct components and setup. These cars can be less forgiving than modern machinery—small issues like fuel delivery or carburetion problems can quickly turn into stalling or failure to qualify.

A carburetor is a fuel-mixing device used on many older engines, where it blends air and fuel before it enters the cylinders. If the carburetor is misbehaving—like being out of adjustment or suffering from fuel delivery issues—it can cause poor power, hesitation, or even stalling.

A warm-up lap is a short circuit lap done before the race to bring the engine, brakes, and tires up to operating temperature. It helps the car respond more predictably once the race starts, especially for older engines or cars with carburetion.

A chicane is a sequence of tight turns designed to slow cars down and add technical driving. In racing, stalling or losing power right after a chicane can be especially damaging because you’re already at lower speed and need immediate throttle response to accelerate onto the next straight.

Scrutineers are officials who inspect race cars to ensure they meet the rules—things like safety equipment, eligibility, and technical regulations. Getting “a lot of attention from the scrutineers” often implies the car was under close scrutiny for compliance.

“First motor race” is a big step because racing a car is more than just driving fast—it involves prep, rules, and logistics. New racers often run into unexpected issues with setup, compliance, and track-day/race procedures.

Buying a car “with a view to doing some racing” highlights the difference between a road car and a track/race-prepped car. Racing typically requires additional planning and upgrades (or at least verification) to meet event requirements and to survive repeated use.

Bird droppings are acidic and can etch paint and clear coats if they sit on the surface. That’s why people talk about cleaning them quickly and using products meant to lift the contamination without damaging the finish.

Car polish is a paint-care product used to restore gloss and remove light surface defects like oxidation or fine swirls. It’s different from wax or sealant because polish is focused on correcting the paint surface rather than just adding protection.

Foam and microfiber cloths are common in car detailing because they help loosen grime and reduce the chance of scratching. Using the right tools matters because dried contaminants (like bird droppings) can be abrasive if you wipe them dry.

Detailing wipes marketed for bird droppings are designed to safely lift and neutralize contamination before it can etch paint. They’re a convenience product, but they still work best when used promptly and without aggressive rubbing.

When bird droppings dry, they can become harder to remove and may bond to the clear coat. If left too long, the acids can etch the paint, making later removal harder and increasing the risk of scratching during cleaning.

PPF stands for paint protection film: a clear, tough layer applied to a car’s painted surfaces. It helps protect against small impacts, road debris, and some chemical staining, which is why people use it on high-wear areas like the hood and front bumper.

Guano is bird droppings, and in this context the hosts are pointing out that it’s acidic. Acidic deposits can attack paint and clear coat, which is why quick cleaning matters.

Uric acid is a component of bird droppings that can be harmful to automotive paint. Because it’s acidic, it can etch the clear coat if it isn’t removed promptly.

This is a simplified way of describing chemical etching: acidic substances can react with paint and clear coat, weakening the surface. In practice, it’s why bird droppings are treated as an “act fast” situation rather than something to clean later.

The hosts are joking about birds using satellite tracking to find cars, but it points to a real behavior: birds often target predictable perches and open areas. In practice, the “solution” is reducing exposure by parking away from common bird roosts and cleaning droppings quickly.

“Repolished” implies using polishing compounds to remove surface contamination and restore gloss after staining or etching. If droppings have etched the clear coat, polishing may improve appearance, but deeper damage can require more involved correction.

In this podcast context, “Seagull” refers to a bird, not a car model. The line about seagulls disappearing because there was no scavenging opportunity suggests the discussion is about how birds behave around waste or food sources. It’s mentioned as an observational detail rather than an automotive topic.

The hosts describe how COVID restrictions and fewer people changed behavior in seaside areas, including fewer seagulls and less scavenging. It’s a “what changed in the world” observation tied to how animals and humans interact around cars and public spaces.

Leaving a convertible’s roof down exposes the cabin and exterior surfaces to fine dust and debris. The hosts connect this to why some people end up with extra cleaning work after parking outdoors.

Fine dust can be especially annoying because it clings to paint and glass and can be harder to remove without proper washing. The hosts use it as a practical example of why parking outdoors at events can lead to extra detailing.

This is a practical anti-bird-poop tip. Trees attract birds, and droppings can land on paint, glass, and trim, creating extra cleaning work and potential staining if left too long.

The hosts are referencing a real-world problem: bird droppings and why they happen. It’s a reminder that small environmental factors can affect vehicle cleanliness and finish, so parking choice and quick cleanup matter.

Bird droppings can be highly acidic, and if they sit on paint they can attack the clear coat (lacquer) and damage the finish. Once the clear coat is compromised, the paint may need a respray to restore the surface.

A rolling road is a dynamometer setup where the car’s wheels are driven on rollers while sensors measure performance. It’s commonly used to quantify power and torque and to validate engine tuning before/after work.

Polishing is a paint-correction process that uses abrasives to remove fine surface defects and restore gloss. It can improve appearance after contamination or minor clear-coat damage, but if the clear coat is actually eaten away, polishing alone may not fully fix it.

The hosts are describing a real-world behavior: magpies are attracted to reflective surfaces. A very clean car can act like a mirror, which may make it more likely to draw birds to it.

Seagull droppings are acidic and can etch paint quickly, so they shouldn’t be wiped dry or scrubbed aggressively. Proper removal usually means soaking/loosening the contamination first, then gently washing to avoid damaging the clear coat.

A Brillo pad is a scouring pad that can be too abrasive for automotive paint. Using one on paint or clear coat can cause micro-scratches and dullness that may require polishing to correct.