Jaguar has been busy testing its new F-Pace in extreme conditions - from -40 degrees to plus +50.
Taking the new SUV to the searing heat and dust of Dubai as well as the ice and snow of Northern Sweden, the new F-Pace has been subjected to one of the most demanding test programmes the company has ever devised ensuring that every system functions perfectly, even under the most extreme conditions.
At Jaguar Land Rover's test facility in Arjeplog, Northern Sweden, average winter temperatures rarely exceed -15 degrees and often plummet to -40 degrees. The 60km of purpose-built handling tracks, mountain climbs, inclines, split-friction straights and off-road areas are ideal for optimising the calibration of the all-wheel drive system, Dynamic Stability Control and technologies such as Jaguar's revolutionary All-Surface Progress Control. The work done here makes sure that, whether on asphalt, snow or ice, the F-Pace delivers the connected steering feel and agility 'fundamental to Jaguar dynamics DNA'.
In Dubai, ambient temperatures can exceed 50 degrees in the shade. When vehicles are left out in direct sunlight, cabin temperatures can soar to 70 degrees - exactly what's needed to ensure that everything from climate control systems to infotainment touchscreens function perfectly in extremes of heat and humidity. And while the test engineers can relax in air-conditioned comfort as they drive in city traffic, this part of the test cycle is designed to place the cooling systems under very high load through a combination of high ambient temperatures and low airflow.
Andrew Whyman, Vehicle Programme Director, Jaguar F-Pace said: "We developed the F-Pace to offer the ride, handling and refinement demanded from a Jaguar, together with exceptional levels of ability and composure on all surfaces and in all weathers. Just as we paid obsessive attention to detail over the engineering of every single component, we've exhaustively tested the F-Pace in the most challenging conditions to ensure that it will exceed the expectations of our customers around the world".
The SUV has also been driven over gravelled mountain passes, marking the first time that a Jaguar test programme has included this uniquely challenging environment.
The new F-Pace will debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.