Cat prowls Flint

["Graydon D. Stuckey" <graydon@apollo.gmi.edu>]

Guys,


	I had to evaluate a new Jaguar XK8 today as part of our 
competitive analysis program.   It was British Racing Green, a coupe, and 
absolutely beautiful!    This is the way Jaguars should be.  It was very 
smooth, quiet, and quick - "Grace, Space and Pace."   Actually, it was a 
little short on space, especially in the rear seat area, but that helped 
make it feel more like a small car, belying its rather portly weight.

	This car has a very stiff chassis.   Reminded me of two cars - a 
Golf Pro-Rally car I rode in last week (full cage - very stiff chassis - 
soft springs) and the A8.   This car feels like a big Audi Coupe.   The 
grip is amazing, probably due to its huge tires (275/50-17 I tihnk) even 
in messy road conditions.   The traction control is far superior to GM's, 
and the ABS is far superior to anything I have ever driven except 
Quattro.   I could see driving this car all year round without too much 
trouble.

	The engine has a fly-by-wire throttle (like the last car I drove 
come to think of it - I think this is getting to be a trend) and with a 
4.0 litre quad cam V-8, it makes very smooth tork.    It revs freely too, 
snapping off shifts at 6800 rpm with ease.   It certainly could use a few 
more hp (or a few fewer pounds) (or both) but it was a capable car.   It 
cruises quite nicely at 100+ mph.   Very indifferent to imperfections in 
the road, but direct feeling.   That was what I noticed previously in the 
A8 - it just handled anything the road threw at it as if it were a smooth 
race track.

	Did I say smooth?   Wow!   It rides very smoothly.   You can hear 
sharp bumps in the road, but you don't feel them as much as you would in 
any other Grand Touring car I've driven lately.   I'd say they've doe a 
fine job of tuning the shock absorbers to filter out the nasties, but 
still provide excellent ride control.    This car feels like it has 
Bilsteins or Konis from the factory!   Hardly in need of upgrading!

	Well, I have to go.   Gotta do some testing...

	Some days I love my job....    :-)

Later, ---------------------------------------------------------- 
Graydon D. Stuckey 	'85 Mazda RX7 GS, no toys 
graydon@apollo.gmi.edu 	'86 Audi 5000 CS Turbo Quattro, has toys
Flint, Michigan USA	'89 Thunderbird SC, lotsa toys