Jaguar adds another 24 Hour race win to its list of achievements with a 'diesel' XF S

With Audi, BMW, Lexus and Aston Martin competing for the limelight, you’d be forgiven for not realising that another premium brand – Jaguar, has a story to tell about last weekend’s Nürburgring 24 Hour race.

Jaguar has a long and proud history in endurance racing with the likes of the XJR-9, D-Type and XK120 based C-type, but the responsibility last weekend lay with the humble XF 3.0 Diesel S to uphold the marque’s honour.

The XF run by Carvell Motorsport, with Nathan Freke, Colin White and Rob Carvell at the wheel, was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing 296bhp and 452lb-ft of torque and used the standard car’s 8 speed ZF Transmission.

The car – named by the team as ‘Jaguar XF24 Endurance’ – was built and run by a team of Jaguar factory employees working in their spare time, but with the blessing of Jaguar UK.

Whilst broadly standard, the XF24 Endurance was fitted with 380mm Alcon brake discs and Alcon 6-piston calipers up front, and 355m discs plus 4-piston calipers at the rear. Bilstein dampers kept the XF24 glued to the track, together with Pirelli tyres. BTB Exhausts provided the bespoke racing system, liberated by an HJS racing catalyst.

It completed 109 laps of the 14-mile Nordschleife track – overcoming changeable and often challenging weather conditions to lead its class for much of the race. By the end, the XF finished 10 laps ahead of its nearest rival – and winning the D3T class.

Ian Carvell, Team Principal, commented: ‘We had very little running prior to the race, meaning our aim was to put in a solid performance and finish. To win our class and complete the race as the leading diesel is an incredible result for us – and testament to the strength and efficiency of the XF. It was quick and consistent over the 24hrs.’

Andy Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer, XF, commented: ‘The team did an incredible job – on behalf of Jaguar Cars I would like to congratulate them on a fantastic result. I’m proud that they chose an XF as the basis for their Nurburgring race effort and their faith in the car was rewarded in such spectacular style.’

Jaguar supported the Carvell Team by donating the use of its Nürburgring Test Centre for the duration of the race and its build up.

Well done chaps, I’m sure William Lyons would have been very proud of you.