Jaguar’s new test centre sits adjacent to one of the most historic circuits in Europe. Steeped in automotive history, the 20km Nurburgring track is a testbed for several car firms.
Although no longer used by Formula One, which runs on the adjacent tract, since their departure in 1976 it has been open to the public to take to the track in one of the most exhilarating and nerve-wracking experiences in driving - putting our car through the 73 corners at top speed and while weaving through traffic.
For a minimal fee of €15 for a lap, anyone with a licence and a set of wheels (car, motorbike, even a bus) can head out on the circuit via the tollbooth and pit their driving wits against all-comers and, more importantly, the track itself.
Watched by onlookers sunning themselves on the steep embankments, we took to the track in the capable hands of Jaguar’s test centre director, Wolfgang Schubauer, who treated us to some high octane motoring, a breakneck tour of the Nordschilfe circuit in an XJR.
Of course, along with a plethora of bikers buzzing around you like flies, there were several Porsches, a couple of BMW’s and even the odd ancient Opel Kadett.
Nipping in and out of these in a whirl of screeching tyres and lightning-fast hand movements, we could see the deflation in some faces as their super-mean sports car was left for dead by a fat family saloon with three on board.
Wolfgang negotiated the track like he was our for a leisurely Sunday drive - all the while apologising for not being able to flat out because of the traffic. We were, after all, only doing 220km/h (140mph).
However, before you race off to the ferry in your Kadett with the go-faster stripes, it should be noted that those who have grown up on the track and know every bump on the 20km circuit of the ring offer a word of advice and perspective on the track. Wolfgang reckons it takes 50 laps to simply figure out the layout of the course, and another 50 to start to know what to do when you get to each bend.
If you hurtle onto the course without some pre-track study, you may join the unfortunates who leave the track in an ambulance. On the day we called, our track session was delayed after a crash between a motorbike and two cars.