{"id":857427,"date":"2024-05-06T20:03:03","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T03:03:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportscardigest.com\/?p=518467"},"modified":"2024-12-03T22:34:30","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T22:34:30","slug":"jaguarsport-xjr-15-book-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/jaguarsport-xjr-15-book-review\/","title":{"rendered":"JaguarSport XJR-15"},"content":{"rendered":"

All images: <\/em>\u00a9 <\/em>Porter Press International<\/em><\/p>\n

The\u00a0JaguarSport XJR-15\u00a0is a two-seater\u00a0roadgoing sports car\u00a0produced by JaguarSport, a subsidiary of\u00a0Jaguar\u00a0and\u00a0Tom Walkinshaw Racing. The supercar, of which just fifty cars were produced, was based on Jaguar\u2019s Group C racers and was produced\u00a0between 1990 and 1992.<\/p>\n

\"JaguarSport<\/a>
JaguarSport XJR-15 by Peter Stevens, \u00a9 Porter Press International<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tom Walkinshaw, the larger-than-life and colourful character with so much racing a commercial experience behind him, met with designer Peter Stevens at the NEC Motor Show in October 1988. The motivation behind the meeting was to probe Stevens about an idea he had to develop a roadgoing supercar based on Jaguars then current XJR-9 Group C race car. After studying the Jaguar XJ220, designed by Keith Helfet, Walkinshaw and Stevens set about compiling some potential designs. Jaguar was in the process of rising to the top of the international motorsport pyramid, again, and so Walkinshaw had his mind set on playing a part in that climb up the ladder.<\/p>\n

\"JaguarSport<\/a>
JaguarSport XJR-15 by Peter Stevens, \u00a9 Porter Press International<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The story behind the successful development of the JaguarSport XJR-15 is, inevitably, the result of some \u2018big sky\u2019 thinking. Numerous other major manufacturers (Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and others), have over the years been inspired by their motorsport success and converted lessons learned on the race track into iconic road cars. In this way, the JaguarSport XJR-15, was brought into the world. Not averse to taking a risk to develop something special, Walkinshaw drove the JaguarSport XJR-15 project forward with his usual energy, fortunately with Peter Stevens at his side.<\/p>\n

\"JaguarSport<\/a>
JaguarSport XJR-15 by Peter Stevens, \u00a9 Porter Press International<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Book<\/h2>\n

As the book\u2019s subtitle suggests, A Personal History of the Design and development of the Legendary Supercar<\/em>, it is a study of the early thinking of how this supercar was conceived and eventually delivered into the world. The reader will find within the pages, an entertaining backstory of how Peter Stevens came to be a celebrated automotive designer. With parents who were both artists, his eye was trained from an early age to appreciate design and to understand perspective. Having an uncle in Denis Jenkinson, the celebrated motorsport journalist, it comes as no surprise to find Peter Stevens excelling in the field of automotive design.<\/p>\n

\"JaguarSport<\/a>
JaguarSport XJR-15 by Peter Stevens, \u00a9 Porter Press International<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Powered by a naturally-aspirated 6-litre V12 engine, the JaguarSport XJR-15 was launched in November 1990 at Silverstone in Northampton, England. The launch was followed by a supporting series, the Intercontinental Challenge, a one-make cup which served as a support event atselected\u00a0Formula One\u00a0Grand Prix races in 1991. Use was made of some of the finest sports car drivers of the day, including the likes of Bob Wollek, David Brabham, Derek Warwick, Cor Euser, Tiff Needell, Armin Hahne, and other top drivers. Such a high quality cast was coaxed into the series thanks to the huge international exposure and an attractive purse.<\/p>\n

\"JaguarSport<\/a>
JaguarSport XJR-15 by Peter Stevens, \u00a9 Porter Press International<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What You Get<\/h2>\n

JaguarSport XJR-15<\/em> is a superb publication about a little-known supercar, often dubbed the \u2018supercar that time forgot\u2019. The author reveals how he started his career, progressing swiftly into the top echelons of the automotive design industry. Stevens includes a chapter on his relationship with Tom Walkinshaw, and influences such as racing at Le Mans, before he launches into the nitty gritty of the car\u2019s design and development. Chapters then follow on the model\u2019s launch, production and sales, the 1991 Intercontinental Challenge, \u2018further developments,\u2019 and the XJR-15 today. The 240-page book is printed on superior quality paper, and the page designs allow for easy reading, the narrative being well supported by excellent photo selection. Of great interest and value for the story of the JaguarSport XJR-15, is the use of numerous original drawings, showing the development of the car through the design phase.<\/p>\n

\"JaguarSport<\/a>
JaguarSport XJR-15 by Peter Stevens, \u00a9 Porter Press International<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Recommendation<\/h2>\n

If you are a Jaguar enthusiast, a motorsport enthusiast, or simply a sportscar enthusiast, then this is a book you won\u2019t want to be without. It is a sizeable publication, and take its place on your automotive library bookshelf with pride. The print run is limited to just 400 signed copies, so make sure you get your copy while the going is good.<\/p>\n

\"JaguarSport<\/a>
JaguarSport XJR-15 by Peter Stevens, \u00a9 Porter Press International<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Book Information<\/h2>\n