Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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In gear

Lisa Curtiss drools at the prospect of owning 007’s motor, indulges in some F1 gossip and takes the new Jaguar for a spin

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Life begins at 40?

Range Rover celebrates landmark birthday

Loved and owned by the likes of David Beckham, Tom Cruise, the Queen of England, Prince Charles, Madonna, Bruce Willis and even Pope John Paul II, Land Rover’s iconic Range Rover celebrates its 40th birthday this year.

The world’s first fully capable luxury 4×4, it set a benchmark that no other model’s yet managed to meet. Hailed as one of the most important vehicles in the history of motoring, it’s a forerunner to the popular sport utility vehicle (SUV) class. Happy birthday!

Movie-star motor

James Bond’s car to be auctioned

The Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball is to be auctioned in London on 27 October 2010. This is the first time the car will be up for sale, and it’s expected to achieve in excess of €4m.

Famous around the world, FMP 7B is one of only two – and the sole remaining – original ‘007’ DB5s that featured on screen with Connery behind the wheel in the enormously popular movies. With its rather interesting modifications originally conceived by Oscar-winning special effects expert John Stears, this authentic Bond car is factory-fitted with the full complement of operational ‘Q-Branch’ gadgets, including machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, tracking device, removable roof panel, oil slick sprayer, nail spreader and smoke screen, all controlled from factory-installed toggles and switches hidden in the centre arm-rest. Any Bond fan’s dream machine!

All Dolled up?

Rumours of a wedding for Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger

Heading towards their two-year dating anniversary, there’s plenty of talk in the paddock that Lewis Hamilton and his very own Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger are planning to marry once this Formula One season draws to a close. Despite the couple’s break earlier in the year, the relationship certainly seems back on track, with the pair apparently dropping coy hints about their commitment to each other when being interviewed.

Grand Prix goes south

Austin, Texas is the new host for the United States Grand Prix

From 2012 to 2021, Austin, Texas has been confirmed as the new host city for the United States Grand Prix. Building will start soon on a spanking new track and spectator facility.

Apparently known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World ‘, and voted in the top three ‘Hippest Cities’ in the USA, Austin looks set to serve plenty of entertainment and culture to visiting F1 fans. We can’t but wonder if it will manage to retain its title as the ‘Greenest City in America’, though.

July diary

Dates to look out for this month

9-11 WRC, Rally Bulgaria
9-11 F1 Silverstone, UK
16-18 Le Mans Series, Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal
23-25 F1 Hockenheimring, Germany

TESTDRIVE JAGUAR XF 3.0 DIESEL S

Jaguar sexes up its XF S to claw the 530d right where it hurts

Diesels don’t come much better than this. Newly introduced Aerodynamic and Adaptive Dynamics packs options, together with an upgraded XFR-derived interior as standard, combine to furnish the 2011 model year XF Diesel S with a credible stylistic and handling edge.

Already a car with presence, the Aero pack gives the XF S a more sports-orientated, aggressive look thanks to bold new black-mesh inserts for the grille and lower air intakes, with blades that can be supplied with white LED daytime running lights and sculpted side sills borrowed from the XFR. The Portfolio model tested ran on a set of stunning 20in Smoked Volans alloy wheels, which set off its Ultimate Black exterior wonderfully.

Slide inside and, as with all new-era Jaguars, this car seamlessly marries tasteful luxury with futuristic wizardry. The upgraded cabin features the XFR’s leather sports seats, with 18-way adjustment driver-side and 14-way for passenger comfort. Both front seats feature power-adjusted raised side bolsters, too, for extra support. Portfolio models feature Jet Suedecloth headlining, as well as the high-gloss Piano Black veneer in the Premium Luxury car.

It’s not all about the visuals, though. With the Adaptive Dynamics pack, ride and handling are markedly enhanced: going from a model with the pack fitted to one without, although still excellent, the difference is tangible. The high-tech AD system works by analysing chassis movement together with wheel and driver inputs 500 times each second, and continuously adjusts the suspension based on its findings for optimum handling without loss of comfort, based on driving style, pace and conditions. And Jaguar’s torquey AJ-V6D Gen III engine produces smile-inducing power boosts on tap, with a throaty growl worth winding down the windows for.

With its punch and poise, the XF Diesel S is a genuinely rewarding driver’s car with the unique ability to switch in character, depending on your driving style, in a heartbeat – from purring Persian to full-on screaming alley cat on speed.

Info

Jaguar XF 3.0 S

Price
From €42,000
Engine
2993cc, 271bhp
Transmission
6-speed auto
0-100km/h
5.9 secs
Top speed
249km/h
CO2 emissions
179g/km
MPG
6.7l/100km