Jaguar Pulls Out Of CTS-V Challenge

If we’re learning anything from the twists and turns leading into GM’s Cadillac V-Series Challenge, it’s that a good stunt is hard to stage these days [unless you have access to China’s rich reserves of stunt drivers, as shown above]. Jaguar’s US PR boss Stuart Schorr has informed us that his firm’s legal and safety advisers have put the kibosh on the XF-R’s planned entry into the event. Because Jaguar was previously the only manufacturer to enter the race, the pullout leaves TTAC, Jalopnik and the New York Times’ Lawrence Ullrich without an OEM-backed ride. As a result, the media challengers (as we’re being called) will go mano-a-mano with Bob Lutz in… a CTS-V. Which makes the event a bit more of “may the best man win” than “may the best car win,” but then that’s not exactly our problem, is it? [Don’t miss the literal Chinese fire drill at 1:56]

Well, only a problem in the sense that “everyone is scared of us” is a less compelling PR line than “we raced ’em and won.” Sure, it’s a debatable point, but that debate would still hang on the assumption that promoting the CTS-V as a track-dominating sedan will make a difference in Cadillac’s fortunes. Let alone GM’s. Don’t get me wrong, as a game of corporate risk-tolerance chicken, GM clearly spooked its competitors out. Still, the argument could be made that the competition had more to lose and less to prove than Cadillac. That seems to have been the case with Jaguar.

I’m not sure I understand where the catty comments are coming from though. Jag were the only cats sticking their necks out for a race on the CTS-V’s home track (Hello Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Maserati, et al). With up to three entrants (Jack, Wes and Lawrence) running practice and hot laps in a single car, brake fade would be a concern in any stock sedan. Cadillac is bringing extra brakes and tires for their cars. In any case, Jack Baruth knows his brakes, and he’ll be sure to notice any weaknesses when he gets a turn with the XFR outside of this particular media spectacle.

I, for one, am glad that Jack will have the chance to take on Lutz in the same car. The car comparison angle to this event has always been overrated… what was this going to do for the model and brand that the CTS-V’s Nurburgring time didn’t? Let alone [shock, horror] a positive TTAC review? Now this is just a race between men… and we’re glad GM picked the best car it makes to host it in.