Jaguar XJR-15: Before the McLaren F1, There Was This | Catchpole on Carfection

[@Carfection]

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[@fraserhenderson7839]

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done

[@hodgson877]

Done 👍

[@dieselscartalk4146]

Done 👍

[@canto_v12]

Back in the 90s it was difficult to find accurate information on such an incredible machine. Thanks for bringing these hero cars back in such incredible detail!

[@andrewsanjayprasad]

I’ve adored XJR-15’s since they were launched, and all this time been waiting for a good review of it. Thanks so much for this video, we’ll worth the wait 👍🏽

[@zakelwe]

It was a long wait to see a review of this done well and worth the wait. Yamaha OX99-11 next please ! :)

[@EvanMoon]

I’ve been reading car magazines playing car video games watching car shows and I’m all about these awesome cars. How have I never heard about this car? F40, 959 and F1 I’ve known forever and thought it’s been a three way battle but now there’s a fourth as if this car just walked into a room and said hello for the first time

[@igostupidfast3]

This brings back so much nostalgia. I loved driving this car to the song "garbage" on gran turismo 2. It just seemed right with that awsome exhaust tone and those looks. Also GT2 is how I learned about this car

[@MrCPH22]

Having been a car guy since early childhood, imagine my feelings about being introduced to this channel a week ago. The algorithm Gods finally looked my way. Absolutely in love with the quality of the content, the cars you are able to get hold of and the no-nonsense approach to these mechanical marvels. SUBSCRIBED! Thank you.

[@Carfection]

This, a Mclaren F1, a Porsche 911 GT1 or a Mercedes CLK GTR? Which would you want to take out for a track day?

[@simonhbacon]

Mclaren F1

[@nathanb2100]

This is a tricky one, because they are all cool 😃😅👍. But, I'll have the F1 :)

[@edthri]

I love the look of the 911 GT1 98 but the McLaren might be best to drive?

[@Whatisthisstupidfinghandle]

The LeMans winning 911 GT1

[@edwardfletcher7790]

The F1 seems to have the loosest suspension for track use (based on Tiff's first video), but of course it's the one I'd choose, simply for the glory of the sound, driving position, ease of control and rarity 👍

[@TommioRS]

Absolutely love the XJR-15. From the full carbon fiber construction, to the under pinning's being the XJR-9 basically and the smooth running Jaguar V12. I love the XJR-15. I dont know how but one day i will have one. Its too special of a car.

[@longtailgt]

Imo this is the most beautiful Jaguar ever made and I find it a bit amusing that not many people even know about it. I am SO happy Henry got to drive one and especially glad to see it was driven in the rain, because that's when some cars show their true nature, and watching an XJR-15 race around a track in pouring wet conditions is way more exciting than a dry track. Thank you Carfection for this magnificent piece of film! I wish you guys would do a Diablo SE30 or an F50 next.

[@trenthazbroek5602]

God I love the XJR-15, one of my favourite cars of all time. Great video yet again Henry and Carfection :)

[@groundcontrol6876]

Kudos to the detailer that installed the coating on this car, as they definitely did their prep work correctly. Just look at 1:08. Tight beads everywhere, including on trim pieces and tight areas, just like my CRX :) Yes, I'm obsessed with beads and detail both as a hobby and professionally.

[@Strike86]

Glad I'm not the only one who noticed 😄👍

[@ranjansahu11]

What a timeless beauty! Certainly deserves more recognition.

[@mazboengineer]

Jeeeezus Henry, an XJR15 in that weather? ..truly risking ones life for journalism with that combo 😬

[@GJM-]

More old school and analog cars like the XJR-15, please. I´m so bored of SUVs, hybrids and EVs.

[@hanifmacca]

concur.

[@gangstagarf]

Good luck with that... sadly

[@USNRET610]

I concur! The hell with sissy queefing EVs!

[@TarmanYoloSwag]

No modern cars are "Old school and analog".

[@darrowherd3212]

Gordon Murray t60, Yaris gr

[@MotorRetroVideo]

By FAR the best video ever done on the Jaguar XJR-15, one of the prettiest and most underappreciated supercars of the era: Hooray, Henry! A fair review, great filming and you did let that engine do some of the talking. The few moments of countersteer did not detract either. Well done.

[@R8andGT3Fan]

What next? Well, I need (and I mean NEED) you to drive an F50. What can I say about this one? Amazing. What a pity the day didn't help to let us listen the V12 at full throttle... 😛 Carfection and Henry keep delivering!

[@jdsk8914]

Yes we need that F50 !!!!

[@richboy900]

Imagine if it was an F50 GT 🤩

[@thebritishautochannel]

Always love a good Jaaag

[@johnsim3722]

You mentioned it was based upon a Le Man winning car, with Johnny Dumfries being one of the drivers. Sadly he died just over a year ago (March 2021). If you ever get the chance to visit the Isle of Bute then it's a must that you have to see his home, Mount Stuart. During the summer they do guided tours. Many years ago they held the Mount Stuart Classic, a mini Goodwood I'd imagine? That was a terrific event, but being based on an island it was always going to struggle to get the visitors it needed to continue. But seeing F1 cars driving on a single track road, through a forest, in the wet, was awesome.

[@stewartjmurray]

My first ever ride in a Ferrari was at the Mount Stuart Classic. It was a great event

[@johnsim3722]

@@stewartjmurray That would have been awesome! Thankfully I got a lift in from a friend on the island to Mount Stuart, but it wasn't quite as an impressive car (think it was an Audi A1 - his mum's car!). There was a group of us all piled in.

[@devilmaycare2809]

Watching that little "75" label on the door move, you get a feel of the acceleration, breaking and cornering involved while Mr Catchpole is driving, bloody marvellous!

[@alansmith7121]

One of my favorites!!! Watching Tiff throw that Jag around was special! Thank you again gentlemen

[@joelbraithwaite1390]

Beautiful car, no silly shapes, creases, or edges, just nice simple, smooth, rounded off, elegant design. Love it.

[@54M0HT]

Thanks - I remember reading about these when they came out, so it's fantastic to see one being driven properly. This is now how I'll think of the XJR-15, sliding around a wet track in your capable hands. What next - if you could get your hands on one of the three prototype Yamaha OX99-11s, that would be great! Another outrageous competition-bred 90s supercar project.

[@rivenmotors7981]

To me, it is the most beautiful Jaguar there is. Thanks Henry, I appreciate you and Carfection for these videos!

[@adambritain5774]

220 trumps it for me but I wouldn't say no.

[@NJRD977]

Such a purposeful looking car and puts the XJ220 firmly in the shade. It does not deserve the low profile it has and hopefully a quality film like this one will help raise that profile a little

[@JelloTypeR]

I had a dream about driving XJR15 a few weeks ago. I bought one instead of the XJ220, in the dream of course. I’m not sure why my brain rewarded me with such a dream but bless my unconscious mind for doing so. It was a good dream.

[@Mystipaoniz]

irl, and in a dream, i too would also choose the XJR 15!

[@Revheadrev]

Crikey that’s a good looking car! Thanks for the vid Henry, I’d say we all learnt a lot from you and your team through these 12 minutes. Thanks so much, mate.

[@Lemma01]

Mr. Catchpole. In that car. At Castle Combe. In the wet. Hats off.

[@haz519]

215mph from 450bhp, I really love this era of machinery. Henry you sure have had some amazing drives over the past few years!

[@martindooley4439]

Torque and big gear's for you

[@TheWretchedWorld]

@@martindooley4439 and low weight and drag

[@MrPeperoni79]

@@TheWretchedWorld Weight is almost completely irrelevant for top speed. It is power and drag.

[@davegent7104]

I remember watching these race at Silverstone in 1991, the sound was something else as the whole field exited Club and thundered towards Abbey. Thanks Henry, great video.

[@chrismc1977]

These were ace at Silverstone in 91- a terrific sound and armfuls of opposite lock trying to control them!

[@lrs3]

One of my favourite supercars ever made. What a machine.

[@ferrariscuderia4290]

Awesome review of this epic and sometimes nearly forgotten race car. The only other road race car that is even less well known is the 1998 Nissan R390 GT1, that would be epic to see it reviewed on this channel!

[@bennyb.1742]

As far as I know, there's only actually one of those road registered. It recently surfaced on some Instagram account about detailing supercars.

[@ferrariscuderia4290]

@@bennyb.1742 Damn, that makes that car even rarer than I thought. Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[@arro-gance]

Nissan never sold it and race rules said you had to have at least 1 road version, there's a bunch of things like this but rarely have manufactures sold them off

[@deans4x4]

One of my favorite cars driven by one of my favorite car guys. Love it.

[@rickenfatania]

I recently discovered there were 5 Le Mans versions built and they're all in one private collectors garage in Japan! There's only one video on youtube where they do a wall around.

[@jdsk8914]

Yess...the pearl white one. So rare!!!

[@stephen9453]

I was a twenty year old avid car magazine reader in 1991 and remember soaking up all the info on this car at the time. What I remember is that it was universally panned for the handling. Rear lights from a Mazda 626 and door handles from a Renault 5, I don't understand where the value of these cars comes from. It was a compromised vehicle at launch and yes, it's interesting, but not at the asking price. You could buy a GMA T33 instead.

[@marcmaartenful]

I remember this, and then the xj220 man that car took my heart i was like 7-10 when it reigned i had the model and hot wheels and it was soo sick... also the ford gt90 was wicked it also predated the f1 but was a concept however had it been produced it would have in my opinion been wven more exciting and crazy in part because of the plexiglass bubble cockpit and interior was soo futuristic ans it also was supposedly 220mph

[@richboy900]

Remember playing as this car on NFS hot pursuit 3 as well the CLK-GTR. Good times. You should try and get to drive a Porsche/Dauer 962 on the channel. Another old school monster of a racer

[@petervanriet5389]

And what you can't unsee once noticed: rear light units of the Mazda 626 coupe. (4th generation)

[@andypolo7928]

I always wondered which vehicle the tail lights were from Now I know 🙂

[@timbonfield3589]

Always thought they were mk1 mondeo

[@kjh23gk]

@@timbonfield3589 They were used in the Noble M12.

[@garrythompson2110]

I went to Le Mans regularly in the mid and late 80s. I was there when Jaguar won. Seeing this car just brings back so many memories of those mental weekends . Oohhhh, those were the days!!😍😍😍

[@NiwatiX]

My gosh Henry.. I laughed for almost 5 minutes straight. You screaming at us to try and review the car driving experience is absolutely delightful

[@MattyMacPhotography]

Just freaky cool. I remember reading about this one ... many years ago. So happy to see you happy in this beast of a car. Thank you again

[@philipejeuceoututkache]

I knew this car back in 1999 in Gran Turismo 2, when I was a kid. With the McLaren F1, they both are for me, the pinnacle of British automotive. And that V12 sound, goddamnit.

[@VectorOfKnowledge]

Henry's a good bloke 👍

[@Sizeofanocean007]

Always a good sign to see Henry properly buzzing after a drive! As to what car I would like to see a review of: properly unobtainium, but a Catchpole/Carfection review of the Alfa Tipo 33 Stradale would be on a non stop loop here! If he fits, that is...

[@bend1483]

I’ll always remember the video of Tiff wrestling one of these around Siverstone back in the day, at one particularly tricky point I think he says “It’s…. NOT….. EAAASSYY!!” While countersteering through a snap oversteer.

[@Sideshowleon]

I remember seeing this car in the Clarkson video and watching it over and over again that engine noise will be forever in my head

[@sjf1981]

I was never really interested in these and kind of forgot about them over the years but man have they aged well and I now really really like it

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

Always loved the XJ-15, it's been something I've loved for as long as I can remember probably because it's a little less well known as the obvious cars. The 90s were a very interesting time for TWR, you can definitely see the R390's proportions in this which TWR later went on to design and the obvious one for me to suggest as wanting to see next. Sadly only one road car was ever produced which now sits in Nissan's heritage museum in Zama (which I've had the pleasure to actually poke my head inside). Not sure whether any of the handful of race cars are still in operable condition, but it's definitely a car I'd love to see again.

[@grayfool]

Only ever seen pics of this amazing car. Excellent video Henry, thanks a lot.

[@GarryMcGovern]

I remember years ago seeing these up for sale at under £150k: even back then, I thought they were chronically undervalued. Granted, that was still a huge amount of money back then, but that was in an era when F40's were up for £1m, so relatively speaking, it was an absolute bargain. I thought they looked utterly divine then...... and that hasn't changed one bit since. Only wish I could have afforded one back then......... but a secondhand 16V Calibra was the best I could afford at the time - and I thought THAT was the dog's bo11ox back then!! 🤣

[@storck08]

Same here. I also knew they are tremendously undervalued. SImilar in character to McLaren F1, but not recognised. And considering the number built, racing pedigree, NA V12 and other reasons undervalued even more.

[@davidurwin6860]

I'd be curious to see how an Ultima RS stacks up against the bigger manufacturers these days? Great to see the reviews of the unobtainable though!

[@RedLP5000S]

I always forget about the XJR-15 because it's never featured until now. Thanks for bringing it out for us. ✌🏻

[@adambritain5774]

Little known in 'normal' circles, but greatly appreciated by a few of us. A remarkable car.

[@onkouth]

Absolutely, i dont think you can consider yourself a true petrol head if you don't know about this incredible car and its historical importance. For me it was like the unloved evil brother of the XJ220.

[@DJHalfbarr]

So few videos on this ground breaking car, thank you Henry and Co.

[@thejonathandoan]

This was a very special video. Such a cool car. Thanks for sharing!

[@laustinspeiss]

Listening to the engine note, I can’t help imagining all those pistons, bolts and conrods banging around in the back seat!

[@RichardLyleEsq]

Looked like a full Code Brown on a couple of occasions. I would have been so pleased to park it up in one piece afterwards.

[@StruggleBusStudios]

I can't explain why but it's so hilarious and entertaining whenever they put Henry in a wild and sketchy car like this and the McMurtry Speirling

[@guywilson187]

Love the XJR-15. 🤩 (Another) Nice article Mr. Catchpole 👍

[@Flopsaurus]

Man, I knew nothing about this car before this video. Such a beauty!

[@HammerRocks]

I didn't realise the XJR-15 was created by Jaguar Sport, and the XJ220 by Jaguar, as I've always wondered why Jaguar has shown the world the XJR-15 first (which I think from an exterior design is gorgeous and timeless), then only to release the XJ220 (with an exterior design that's a little clumsy & over-designed, w/long overhangs) as its consumer car to compete with the F40, F1 etc. Back then, and still to this day, I've always preferred the exterior design of the XJR-15 over the XJ220. The XJR-15 is definitely a timeless design. Even after 30 years it still looks contemporary.

[@MRVSKIN]

Stunning video. More of these types of cars please.

[@DJ_NOOB]

I am glad to see you were enjoying yourself. I just couldn't help but think while watching this, how many curse words must have been spoken realizing the weather was going to be crap.......again........for another big test drive. You've got some luck there Henry. LOL.

[@scottjohnson4319]

What a fantastic review as only Henry could do it. The others pale in comparison to his lucid descriptions. Henry, I'd love the see you drive some of the older cars, firstly because you seem to have a true love and genuine respect for them and secondly because there is a more direct connection. Your driving skills can get the car flying without the gratuitous (and inappropriate) Harris tire smoke.

[@richardoakley8800]

It was an amazing car..but many professional racing drivers said it was a handful bordering on undrivable

[@TheUsmc0802]

I remember reading as the drama unfolded through this car’s development and production run via magazine articles when I was kid. I’d thanks this over all the analog super cars to include Mclaren and 959.

[@flying0graysons]

Beautiful video chaps! Superb as usual Henry!

[@Dad32646]

Drove it in nfs 3 hot pursuit back in the day lol. Sick car!

[@Kerbhunter_Alex]

Thank you Carfection, what a documentary! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@csiga79]

One of my all time favourite 90s cars...

[@amphilbey]

Great stuff, like the XJ220 deserves more recognition and surely the greatest one make series of all time...

[@CX06]

I've always loved the indicator stalk, straight from a Leyland bus!

[@jamesprince4991]

Fabulous review, thank you. I hadn't appreciated how little I knew about it before.

[@Just_Pele]

Legendary car. Of all the amazing supercars made during that era, I think the XJR-15 is the most beautiful and most underappreciated.

[@JonnyJayJonson]

I believe the XJR15 that Clarkson drove was one of the racers (numbered, big wing on the back) and in similarly wet conditions! That was in one of his early VHS efforts, namely 'The Most Outrageous Jeremy Clarkson Video in the World... Ever!'. He looks genuinely terrified driving it! Also, he drives an original GT40 in the same film and, despite absolutely loving it, maintains that he's never driven one at all.

[@86RSJag]

Content of this quality. Available via KZbin. Amazing

[@Astrosisphere]

The best-looking, best-sounding Jaguar ever made and it wasn't made by Jaguar - figures really! They can keep their 'civilized comfort' - I'll take loud and raw over that every day of the week!

[@eltonkingsley5617]

Barring access to a GMA T50, then perhaps the team could track down a running road going version of the Porche 917. I believe there were just a handful of them converted, but it would be great to get our intrepid Mr Catchpole behind the wheel. He deserves a treat after the quite hair raising drive of the XJR15.

[@chriscomparescars4416]

My second favourite car after the XJ220 lol, So glad you drove this!

[@jamiemiller7752]

Thanks for the film. I had this car on my bedroom wall, probs because it was different and probs because there was a big poster in Autosport that week!

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

One of my all-time favourites

[@PeefMidgar]

My brain thought this was an xj220 and realized I've never heard of this one. Very awesome car, amazing sound.

[@mambastu]

How about a Group A road car video where you compare and drive a E30 M3, a 2wd 3 door Sierra Cosworth and a R32 GT-R on road and track.

[@RIB0S0ME]

10:16 "it's fine! It's absolutely fine" 😅🤩

[@manualmafia6015]

4th fastest I’ve ever clicked on a video on this channel (GT1, F1, CLK GTR)

[@Carfection]

We're going to publish a new extended version of the F1, GT1, CLK GTR film soon.

[@manualmafia6015]

@@Carfection can’t wait for the notification!

[@ast453000]

This is one of my all time favorite cars. Top five, for sure. Not fair to review it in the rain though.

[@smee1198]

some classic hatches. focus st170 & mk1 rs. clio rs 200 & megane rs 265.

[@Don1Gibson]

A few years ago, the Secret Supercar Owner left me in charge of his F40 and XJR-15 for a winter. I used to just sit in the garage and look at them from time to time. Astonishing.

[@rahulsudhir666]

With all due respect, You lucky lucky dog!!!!

[@jeancavalie3179]

Was it Jas from Tennessee?

[@Don1Gibson]

@@jeancavalie3179 No, this was in the UK (the gentleman in question has since moved though).

[@neoleo593]

@@Don1Gibson one of my favorite panels in evo, I'm jealous, is this when he couldn't import them when he moved, and consequently the f40 had some clutch troubles?

[@Don1Gibson]

@@neoleo593 This was before the move, but a lot of this (and other things), can be found on his blog, Karenable. :) (I wouldn't want to steal his thunder!)

[@ericgeorge5483]

Sorry for my ignorance but I had never ever heard of the XJR-15........Bloody hell what a car!!!

[@darcypugsley7964]

Love the XJR-15. Great video. I would like to see Henry behind the wheel of the Kimera EVO 037. Also, Ruf's new SCR of their own design.

[@andylotus]

great video, a under hatches walk round would have been nice. perhaps for the next drive, something wildly different like a full dakar truck :)

[@kristofevo]

Tiff needel raced it in monaco, if I recall, and he said it was terrible....understeer and oversteer, sometimes in the same corner! I think there were quite a few crashes involving these, unsurprisingly......

[@gabrielbarcellos1036]

Que carro lindo, design limpo e esse teto bolha perfeição 🔥

[@fj717]

This is really lovely. Never knew these even existed. Next maybe a similar car from Nissan, the R390? 😍

[@ferrarikangaroo9271]

Awyiss. My favourite car in the world (and also the sexiest and objectively speaking, the best). And now I have my favourite automotive journalist creating some modern media for it :) Happy days. I knew this weekend was going to be awesome

[@luke_3_113]

Great looking car - I'm normally a bit jealous of Henry, but glad I'm not the one driving in the wet!

[@danestormfeltz7815]

Could you do an episode with a Jaguar XJ220 and Jaguar XJR-15 together please.

[@ryanbelcher8394]

Finally someone does a piece on this

[@CalebOrvik]

I've been meaning to find this out: what kind of window tint is that? I need this shade of jade

[@AleksandrHalas]

it's more extraordinary supercar than I was think befor!!!

[@jamesburton2249]

A beauty Would love to see you drive; Venturi, Alpine 610, ERA, FrazerNash chain gang, Emira, Weissman, Chimera/Griffith on track, Aston V550, EB110, Tesla Roadster, …

[@laskos02]

What does Era stand for?

[@jamesburton2249]

@@laskos02 English Racing Automobiles. Light weight, and far more power than grip. = exciting to drive and watch

[@magnusevison311]

What about the Noble M12 (3R) / M400 cars? They are talked of with awe and wonder (performance:cost ratio). But are so rarely seen or tested...