This week MasterTorque had the opportunity to attend the Two Icons Tour launch. Jaguar and Land Rover launched the initiative so that drivers can experience Jaguar’s Art of Performance and Land Rover’s Above and Beyond in one location. The car brands transformed Sandton City’s rooftop into a one-of-a-kind location for the event.
The day started off with presentations where the brands explained their objective behind the nine month project which is to give people an opportunity to a real feel for their luxury cars, no matter who you are. After that we launched into a morning of fun and amazement, which, really, is a simplification of the Two Icons Tour.
The first activity is the Speed Track. A section of the roof was transformed to simulate a real race track complete with ‘sidewalk cafes’, a green light at the start line, twists, turns, ‘Monaco tunnel’, inclines, declines and a finish line. Professional drivers took you around the course at high speeds in three different cars.
Initially, I could not wait to get into the F-type but each one actually gave you a different and worthwhile experience. The Jaguar F-Pace gives an unexpectedly fast and exciting ride, while the F-Type is smooth and handles with perfection. The Jaguar XE gave you thrills as the back slides out every now and then.
Next on the Two Icons Tour is the 4×4 track or the Land Rover Garden Route. Almost 6 000 indigenous plants transform the area into a very realistic 4×4 track. It was a ‘you had to be there’ moment to truly respect the beauty of what was created.
As I had never driven on a 4×4 track myself before, I opted to drive with the trainer first. This gave me a good opportunity to see all the technology and gadgets which the Land Rover Discovery offers. I also had my first experience with autonomous driving with the all-terrain progress control which helps you navigate tricky terrains. We enabled it going up a steep incline and all I had to do was steer. The car did the rest smoothly and efficiently.
I ended off the afternoon on the ‘ice road’ which was essentially drifting on a sheet of ice. Even as a passenger, I could feel how smoothly the Jaguar F-Type slid around. It was more impressive than exhilarating unlike other skid pan experiences I’ve had before.
Ultimately, Jaguar and Land Rover created a thrilling event. They achieved their objective of giving the media, at least, a feel for their cars. For me, the roof of Sandton City will never quite be just a roof again even after the experience is just a memory.
The great news is that the Two Icons Tour is open to the public. You can experience all the excitement yourself from 9 September to 15 November. Visit their website for more info
Watch the reconstruction of Sandton City rooftop over nine months
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