Jaguar E-Pace launches itself in London with world record barrel roll jump

The all-new Jaguar E-Pace has set a new Guinness world record for performing the longest barrel roll jump ever in a production vehicle in the build-up to its glittering global launch event in London, although the feat was achieved behind closed doors after a live attempt in the company of assembled media was cancelled due to safety concerns.

Nonetheless the amazing stunt has seen the new E-Pace follow in the footsteps of the Jaguar F-Pace, which set a world record for performing a production car loop-the-loop last year.

The 15.3 metre jump combined with a 270-degree barrel roll was performed by Terry Grant, the stunt driver who holds 21 Guinness world records and who also performed the loop-the-loop in the F-Pace. Grant experienced G-Force of 5.5 during the barrel roll. 

Jaguar says the stunt was tested and analyzed on CAD (computer aided design) before the jump took place. That allowed Jaguar to work out the speed and distance required for the stunt to be pulled off successfully. The ExCel in London where the stunt took place is one the few venues in the UK large engine to accommodate the 160-metre run up needed to complete the stunt safely.

Terry Grant, said: “As far as I am aware, no production car has ever cleanly completed a bona-fide barrel roll and therefore it has always been an ambition of mine to perform one ever since I was a boy. After driving the Jaguar F-Pace in the record-breaking loop-the-loop, it has been amazing to help launch the next chapter of the PACE family in an even more dramatic dynamic feat.”

Although a repeat of Grant's jawdropping leap was pulled from the schedule, it didn't deter a number of famous faces from attending the E-Pace's debut event at the ExCel. The SUV's entrance - preceded by brief demo from the rest of Jaguar's line-up - was presented by Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw and TV's Ginny Buckley, who later introduced Jaguar's Chief Designer Ian Callum to talk the audience through the manufacturer's newest model.

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This was followed by a performance from DJ Pete Tong, singer-songwriter RAYE and the Heritage Orchestra, while the likes of model and self-confessed petrolhead David Gandy watched on.

The E-Pace has been undergoing development testing for 25 months across four continents ahead of the car performing its record setting leap. Prices for the compact SUV kick off from £28,500, with customer able to place orders now.

Get full details on the new Jaguar E-Pace here…