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Jaguar is planning to open a new R Performance Academy for owner of the new Jaguar XFR and XKR models, the company has announced. It is also looking at expanding the operation to create a Jaguar World, in the style of Mercedes-Benz World.

Jaguar XKR and XFR buyers will be given driver training at the academy from April. Based at JLR’s test track at Gaydon in Warwickshire, buyers will get demonstration drives from a team of instructors and will then get to drive the same track.

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Based at JLR’s test track at Gaydon in Warwickshire

Isn't that Astons track? I thought Jaguar just rented some office space there?

The 'Jaguar World' sounds nice although the current range doesn't really have the variety of the Porsche line up in terms of upselling - XK to XKR, thats about it. No power packs, GT, Clubsport or RS models, or brake or suspension upgrades.

Nice Idea, but not exactly a priority at the moment.

JLR's R&D and Aston Martins's production facility are seperate in Gaydon. Aston loan the track for testing off JLR. The site is huge and an ex airfield.

The whole proving ground including the high speed track is owned by JLR. The rest of the site is probably 60% JLR owned as well.

Great idea on Jaguars behalf, especially considering the success of Mercedes World.

Personally, even though I am not a fan of Mercedes cars, Mercedes World is an excellent facility.  Service workshops, nice waiting area and show rooms, along with a track you can watch at, it makes it an interesting couple of hours for even for the least car orientated person.

If this is all mixed with the Porsche style personalisation test drive program then it will be a success for Jaguar.

I've always thought more manufacturers should have a public show area (other than dealers), where people could just come and prod and poke and drive the cars, even if there was a small fee involved (which could be re-funded if a car was eventually purchased).