BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

Jaguar To 'Tightrope Walk' New Car Prior To NYC Intro

Following
This article is more than 9 years old.

We’ve attended our share of new-model introductions at various auto shows over the years and have seen carmakers crash vehicles through walls, drop them from rafters and even make them disappear on stage before throngs of journalists, but this is beyond the pale.

Step aside Nik Wallenda – Jaguar says it plans to drive its redesigned 2016 XF luxury/sports sedan across tandem tightropes high over London on March 24, a week prior to the car’s official unveiling at the New York International Auto Show.

The high-profile high-wire act, claimed to be the world’s first tightrope crossing above water ever attempted in a car, is being supervised by Jim Dowdall, a master stunt person who’s worked on myriad Hollywood action movies including the 007, Bourne and Indiana Jones franchises.

The new XF – built with extensive use of lightweight aluminum – will be driven across a still unspecified body of water using two 1.3-inch/diameter wires and is claimed to be the world’s first high-wire crossing above water ever attempted in a car.

This takes auto show bombast to a whole new level, both figuratively and literally. Could a new-car “launch” that takes place aboard a Space X or Virgin Galactic space ship be far behind?

Jaguar’s high-wire act will be streamed live on March 24 at 3:00 EST at jaguarusa.com/NewXF. The redesigned midsize luxury sedan debuts in New York on April 1, and goes on sale in the U.S. this fall.

Follow us on Forbes.com, FacebookTwitter and Pinterest.