|
LadyEllen -> Global Warming - 12mpg - a Vital Contribution (1/17/2010 1:13:51 PM)
|
The ice and snow have gone! It was a balmy 8 centigrade outside today, which truly felt warm compared to the last few weeks; instead of vest, jumper, woolly cardigan (knee length) and eskimo style coat (plus gloves, hat and scarf), this afternoon it was fine with just a jumper and jacket.
And for the first time in weeks I took the Jag out for a spin. After what seems like months of going nowhere fast, of feeling trapped in the house except for seeing to what has to be done, of going slowly but surely crazy, it was wonderful.
I drove out of town, behind the usual tailback of dimwitted 40s (so called as they drive at 40mph wherever they are - past the school at chucking out time, on the open road and everything inbetween), and then reached open countryside, where few people live and few vehicles block the roads on a Sunday - even fewer on the route I chose, to the west of the Severn where speed limits are rarely posted.
And then I went insane, releasing all the pent up frustration of my involuntary icy imprisonment. 0-60 from the first junction in just under 10secs on a very wet road - not bad for an old lady car and driver. Never dipping below 45mph on a twisting, turning narrow road, hitting 65 and 70 on the few straights, I had a good half hour of late braking, gear changing, engine roaring, adrenaline pumping stress relief. Wonderful. I have to say too, the car seemed to enjoy it as well.
And whereas I can get 24mpg urban and past the mid 30s on the motorway, my trip meter showed a proud 12mpg from my rallying style insanity. A vital contribution to global warming I'm sure you will all agree.
My thanks to Jaguar for producing what I still think is an excellent car, despite the criticisms aimed at it, and to the people of Shropshire for staying home for a few hours.
E
|
|
|
|
