- Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Jaguar, Rumormill, Luxury
With the Paris Motor Show a mere month away, automakers from around the globe are unleashing a barrage of teasers and rumors that hint to what will be on display. According to Auto Express, Jaguar is the latest company to let slip what it has planned. The murky report says the Leaping Cat will pull the covers off of an XK-sized sports car inspired by the Porsche 918. While that likely means the concept will boast a fantastical hybrid drivetrain with more torque than sense, it doesn't mean that Tata is going to fast-track this car for production. Auto Express says the car is more to flex the company's styling muscles than anything else.
While that means we likely won't be seeing another sultry two-door in the Jaguar stable any time soon, the new concept will give us some insight into what's coming down the pike in terms of Jaguar design. That may include some new, oblong grille language to replace the slinky oval of the E-Types of old. Supposedly the company's designers are having a hard time maintaining the oval grille's proportions on the company's new widebody platforms.
[Source: Auto Express | Image: Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL]Report: Jaguar sports car concept bound for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., Ford, GM, Hyundai, Jaguar, Toyota, Electric
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Chris, Sam and Dan return for Episode #192 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the reinstatement of GM's high performance division and its new focus on small cars, the Ford Edge Sport being out-dragged by its lesser SEL sibling, and the BMW Megacity electric car. It's an hour and eleven minutes, bookended by what's in our respective garages and your questions/comments. See you next week!
Autoblog Podcast #192 - Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity
In the Autoblog Garage:
Toyota Sienna LE
Jaguar XFR
Hyundai Azera
Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk
Runtime: 71:11
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Autoblog Podcast #192 - Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Jaguar, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty, Luxury
Jaguar XJ Sentinel - Click above for high-res image gallery
Budding rap stars, dictators, special agents and anyone else looking for the ultimate in over-the-road safety now have an elegant new option when it comes time to scoop up that next heavily armored ride. Jaguar has announced that it will show off its XJ Sentinel in both left- and right-hand drive at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show.
As with other machines of its ilk, the XJ Sentinel features sufficient armor plating that it's earned B7 levels of ballistics protection (read: can handle moderately-sized explosions and gunfire). Plus, because it's based on the long-wheelbase XJ, it won't attract more than the usual attention from anyone looking out for dignitaries to harass.
The same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic that powers the standard XJ is included in the package, and its 385 horsepower can propel the 7,275-pound heavyweight to 62 miles per hour in under 10 seconds. Not exactly breathtakingly fast, but that's the price you pay for protection.
Fortunately, the suspension has been beefed up to deal with the excess weight with continually variable dampers. So too have the brakes, bringing this 120-mile-per-hour speeding locomotive to a halt. Pricing is not publicly available at the moment, but you can always contact your own personal security consultant to hammer out the details. Full press release after the break.
[Source: Jaguar]Continue reading Jaguar unleashes XJ Sentinel for all your armored needs
Jaguar unleashes XJ Sentinel for all your armored needs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Reviews, Luxury
Lightweight Luxury with Style
2011 Jaguar XJL - Click above for high-res image gallery
There's a sect of motoring nihilists out there who would have us all believe there isn't a single thing in the automotive universe that hasn't been done before. It's the "Simpsons did it" meme on methamphetamines, though instead of a yellow animated family, our cast is populated by the likes of Plymouth, Cord, Studebaker, Hudson and any number of other equally innovative yet forgotten brands. Think adaptive headlights are a trick piece of tech? Think again - Willys-Knight employed a third directional headlight as early as 1928 on its 70A, and Citroën made use of similar methodology on cars like the DS and SM way back when.
The XJ is as close to shrugging off the bland, conservative lines of the luxury sedan as you're apt to find.
Few segments seem to have accepted this grim reality quite like the luxury sedan world. Automakers that once strove to create unique products now seem to be operating from the same design template. Line up the profiles of the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the vast majority of the car-buying public would have no idea which car was which. Each vehicle is attractive in its own right, but we wouldn't accuse any of them possessing the same kind of gravitas as, say, a '38 Mercedes-Benz 770.
Which is one of the big reasons we're smitten with the 2011 Jaguar XJL. Whereas the only way you're going to stop traffic with a 7 Series is to put the drivers around you to sleep, the newest interpretation of the stately Jaguar flagship is the kind of beauty that sends jaws clattering across the concrete.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOLContinue reading Review: 2011 Jaguar XJL
Review: 2011 Jaguar XJL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Jaguar, Misc. Auto Shows
Jaguar 75th Anniversary at Pebble Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've already shown you that Jaguar was honored at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance with a dozen XK-SS roadsters showing up for the party, but there were other Jaguars on hand as well - lots and lots of remarkable Jags.
The history of Jaguar actually began almost 90 years ago when two young men hell-bent on motorcycle glory set up a small company to produce sidecars under the Swallow name in 1922. The younger of the two was William Lyons, who later became Sir William Lyons, mainly because Jaguar went on to bring Britain so much motoring glory. The sidecar business eventually turned into an automobile coachworks, with custom bodies on a bespoke Standard brand chassis that became know as the S.S.I. and S.S.II.
For the follow-up to those early S.S. models - Standard Swallow some think - Lyons had commissioned a new overhead-valve six-cylinder engine that was about 50 percent more powerful than the old side-valve engines they had been using. They put the new engine in a new chassis, enclosed it in the company's first four-door sedan body and Lyons personally chose what he thought was the most appropriate name from a list of choices given to him by his advertising people - Jaguar. On September 23, 1935, the company unveiled the SS Jaguar to London's assembled press. That car led to the short-wheelbase SS Jaguar 100 sports car that helped establish Jaguar's reputation for performance with its early racing success.
After World War II, the company decided to change its name to simply 'Jaguar,' dropping the newly infamous "S.S." label. The automaker also started focusing less on inexpensive sportscars for the homeland market, and more on luxurious models aimed at capturing rich American buyers. One way to do that was with new product and Lyons and his crew were cooking up a duesie - a new sportscar featuring a double overhead cam engine just like the race cars of the era. The goal was 160 horsepower from the engine's 3.4-liter capacity and a 120 mph top speed. That car was the iconic XK120 - "XK" for the engine and "120" for the car's top speed. That begat the XK140 and 150 and a whole slew of other legendary vehicles that bore the Jaguar name.
Some of the finest examples of Jaguar's pedigree were on hand at Pebble Beach on Sunday. Take a look in our high-res gallery below.
1935 S.S. 90
1935 S.S.I. Drophead Coupe
1938 Jaguar SS100 Roadster
1952 Jaguar C-type
1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster
1955 Jaguar D-Type
1961 Jaguar E-Type Fixed Head Coupe
1966 Jaguar XJ13 Prototype
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOLMonterey 2010: Jaguar's 75th birthday party at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Jaguar
Jaguar XK-SS Gathering at Pebble Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery
Okay, full disclosure - We have to tell you that we have a conflict of interest on this one. The Jaguar XK-SS is one of this author's top ten sports car designs of all time. This partially-civilized, D-Type-derived, semi-comp car is just plain awesome. Seeing one of them at a museum or event is like glimpsing the Pietà as you enter the Vatican - Its beauty can overwhelm you if you're not prepared to see it. Imagine our delight, then, when we learned that the organizers of the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance had put together a small gathering of XK-SS roadsters to celebrate Jaguar's 75th birthday. It's their birthday, and we get the presents.
Just 25 of these incredible machines were built during their short run - a tragic fire at the factory took nine of them and halted development of not just the XK-SS, but of the D-Type as a whole. Try as they might, the Pebble Beach folks simply couldn't get all 16 of the survivors together for this occasion...but how does a full dozen sound? Any event that has one SS in the field is pretty remarkable in our books. Having more than one is almost unheard of. Having a dozen on hand, all in one place at one time... in an almost perfect line on the Pebble Beach golf links with nothing behind them but the course and bay? Sublime.
Why does the XK-SS draw such admiration? Well, all you need do is look at it and you have your answer, but there is much more to the story. When Jaguar withdrew from racing at the end of 1955, they had a few spare D-Type chassis on hand. They also had something of a budget crisis at the time. Why not make a few changes for road use and offer the unfinished cars to the public? Jaguar added an extra seat, another door, a full-width windshield, luggage rack and folding top and the SS was born. It weighed but 2,000 pounds and had the D-Type's 250-horsepower 3.4-liter straight-six under its shapely bonnet. It only weighed about 100 pounds more than the full-on racer and was sold at a 30 percent discount over the D.
Doesn't that strike you as something of a bargain for a wild, hairy beast for the street? Steve McQueen thought so. In fact, the legendary actor and racer owned the same example twice. After buying one new, he had the interior customized by artist Von Dutch. He later sold the car but missed it so much that he bought it back a few years later. He had the car in his collection until the day he died. It's now in the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, but was in Pebble Beach for the Concours on Sunday...along with eleven of its friends. Check out our stunning gallery of high-res images below.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips, Frank Filipponio / AOLMonterey 2010: Pebble gathers a dozen Jaguar XK-SS roadsters for Jag's 75th originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Videos, Jaguar, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style, Luxury
Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery. Follow the jump to watch video.
The Jaguar XKR175 isn't the only special kitty making its debut out in Monterey. Jag's new limited-production coupe is joined by the one-off XJ75 Platinum concept created to honor of the brand's 75th anniversary. Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance attendees will find it parked on the Concept Car Lawn.
Pearlescent white paint provides a stark contrast to the big saloon's blacked-out grille, D-pillar, and custom 22-inch wheels. Inside, black leather seats get quilted, diamond-stitch suede inserts. The same material also adorns the headliner. Additional glitz comes courtesy of the Bremont Watch Company, which is responsible for the bespoke clock installed in the XJ75's console.
If the 470-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8 doesn't provide enough entertainment, the XJ75 Platinum also features a 1,200-watt, 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Check out both the official photos and live pictures in high-res galleries below or follow the jump for video walkaround by Jaguar design Boss Ian Callum.
Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Jaguar]Continue reading Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum concept marks 75 years of The Cat [w/Video]
Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum concept marks 75 years of The Cat [w/Video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Jaguar, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury
Jaguar XKR175 - Click above for high-res image
Life can't have been easy for Jaguar in the Ford PAG years. Sure, the automaker had an influx of capital to dedicate to development of new models and the fine-tuning of existing ones. And sure, its notorious reliability and quality levels skyrocketed to a near-acceptable level (which is quite far from where they were). But all the same, it had to live in the shadow of their big brother Aston Martin.
The current Tata era, then, must be a breath of fresh air, with no one impeding Jag's upwards growth. Exhibit A: the XKR175. Like its continental (and similarly named) counterpart, the XKR 75, it's been made to celebrate the marque's 75th anniversary. Of course it's based on the XKR, a model of unique feline reflexes that was once impeded in its potential by the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, never mind the DB9. But no more - with AML now under separate ownership, the XKR175 demonstrates just what the British GT is capable of.
We're talking about 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque from the supercharged V8. We're talking about a beefed-up aero kit, bigger wheels and super-sized brakes. We're talking about an unveiling no less prestigious than the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, so check out the solo image released in the interim and the press release after the jump.
If you like what you see, you'd better call your local dealer now. Because with a limited production run of - you guessed it - 175 examples (15 of which will head north to the land of igloos and maple syrup, the rest to be divided between these United States), you can bet that - even with a $104,500 price tag - demand will outstrip supply. Even Aston Martin will have to stand up and take notice to that.
[Source: Jaguar]Continue reading Jaguar XKR175 kicks off the kid brother mantle at Pebble Beach
Jaguar XKR175 kicks off the kid brother mantle at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover
2011 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery
The turnaround at Jaguar/Land Rover is happening even faster than the company's owner, Tata, had planned. A year ago, JLR posted a net loss of £64 million ($101M U.S.) in Q2; compare that to this year's second quarter and its £233.8 million ($369M U.S.) net profit on 57,135 vehicles sold.
While we're sure they aren't complaining, the boost has left JLR in bit of a lurch: production has bottlenecked because it needs more engines from Ford, after already buying "considerably more" than it expected. Ford hasn't offered any comment, but it is reported that the two companies are working together to figure out how to get Jaguar the powerplants it needs.
[Source: Bloomberg]Report: Engine shortages holding back Jaguar Land Rover sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: SUV, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, India
Land Rover Defender - Click above for high-res image gallery
Tata Motors CEO Carl-Peter Forster has announced Land Rover production would begin in India in 2011 and Jaguar is looking for a partner to produce cars within China. Although Forster didn't announce which model would be built in the sub-continent, the T5 platform used for the current LR4 and Range Rover Sport seems a likely candidate. That same platform is expected to be used for a replacement model for the classic Defender which is expected to debut in 2012.
Because foreign automakers are required to work with local companies in China, Jaguar is in negotiations for a production deal in the economic powerhouse. China's luxury market is still growing and local production would undoubtedly make it easier for Jaguar to get a larger slice of the pie.
[Source: Autocar]Land Rover to launch production in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Convertible, Government/Legal, Jaguar, Celebrities, Luxury
Barry Goldwater's one-off George Barris 1953 Jaguar XK120 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Long before Barry Goldwater would suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1964 presidential election, the politician apparently had a taste for wildly customized cars. Unsatisfied with the exquisite design of his 1953 Jaguar XK120, Goldwater commissioned the legendary George Barris to turn the car into something special. Barris took the time to work in headlight and tailfin assemblies from a '53 Buick, along with a Lincoln Continental-style spare tire carrier and a shortened Cadillac rear bumper. Inside, the dash was reworked in unfinished aluminum, complete with an array of aeronautical gauges. We're quite sure we prefer the bog-standard XK120's sheetmetal, but this car's interesting history and one-off nature is hard to ignore.
The car has spent the last 20 years of its life tucked away in a California shop and has emerged via the glory of eBay Motors. The body has weathered the years between 1953 and now without too much wear and tear, though the interior has moved on to the great beyond. The car's 3.5-liter, DOHC I6 is still in place, as are all of those oddball gauges. The car is available in Newport Beach, California with its reserve not met at $15,639 at the time of writing. If you want it, hop on over to eBay and get to clicking. There are only four days left on the auction right now.
[Source: eBay Motors]eBay Find of the Day: One-off George Barris 1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC built for... Barry Goldwater? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Jaguar
2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged- Click above for high-res image gallery
Jaguar's new 5.0-liter V8 has seen its fair share of praise since its introduction, but even the best petrol mill is worthless without fuel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website indicates that 5,048 of the automaker's 2010 and 2011 XF and XK models equipped with the 5.0-liter engine are being recalled for a faulty fuel pump relay.
The problem can reportedly occur if the in-tank electronic fuel pump isn't properly activated when the fuel pump relay is energized at vehicle start-up. When this happens, the engine could receive inadequate amounts of fuel, resulting in the vehicle abruptly stalling with little or no warning, which would potentially result in an unscheduled (is there another kind?) accident.
Beginning August 30 of this year (or possibly earlier) owners of affected vehicles can simply take their faulty cat to the nearest Jaguar store for a free software update that should fix the issue. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]Continue reading Jaguar recalling 2010-2011 XF and XK over potential fuel starvation
Jaguar recalling 2010-2011 XF and XK over potential fuel starvation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury
Tata Motors chief executive Carl-Peter Forster has acknowledged that Jaguar needs a smaller, higher-volume vehicle and it appears that just such a car is already under development. Unlike the less-than-stellar X-Type which was based on the second-generation Ford Mondeo, the new car should actually be a real Jaguar.
Jaguar is reportedly working on a new modular aluminum platform that would be shared between the new smaller car, the mid-sized XF and the next-generation XK. In renderings posted by AutoExpress at least, the baby Jag bears a strong resemblance to the XF but with curvier rear haunches and XJ-style taillamps. Of course, what the real thing will ultimately look like is anyone's guess.
Power will likely come from downsized and boosted four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, with the current 3.0-liter diesel V6 as a range-topper. Also look for a hybrid to enter the mix. All of this will help Jaguar meet the new EU CO2 emissions limits once the new smaller Jaguar debuts, which could happen as soon as soon as 2012.
[Source: AutoExpress]Rumormill: Jaguar working on aluminum X-Type successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, GM, GMC, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Toyota, Volkswagen
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are the crew for Episode #187 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover Lamborghini rumors, the new Ford Explorer's fuel economy with its rumored EcoBoost powertrain, the rumors swirling around the possibility that the Wall Street Journal printed an article that was a plant from Toyota, a sports car based on the Nissan Leaf, and the seemingly insatiable appetite for German premium cars. We hit your feedback and questions before throwing in the towel at the hour and a half mark. Thanks for listening, see you next time!
Autoblog Podcast #187 - Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans
In the Autoblog Garage:
Mitsubishi Outlander
Jaguar XJL
GMC Sierra 3500HD
Volkswagen Golf TDI
News:
Rumormill: Lamborghini developing Touareg-based SUV, V8 Gallardo [w/poll]
2011 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost 2.0-liter delivers 30% better fuel economy than V6
Followup: Toyota 'strongly objects' to NHTSA allegations it planted story in WSJ
Rumormill: Nissan considering Leaf-based EV sportscar
Report: German mfgs cleaning up as appetite for luxury cars is 'bottomless'
Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert, Chris Shunk
Runtime: 86:17
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Review the show in iTunes and take our survey
Autoblog Podcast #187 - Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Auctions, Jaguar, Specialty, Luxury
Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six Long-Wheelbase Saloon - Click above for high-res image gallery
The list of accolades and honorifics attributed to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II goes on for miles. Not only is she the Queen of England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom - the longest-serving monarch in their respective histories, at that - but she's also the reigning queen of an additional 15 sovereign nations and the head of state for 54 members of the commonwealth. She's head of the Church of England, titular commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces, Lord High Admiral of the Royal Navy and, for some strange reason, Admiral of Nebraska. (Seriously. Look it up.) Her Majesty is also a keen driver, having driven ambulances during the Second World War, known to change tires on her own (how many monarchs can say that?) and is still seen driving herself around on occasion. And for several years, this was her car.
This Daimler Double Six Long-Wheelbase Saloon (the upscale version of the Jaguar XJ12) was built by Jaguar for Her Majesty's use in 1984. Before its delivery to Buckingham Palace, it underwent over 2,000 miles of testing to iron out any kinks, after which it became the Queen's personal vehicle, transporting her an enumerable dignitaries - princes, princesses and prime ministers - to various events and in between palaces and estates across the kingdom. Elizabeth II was known to drive it herself much of the time, blissfully immune as she is to any traffic offenses.
The specially built luxury saloon was equipped with a long list of special features, from special communications systems and flashing lights to a rear bench requested by the Queen to accommodate her pet dogs. During its service and ever since, it's been maintained exclusively by Jaguar and the royally-appointed garage, Guy Salmons in Royal Ascot Berkshire, undergoing regular VIP maintenance to keep it in as-new condition. Following its retirement from active service, it was returned to the Jaguar Heritage Museum Browns Lane where it has remained since.
Jaguar is now putting it up for auction at the hands of RM Auctions during Pebble Beach weekend in Monterey, California. It's the first time a royal limousine has been offered for sale publicly in the United States, and, as Jaguar says it will never offer another again, very well may be the last. At least, until Bentley sells off any of those bio-fueled limos. Follow the jump for full details in the press release, and check out the images in the gallery below for a closer look.
[Source: RM Auctions]Continue reading Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six LWB up for auction
Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six LWB up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'JAGUAR' Category
Saturday, April 14th, 2007
Jaguar Cars is adding even more appeal to the ‘must have’ XKR with the unveiling of the all-new special edition Portfolio model. The 4.2-litre supercharged sports car will be sold worldwide and each one will feature notable additions to the already strong specification of the XKR, which is capable of hitting an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph and can accelerate to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the convertible).
- New special edition XKR Portfolio offers even greater technology and luxury to customers seeking the ultimate sports coupe or convertible.
- Unique exterior styling revisions include 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels, polished aluminium side power vents and Celestial Black paint.
- Advanced aluminium construction, 420bhp supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine and six-speed Jaguar sequential shift transmission with paddleshift for superb dynamic performance.
- New high-performance braking system with 400mm front discs and 350mm rear discs – the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar.
- Choice of new interior veneer - Engine-Spun Alloy – or elegant Satin American Walnut.
- First production Jaguar to use new Bowers & Wilkins speaker system exclusively crafted for XKR Premium Sound system.
The XKR’s already powerful sporting styling cues – an enhanced front bumper, bonnet louvres and aluminium-finish grilles and side power vents – will remain and exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint and 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels add to the overall presence.
The XKR’s interior represents a truly sophisticated yet driver-focussed environment thanks to class-leading ergonomics, user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area.
The XKR Portfolio will combine this acclaimed design and performance with Jaguar’s engineering and craftsmanship skills to take the XKR to an even higher level. Every XKR benefits from its class-leading, advanced aluminium construction, which ensures that its power is matched by a dynamic, lightweight chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.
Now, to offer even greater braking ability, Jaguar’s Special Vehicles team has worked alongside leading brake manufacturer Alcon to create the largest, most powerful brakes a production Jaguar has ever carried. After extensive testing by experts at Jaguar’s specialist engineering centre (which is based next to the legendary Nurburgring race circuit in Germany), the new XKR Portfolio braking system was conceived.
400mm front brake discs – an increase of 45mm over the standard XKR – are retarded by powerful six-piston callipers, while at the rear four-piston calipers operate on 350mm discs. Innovative race-developed crescent-shaped grooves cut into the surface of the discs prevent a build-up of deposits on the brake pads and improve braking performance under extreme use.
By allowing the heat created within the system to dissipate quickly and efficiently the XKR Portfolio’s brakes produce fade-free performance whilst maintaining Jaguar renowned blend of refinement and stopping power. Unique ‘R’ branding on the front brake calipers reveals the six-piston set-up beneath.
Surrounding the XKR Portfolio’s brakes are polished 20-inch five-spoke Cremona wheels, while behind the front wheels sit all-new Power Vents which are hewn from polished aluminium and incorporate the indicator side repeater and Jaguar signature ‘ingot’. An exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint will also serve to differentiate the XKR Portfolio edition. (UK and Switzerland have a Liquid Silver paint option as well.)
A host of new additions to the interior further the luxurious look and feel of the XKR Portfolio. A unique, and quite beautiful, Engine-Spun aluminium veneer is standard on the Portfolio, while customers will also have the option of an elegant Satin American Walnut veneer. A new alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin, leather-edged mats with a Jaguar logo and distinctive Portfolio treadplates on the doorsills complete the effect.
The XKR Portfolio also marks another first for Jaguar: the first production example of its new partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading loudspeaker manufacturer worked alongside Jaguar to create a stunning speaker system for the recent C-XF concept car, but the XKR Portfolio is the first production Jaguar to benefit from the relationship.
Taking Jaguar’s 525W Premium Audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound as a starting point, Bowers & Wilkins have crafted a signature speaker system specifically for the XKR’s cabin. High-output, low-distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminium-dome tweeters deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.
The new Jaguar XKR Portfolio special edition is available to order from the end of March 2007.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Automotive News, JAGUAR | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 27th, 2007
Jaguar’s new XKR Coupé is being revealed to a new audience today at the Autosport International Show at the NEC, Birmingham, and in a new guise
Buckingham-based Apex Motorsport, under the direction of Richard Lloyd, has developed the stunning XKR model for use in the FIA GT3 European Championship. It is being revealed in the ‘flesh’ for the first time to the world’s motorsport media at what is recognised to be globally one of the biggest and most successful motorsport shows.
Lloyd and Apex have enjoyed huge racing success in the past, most recently with Bentley with whom they won the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans. “It was obvious to us that the Jaguar name was missing from the list of GT3 contenders,” said Lloyd. “We believe the new XKR has great potential for success, and Team Manager Dave Ward and the guys have been working flat out since receiving our first car at the end of September. We’ve still got a mountain to climb with roll out and first test scheduled to take place within the next five weeks and, of course, the first race of the season at Silverstone in May. The first car is sold and we have received very positive interest for another two so we’re confident there will be plenty of Jaguars in the FIA paddock and in other emerging GT3 series around the world.”
While Apex has Jaguar’s blessing to compete with the XKR GT3, this is not a factory motorsport programme and the Apex race activities are independent of Jaguar. At the time of the programme’s announcement in September, Stuart Dyble, Jaguar Board Director and Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, Premier Automotive Group and Ford of Europe, said, “We welcome this initiative which will result in production Jaguar sportscars being seen once again on race circuits across Europe. We have just launched the all new Jaguar XKR road car, and GT3 is the natural race series in which to compete.”
The Jaguar XKR GT3, featuring a 4.2 litre V8 supercharged engine, retains the aluminium body of its production cousin, but has had modifications made in line with the regulations. Draft technical specifications are attached but the definitive specification will be revealed following the official FIA track tests, the first of which takes place at Monza on February 22/23.
The first car to be built by Apex Motorsport has already been sold to Stuart Scott, Managing Director of East Anglia’s most successful travel management company, Cambridge Business Travel. Scott, who has most recently been racing in the British GT Cup, will be driving the Jaguar in a programme of six events with a yet-to-be-named co-driver. He said of his involvement, “I feel privileged to be here at the beginning of this project. In my racing past I have always tried to do something that’s a ‘first’ or a bit different, and to take delivery of the first XKR race car is a dream come true. I’ve been aware of Richard and Apex for a long time and to now be part of such a professional team is wonderful.”
The FIA GT3 European Championship is already a very marketable racing series for teams and manufacturers, using sexy coupés that are closer to their road-car origins and therefore less expensive to build and to run. The series captured the imaginations and interest of competitors and fans alike in its inaugural 2006 season with some 40 entries, and looks set to be strengthened further with the addition of Jaguars to the starting line up. Each manufacturer is represented by up to six entries ensuring a fair distribution of honours, and the performance between the different marques is balanced by the use of success penalties. Entry is aimed at gentlemen and non professional drivers graded by the FIA via a combination of racing experience and age.
The five round Championship begins in May at Silverstone, then travels to Bucharest (ROM), Monza (I) and Brno (CZ) in Europe before finishing in Dubai in November. Some owners may also plan on entering the non Championship GT3 race within the Spa 24 Hours event in Belgium at the end of July.
JAGUAR XKR GT3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine: Supercharged 4.2 litre, V8 petrol
Transmission: Hewland 6-speed sequential trans-axle
Steering: Electric hydraulic power assisted
Clutch: Alcon 140mm triple-plate carbon/carbon
Suspension: 4-way adjustable coil over dampers
Brakes: Alcon 6-pot front callipers on 375mm discs; Alcon 4-pot rear callipers on 330mm discs
Wheels and tyres: OZ Racing 18 x 11” rims front and rear; Michelin 11” racing tyres front and rear
Body: Aluminium with integrated T45 steel roll cage
Length: 4900mm
Width: 1892mm
Wheelbase: 2752mm
Maximum power: 475+ bhp
Power to weight ratio: TBA
Maximum torque: TBA
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Friday, January 21st, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Jaguar X-type Limousine 4d
Sales Company:
Available version:
2.0 - 2.1 V6 24v aut.
2.0 - 2.1 V6 24v
2.0d - 2.0 16v CRDi
2.5 V6 24v Awd
2.5 V6 24v Awd aut.
3.0 V6 24v Awd
3.0 V6 24v Awd aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Limousine 4d
Estate 5d
(2003 - )
Info:
Introduced as recently as last summer, the four-wheel-drive model was Jaguar’s attempt to stave off criticism from traditional Jaguar fans that the company had reverted from rear-wheel-drive to using a front-driven platform for its first “small” Jaguar since the Mark Two of the early-1960s. That front-driven platform actually came from a superb donor; the Ford Mondeo. As a result, when the latest front-drive X-type was launched in March 2002, it came as no surprise to realise that the new entry-level model is actually the best one.
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
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Friday, January 21st, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Jaguar XK8 Cabrio 2d
Sales Company:
Available version:
XK8 - 4.2 V8 32v aut.
XKR - 4.2 V8 32v Compressor aut.
Previous version:
XK8 - 4.0 V8 32v aut.
XKR - 4.0 V8 32v Compressor aut.
Variation:
Cabrio 2d
Coupé 2d
Info:
At one time vaunted as “The World’s Most Beautiful Car”, the XK8 is ageing very well and still presents an attractive face in the large luxury coupe segment of the market. It is also a good seller.
Assembly Plants:
Karmann (Germany)
Donors:
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Thursday, January 20th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Jaguar XJ LWB
Sales Company:
Available version:
Super V8 - 4.2 V8 32v Compressor aut.
XJ8 - 3.5 V8 32v aut.
XJ8 - 4.2 V8 32v aut.
Previous version:
XJ6 - 3.0 V6 24v aut.
XJ8 - 3.5 V8 32v aut.
XJ8 - 4.2 V8 32v aut.
XJR - 4.2 V8 32v Compressor aut.
Variation:
Limousine 4d
(SWB)
(2003 - )
Limousine 4d
(LWB)
(2004 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
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