- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Jaguar, Rumormill
Is Jaguar planning a Panamera and Rapide challenger? Until now we've had speculation and spy pics, but Channel 4 is reporting that Jaguar officials have confirmed plans to "introduce a new saloon" later this year, that "takes the luxury saloon to new heights in terms of its technical enhancements." Although this new sedan will eventually replace the XJ in the company's lineup, it is said to be radically different from the traditional sedan. Imagine XF detailing on a four-door XK and you won't be far off from the vehicle that's due to show up later this year.
No official details have been reported, but Jaguar officials are apparently mentioning the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte, Aston Martin Rapide and Mercedes-Benz CLS as competition. Engine options will likely include Jaguar's new 3.0L V6 diesel as well as the new direct-injection, 5.0L gas V8s in naturally aspirated or supercharged form. The car should be revealed later this year, making 2009 a very busy year for the company. Jaguar is already set to unveil the supercharged XF-R, as well as updated XJ, XK and XKR models, along with its new V8 and V6 diesel engines at the Detroit Auto Show next week. We can hardly wait.
[Source: Channel 4]Next Jaguar sedan looks like stretch XK, with four-door "coupe" overtones originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: SUVs, I.C.E., Jaguar, Land Rover
When the facelifted Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery 3 (LR3 in the U.S.) take their bows later this year, in addition to the new faces they'll also be showing off new engines. The 2.7-liter TDV6 currently used is good for 190 hp and 324 lb-ft. The new engine will be Jaguar's 3.0-liter twin turbocharged V6 diesel and will come in two flavors: one with 237 hp for the Discovery 3, and one with 272 hp and 420 lb-ft for the Range Rover Sport.
Those numbers are down on the figures achieved by the same lump in the Jaguar, at 275 hp and 443 lb-ft, but even the 237 hp variant should give the 190 hp 2.7-liter a proper shellacking. Even though the 2.7-liter, might remain as an option, the same engine swap yielded a 12% increase in gas mileage in the Jaguar. With the 3.0-liter providing more power on less fuel, it makes us think the 2.7-liter will be shown the door either by Land Rover or its customers.
[Source: Autocar]Land Rover to borrow one of Jag's diesels originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar, UK
The Jaguar XF-R has doffed a little more of its mask, and now we can clearly see the copious amounts of black mesh that will fill in the front air dam's side vents, replacing the aluminum strips there now. Otherwise, and as usual, you'll need to know your Jags in order to tell this R apart from its lesser siblings. In addition to the mesh the mesh, the hood vents, rear deck spoiler, and quad pipes are the giveaways.
Otherwise, the car will get 20-inch wheels of a different design than the ones found on the XF Supercharged. And speaking of that other blown cat, the supercharged 5.0-liter lump that will power the XF-R will be up 80 hp up on the "regular" blown XF; in addition to a faster 0-to-60 time, we imagine there'll be increased sound and the fury to go along with it.
[Source: Next Autos]Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R bares more teeth originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Green, Tech, Jaguar
Click the new XF Diesel S for a high-res gallery
Over in Europe, the Jaguar XF has been available with diesel power since its debut last year. However, as well regarded as the old 2.7-liter V6 oil burner was, its 207 horsepower couldn't run with the big dog twin-turbo 286 hp diesel six from BMW. So for the 2010 model year, Jaguar has developed a new dual turbo 3.0-liter that's available in 240 hp or 275 hp S trim. While 275 ponies might not seem all that special these days, the engine's 443 lb-ft of torque from as little as 1,600 rpm has what it takes to push the XF Diesel S to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 155 miles-per-hour. That's 0.3 seconds quicker than the normally aspirated 4.2-liter gasoline V8 that serves as the base powerplant here in the US.
Even more impressive is that the diesel offers this performance while achieving a combined fuel economy rating of 35 miles-per-gallon U.S. - a 12 percent improvement on the old 2.7. All of this is achieved through a 29,000 psi common-rail fuel system and a particulate filter. The forced-induction setup is particularly interesting: Most dual turbo configurations use a small responsive unit at low revs and a bigger unit at higher speeds. In this case, however, Jag's new XF uses a larger variable nozzle turbo at low speeds to reduce pumping losses and fuel consumption.
Sadly, there's no word yet on whether Jaguar will bring the oily Cat to America, but unless diesel prices move closer to those of gasoline, we wouldn't count on it. Click on the jump for the official press release.
[Source: Jaguar]Continue reading Jaguar upgrades European XF diesel: 443 lb-ft and 35 MPG!
Jaguar upgrades European XF diesel: 443 lb-ft and 35 MPG! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Government/Legal, Jaguar, Land Rover
It seems like it was just yesterday when Tata agreed to take Jaguar and Land Rover off of Ford Motor's hands for $2.3 billion. But it probably feels like forever for Tata, as a global automotive crisis followed almost immediately after the purchase. The Indian automaker has already pumped hundreds of millions of pounds of working capital into the struggling brands and now Tata is adding "tens of millions" more to stave off an immediate cash crisis. The cash infusion came after the British government also promised tens of millions of pounds to Jaguar and Land Rover, which employs thousands of British workers. "Tens of millions" doesn't exactly sound like a lot of money in the wake of $17.4 billion dollars in loans given to GM and Chrysler, but Jaguar and Land Rover operate on far smaller scales than its American counterparts. Jaguar and Land Rover has seemingly struggled forever, but after sampling the excellent XF sedan, we're happy the British automakers are worth saving.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Tata plans to inject "tens of millions" into Jaguar, Land Rover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Jaguar
Click above for high-res image gallery of the Jaguar XF Supercharged
The Jaguar XF has earned its status as a true Jaguar now that it's been recalled... twice. In bang-up British car fashion, at least one of the problems is electrical. The XF's instrument panel is supposed to offer audible feedback for a variety of functions like turn signals, safety belt warnings and basically anything that dings. Wires that power the instrument cluster's integral speaker can fracture, rendering the panel mute. The fix is apparently little more than a reconfiguration of some software - we wonder if the panel's software will pipe its audio to the stereo instead - that strikes us as one of the slick things you might be able to pull off with CAN.
The other XF recall involves a rear seat belt that could have been improperly installed. The outboard rear seat belts may have an improperly installed D-Ring that could fail to rotate properly, which would hinder occupant protection in the event of a crash. The fix for the rear belts is to inspect and correct the problem. Welcome to the family, XF!
[Source: GoodCarBadCar, Recalls.gov - 1 and 2]Jaguar XF recalled twice in December... so far originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Jaguar
Jaguar is making some quality vehicles right now, as evidenced by the very competent XK coupe and XF sedan. However, the XF and XK have a long way to go before they can stand up to the most famous leaping cat of all: the Series 3 E-Type. The legendary roadster lived on for 13 years, with 72,529 samples sold during that time. With a little help from a treasure-trove of brand new E-Type parts, Jaguar Enthusiasts Club member Ray Parrott made it 72,530.
When Jaguar completed the E-Type's production run, the company shipped off all of the roadster's leftover parts to one E-Type fan. The owner held possession of the cache since 1974, but old age forced him to sell off the NOS parts. A friend of Parrott's purchased the parts then sold them to him. What was included? An unused V12 engine, gear box, instrument panel, body, and upholstery. In all, 95% of the parts needed to make E-Type 72,530, including original Dunlop tires. So Parrott did what any engineering whiz with a love for E-Types: he found the other 5% of parts and built the 34 year old, all new roadster. The completed E-Type is a black V12 roadster with a tan interior. Parrott is awaiting registration of his new baby, and he even built a new high-end garage next to his home to house his five E-Types. We're guessing Ray's new E-Type is worth a pretty penny. Hit the read link below to get an unabridged version of Ray's amazing tale.
[Source: Classic and Performance Car]Man builds entire Jaguar Series 3 E-Type from unused factory parts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Jaguar, UK
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Jaguar XJ
There's a new Jaguar XJ coming at some point, but there's not much wrong with the current top cat. The XF likely signals a shift out of the generations-long styling rut the brand has been in with its revered sedan, but it's hard to find fault with an all-aluminum sedan sporting V8 power and serving up old-world cachet. To sweeten the deal, Jaguar has added more standard content to the 2009 XJ, though we still don't get the 2.7-liter diesel that other markets get to enjoy. Settling for the AJ V8 is no chore, and the XJ Super gets the supercharged 4.2-liter engine we know and love from the XJR and others.
Newly designed seats improve leg- and footroom for rear seat passengers, and seat heaters are standard in all models. Soverigns get cooling functionality added to the chairs, as well as 20" wheels, soft grain leather, Jaguar branded sills and the traditional wool rugs in the rear. Navigation is standard in Executive and Soverign trim levels, along with parking radar, and bi-xenon lighting. If these are the last XJs before the model is redone with an all-new look, they may be very well equipped final examples of a classic sedan idiom.
Gallery: 2009 Jaguar XJ
[Source: Jaguar]Continue reading Jaguar updates the 2009 XJ
Jaguar updates the 2009 XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar
The Jaguar XF-R is almost complete, and the house of the saltant feline looks to retain its suite of exceptionally modest modifications for the hottest version of its hottest seller. Outside, the car gets hood vents and larger intakes for better breathing, and a sliver of a trunk spoiler hovering over quad tailpipes out back. Larger wheels wearing lower profile rubber hanging off of a seriously firm suspension will be on the menu, all the better to harness the signature trait of an R car: the 500-horsepower supercharged V8 up front. We'll see it some time next year, our bet is at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
[Source: Global Motors]Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Jaguar
The reports are true: a 3.0-liter diesel Jaguar XK is on the way. The new XK, long due for a serious refresh, will show up in 2009 with the minor addition of the JaguarDrive selector a la XF and the major addition of a diesel engine to boost fuel economy and sales, along with two new V8s.
Since Jaguar's 2.7-liter V6, which puts out 204 hp and 320 lb-ft., is only getting bored out to 3.0 liters it probably won't match the numbers put up by BMW's 3.5-liter, at 286 hp and 427 lb-ft. But the larger lump should goose the horsepower number and seriously increase torque (we hope) at least to the level of Audi's 3.0-liter V6 diesel, which turns out 240 hp and 369 lb-ft.
If diesel economy and pump prices still don't register with you, there will still be two gas options to fuel the fires. The 4.2-liter V8 goes away to make room for the new 5.0-liter with 400 hp, and if you want whipped cream and cherries on top, hit Jaguar up for the supercharged XK-R with 500 hp.
[Source: CAR]Spy Shots: Jaguar XK diesel under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Jaguar, Rendered Speculation
Hello Kitty, we've been expecting you. According to Auto Express, what you see here is slated to hit showrooms in 2010 and will go up against such luxury and performance stalwarts as the Mercedes-Benz C Class Coupe, BMW's 3 Series Coupe and the Audi A5. It's definitely got the looks to compete on equal footing, with the trendy high belt-line and minimal glass surface area. Where the XF sedan features slinky lines, this XF bulges in an exaggerated show of power, making the new Coupe a much more aggressive design overall.
Jaguar's latest leaper is also expected to showcase the automaker's newest V8 engine, now displacing 5.0L and generating 500 supercharged horses. This engine will also make an appearance in the XFR and allow Jaguar to offer a British alternative to the BMW M cars, MB AMGs and Audi Rs, not to mention the latest Cadillac CTS V-Series, which is soon to lose two of its doors, as well. We don't know when and where this car will debut, but UK pricing is expected to be about £35,000 (about $53K in US dollars).
[Source: Auto Express]Rendered Speculation? Jaguar XF Coupe breaks cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Government/Legal, Jaguar, Land Rover
Jaguar and Land Rover are having a Hell of a time trying to sell luxury vehicles in this armpit of a global economy, and parent company Tata Motors is looking for a big-time loan to keep the British Marquees afloat. In all, Tata is seeking £1 billion from the British government to to help pay the bills. That's a fairly large sum considering that it represents £67,000 to each of the British marquees 15,000 workers in the UK. Prime Minister Gordon Brown is said to be close to a decision regarding the loan, though it's likely the money would come with a stipulation that protects workers in the UK.
We'd say that sales at Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles are in really bad shape, but the truth is that we don't even know how bad things have gotten. Tata has decided to stop providing US sales data for its struggling luxury brands.
[Source: Drive]Jaguar/Land Rover asking UK gov't for money originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Jaguar
The results are in from J.D. Power and Associates' latest annual Sales Satisfaction Index Study, and Jaguar has leapt back up to the top position that it occupied for three of the four past years before dropping last year to third. The study surveyed some 36,000 buyers and leasers of new cars on their dealership experience, taking into account the dealership's facility, the individual salesperson, the paperwork and finance process, vehicle delivery process and price as criteria for their overall satisfaction. Jaguar dealers scored particularly high in the delivery, paperwork and price categories by properly explaining their vehicle's features, delivering the vehicles in excellent condition and offering good value compared to its competitors.
Not surprisingly, premium brands scored highest on the list, with HUMMER, Lexus, Cadillac and Mercedes joining Jaguar in the top five. More surprisingly, however, is that Asian brands scored particularly low in the study. Along with Chrysler LLC brands Dodge and Jeep, Mazda, Nissan and Mitsubishi were among the bottom five, with Honda, Toyota, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki and Hyundai also coming in below the industry average. Overall, however, overall customer satisfaction in the dealership experience rose again this year, indicating a concerted effort by automakers to make their customers happy right out of the gate. As well they should be, as JD Power reports that customers faced with an unsatisfactory sales experience are three times less likely to service their new car at the dealership where it was purchased and are likely to dissuade an average of six people from buying their new car there. For more details, check out the press release after the jump.
[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]
Continue reading Jaguar tops JD Power customer sales satisfaction survey
Jaguar tops JD Power customer sales satisfaction survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Jaguar, Rumormill
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged
Tata is looking to move quickly to expand Jaguar's range of saloons, and why not with such a legacy of sports cars and world-beaters from which to draw? Jaguar became a household name due in large part to racing successes with such cars as the legendary XK120, C-Type and D-Type. More recently in the '90s, the British automaker has tested the exotic waters with its slinky XJ220 supercar. Rumors of a less expensive sports car in the vein of a Porsche Boxster are currently filtering out from dealerships that have spoken with the marque's new management, along with convertible and coupe versions of the popular XF sedan, which has already served to spark a renewed interest in the brand.
Considering that the X-Type is largely considered a colossal failure, don't expect another low-cost sedan. And, though some of its competitors (BMW, we're looking at you) seem to think selling as many SUVs as possible is still a good thing, Tata also owns Land Rover and doesn't want its two iconic British automakers to compete with one another. Sounds rational.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]Jaguar planning Boxster rival, XF coupe and cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo
Click above for high-res gallery courtesy our friends at Speed and Motion
Long known amongst car people around southern California for its fine dining, upscale boutiques and most importantly its twice-monthly collector car breakfast cruises, the Enderle Center in Tustin, California decided to do something a little different to celebrate its 30th Anniversary: host a Classic European Concours. For this inaugural event they even flew in Pininfarina designer Maurizio Corbi who answered questions and sketched dream cars for the crowd. When someone groaned after hearing Corbi was partly responsible for the new Ferrari California's form, he quickly pointed out he did the front, which brought relieved laughter. Local collector Dick Marconi brought several cars from his nearby Marconi Automotive Museum, which supports the Marconi Foundation for Kids. Several of Dick's artworks were also displayed in the center's Chemers Gallery, but the cars were really all the art we needed to see.
Classics from the '30s, '40s, '50s, and '60s, along with sportscars from the '70s, '80s, and '90s were arranged by country of origin and parked through the central parking lot alongside a pedestrian-friendly red carpet. Ferraris were featured and there was an incredible assortment on hand, everything from Cher's Daytona Spyder to an extremely rare 195S, one of two in existence. The F50 wasn't too bad either. Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and even Pegaso were also well-represented. It was a great first effort and a fun show, small and manageable with some breathtaking classics, all with great stories behind them.
When our camera started acting up we spotted our pals from Speed and Motion, who graciously agreed to let us use their images for our gallery. Click and enjoy, and be sure to check out the Speed and Motion site for a greater selection of photos and videos from this show, as well as dozens of HD clips from other local events.
Photos copyright (C)2008 Speed and MotionInaugural Enderle Concours features Pininfarina designer, classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:56:00 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
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, JAGUAR | No Comments »
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:
Posted in JAGUAR | No Comments »
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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