Jaguar's chief engineer of vehicle integrity Mike Cross will be piloting a bespoke XKR this weekend on the Goodwood hill.
Changes to the vehicle include an impossible-to-miss lime-green paint scheme, an enhanced exhaust, 21-inch alloys and a lowered ride height. XKR exterior graphics with satin graphite detailing finish off the one-off special edition.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed runs from July 3-5, and Jaguar will also be bringing its 225 mph Bonneville XFR, 1957 Long Nose D-Type and one-of-a-kind XJ13.
You probably don't remember much about the Jaguar S-Type R. It was Jag's answer to the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E55/63 AMG. It was fast and surprisingly nimble, but few took it seriously because, well, it didn't really look all that serious. It wasn't quite fast enough either.
This time around Jaguar has a much better chance of converting some BMW buyers into believers. Engineering Editor Jay Kavanagh is already convniced as he calls this new XF "one of the best sport sedans in the world today." A new 5.0-liter supercharged V8 is a big reason why, but there's more to it than just raw power. See what made Mr. Kavanagh such a fan in our latest full test of Jaguar latest XF. Full Test: 2010 Jaguar XFR
If you have never driven on a race track, you should. If your skills are weak, track time will make them better. And if you think you're an undiscovered Tony Stewart, well then, get out there and prove it. The list that follows after the jump gives some ideas where you might try your luck both on the road and in the dirt.
Wedged between the high-volume entry-level cars and the big-dollar flagships, these midsize sedans are the often overlooked middle children of the luxury sedan world. But as Chief Road Test Editor Chris Walton explains in our latest comparison test, they deserve more attention.
They're too fast, to comfortable and too good looking to ignore and choosing a winner wasn't easy. Their performance figures were all close and when it came to features and price, each car had its own strengths. In the end, there was clear winner though. It was fast in a straight line and solid through turns, and it just so happened to have been the least expensive of the three.
According to Auto Express, Jaguar is currently working on a mid-price roadster that will be known as the C-Type when it arrives in 2012. Designed to go head-to-head with the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster, the C-Type will most likely offer both V6 and V8 engines. Inside Line News: Jaguar C-Type in the Pipeline for 2012
Get used to the level of camouflage you see on this 2010 Jaguar XJ. It's a growing trend among manufacturers who are hellbent on keeping their designs hidden.
Still, it's pretty obvious that this XJ will be a drastic departure from the current model. Jaguar has apparently given up on its traditional "long and lean" look in favor of a wider, more substantial design. It won't be long until we find out for sure as the 2010 Jaguar XJ is scheduled for an official debut in early July.
Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.
Last May, the newly introduced Jaguar XF surprised us. It went head to head with the best midsize luxury sedans from Germany and came out on top. It was fast, comfortable and surprisingly competent through turns, but of course, that was the top-of-the-line supercharged model.
For 2010, the Jaguar XF gets a pair of all-new 5.0-liter V8s: one normally aspirated in the XF Premium, the other supercharged in the new XFR. We'll test an XFR soon, but today Inside Line is the first to take the new non-supercharged 5.0-liter-powered 2010 Jaguar XF Premium to the test track. Rated at 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque it's not quite as powerful as the former 4.2-liter supercharged V8, but it's close.
To see just how close, we brought back a 2009 BMW 550i to see how the new Jag stacks up when it's not getting help from a supercharger. Given that the BMW is giving up 25 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque, we expected a close contest - and got one.
Jaguar used the 2009 Shanghai auto show to announce details on the upcoming 2010 XJ sedan. It will debut this summer in London on July 9th and go on sale in some markets by the end of this year.
A second-generation of Jaguar's aluminum chassis will underpin the new flagship and both standard and long-wheelbase models will be offered. Engines will range from a V6 diesel to the 510-horsepower supercharged V8 already shown in the XFR sedan.
#NYIAS The name change says "all-new," but this is really a heavily revised version of the current LR3. An all-new 5.0-liter V8 is the big news for the 2010 Land Rover LR4. First introduced in Jaguar's latest sedans, the new V8 produces 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. A revised suspension, new brakes and minor styling upgrades are also part of the 2010 LR4. For a more detailed description, see our full story.
#NYIAS Don't feel left out if you don't notice the changes to the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover. Like the Range Rover itself, the upgrades are subtle. In fact, the biggest news is under the hood, so even Land Rover purists would have a tough time spotting the differences.
Like the rest of Land Rover's 2010 lineup, this new Range Rover gets the same 5.0-liter V8s first introduced in the latest Jaguar coupes and sedans. Available in both standard and supercharged versions, the newly modernized eight-cylinder provides Land Rover's top-range model with the kind of horsepower and refinement you expect for the big money it commands. See our full story for the rest of the details.
J.D. Power's latest dependability study, which surveys the first three years of ownership, says Buick and Jaguar owners experience the fewest problems. Lexus, Toyota and Mercury rounded out the top five.
The single most dependable model was the Lexus LS 430. Toyota had the most segment winners with five (Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, Solara and Tundra).
There were a few other interesting pieces of information contained in the report. The average age of a used vehicle trade-in has risen from 65 to 73 months in the last three years. J.D. Power also said that overall problems have decreased at a rate of 10% a year since the beginning of the study.
Introduced to the world at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the 510-horsepower Jaguar XFR is the company's latest super sedan. We always liked its overlooked predecessor, the S-Type R, so it came as no surprise that this supercharged version of the XF is a fine piece of machinery.
According to European Editor Alistair Weaver, "Jaguar has finally delivered the car they've been promising ever since Ford began pumping money into the company in 1990. It's ironic that new owner Tata Motors will be the one to get the credit."
So what do you think? Is the XFR a real M5 killer?
Remember the F-Type Roadster concept? Maybe not, after all it debuted way back in 2000 when Jaguar was still an upstanding member of the Ford Motor Company. Even then it seemed like a long shot and indeed it was. Although it was announced for production in early 2001, the F-Type was never to be seen again as Jaguar instead focused its resources on the ill-fated X-Type sedan.
Rumors of a new Jaguar sportscar have swirled ever since and now recent comments by current Managing Director Mike O'Driscoll suggest there's a distinct possibility we'll see a new car soon. At a recent event in Spain, O'Driscoll told Inside Line that the company would love to build a sports car.
"If we were to do something, it would be a proper sports car priced like a 911. Wouldn't it be great to launch a sports car at Geneva on the 50th anniversary of the E-type?"
Well, yes Mike it would, and with that anniversary coming up in 2011, there's plenty of time to put something together. A report in AutoCar suggests there's already plenty of work being done on what could be called the Jaguar XE. Lotus appears to be involved and it looks as though the XE will use a cropped version of the aluminum chassis currently used for the XK. Expect to see a concept version around this time next year if all goes as planned.
Going for a face-lift must be a terrifying experience. For every Demi Moore, there's a Mickey Rourke. The opportunity to make hash of something sound is colossal, and it's the same in the automotive world. There was little wrong with the old Jaguar XKR that a quick trip to the surgeon's couldn't enhance.
Chief surgeon Ian Callum has carved some faux air intakes into the front fender, while the new LED taillights will tip you a wink. It's supposed to look sportier and it does. Inside, the once cheapo buttons have been smothered in chrome and the old gearstick's been replaced by a gently rising rotary knob, pinched from the XF sedan. It's better, but the fascia still looks a bit old-school next to the XF.
Hiding under the shapely hood - hinged at the front, just like an E-Type - is Jag's new 503-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8, shared with the XFR. In face-lift terms, this is a giant pair of implants and could ignite the XK's career. The XKR was never a bad car, but it's suddenly hit its sweet spot and is now nothing short of brilliant.
The Jaguar XK is largely credited with getting the British luxury brand back on track. With its sleek, sexy styling, Jag's sports coupe is both a departure from the stodgy designs that plagued the company for years and heir apparent to Jaguar's legendary 1960s E-Type.
The XKR Coupe adds an extra 120 horsepower to the XK's pussy-footing 300 ponies and comes with an ample array of in-cabin tech, much of it standard equipment -- which is the way it should be on a car costing close to six figures.
Remember the Jaguar XJ? Yes, it still exists. In fact, Jaguar sold 2,455 of them last year. Not bad considering that it has a design that looked dated the day it went on sale in 2003.
The 2011 Jaguar XJ shouldn't have that problem. Underneath all that camouflage, the new XJ appears to have a much different and more unique looking design. You can see a few elements of the new XF in there, but the car is obviously stretched out a little longer which should keep it from looking like a Lexus. Video after the jump.
As good as the XFR looks and sounds going that fast, a separate report from the Financial Times tempers that feeling slightly. Jaguar Land Rover, subsidiary of Tata Motors, announced it will cut 450 salaried employees from its UK workforce.
This is the new 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that powers the Jaguar XFR and XJR models introduced at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. It's not exactly the most remarkable engine in terms of its design or power output, but have you ever seen a BMW V10 levitate? That's what I thought. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
#DAS09 If you caught the third installment of our 2009 Detroit Auto Show preview earlier today, you already know that we were expecting to see the debut of the 2010 Jaguar XFR. Well thanks to some website we've never heard of, photos and details on the new Jaguar super sedan are now available.
As expected, it's powered by a new supercharged 5.0-liter V8. The slightly larger engine is rated to produce 510-horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque which puts it right up there with the BMW M5, Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-Benz E63, at least in terms of horsepower. Jag says it's enough power to get the XFR from 0-to-60 in 4.7-seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
Like most cars of its ilk, the Jaguar XF-R gets a revised front fascia, extended sills, a small decklid spoiler and quad exhaust tips. A set of 20-inch are standard as well. Interior upgrades are limited to new dashboard trim, sport seats and a sport steering wheel. Expect to see the Jaguar XFR in dealers this spring.
So Detroit is hurting and the Asian automakers are pulling out of Detroit. So what's left?
Plenty of room for the Europeans apparently. There will be no less than ten world debuts from the other side of the pond at this year's show, a sign that although our market is down, it's can still make or break a new product for most manufacturers. Here's a rundown of what the German et al. will have on display next week.
It looks like the Land Rover/Jaguar acquisition is going to cost Tata a pretty penny; make that $100 billion pennies (or $1 billion dollars). That's what the latest reports are suggesting--and that's after buying the two brands for $2.3 billion.
Sure, we're all at the L.A. auto show to see all the brand-spanking-new cars, but a few manufacturers chose to display some greats from their past. Here are some of the gems. My favorite is the Jag. -- James Riswick, Automotive Editor
Rumors that Jaguar may finally offer a true successor to the XK-E are spreading all over the Net. If true, this is great news, as there hasn't been a Jag since the original E-type that has lit a fire in my belly. And that's a long, long time folks!
Every Jaguar with any sort of sporting pretensions since the mid-60s was clearly aimed at the GT crowd, and not at those 10W-30 running through their veins. So word that a 2-seat lightweight sports car may once again return to the big-cat brand, and one that can run with Porsche, etc., is indeed something to look forward to.
The car is internally known as the C-XE, but that could change once the car is shown to the public. However, the name C-XE has been registered with the UK Intellectual Property office. Word has it that the latest version is based on a shortened XJ platform, and that both naturally aspirated and supercharged V8 engines are being looked at.
Mazda looks like the big winner in The Truth About Cars' 2008 edition of the 10 Best Cars. I have to admit that I am a bit surprised that the Chevy Malibu isn't among the winners. Sometimes good news travels slowly.
Meanwhile over at the GM corral, the across-the-board budget cuts are slicing deeply into the advertising budget just when, according to AUTOEXTREMIST Peter DeLorenzo, highly targeted, big-block events are becoming hyper-important to the task of focusing public attention on the fact that GM is turning out some genuinely great models.
On the other hand, Corvette Blog has another reason to be thankful you live in America, even if, like yours truly, you really can't afford a new Vette.
You may have heard that Tony Stewart has a new race team set to go for the 2009 NASCAR season, with Ryan Newman on the driver roster. But will Newman be chauffeuring the #4, no, the #39 car? FastMachines.com has the inside dope on the numbers circus.
Street Skating, it's the newest deadly craze involving wheels and people with sub-rational IQs. 4 Drivers Only has the video and more details. Coming soon to the obituary page in a newspaper on a newstand close to you.
Peering past The View Through the Windshield, Joe Sherlock spies the new Lincoln MKS and comes away repeating something about "luxiocrity." He'll explain what that means just as soon as you click on over.
Want to stumble upon something really good automotive-wise? Hemmings Auto Blog is raving about a feature that makes getting lots of traffic for your blog "ridiculously easy."
And from the video file comes this: What do you think went through the mind of the guy driving the semi featured by The Auto Prophet?
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis is among the lucky few selected by Honda for an extended test drive of the Clarity fuel cell vehicle. Cool huh. Lori Hindman at Mother Proof isn't so sure.
Dorri at if It's Got An Engine is going all copy editorish on Car & Driver's Csaba Csere.
Uh oh, big trouble in Smart-land. Next Auto says bad paint could require a roof-ectomy. If that's even half as painful as it sounds .....
WHAT I'M DRIVING THIS WEEK: Jaguar XF Remember the first time you saw a Jag XKE in person? If you're like me, it was memorable because of the sheer sensuality of its shape. "That's what speed looks Iike," I recall thinking to myself. There are hints of such beauty here and there in the new XF's attractive lines, and it certainly has an abundance of speed, thanks to the 420 horses on tap from the supercharged 4.2 liter V-8.
But all during my week in a lovely silver XF something kept bugging me. No matter how pleasurable was the daily drive between my home in distant rural Maryland and the Examiner newsroom in downtown D.C. the car just didn't feel right. At one point, I thought I had it - Where's that cursed L-shaped shift pattern that plagued Jags for so many years? Wait a minute, you doofus, you cursed those things all those years, right?
Well, it hit me yesterday - The shifter is a darn rotary dial in the center console that could easily be mistaken for that infernal BMW iDrive. That's it, this Jag is so advanced, so stuffed full of techno-geegaws that there's no room left for genuine soul, for the uncompromising beauty of lusciously curved sheet metal and tearing-sheet sixes at full song. The XF is a Jag the way BMW would do it if the Germans owned the Brit classic. BMW makes great Bimmers, but Jags are supposed to be ... Jags.
Gotta love those wacky Brits! Oh wait... this wacky off-roadster wasn't created by wacky Brits, but rather by two wacky Germans who love classic wacky British vehicles!
The idea behind the Bell Aurens Longnose Land Rover "off-roadster" was to combine two icons of the British auto industry, that being the classic Land Rover, with that of the powerful, long-hooded sports cars (think Jag XK120, Aston Martin, etc.) into one vehicle. What a wacky idea! ...And oh so British, even if it was done by Germans. Have to wonder though if these guys aren't really just closet Jeepster fans?
What you see here is a computer-generated image, but this sucker is scheduled for production! Pricing is expected to be over €100,000 with each vehicle custom built to order. Suppliers so far include Land Rover tuning company JE Engineering who will supply 4.6 and 5.0 Liter Rover V8 engines, which includes stage 3 tuning and a special SU carburator set up. And Delta4x4, the German wheel manufacturer will supply a special set of Loder wheels. There will also be a V12 option, hence the ultra-long hood. More details are to come later.
Now that the Land Rover/Jaguar sale to Tata is complete, might Ford be considering selling Volvo?
Ford has long denied that Volvo would be sold, however, Just-Auto.com is now reporting that just such a sale may indeed be in the works; if not in the works, at least is being comtemplated. If it happens, it would be much more difficult considering so that many Ford products are tied to Volvo platforms and vice-versa.
It's a done deal. Tata now owns Jaguar and Land Rover, as official word of the sale was just announced. The deal nets Ford, the former owner, $1.7-billion, which is roughly one third of what they paid for the two luxury brands.
"This is a momentous time for all of us at Tata Motors," Tata Chairman Ratan N...
Fresh off nailing down the Jaguar/Land Rover deal; there are rumors that Tata is interested in getting a stake in both MV Agusta, the hyper-performance Italian motorcycle maker; and Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina.
It's interesting to note that both VW (VW and Ducati?) and now Tata, are interested in getting an exotic motorcycle brand under their large umbrellas.
As for Pininfarina, Tata is aiming to take a minority holding in the firm, partnering up with the French industrial group, Bollore, with up to a 100-million euro capital increase. It's expected that Tata and Bollare will cut down the Pininfarina family's share from 55-percent to 30-percent...
Now that Tata has taken on the burden of reviving Jaguar and Land Rover, we can look back on this ill-fated Ford-Jaguar-Land Rover saga. That's exactly what AutoObserver has done; what went right (not a whole lot), and what went wrong (a whole lot).
After months of will-they or won't-they, of when and for how much, Tata and Ford have finally inked a deal that will transfer ownership of the iconic British brands to the Indian Tata Motors. The price is reportedly close to $2.3 billion. In addition Ford will contribute $600 million to Jaguar Land Rover pension plans.
Jaguar says this is its fastest car since the XJ220 supercar of the 1980s. It's the 2008 Jaguar XKR-S, and the company is boasting it can touch 174 mph. Um, that's 19 mph faster than an XKR.
Only 200 will be made, and each and every one will wear black. Left- and right-hand-drive versions will be built, but Jaguar will only sell the super coupe in Europe...
What appeared to be a done deal just a couple of weeks ago, the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover by Ford to Tata, is still under discussion by all parties. And to throw a possible wrench into works, Moody's Investor Services is casting some doubt as to whether this is even a good idea.
"Should (Tata Motors) proceed with the transaction and acquire these two businesses, it will face considerable execution and integration challenges," Moody’s said. The rating service noted that though Tata has a strong position in the low-to-medium segments in India, the acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover would expose the company to the luxury product segment in wider global markets, which would increase the material risk to the automaker...
Long rumored, the sale by Ford of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata of Mumbai, India appears to be close to being a done deal. Tata is part of the Tata Group, which is a large Indian conglomerate that has holdings in hotels, trucks tea and more. In addition Tata makes some bottom-feeder cars, which should make for an interesting juxtaposition (and a marketing challenge!) by adding these two luxury car brands.
No sooner did Jaguar announce upgrades for the X-Type, we find out that this model will be pulled from the US market next March. Word is the new XF sedan, even though it's larger and more expensive, will replace the X-Type here in the states.
So here's a brief listing of the 500 or so upgrades that the freshened X-Type gets—which we won't see:
• New six-speed automatic transmission • New Jaguar Sequential Shift function on 2.2D • Enhanced, Phase 2 Bluetooth® telephone connectivity • DAB radio options (dependent on market) with new roof-mounted antenna pod • Revised parking aid systems • New mesh grille featuring the Jaguar ‘growler’ badge • New front and rear bumper design • New sill moldings • New, re-profiled side moldings • New badging including front wing Jaguar ‘ingot’ badges, and rear chrome signature blade on saloon models • New door mirrors with integrated turn indicator repeaters • Two new alloy wheel designs • New exterior paint choices • New speedometer and rev-counter designs • Tungsten metallic finish for air vents, steering wheel spokes, and center console • Chrome finish for air-vent thumb wheels and steering wheel controls • New seat designs, with new horizontal and diamond twin-needle stitch patterns • New Rosewood veneer option • New interior color palette, with additional trim options including Soft Grain leather • New door trim designs, to complement new seat-trim and color combinations
Designer Ian Callum and the gang over at Jaguar introduced the sedan they hope will save the storied British marque. The event was low-key in the British tradition, but the Jaguar XF is anything but boring. When it goes on sale in March the XF will replace the S-Type in the company's lineup and take the brand in a completely new styling direction.
"A very handsome car with too many references to the past doesn't make a Jag," Callum told us...
With the 2009 Jaguar XF sedan officially out of the bag, we can now turn our attention to the upcoming Jaguar XF-R, a top-of-the-line sports model that will sit above the supercharged version of the standard model. Test mules spotted recently in Death Valley may have been wearing S-Type bodywork, but the XF nose job suggests these prototypes were testing a new engine configuration. Most rumors point toward a supercharged V8 with a larger displacement than the 4.2-liter engine used in the standard XF. That engine produces 420 horsepower, so expect at least 500 from the upgraded motor...
After months of seeing the 2009 Jaguar XF sedan covered in camouflage, we can finally bring you the first shots of an almost completely uncovered production model. The rear end looks much like the C-XF concept and features "Jaguar" script on the trunklid, a "leaper" above the lettering and a pair of nicely integrated tail pipes. As we expected, vents in the front quarter panels mimic the current XJ sedan and XK coupe. The wheel design is new -- and not particularly very attractive...
Forbes is reporting that Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, two Indian automakers, are on the short list of Jaguar and Land Rover bidders.
“Since Tata Motors now has a fairly strong bottom line, they wouldn't have an issue with using internal accruals or raising more money from the markets,” said Mohit Arora, senior director at the consultancy group J.D. Power Asia Pacific, told Forbes.com from Singapore.
Mahindra & Mahindra is the world’s fourth-largest tractor maker and has more of a global presence...
There are reports now hitting the Net that Cerberus, Chrysler's soon-to-be-owners, are also looking to cage Jaguar. No word yet how or if that fits into the Chrysler game plan. If it does, Chrysler will be right back where the were under the Daimler reign: that being having a big-name luxury Euro brand sitting atop Chrysler, thus limiting how far up the luxury ladder Chrysler (or Imperial) might climb.
BBC News is reporting that Ford is close to announcing a Jaguar sale plan, perhaps within the next few days. There's been a lot of speculation and rumor about the future of Ford's Premier Automotive Group (PAG). In fact Straightline did a blog on this just two days ago (Ford still shopping premier brands?).
As with the recent Mercedes-Benz/Chrysler split, there is word that there is strong interest from some private equity firms...
According to CNNMoney.com, and the Financial Times, Ford has hired Goldman Sachs Group and Morgan Stanley to sell the Ford Premier Group (Jaguar, Land Rover & Volvo).
Apparently Fiat had expressed some interest in both Land Rover and Jaguar, as they seem to think that a link with those brands might help their launch back into the USA in 2009. Not sure what, if any, interest they might have in Volvo.
Ford has declined to comment and Fiat reportedly broke off discussions fearing an adverse effect on its improving credit rating...
Yesterday we showed you pics of a Jaguar XKR prototype with a suspicious cover over its strangely flat center console. Well, thanks to some diligent spies who pursued the prototype to the mountains of Austria, we can now reveal the production console. It doesn't look quite as elegant as the C-XF concept's setup, but it's still a slick looking piece. Expect to see it in the production XF sedan that goes on sale next year and the rest of the lineup shortly thereafter...
What the heck is JaguarDrive and should we fear it like iDrive? At this point no, as it appears to be nothing more than a fancy shifter for the automatic transmission. The setup first appeared in the C-XF concept car shown in Detroit earlier this year. Our second sighting came just a few weeks ago when we got our first spy photos of the production XF sedan's interior. The flat panel controller was hidden under the driver's hand, so at the time we couldn't be certain what was going on. Now our latest spy photos show an XKR prototype with what looks to be a similar setup. The transmission console isn't visible, but without the traditional J-gate shifter sticking up it's likely that the XKR is also getting the new transmission controller. Until we see how it works first hand we'll reserve judgment about its usefulness, but so far we like the way it's shaping up.
What is it with comedians and cars? Funny man Jay Leno is perhaps one of the most astute car collectors out there. Late Show host David Letterman has long been known to appreciate fast cars and speeding tickets. He's also a major race car owner...
After numerous sightings of the 2009 Jaguar XF sedan, we finally have the first spy photos of the upcoming four door's interior. Caught at a stop sign just outside Jaguar's technical center, this XF prototype has what looks like a production quality interior. The navigation screen looks as though it was pulled straight from the current XK coupe while the climate and radio controls have a straightforward looking layout. Also note the start button just under the arm of the driver. You can expect to see the full production version of this S-Type replacement in showrooms next spring.
Faced with crippling losses and slow sales, Jaguar is on a mission to provoke debate. "We know that the new Jaguar XJ will polarize opinions," says the XJ brand manager, Dermot Harkin. "Some people will love it and others will hate it, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. At least people are talking about it."
It's a stark admission that for all its sophisticated engineering and aluminum construction, the old XJ looked too much like its predecessor to capture the imagination...
The Jaguar C-XF concept hadn't even made its official debut at the 2007 Detroit auto show before the first spy photos of the production model surfaced. Dubbed the Jaguar XF, the replacement for the aging S-Type looks like it will retain a good portion of the concept's shape. Our new round of spy shots show what looks to be the same XF prototype caught earlier this month, but we went ahead and put them up anyway to give you a better look at Jaguar's four-door savior. Ford hasn't put Jag up on the block just yet, but if the XF doesn't prop up sales to acceptable levels we can't see Ford hanging on much longer.
Jaguar was apparently not all that happy last year when some journalists said that the grille of its new XK looked like that of the Ford Taurus. So this year, with the introduction of the C-XF four-door coupe concept, Jag gave journalists a little hint to what they should say its grille looks like: The first Jaguar XJ sedan. And, indeed, it does have the same nearly-square shape. The recessed rectangle also looks a little like the punched-in grille of the now-dead Chevrolet Uplander...
It's barely been a week since the first official photos of the Jaguar C-XF prototype hit the web and now we bring you the first unofficial spy shots of an XF prototype. Caught testing on the streets of England, this test mule has a few visible styling elements that appear to identify it as the XF despite heavy camouflage. Up front, the headlights are larger than the concept's, but they still have the same location and dual projector beam design. The large grille opening and floating Jaguar badge also appear similar to the concept. In back, the slim taillights are red instead of clear, but the overall shape still mimics the C-XF. This car also has traditional door handles, smaller exhaust tips and a slightly taller greenhouse, but these are all the kinds of changes you would expect going from concept to production. We can only hope the rest of the car stays intact as the concept was a promising preview of the next midsize sedan from Jaguar.
The striking Jaguar C-XF concept car, which will make its public debut at the Detroit Auto Show, reveals Jaguar’s design direction for the next decade or more. It offers a clue, not just to the appearance of the forthcoming S-type replacement – the XF – but also to the next generation of the XJ luxury sedan.
For the full Inside Line Feature, be sure and read our coverage of the Jaguar C-XF.
It looks like the 2008 Jaguar XJ sedan will be getting a few styling updates. Although most of the bodywork on this prototype appears unchanged, the front airdam has a slightly different shape compared to current models. It's also clear that this test car is wearing the side vents currently used only on the top of the line Portfolio model. Changes in back look as though they'll be nothing more than a slightly reshaped bumper valance.
Here's the rundown of all the future vehicle information in this week's issue of Automotive News:
-- Lexus will introduce high-performance versions of its standard models beginning with a V-8 powered IS sedan late next year. The models will carry the "F" suffix. The IS-F will get a 425-hp version of the 5.0-liter V8 used in the upcoming LS600h hybrid.
Jaguar will replace the S-Type sedan with an all-new model called the XF. Other than this illustration, not much is known about the car, which should go on sale in 2008.
Here's the latest on future products from this week's edition of Automotive News. Saturn will continue to integrate Opel vehicles into its lineup with the addition of the compact Corsa hatchback. The current Corsa is all-new this year in Europe, but the version headed for the States will be the next-generation model due in roughly four or five years. About the size of cars like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, GM now feels the U.S. market is receptive to cars of that size.
The latest issue of Autoweek has a cover story on the 2008 Jaguar S-Type, but it's hard to tell if there's anything to get excited about. The computer generated images used for the story aren't particularly promising as they make the new Jag look like a cross between an Audi and a Lexus. Then there's the big grille on the front that looks like a drainage grate and an odd looking rear end with ultra slim taillights. The pics are nearly as good looking as the R-D6 concept pictured right...
For those of you who haven't figured it out yet, Automotive News is the industry paper of record. If Bill Ford should come within 500 feet of Carlos Ghosn or Bob Lutz says anything at all, you can bet it will be in AN on Monday morning. Unfortunately, as many of you do know, most of AN's content requires a subscription -- and it's not cheap. Which is a shame since the Detroit paper's army of reporters is hard to beat when it comes to digging up information on future products. With that in mind, I've decided to do the reading for you each week. I'll comb AN's extra large pages in search of anything relevant to future product and give you the abbreviated version. Don't expect a bombshell every Monday, but rest assured that whenever AN reporters print new information it isn't some rumor they heard from their cousin's friend's sister who works at the plant. On to this week's report…
So you're having a little trouble telling the current Mini (v.2.0) from the all-new Mini (v.3.0)? Well, this site should help you spot the differences. There are number of comparison shots from various angles that show how they differ.
For what it's worth, I thought I had trouble telling the new Jaguar XJ8 apart from the old model, but Mini has now taken "subtlety" to an all-time high here...
There has been some speculation that Hyundai may come to Ford's aid and take over Jaguar. That's not going to be the case according to most recent reports.
Snippet: Hyundai was viewed as a possible buyer because it has expressed interest in selling luxury cars.
"At one point we did conduct an internal review to acquire a luxury nameplate like Jaguar but that option was dropped," Hyundai said...
As news of a possible sale of Jaguar and Land Rover broke the other day, this Lincoln news story becomes even more timely.
The aging Lincoln Town car will be replaced by the all-new Lincoln MKS. This vehicle will have a 4.4L, 315 hp V8, hooked up to a 6-speed automatic and AWD. Those specs sound good to me...
This has been bandied about before, but rumors are getting stronger that Ford may indeed be thinking about selling their Jaguar and Land Rover divisions, in an effort to restore profitability to the corporation.
Snippet: is understood that Ford’s senior management, led by chairman and chief executive Bill Ford Jr, is considering packaging the two marques together and selling a majority stake to a financial investor.
Ford would retain a minority holding, and continue its technical and supply links with the two British carmakers. The Land Rover sale is one option being studied after the appointment last week of Kenneth Leet, a former Goldman Sachs and Bank of America banker, as special adviser to Bill Ford...
Jaguar will unveil the new XKR Coupe and Convertible at the London Motor Show on July 18. These vehicles are powered by a 420bhp, 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine makes the Jaguar XKR capable of rapid 0-60 mph performance in just 4.9 seconds (XKR Coupe) and produces an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Snippet: "The new supercharged XKR captures perfectly the essence of what makes a Jaguar XK so special," commented Bibie Boerio, Jaguar Cars managing director. "It is a perfect combination of refined Grand Tourer and serious performance sports car that delivers a truly rewarding and exhilarating driving experience."
This is not your father's Jaguar XK. Some may view that as good, while others may see it as bad.
I won't bore you all with a lot of old Joe Lucas jokes (I'll let this link do that), I will say, however, this new Jaguar has enough new electrical gee-whiz gadgetry to potentially write a new chapter of Lucas jokes. Now it really doesn't matter whether these new electrics are Lucas-made or not, as Jaguar is so closely associated with Lucas-Lore that it really doesn't matter...
The new Jaguar XK is already headed for showrooms, but the high performance XKR version is still undergoing final testing. With 400 horsepower expected from its supercharged V8, no wonder our spy pictures are a bit blurry. You can still make out the XKR hood intakes and lower front air dam as well as what appears to be a chrome accented version of the XK's quarter panel vent. From the rear quad tail pipes are clearly visible and the rear spoiler might be a bit bigger as well. Expect to see the debut of both the coupe and convertible versions of the XKR at the Paris auto show in September.
Hot on the heels of the 2007 Jaguar XK coupe, the convertible version of Jaguar's sexiest model will go on sale this spring. Priced around $82,000, it will offer all the advances of its hardtop sibling, including all-aluminum construction which makes the car 50 percent stiffer and 200 pounds lighter than the outgoing XK convertible. Under the bonnet is Jaguar's 4.2-liter V8 that makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic and benefiting from the new convertible's weight loss program, Jag says this setup is good for a 0-to-60-mph time of 6 seconds flat, a quarter-mile performance of 14.5 seconds and a top end that's electronically limited to 155 mph.
Ford,
Volvo and Jaguar. It's amazing to me that Ford can be so successful
with the Volvo brand, yet they continue to struggle with the Jaguar
brand. Is it because Volvo has always strived to build the best vehicle
they can within their market segment, whereas Jaguar seems stuck on
promoting an idyllic fairytale image, rather than building the best
product they can? In many ways I see Jaguar's plight
much the same as I do with many of the domestic auto brands; Buick, for
example...
So is Ford getting pressure from conservative and/or religious groups here? Ford says it was a "business decision" to stop placing Jaguar and Land Rover ads in gay publications, and not political pressure. Yeah, as in they were losing business...
Interesting that Volvo will continue advertising in gay publications,
however...
Well, I hope it's not too daring, as I think the current S-Type to be the best looking Jag
sedan in some time. Unlike Volvo, which has really blossomed under the
Ford umbrella, Jaguar has (in my opinion) not done nearly as well—and I
have to admit, I'm not at all impressed with the styling of the new
2007 XK8. I think the headlights on that model are ungainly as can be,
which is really surprising for a brand that is so associated with
elegance and good taste. Let's just hope they do better with the new S-Type...
