Jaguar XFR at Detroit

Most powerful Jaguar saloon ever wows the Detroit crowds.

Detroit is home to the brawny American V8, but the Brits muscled in on this year’s show with a V8 bruiser of their own! The long awaited Jaguar XFR, the firm’s most powerful saloon car ever is finally ready to roar, and we’ve got exclusive live photos along with all the details that matter.

The big news in under the bonnet, where an all-new 5.0-litre supercharged V8 resides will take the fight to the very best performance saloons, including the BMW M5, Mercedes E63 AMG and Audi RS6.

With 503bhp and 625Nm of torque, the 0-60mph sprint is despatched in just 4.7 seconds, exactly the same as the M5. But the new powerplant is surprising clean and economical - CO2 is pegged at 292g/km and economy at 22.5mpg.

In addition, the XF-R has a standard electronic active differential, which not only improves grip during aggressive cornering, but actually enhances refinement too. So it’s a purring kitten when cruising, but a real lion when the pace quickens.

On the outside, the XF-R gets a deep front spoiler with chrome accents and a sharper crease running from the flanks down each side of the skirt. There’s a pair of distinctive bonnet louvres, new wing mirrors with integrated indicator lights, and 20-inch alloy wheels are standard. At the rear, quad tailpipes leave no doubt as to the XF-R’s potential.

It’s a fitting flagship for a car that’s transformed Jaguar’s image, and with a price in the region of £60,000 when it hits showrooms in March, the XF-R looks certain continue Jaguar’s product revival.

But the XF wasn’t the only Jag that powered into Detroit, a heavily revised XKR took pride of place on the stand, too.

Diesel XF Supercar Bares its Claws

XF line up gets new diesel flagship model with 600Nm of torque

The big cat is finally out of the bag! Jaguar has released the first pictures and full details of its new XF Diesel S, an oilburning flagship that combines class-leading performance with impressive fuel economy.

Due on sale in March, the newcomer is fitted with a new 3.0-litre V6 engine with 273bhp and a staggering 600nm of torque. Capable of a top speed of 155mph, and a 0-60mph sprint of 5.9 seconds the newcomer also promises to return 42mpg.
Meanwhile, CO2 emissions are 179g/km – that’s 10 percent less than the acclaimed 2.7-litre unit that this new engine replaces.

Power is transmitted to the road via the rear wheels, through an updated six speed automatic gearbox. Drivers can either select a fully automatic mode, or swap ratios via steering wheel mounted paddles.
To complete the package, XF Diesel S also gets 20 inch wheels, an aerodynamic boot lid spoiler and discreet ‘S’ badging.
Inside, the S gets sports seats, and a number of specification upgrades to the car’s satellite navigation and air-conditioning systems.

However, the new Diesel S is not the only XF to benefit from the company’s latest diesel technology.

Jaguar has announced that is also plans to add an entry level 3.0-litre V6 model to the line-up to replace the basic 2.7-litre V6.

Jaguar’s green light for XF roadster

Brit legend’s Indian owner confirms it’s working on stunning four-seat drop-top...

You heard it here first! Way back in September last year, Auto Express revealed Jaguar’s plans to expand its XF range.

And, just as we predicted, a source from within the maker’s parent company, Tata, has confirmed that a raft of sporty new models is on the way from the revived British marque. We can now bring you the full story.

Our pictures show how the big cat’s new litter will shape up, starting with a two-door cabriolet version of the hugely successful XF saloon.

The XF Roadster will employ a folding fabric roof, along with a slightly shortened wheelbase to improve structural rigidity, while maintaining the saloon’s handsome profile. Bosses will ensure there is a significant cost differential, so that the new model doesn’t poach sales from the XK Cabriolet. As a result, prices are set to start at around the £35,000 mark.

But that’s not the only XF variant which has been earmarked for production: a two-door Coupé is also on the way. Designed to lock horns with Audi’s curvy A5, it will add even more style to the XF’s taut bodyshape with a tapered roof and high waistline. This, too, will be pitched below the XK in the £30,000 bracket. Both models are expected to borrow engines from the XF saloon.

The line-up will include V6 petrol and diesel units, plus the firm’s 4.2-litre V8, available in normally aspirated 300bhp or supercharged 420bhp form.

Jaguar is tipped to take the wraps off the two newcomers in 2010. And don’t forget the hardcore 500bhp XFR, with its 5.0-litre supercharged V8.

It was seen at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, and is set to debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

Our sources have also revealed that Jaguar is eyeing up the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK – and seriously considering a ‘budget’ two-seater to compete in this lucrative sector of the market. We published images of the sporty roadster in Issue 1,012.

Following in the footsteps of the F-Type concept, this model will be pitched firmly in £40,000 Boxster territory – leaving room for a coupé model to rival the Cayman.

The small two-seater, which is due in 2012, will use a cut-down version of the lightweight aluminium chassis from the new XJ – itself due in 2010. Styling inspiration will be taken from the XF, while power is from a 4.2-litre V8.

There are also rumours that both cars could benefit from the top-of-the-range 5.0-litre V8 in the forthcoming XFR.

New Jaguar XF Stung By Recall Blow

This is the last thing ailing British—or is it Indian?—automaker Jaguar needs right now.

A recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims there is a problem with the rear seat belts in the stylish new kitty cat. As one hit wonder Right Said Fred said in their immortal song “I’m too Sexy,” oh poor *** poor *** cat.

Allegedly the D-ring assembly within the rear seat belt receptors possibly might not rotate properly around the seat belt assembly. This may cause a person who thinks they are properly bolted in to get quite a surprise in case of an accident.

So what to do, new Jaguar XF owners? Call your local Jaguar dealer to set up an appointment to have the faulty seat belts checked out and if necessary replaced. Any further concerns can be taken up with Jaguar corporate by calling them directly at 800-452-4827.

Our view? The Jaguar XF is one of 20the most stylish and sexy new luxury sedans to come from any manufacturer in recent memory. That shouldn’t excuse it, though, from making quality and safety a top priority.

via LuxVelocity

Seatbelts Issue recalls 2009 Jaguar XF to Dealership

To prevent your face kissing asphalt, you might consider taking your new shiny cat car in for a checkup.

Why? The seatbelt doesn’t work.

The rear seatbelt’s D-ring of the 2009 Jaguar XF may not rotate properly around the safety belt anchorage mounting bolt. Basically, if you crash into something, whoever is in the back might or might not go flying.

If you own a 2009 Jaguar XF, best call Jaguar at 800- 452-4827.



via Luxvelocity

Tata Looks to Add Daimler to Jaguar, Land Rover stable

Apparently feeling that Jaguar and Land Rover simply weren’t up market enough, Indian automaker Tata seems poised to reintroduce the Daimler brand to the world.

For those not familiar with Daimler, the name is derived from the group originally being allowed to sell the German Gottlieb Daimler’s motors in England, with the first British Daimler being produced in 1897. Though the Daimler name is owned by both Daimler AG (formerly DaimlerChrysler before the split) and Jaguar, the latter gave Daimler AG the rights to use the name for trading purposes. Jaguar, however, never gave up the right to offer cars under the brand name.

Tata hope to make the brand a high end competitor to Rolls Royce, Bentley, Maybach, and other similar brands.

Our take? Let’s see Tata make Jaguar a bid deal in the market place first.


via Times

Jaguar XF-R takes on BMW M

Though the all-new Jaguar XF is a sharp departure from its traditional, style-wise, that is (in fact so many of its styling elements could be argued as being derivatory), it is -- ultimately -- a sharp looking car.

In upcoming "R" trim though, the car will signal a return by Jaguar to making cars that are both style and performance icons within their classes.

Jaguar obviously not afraid of its capabilities have raced a prototype up the infamous driveway of the Lord March's driveway at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Again, motivated by a supercharged V8, the power is likely to rise to BMW M levels of around 500 horsepower.

Our take? Likely to be a great car in every way, it a shame that it still doesn't scream Jaguar when you see it on the road.



via Automobile Magazine

Flywheel turns Jaguar, Land Rover Hybrids

Prodrive, one of the owners of Aston Martin, is managing hybrid technology from Ford, Flybrid, Torotrak, and Xtrac.

The technology uses a flywheel design rather than an electric motor to recover to charge the hybrid's batteries.

The flywheel technology is more efficient than what is being used on hybrid vehicles today. Details haven't been given (naturally), but is said to be significantly cheaper to produce than current electric hybrid systems. The energy is never wasted. Moreover, the system is compact which requires no change to the vehicle's chassis.

The flywheel hybrid system is based on technology recently developed under new Formula One regulations and funded by the Technology Strategy Board. Jaguar and Land Rover are potential candidates for the system.

A demo vehicle is expected within the next two years.

via Auto Industry

Jaguar, Land Rover Go Hybrid under New Management

Jaguar and Land Rover are to join the rest of the luxury marques by committing themselves to the development of hybrid technologies for the use of their road cars within the next 5 years.

New owner Tata Motors, no doubt partially in response to the world's ever tightening restrictions upon the auto industry, the brands seem set to implement staggered introduction program of ever increasingly complex systems.

First up a start/stop system to be incorporated into their next generation (though still derived form the current 2.7 liter) 3.0 liter turbo diesel.

Next up is the coupling of a new 8-speed ZF gearbox that can take advantage of a start/stop system unlike the current 6-speed, as well as the coupling of a more complex hybrid electric system. Jaguar is looking to ZF's Dynastart motor which is an electric motor taking the place of a torque converter and providing mild hybrid (electric help to conventional motors) and full electric modes.

Land Rover on the other hand, is leaning towards a mild-hybrid setup coupled to the diesel motor using capacitors instead of batteries for quick charges and discharges.

Our take? Look for Jaguar to prefer hybrids over diesels to better showcase their sporting heritage, at least for the US market.


via Autocar