Jaguar: A Look Into The Leaping Cat’s Future – Part 1

Filed under: Jaguar

Jaguar the brand has probably had a little more in common with jaguar the big cat than it would like: too infrequently seen, too little understood, too much threatened. But both car and feline have endured, likely owing to two other common traits: tenacity wrapped in dangerously come-hither looks that inspire rescue impulses from others (after all, when’s the last time you heard of anyone clamoring to protect the just-as-threatened blue-billed duck?).

The automaker unsheathed three of its newly sharpened claws at the New York Auto Show in the forms of the 2012 XF, XJ and XK, but before that we spent a day at the company’s Whitley Engineering Center in the English midlands to learn what went into those cars and what will come after them.

In Part 1 of our Deep Dive we’ll look at the numbers, the future and the message of the new Jaguar, while in Part 2 we’ll check out the technology and powertrains and drive the 2.2-liter diesel (that, of course, won’t be coming to the U.S.). While we can’t speak for the cat, the future could be quite promising for this storied English concern. Continue reading…

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Jaguar: A Look Into The Leaping Cat’s Future – Part 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kit Cat: Mercury Cougar makes perfect Bugatti Veyron substitute

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Bugatti, Mercury, Humor, Specialty

Bugatti Veyron kit car – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you’ve got a pulse in your wrist and a snapping brain cell in your head, chances are you wouldn’t mind parking a Bugatti Veyron in your garage. But for most mere mortals, scrounging up the cash for a physics-bending piece of 16-cylinder glory would require all sorts of unpalatable tasks. Fortunately for those who want to look the part without having to participate in human trafficking, the kit car universe has stepped in to save the day. All you need is a 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar, a boat load of fiberglass and a little patience.

Oh, and $89,000.

Is that cheaper than an actual Veyron? Sure. Is it $73,000 more than we’d pay for this car? Absolutely. For that low price you’ll get all the looks of the Bug with a fraction of the actual performance. Buyers can look forward to a blistering 170 horsepower from a 2.5-liter V6 kicking at the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Don’t expect much else.

This particular machine is up for bid via eBay Motors, with four days left on the auction. Act now.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron kit car

[Sources: PistonHeads, eBayMotors]

Kit Cat: Mercury Cougar makes perfect Bugatti Veyron substitute originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum concept marks 75 years of The Cat [w/Video]

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.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Concept

Gallery: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Concept

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.

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