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…

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

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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New York 2011: Jaguar makes the XF we always wanted and tweaks the XK for 2012

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Jaguar, Luxury

2012 Jaguar XF

The 2012 Jaguar XF – Click above to view high-res image gallery

The Jaguar XF only arrived in 2008, but in just three years, it has reset the course for a brand that was hobbled by the transgression of the X-Type and a beloved but aging XJ. In 2010, it received a new set of engines that delivered performance on par with the promise of the concept car, and now, for 2012, we have a car that delivers on the looks of that showstopper. Jaguar has revealed a refreshed XF at the New York Auto Show, and the renew isn’t ostentatious, but it is thorough, and rewarding.

Continue reading New York 2011: Jaguar makes the XF we always wanted and tweaks the XK for 2012

Gallery: 2012 Jaguar XFR: New York 2011

Gallery: 2012 Jaguar XF

Gallery: 2012 Jaguar XKR: New York 2011

Gallery: 2012 Jaguar XK

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading New York 2011: Jaguar makes the XF we always wanted and tweaks the XK for 2012

New York 2011: Jaguar makes the XF we always wanted and tweaks the XK for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar Italy trims out a special XKR in… plaid Alcantara?!

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Jaguar, Luxury

Jaguar XKR 75 by Alcantara Interiors

Jaguar XKR 75 by Alcantara Interiors – Click above for image gallery

We know what you were thinking: the Jaguar XKR is pretty cool, but what it really needs is a plaid interior. Fortunately, Jaguar Italy and Alcantara Interiors have teamed up to realize exactly that.

And they didn’t just put in some plaid inserts like on a Volkswagen GTI, either: we mean Prince of Wales plaid covering the seats (front and rear), the armrest, the center console, the door panels, the headliner, the pillars… the works. And as you might have guessed, the pattern is applied to that soft, grippy, suede-like wonder-material we know as Alcantara.

The trim wasn’t applied to any old XKR, either: it replaced the white-stitched charcoal leather on the XKR 75, the anniversary edition of which only 75 examples were made, complete with 530-horsepower supercharged V8. You know, in case it wasn’t special enough already. See for yourself in the image gallery below. Yikes.

Gallery: Jaguar XKR 75 by Alcantara Interiors

[Source: eurocarblog]

Jaguar Italy trims out a special XKR in… plaid Alcantara?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #225: Best interiors, Subaru XV, Jaguar SUV, a million Prius sales

Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Volvo, Shanghai Motor Show

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Autoblog Podcast #225 features Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth. We start with Ward’s Auto‘s ten best interiors for 2011, speculate about the Subaru XV concept and a Jaguar SUV before contemplating what one million U.S. Prius sales means. Your feedback in our Q&A module winds us up, and we’ve embedded that in the post below, as well. Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #225: Best interiors, Subaru XV, Jaguar SUV, a million Prius sales

  • Ward’s picks the best interiors
  • Subaru XV
  • Jaguar SUV rumor
  • One million US Prius sales

In the Autoblog Garage:

  • 2011 Nissan Juke SV AWD
  • 2011 Volvo S60 T6
  • 2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
  • 2011 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson


Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
  • Runtime: 01:20:38


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Feedback:
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Autoblog Podcast #225: Best interiors, Subaru XV, Jaguar SUV, a million Prius sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this the facelifted 2012 Jaguar XF?

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar, Shanghai Motor Show, Diesel, Luxury

2012 Jaguar XF

A photo purported to be a sneak peak at the facelifted 2012 Jaguar XF has hit the Web ahead of its New York Auto Show debut, and while there’s precious little information about where the photo came from, if it’s legit, this is exactly in line with what we’re expecting the next XF to look like.

The sharper headlights on the car pictured above look consistent with the camouflaged versions seen in spy shots, so there’s a solid chance this is the real deal. Underneath the XF’s reshaped skin will be a new eight-speed automatic gearbox from ZF backing up a 2.2-liter diesel four-pot pulling down 187 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque. That same transmission will likely be fitted to the U.S.-spec models packing the 5.0-liter V8, possibly in both naturally aspirated and supercharged R guise. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Joke For Blog via Nitrobahn]

Is this the facelifted 2012 Jaguar XF? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar brings a pair of Designer Editions to go with the announcement at AutoRAI

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Jaguar, Luxury

Jaguar XF Designer Edition

Jaguar XF Designer Edition – Click above for high-res images

There are major auto shows, and there are relatively minor ones. Holland’s AutoRAI may fall more into the latter category, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have its fare share of new debuts. And a big part of those are reportedly coming from Jaguar.

Say what you will about the wisdom of decisions taken in Europe’s notoriously mind-altering playground, but as we already reported, Jaguar has apparently chosen the Amsterdam expo as the location to elaborate on the future of its X-Type successor. But the company’s English manners prevent it from turning up empty-handed with only some promises of things to come, so it’s created a special series specifically for the Dutch market.

Called the Designer Edition, it’s available on either the XF or the XJ, powered by the 3.0-liter V6 engine, and decked out in Stratus Grey London paint – looks decidedly greenish to us – with tan leather interior and piano black lacquer trim. The XF Designer Edition is further distinguished by bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels in grey or black, heater leather steering wheels and sports seats and heated windshield. The XJ Designer Edition, meanwhile, packs a infotainment system with Bowers & Wilkins audio, high-def dual-view touchscreen and TV tuner plus a leather headliner.

Only 20 units of each are slated for production, the former coming in at €77,790 ($110,000 by current rates), the latter at €121,290 ($171,000). Just don’t forget where you parked yours.

Gallery: Jaguar XF & XJ Designer Editions

[Sources: TopSpeed, autoblog.nl]

Jaguar brings a pair of Designer Editions to go with the announcement at AutoRAI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar reportedly confirms 3 Series rival, XFR-S under development

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Jaguar, Luxury

2010 Jaguar XFR in motion

Jaguar XFR – Click above for high-res image gallery

Eager to show it’s at the top of its game, Jaguar has been promoting a raft of new technologies, models and variants under development of late. We’ve recently confirmed a new four-cylinder diesel for the XF (earmarked towards European buyers) and reports of an all-wheel-drive variant of the XJ flagship (targeted for North American consumption), but new reports give us some more to anticipate from the Leaping Cat marque.

First up, word out of the UK indicate that the long-rumored 3 Series rival – possibly (and counterintuitively) to be called XS – has been confirmed by Jaguar’s global brand director, Adrian Hallmark, who justifies that in order to compete with other European luxury marques, it needs to do so on all fronts.

Potentially more exciting, however, is the development of an even hotter version of the XFR (pictured above). The project reportedly transplants the upgrades in the XKR-S to the XF to make for a 550-horsepower super-sedan capable of taking on the likes of the forthcoming BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Jaguar XFR

Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: PistonHeads]

Jaguar reportedly confirms 3 Series rival, XFR-S under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jaguar readying all-wheel-drive XJ

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Jaguar, Diesel, Luxury

2011 Jaguar XJL

2011 Jaguar XJ – Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar says it will have an all-wheel-drive version of its flagship XJ sedan ready in less than two years, which should coincide with the launch of the car’s mid-cycle refresh. Jag hopes the move will increase its sales in the northern United States, where it has traditionally held the strongest foothold in the U.S. market. According to Jaguar, the all-wheel-drive model will be crucial to maintaining that foothold, as nearly 70 percent of sedans sold in the Rust Belt send power to all four wheels.

Though the all-wheel-drive XJ is the most important prospect for the American market, Jaguar is planning a raft of new and redesigned models to reinvigorate its sales around the world. The company’s plan to release a small luxury sedan below the XF is still in place, with pricing to start around £28,000.

Before the small luxury sedan drops, Jaguar is planning to release a four-cylinder diesel version of the XF to try and steal some of BMW’s diesel 5 Series sales. For a little perspective, diesel four-cylinder models account for 60 percent of 5 Series sales in Europe.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jaguar XJL

2011 Jaguar XJL2011 Jaguar XJL2011 Jaguar XJL2011 Jaguar XJL2011 Jaguar XJL

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Jaguar readying all-wheel-drive XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar debuts new 2.2-liter diesel engine under hood of 2012 XF prototype

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Technology, Jaguar, Diesel

Jaguar XF Spy Photo

2012 Jaguar XF Spy Shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar has announced a new 2.2-liter diesel engine capable of 187 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque that can also travel 52.3 miles per gallon in the combined European cycle as fitted to a prototype of its 2012 XF sedan. The engine will also have little trouble meeting Europe’s stringent CO2 regulations, as The Leaping Cat claims the engine only emits 149 g/km of CO2.

On the technology front, this new 16 valve common-rail diesel features a water-cooled turbocharger, low friction pistons, a fresh crankshaft and new injectors. Jaguar engineers also fitted a new oil pan and new electronic systems to allow for an intelligent Stop-Start system that operates more efficiently. The efficient little motor will work in concert with an also new eight-speed ZF transmission. Jaguar claims the diminutive diesel will propel the XF to 60 miles per hour in 8.5, while promising a top speed of 140 miles per hour.

As an added bonus, the folks at Jaguar were kind enough to pass us high-resolution photos of the refreshed XF undergoing testing. The camo is quite good, though we can see some alterations to the lower air dams, and we’re guessing tail lamps, headlamps and the grille have also been given a once-over.

Jaguar says in the post-jump press release that the 2.2 diesel will make its way under the bonnet of a future XF production car, with “an estimated on-sale date being announced at the New York Auto Show.” Keep in mind that the Big Apple show is international in scope, so assuming that a U.S. announcement means it will be sold here probably isn’t a good idea. Hit the jump to read over the Jaguar press release.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Jaguar XF

Spy Shots: 2012 Jaguar XF

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Jaguar debuts new 2.2-liter diesel engine under hood of 2012 XF prototype

Jaguar debuts new 2.2-liter diesel engine under hood of 2012 XF prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Joke: Jaguar to call next small car XS?

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Jaguar, Rumormill, Luxury

2011 Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

2011 Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar is scheduled to release more details about its upcoming small car, which won’t look like the Bertone B99 Concept above, at the 2011 AutoRAI in Amsterdam. The details will include the car’s name, which is rumored to be XS.

The name fits into Jag’s current naming convention, but it seems more than a little cutesy to call your small car “XS.” Whether Jag meant the coincidence or not, word is they’re sticking with the moniker.

Jaguar is aiming the XS at the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series and is working hard to make sure the new car isn’t as bad as its ill-conceived X-Type. There are rumors circulating about an XS-based roadster and coupe as well, but we wouldn’t hold our breath on that front, as Jaguar hasn’t yet released the sedan’s shape.

Gallery: Jaguar B99 Concept by Bertone: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: MotorAuthority]

No Joke: Jaguar to call next small car XS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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