Autoblog

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

May the best car win. So says General Motors' Bob Lutz, and he's willing to put his Pilotis where his mouth is... so to speak. On a conference call last month, Maximum Bob challenged any journalist to a duel with the Cadillac CTS-V, and, not surprisingly, the mantle was picked up right quick by the boys at Jalopnik.

Rules? Sorta. Any stock production four-door sedan is reportedly eligible to go up against the Big V, and the drivers will be lining up against the clock on October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y. While Jalop's Wes Siler was originally slated to go up against Lutz in a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, that car has since been switched out in favor of the Jaguar XFR (earning the ire of TTAC in the process).

Here's the best part: Anyone who happens to own a new comparable sport sedan, such as a BMW M3 or M5, perhaps a Mercedes-Benz AMG sedan or the Audi S4 (not to mention the Mitsubishi Evolution), is welcome to submit themselves for consideration to take part in the festivities in New York. We're not sure how the participants will be selected or exactly what the racing will entail, but if you're interested in throwing your hat into the ring, click here. For what it's worth, we've driven the CTS-V around Monticello, and we figure the smart money is on the Daddy Caddy.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: CTS-V Challenge]

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Over the years, our favorite magazines have had some spectacular comparison tests, with scores of test data and page after page of subjective text. Motor Trend has practically made a living with comparisons, and its newest feature pits 10 hot rides against one another to see which is the best driver's car. MT used tons of data, added subjective feedback from staff members and included track time at Laguna Seca with pro driver Randy Pobst.

If you receive Motor Trend at home or you check in over at its website, you've probably read the extensive article, but the magazine also produced a 14 minute video hosted by Editor at Large Arthur St. Antoine. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. It's chock full of beautiful footage, 638 horsepower supercars drifting around and tire-ripping burnouts. How much more can you ask for?

[Source: YouTube via Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises

VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend gets all techy, picks their top 10 favorite driver's cars

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Etc.

In a truly heroic effort that's not only daunting in scope but utterly jealousy-inducing in execution, the hot shoes at Motor Trend have once again teamed up with pro-racer and 24 Hours of Daytona winner Randy Pobst to put ten of the hottest performance cars currently on sale up against each other at Laguna Seca to determine which is best. Last year, the winner was given the title of "Best Handling Car," though this year they are switching the name to "Best Driver's Car." That works.

Without getting too much into the metrics they used (it's an eighteen page article), MT went with a combination of outright speed, braking performance, lateral acceleration data and subjective seat of the pants driving impressions (plus Pobst's excellent feedback) to rank all ten cars in order. Without giving away the winner, we will say that we enthusiastically agree with their findings.

Cases in point: Chevy Camaro SS is dead last. The BMW 135i is second to dead last. The world-beating Corvette ZR1 ends up one place behind the truly superlative Shelby GT500 and the uber 'Stang isn't even the top American car. Meanwhile, the plucky little Mazda MX-5 Miata finishes higher up than all the cars we just mentioned -- including the mystery Yank tank. In fact, the only gripe we have is that last year's third place car -- the Mazda RX-8 R3 - wasn't brought back for a second go round. No one's perfect. That said, you should consider this article a must read. We have, twice.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Motor Trend gets all techy, picks their top 10 favorite driver's cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ratan Tata: All future Jaguars and Land Rovers to feature aluminum construction

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar has been touting the aluminum-intensive construction of the XJ sedan since the previous-generation model was introduced back in 2003. According to the automaker, the use of aluminum in lieu of steel can lead to an impressive 40 percent reduction in weight. That's bound to have positive effects on driving dynamics, performance and efficiency.

With its latest redesign, Jaguar claims to have improved its aluminum architecture even further, so it's not surprising that the company plans to extend the technology to the rest of its line. According to Ratan Tata, chairman of the company that now owns Jaguar Land Rover, "JLR is planning to have all its future cars constructed with light weight aluminum bodies resulting in considerable savings in weight, and reduction in CO₂ emissions."

To go along with their new diets, Jaguar and Land Rover are known to be experimenting with hybrid powertrains. A kinetic energy recovery system may be in the cards for the XJ line in 2011 while Land Rover has been working on an Electric Rear Axle Drive that could debut in the upcoming LRX compact Range Rover.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Motor E Magazine]

Ratan Tata: All future Jaguars and Land Rovers to feature aluminum construction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear pits Jaguar XFR against BMW M5

Chris Shunk — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Jaguar, Luxury

Click the image above to watch the video after the jump

While the BMW M5 has topped Top Gear's list of four door sports sedans for what seems like forever, the Bavarian bombshell suddenly has plenty of competition, the newest of which is the Jaguar XFR. TG wanted to see which vehicle was better on the track and around town, and naturally, Jeremy Clarkson volunteered to work as judge and jury.

Clarkson spent all of his time behind the wheel of a right hand drive XFR, and he seemed surprised and delighted at the Leaping Cat's power and handling. Clarkson calls the cushy ride of the XFR "so soft and it's so absorbent, it's like sitting on a fat dog." But this plump puppy has 503 hp, and "80 more torques" than the BMW, while both vehicles' weight is about the same. Hit the jump to check out the comparo, and try to guess which sedan finished the Top Gear lap faster.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits Jaguar XFR against BMW M5

VIDEO: Top Gear pits Jaguar XFR against BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar officially announces XKR Goodwood Special... in lime green

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Jaguar, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

2010 Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special -- Click above to enlarge

In a press release announcing the cars it would be taking to this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, Jaguar's own Mike Cross has officially confirmed the coming of the Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special. We noted before that it would be louder and faster and detailed in satin graphite, but now we find out it will get a lower ride height over 21-inch wheels and - are you ready? - "a unique Lime Green paint scheme and XKR exterior graphic" as shown above. Alrighty, then.

That hard-to-miss car will join a few more trailers of Jaguar goodies, including the 225 mph Bonneville XFR, a 1957 Long Nose D-Type, a Le Mans winning C-Type, and the one-of-a-kind Jaguar XJ13. Goodwood is just around the corner (July 3-5), and you can read all about Jaguar's plans in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Jaguar officially announces XKR Goodwood Special... in lime green

Jaguar officially announces XKR Goodwood Special... in lime green originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Jaguar XFR undercuts German rivals with $80,000 starting price

John Neff — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Jaguar

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Jaguar XFR

The renaissance of Jaguar really began with the introduction of the XF sedan. It was the first Jaguar model in, well a long time, that deserved serious consideration from luxury sport sedan buyers and the first that could hold its own against rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. The second salvo came at this year's Detroit Auto Show where Jaguar unveiled the XFR. Powered by a supercharged, direct-inject version of Jaguar's 5.0L V8 that produces 510 horsepower, the XFR was specifically designed to stare down the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

Jaguar North America has just announced pricing for the 2010 model XF, and the XFR model rings at $80,000 even. That's a few thousand less than both the M5 and E63 AMG, and the XFR produces more power than both. The Audi S6, meanwhile, is less expensive than all three, but also significantly less powerful with just 435 hp (the 580-hp RS6 isn't sold in the U.S.). Ah, but then there's the Cadillac CTS-V, which is faster than them all (even the RS6), more powerful and the least expensive. We wish the XFR good luck. It's going to need it in this segment.

2010 Jaguar XFR vs. The Competition
Vehicle	Engine	Power	MSRP
2010 Jaguar XFR	5.0L V8, supercharged, direct-inject	510 hp / 461 lb-ft	$80,000
2009 BMW M5	5.0L V10	500 hp / 383 lb-ft	$85,500
2009 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG	6.3L V8	507 hp / 464 lb-ft	$87,700
2009 Audi S6	5.2L V10, direct-inject	435 hp / 398 lb-ft	$75,900
2009 Cadillac CTS-V	6.2L V8, supercharged	556 hp / 551 lb-ft	$60,650

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XFR

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading 2010 Jaguar XFR undercuts German rivals with $80,000 starting price

2010 Jaguar XFR undercuts German rivals with $80,000 starting price originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Jaguar XFR arrives early

John Neff — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Jaguar

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Jaguar XFR

Thanks to an embargo break by 4WheelsNews, we can show you the first official image of the 2010 Jaguar XFR and reveal some juicy info on the British brand's new top cat. Set to go head-to-head with the big dogs in the high-performance luxury sedan segment, the XFR draws its motive force from a new version of Jaguar's AJV8 that's larger at 5.0 liters of displacement and supercharged to produce 510 bhp and 460 lb-ft of torque. That's good for a 0-60 mph run of just 4.7 seconds and a electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The XFR is also fitted with new 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels and larger brakes with calipers bearing the "R" logo.

The XFR also features a number of exterior tweaks that emphasize its sporting intentions, including a new front end with a new bumper design incorporating large, chrome trimmed air inlets on either side, hood vents, new fenders, side sills, a decklid spoiler, and new rear bumper that wraps around four exhaust pipes.

The interior is also gussied up with new dark aluminum trim, sports seats bearing the "R" logo and a sport steering wheel. Finally, the new range-topping XF can be had in eight colors: Botanical Green, Indigo, Kyanite Blue, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Porcelain and Salsa. We'll be back with more news on the XFR when we're allowed, so for now this all you get.

UPDATE: More images have begun to leak out, so check out the gallery below for addition high-res photos of the 2010 Jaguar XFR.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XFR

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

Detroit Preview: Jaguar XFR arrives early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation? Jaguar XF Coupe breaks cover

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, 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.

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Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar

As our First Drive suggests, the new Jaguar XF is the most fun you can have behind the wheel of a modern-day Jag, but that doesn't mean that Coventry is resting on its laurels. An XF-R prototype has been spotted undergoing testing and judging by the exterior mods alone, Jaguar has Germany's super sedans set in its sights.

The cloaked from fascia appears to get a set of larger air intakes on either side of the bumper, along with hood vents that hint at the beast that lies beneath. Car is speculating that Jag will use a direct-injected, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 to put out over 500 hp, while simultaneously keeping emissions in check. Other exterior changes include color-matched side sills (in favor of the chrome vents on the standard XF), a new 20-inch wheel design, quad tailpipes, a subtle rear spoiler and possibly a rear diffuser. Expect the Jaguar XF-R to make its debut sometime next year.

[Source: Car]

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R prototype caught prowling

John Neff — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar

click above image to view high-res gallery of Jaguar XF-R spy shots

While we've already seen spy shots of XF-R mules in the wild, these new pics from KGP Photography appear to be the first of an actual Jaguar XF-R prototype. The difference between a mule and a prototype is that a mule normally doesn't wear the near-final form of the production car. A prototype, however, gives us a clear view of what we can expect in showrooms, and this XF-R prototype looks fairly menacing in its all-black paint and chrome trim. Visual cues that this is not a normal XF include quad exhaust pipes out back and cross drilled rotors hidden behind 20-inch wheels. The ride height has also been lowered, presumably on a more sport-tuned suspension. The blacked-out grille up front may or may not make production, but we think it should stay. Inside sources say that behind the grille will be a heavily tuned version of the XF's supercharged 4.2L V8 pumping out around 500 horsepower. That should be enough to at least make the XF-R competitive with its rivals from Mercedes, BMW and Audi. Whether or not this cat has the moves to keep up with its German counterparts in the corners will have to wait until someone with a big mouth actually drives it. We humbly offer our own organic megaphones for the job.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: Jaguar XF-R prototype - spy shots

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R prototype caught prowling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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