P1 reportedly following other British supercar clubs into bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Emerging from Jaguar's press conference yesterday from a cloud of manufactured smoke and amidst the too-loud blare of the Gallagher Brothers were the stonking new XKR Coupe and Convertible.

While the exterior receives subtle changes (new front and rear bumper designs, LED taillamps), the real news is under the hood. More than just an augmented supercharger, the blown XKs receive Jag's all-new Gen III AJ-V8 that's supercharged and features direct injection, which makes it good for 510 brake horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. That newfound power helps the 3800+ pound XKR reach 60 miles-per-hour in just 4.6 seconds. The new XKR also enjoys the same interior theater experience upon startup that debuted in the XF, including air vents that rotate around and the flush JaguarDrive gear selector.

In our time with the current XKR, we always enjoyed the shape and the interior as well as the ride, but were somewhat underwhelmed with the performance and handling. The new R promises to rectify at least the power deficiency versus some other European performance luxury coupes, so we're hoping that the handling comes along for the ride. Check out the gallery of live shots below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Jaguar XKR

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XKR

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: White Lightning - Jaguar shows 510 bhp XKRs [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: White Lightning - Jaguar shows 510 bhp XKRs [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Jeremy Clarkson wins: UK reviewing all traffic signs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In what looks to be a merciful end to the world's longest foregone conclusion, Tata Motors will reportedly announce its purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover on either March 5 or 6. The announcement is expected after the first press day of the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, so as not to steal the limelight from Ford's new model and concept introductions. The press conference comes just in time for the first XF sedans to go on sale in the U.S. and Europe, so Ford's hard work and investment on the newest cat will benefit the brand's new owners. Tata is also expected to continue to utilize Ford powerplants in its new acquisitions, which will keep the Bridgend and Dagenham engine plants busy.

We'd thought the previous sale of Aston Martin had been drawn out, but the Jaguar and Land Rover clearance sale has lasted over a year, with talks of a Jaguar sale dating back to the '90s. Now, after a year of wondering what would happen to Ford's two British marques, we can move on to the next thing. You know, like whether Tata's going to turn around and quickly unload Jaguar.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Tata to (finally) announce Jaguar, Land Rover purchase March 5 or 6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

While repeatedly denying the existence of an upcoming entry-level Ferrari, company executives have stated that the real entry-level Ferrari is a used Ferrari. To back that up, the company's outfit in the UK has established the Ferrari Approved program to certify second-hand Prancing Horses.

The program covers the 360, 430, 465M, 612, 550, 575 and 599 models, in all their derivations, with the oldest stretching back no earlier than 1998. As part of the process, factory-trained technicians put the cars through a 190-point inspection, replacing or repairing defective parts; an independent investigation is conducted into the car's history ensuring there are no outstanding debts on the car; and the service record is verified. Only non-modified cars, dealer-serviced throughout, are eligible for the program, and once the cars come out, they're backed by a 12-month factory warranty and 12 months of roadside assistance.

Although Ferrari North America offers a pre-owned vehicle program, it does not appear to be nearly as extensive in its certification process as the one Ferrari GB Ltd has just launched. Maybe the British program will serve as a pilot before it comes stateside.

[Source: Ferrari GB]

Ferrari Approved program launches in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MG's former Longbridge, UK headquarters has been pretty quiet since production ceased in 2005. Newly-merged owners SAIC and Nanjing want the clatter of carbuilding to once again echo through the plant and plan to base their European and overseas operations there. The plant itself has the capability to build up to three different models; the challenge is deciding which of the former rival's products to build there. MG TF roadsters will likely lead the charge, with cars due at retail locations by March 1st. MG Rover holdovers could return to their roots if SAIC/Nanjing decide to build the MG 3 and MG 7, while the newly deisgned Roewe W2, pictured above, looks like a solid possibility, as well. In addition to manufacturing, R&D and sales efforts will also be strengthened. From the sound of things, it won't be long before Longbridge is once again turning out cars (some of the same cars, even) at a healthy clip.

China's SAIC to revive historic Longbridge UK plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Some say his political views are frightening. Others say he's got a growing group of supporters. All we know is...he's called Jeremy Clarkson.

Back in August we brought you a report that the celebrity host of BBC television's hit program Top Gear had a petition started in his name to promote his popular candidacy for British Prime Minister. Not that he's in any way declared his intension to run for public office, but the petition that was at 15,000 signatures at the end of the summer has now nearly doubled.

In light of the mounting public support, British tabloid the Daily Mail has put together a mock platform for Jezza, the world's most famous automotive journalist, should he decide to run. Some of the platform's highlights call for promoting global warming by incentivizing gas-guzzling automobiles, while banning diesels and hybrids; shutting down the public health & safety department; arming constables in order to intimidate youth; abolishing speed cameras; promoting the glory of the British Empire; withdrawing from the EU and ending relations with the US; and reinstituting medieval punishment methods and public executions.

We say shoot for the moon and land among the stars: Clarkson for Transportation Minister.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Jeremy Clarkson for Prime Minister? Public support increases originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Connaught and Caparo conspiring on Type-D originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Wireframe Corolla

I can see its ribs! Toyota Corolla in wireframe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The UK is a pretty good place to be an F1 fan, as a number of F1 teams are headquartered in Great Britain. Four current F1 racing drivers are British, including the incredible Lewis Hamilton, with several more test drivers as well. Brits have their own race every year, no matter how poor the facilities and the attendance. And they're within driving distance of a handful more on the Continent. In short, the British Isles are F1-land, and more British companies are getting in on the action every year.

The latest to offer their services to race fans is Vue Cinemas, a rapidly-expanding chain of movie theaters that currently counts 59 multiplexes encompassing over 570 screens in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The chain has announced it will be screening a live feed of the British Grand Prix, directly from Silverstone, with no commercial interruptions. Vue Cinemas is calling it a "larger-than-life-experience" that will be offered at 30 of its locations in the UK.

You can expect tickets to be considerably less expensive than race tickets, and while it won't feature the same "right-there" experience, you'll probably get a better Vue.

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Grand Prix, Great Britain, Big Screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gibbs Aquada coming to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Nanjing turns the lights back on at MG's Longbridge, UK plant

Nanjing turns the lights back on at MG's Longbridge, UK plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gearheads the world over (England particularly) have been eagerly anticipating the upcoming ninth season of Top Gear, the BBC's crown jewel of an automotive magazine show. All the more so following the drama of co-host Richard Hammond's terrifying crash and miraculous recovery, the details of which we followed closely as they developed.

Thanks to Arvin, one of our intrepid readers, we're glad to bring you this brief nineteen-second clip previewing the upcoming season of Top Gear. Nineteen seconds isn't very much, but from this brief clip we can see a few antics the crew is up to: the Porsche 911, remote-control airplanes, Jaguar XKR vs. Aston Martin V8 Vantage, street-paving machines, trying to drive an old pick-up truck, chopping a Fiat in two, driving the Bugatti Veyron at speed, and testing the new Lotus Europa.

This is only a teaser, and we're willing to bet our favorite of friends across the pond have got a great season lined up for us. Shame we don't get the BBC over here in America, but on the internet, "the will" is seldom separated from "the way" for very long.

VIDEO: Top Gear season 9 preview originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MG now known as Modern Gentleman originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Shaguar! Er... Jaguar designer honored

Shaguar! Er... Jaguar designer honored originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

British motorists rejoice! Griffin iTrip legalized in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Nov 2006 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A camel, they say, is a horse designed by committee. This is a car designed by survey, incorporating what Brits say they would like most in a car. British car buying site New Car Net conducted the study, having visitors pick which features they liked best. After the results were tabulated, their art department produced this very convincing rendering that looks to us like a good preview of the upcoming Porsche Panamera four-door coupe.

Respondents chose the front end of the Porsche Boxster with the roofline of the Jaguar XK8, favoring four doors in a coupe-like body as is increasingly becoming the fashion, led by the Mercedes CLS and soon to be followed by the Porsche and Aston Martin Rapide.

Those participating didn't opt for the most powerful engines, preferring something with more reasonable fuel economy, and, interestingly, nearly half the respondents conveyed their preference for diesel power. You'd think inside they'd all go for the full range of electric everything, but while they did opt for air-con, electric windows and power steering, things like automatic wipers and heated seats didn't make the cut.

We can't help but wonder how the results would have turned out if the survey were carried out in the US.

[Source: New Car Net]

Brits "Frankenstein" their way to the Porsche Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Exactly how fast are British motorists driving, anyway? Apparently the Renault F1 car just wasn't enough for their highway patrol, so the London Met Police have procured a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 into their motor pool.

Unlike the Italian police who received a patrol-prepped Gallardo pursuit vehicle from Lamborghini, it looks like (as with the F1 car) the London bobbies won't actually be keeping or using this car, admitting (or reassuring British taxpayers) that the exotic was not actually paid for with public funds. Most of the Lambo's grey paintjob was left in tact, with yellow and blue checkers pasted down the sides and lights on the roof.

The car is part of an exhibition at the MPH '06 car show in Birmingham. The photo shoot reportedly had to be hurried as the spectacle was in danger of causing traffic accidents, and during the eight miles the constables drove it, it was pulled over twice by other curious cops.

[Source: Piston Head]

What's all this then? Lambo LP640 for London Met Police originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Renault-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn is being honored by the UK for his "contribution to relations between the UK and Japan". Ghosn will be appointed "Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire" (which, incredibly, actually has nothing to do with either Dungeons and Dragons or the Lord of the Rings).

Like Mario Andretti's commendatore honor bestowed by the Italian consul-general in New York, Ghosn will be pseudo-knighted in a ceremony at the British Embassy in Tokyo. Because he's a foreign national, we can't technically call him "sir", but he can add the letters KBE to his name. Ghosn is actually the second Datsun chief to receive the honor, after former Nissan chairman Takashi Ishihara received the same in 1992.

Ghosn attributed the recognition to the "hard work and achievements" of Nissan's 5500 employees and 220 dealers in the United Kingdom. After winning both the constructors' and drivers' championships in Formula One just this past Sunday, we bet this will make Ghosn walk even taller. Congratulations, Carlos!

[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

Sir Carlos the Turbohearted: Ghosn to receive honorary knighthood originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

To commemorate the release of its Continental GTS luxury drop-top, Bentley rolled out several examples of old and new hardware, putting them on display in the lobby of the Javits Convention Center. We grabbed some shots, and are happy to share them with you. Feel free to use the Comments sections to take a shot at identifying each of them.

(more photos after the jump!)

Click through for the rest of our classic Bentley photos...

Continue reading New York Auto Show: A bevy of beautiful Bentleys

New York Auto Show: A bevy of beautiful Bentleys originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.