Autoblog

2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT claws at the driving enthusiast in us

Michael Harley — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST

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

If you still find yourself coming up a few seconds short per lap in your Jaguar XKR-S, the British automaker has introduced the XKR-S GT - a cat specifically tuned for the racing circuit - at the New York Auto Show.

While Jaguar has left the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 unchanged (550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque), it has tuned and tweaked all the items that really make cars go quicker on the track (e.g. suspension, aerodynamics, contact patches, brakes). A once-over reveals upgraded go-fast goodies including a new ventilated hood, extended wheel arch spats, reworked front end with a bespoke front splitter and canards, a massive rear wing, height-adjustable adaptive dampers, active exhaust, carbon-ceramic brakes and sticky Pirelli Corsa tires. Try as we might, the driver in us can't find anything we not to like about this enthusiast-tuned coupe.

Of course all of the upgraded XK goodness doesn't come easy, or cheap. Jaguar will limit North American sales to just 30 units and price each at $174,000. Learn all the juicy details in the official press release below.

Continue reading 2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT claws at the driving enthusiast in us

2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT claws at the driving enthusiast in us originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT takes fiercest feline further [UPDATE]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

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

If there were any car to overshadow the 542-horsepower Jaguar XJR that's coming to the New York Auto Show, this is it. Meet the Jaguar XKR-S GT - a street-legal, higher-performance version of the already hardcore XKR-S that will be headed to North America in very limited quantities. Only 30 will be offered on our continent, with 25 earmarked for the United States and the remaining five going to Canada. The cost of entry? $174,000 when it goes on sale this August.

What that gets you is a coupe that is, without any doubt, ready to attack any racetrack it might encounter. The XKR-S' supercharged 5.0-liter V8 has not been upgraded in terms of power - not that 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque is anything to sneeze at - but instead, Jaguar focused on tuning the bits of the car that help effectively put all that grunt to the ground. There's a new hood with rows of louvers to aid in engine cooling, and elsewhere on the car's body, you'll find carbon fiber on the redesigned front air splitter, dive planes, extended wheel arch spats, as well as a new rear diffuser, an aluminum front under tray and an absolutely massive wing out back to keep downforce to a maximum.

Underneath that hot body are retuned and height-adjustable adaptive dampers; spring rates have been increased by 68 percent in front and 25 percent at the rear versus a standard XKR-S. Most of the front and rear suspension geometry has been upgraded, larger carbon ceramic brakes have been fitted at all four corners, and wider 20-inch forged alloy wheels are found here, wrapped in Pirelli Corsa tires - 255/35-series rubber in front and 305/30-series stuff out back. There's also a revised active exhaust system, which should only improve the already thunderous roar coming out the back of the Jag coupe, and a faster steering rack has been added for improved agility.

This all sounds very, very good, and we can't wait to get a look at the XKR-S GT in person later this week. Scroll down for all of the details in Jaguar's press blast.

UPDATE: Official video with fantastic noise added below. More pics in gallery, too.

Continue reading 2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT takes fiercest feline further [UPDATE]

2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT takes fiercest feline further [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mystery Jaguar XKR-S track pack caught testing

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Jaguar, Luxury

Jaguar looks to be hard at work on a new Track Edition of the company's already menacing XKR-S. Spy photographers spotted a more hardcore Track Edition testing at the Nürburgring recently, and while details are scarce, odds are the high horsepower coupe will serve as a suitable competitor to the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series, among others. The car we see here clearly wears a more aggressive front fascia with a deep front splitter and new canards as well as a massive, track inspired rear wing. The hood also wears substantially larger air outlets, which could hint to more power on hand. The current XKR-S, which we recently reviewed, dishes out 550 ponies.

Indoors, the rear seats have been scrapped in favor of a roll bar, and our shooters say the meaner Jaguar corners like it's riding on significantly stiffer springs. Looks like fun.

Mystery Jaguar XKR-S track pack caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Jaguar XKR-S

Chris Paukert — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Jaguar, New Car Reviews

Cat Scratch Fever

Keeping a vehicle fresh and relevant over a long model cycle is one of any automaker's toughest tasks. There are basically two schools of thought on how to do it: a steady parade of trim-and-tape special editions (Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition, anyone?) or the more capital-intensive high-performance route. To riff on Neil Young, "Is it better to do a burnout, or fade away?" Jaguar appears to have the answer in the form of two black stripes on the pavement: the 2012 XKR-S.

The current XK has been around since late 2005, and while its classic grand tourer proportions still look remarkably fresh, it's hardly a spring chicken. Jaguar could have settled on a few special paint finishes, a new wheel pattern and maybe some showy leather stitching to see this coupe into its dotage, but instead, it's lavished a surprising amount of attention on this rakish two door.

Continue reading 2012 Jaguar XKR-S

2012 Jaguar XKR-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar reskins the cat with new XK Artisan edition

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Jaguar, UK, Luxury

Every car has its better and worse angles, but by and large we'd argue the Jaguar XK is one of the most beautiful cars on the road today. Almost artistic, we'd say, and Jaguar itself seems to agree with the release of the new Artisan special edition.

Launched (for the time being at least) in Jaguar's home market, the Artisan SE is available in either coupe or convertible and in base XK or supercharged XKR trim. It's distinguished by its polished 20-inch wheels and unique shades of black, white and silver, but what really sets it apart is its interior: Scraffito-style leather covers the seats, dash and doors, with a Poltrona Frau headliner, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, stainless steel pedals and unique sill plates.

The Artisan SE bumps the price of any XK specified by a good £12,000 ($19,000 based on current conversion rates), making it the new king of the hill for Jaguar's two-door range. Check it out in the press release after the jump and the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Jaguar reskins the cat with new XK Artisan edition

Jaguar reskins the cat with new XK Artisan edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar XKR-S Convertible spotted testing

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Jaguar

There isn't much to speculate upon here. Take one tantalizing Jaguar XKR-S, cut off the roof, strengthen the body a bit and voila - Jaguar XKR-S Convertible. Sounds good, right?

Our spies recently captured this bright red prototype out running the Nürburgring, and judging by how composed and put-together this tester looks, we'd say that the XKR-S Convertible's debut isn't too far away. (We're looking at you, Frankfurt Motor Show.)

Expect powertrain and performance details to be carried over unchanged from the coupe. That means the Jaguar droptop will likely produce 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque from its supercharged 5.0-liter V8. The hardtop will sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds, but we expect the roofless version to come in with a time that's a tenth of a second or two longer than that.

We'll likely receive more details in the coming weeks. In the meantime, click through our high-res image gallery to see the Jaguar hotness for yourself.

Jaguar XKR-S Convertible spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Extra-hot Jaguar XKR caught ahead of Geneva debut

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar

Spy Shots: Jaguar XKR-based prototypes wander the English countryside - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar testers have just been caught running around the British countryside with a pair of camouflaged XK coupes. One looks to be the upcoming facelifted XKR, while the other appears to be a mysterious - and as-yet unnamed - more powerful XKR variant.

Rumor has it that this super XKR could be named the XK-E in honor of the 50th anniversary of Jaguar's legendary E-Type. We really only know two things about it at the moment: it's based off the 530-horsepower XKR Goodwood Special, and we're dying to see it in Jaguar's booth at the upcoming 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Jaguar XKR and Super XKR

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Extra-hot Jaguar XKR caught ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Jaguar considering shooting brake, Evoque-based CUV

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Jaguar, Rumormill

Jaguar is looking to expand on its existing lineup of vehicles. Currently, Leaping Cat buyers can choose from variants on the two-door XK, four-door XF and flagship XJ sedan. A two-door, four-passenger XJ-based coupe is reportedly in the works and will take aim at the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Also apparently being discussed is a shooting-brake based on the XF and an entry-level crossover based on the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

According to Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director for Jaguar, crossovers will be a definite part of the automaker's future. Besides the proposed entry-level Evoque-based CUV, Jaguar is considering another crossover based on the Range Rover Sport.

[Source: Automobile]

Rumormill: Jaguar considering shooting brake, Evoque-based CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Engine shortages holding back Jaguar Land Rover sales

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover

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

The turnaround at Jaguar/Land Rover is happening even faster than the company's owner, Tata, had planned. A year ago, JLR posted a net loss of £64 million ($101M U.S.) in Q2; compare that to this year's second quarter and its £233.8 million ($369M U.S.) net profit on 57,135 vehicles sold.

While we're sure they aren't complaining, the boost has left JLR in bit of a lurch: production has bottlenecked because it needs more engines from Ford, after already buying "considerably more" than it expected. Ford hasn't offered any comment, but it is reported that the two companies are working together to figure out how to get Jaguar the powerplants it needs.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Engine shortages holding back Jaguar Land Rover sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar recalling 2010-2011 XF and XK over potential fuel starvation

Chris Shunk — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Jaguar

2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged- Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar's new 5.0-liter V8 has seen its fair share of praise since its introduction, but even the best petrol mill is worthless without fuel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website indicates that 5,048 of the automaker's 2010 and 2011 XF and XK models equipped with the 5.0-liter engine are being recalled for a faulty fuel pump relay.

The problem can reportedly occur if the in-tank electronic fuel pump isn't properly activated when the fuel pump relay is energized at vehicle start-up. When this happens, the engine could receive inadequate amounts of fuel, resulting in the vehicle abruptly stalling with little or no warning, which would potentially result in an unscheduled (is there another kind?) accident.

Beginning August 30 of this year (or possibly earlier) owners of affected vehicles can simply take their faulty cat to the nearest Jaguar store for a free software update that should fix the issue. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Jaguar recalling 2010-2011 XF and XK over potential fuel starvation

Jaguar recalling 2010-2011 XF and XK over potential fuel starvation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hotter Jaguar XKR confirmed

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Jaguar

2010 Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar has reportedly confirmed that a more powerful, more vicious version of the XKR will go into production later this year. According to Autocar, the car is based off of the XKR Goodwood Special (pictured), and has already lapped the Nürburgring in 7 minutes, 58 seconds during testing. Not bad at all.

Official details on powertrain and chassis upgrades haven't been revealed just yet, but if the Goodwood Special XKR is anything to go on, expect the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 to get a slight boost in power (for reference, the lime green XKR cranked out 530 horsepower and 515 pound-feet of torque), as well as a lowered suspension, tweaked exhaust and larger wheels. What's more, Jaguar has confirmed that this new XKR will have a top speed of at least 186 miles per hour (the all-important 300-kph mark in Germany).

Our only request: Keep the lime green paint in check. The Fiesta isn't the only car that can pull off citrus.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar Goodwood Special XKR

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Hotter Jaguar XKR confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar hoping to assure with free maintenance program on 2011 Models

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Jaguar

2011 Jaguar XJ gets free maintenance - Click above for high-res image gallery

As gorgeous and capable as the new Jaguar XK, XF and XJ might be, some people in the market for a luxury sedan or GT still have a dated notion of Jaguars as service nightmares. Talk to folks from the Big Three and they'll tell you in no uncertain terms that fighting persistent jokes and decades-old impressions is, well, difficult. Those old impressions can linger in the mind of buyers well beyond their validity, crimping sales and blocking exposure to some very tasty products. One way to counteract that image problem is to design a better product, build it carefully and correctly, start gaining a reputation for reliability and wait for the hordes to push down your dealership doors. Another way to do it is to offer free maintenance to jump-start the process.

Jaguar North America is using the latter approach, launching a free scheduled maintenance program for all of its 2011 models. According to Automotive News, the new five-year/50,000 mile plan will be called Jaguar Platinum Coverage, and will provide free scheduled maintenance, along with 24/7 roadside assistance. Jaguar has tried a similar approach in the past, but this new plan even goes so far as to comp oil changes, filters, brake pads, brake discs, brake fluids, and wiper blade inserts. The old program was last applied to 2006 models while Ford was still calling the shots. Jag's new owners, Tata Motors, are anxious to kick off the new XJ launch with a bang, hoping to show shoppers that this isn't your wealthy uncle's Jaguar. The program will be in effect when the XJ sedan goes on sale in May and will also apply to the 2011 XF sedan and XK coupe when they reach dealerships in June.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Automotive News]

Jaguar hoping to assure with free maintenance program on 2011 Models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Details on the next Jaguar XK

Dan Roth — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Jaguar, Design/Style

Drive a Jaguar XK and you'll agree, there's little wrong with the way it rides, handles, and goes. Looks are subjective and the competition keeps ratcheting up interior quality and equipment to levels that surpass what's sumptuously packed into Jaguar's rakish two-door. With that in mind, Jaguar is keeping what's great, namely the bonded-and-riveted structure, and changing what's looking old, according to Autocar.

The body will finally ditch its throwback fish-mouth and move to a grille predictably inspired by the XF, and there will be more sculpting and surface development in the metalwork, though final choices have yet to be made. The convertible version will keep its soft roof for weight and packaging reasons, mainly, and the interior will reportedly be the best-ever in a Jaguar.

The biggest news is Jaguar's addition of a diesel engine for its sports/GT model. Long since the bastion of trucks, torquey modern diesels are gaining popularity in sports cars from BMW, Audi, and now Jaguar. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 will be offered in the upcoming XK D, serving up 300 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy. Big, fat torque from a less-thirsty engine sounds like a good idea to us, and Jaguar is hoping that it boost XK volume back up to 10-12,000 units per year. The exhaust note might need a little work, however, to ever be better than the hoodlum-class V8 bark the XK currently trumpets so gloriously.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Details on the next Jaguar XK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar to unveil faster, blacker XKR Special Edition in Geneva

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Jaguar

2011 Jaguar XKR Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

You know that cat? It's not only out of the bag, but the bag has been beaten, robbed and burned to a crisp. Translation: Jaguar is bringing a brawny, hopped-up version of its XKR to Geneva. Dubbed the XKR Special Edition, this Jag is actually a combo platter of two other XKR specials. Still with us? Good.

Let's start with the first two. For 2011, the supercharged, 510-horsepower XKR will be available with a Speed Pack. What's it do? The Speed Pack raises the bad kitty's top speed from 155 mph to 174 mph (both speeds are electronically limited). Then there's the Black Pack that, besides being fun to say, is an appearance package for the already pretty good looking XKR.

Should you opt for the Black Pack, you get gloss black 20-inch Kalimnos wheels, gloss black chrome grille and side vents, red brake calipers and a body-colored aero-kit. You can even go for an "XKR" graphic on the side sills (we'd advise against that last bit). Rather than calling the two combined packages "Black Speed," Jaguar is instead calling the whole megillah the XKR Special Edition. Until Geneva. Press Release and video after the jump.

Continue reading Jaguar to unveil faster, blacker XKR Special Edition in Geneva

Jaguar to unveil faster, blacker XKR Special Edition in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar returns to Le Mans with GT2 XKR

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Jaguar, Racing

JaguarRSR XKR GT2 and its predecessors - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar's motorsports involvement dates back to its earliest days some 75 years ago. The 24 Hours of Le Mans has been part of that story since 1951 when a C-Type won the big enduro its very first time out. Jaguar is returning to the French classic this year with a factory entry for the first time since the Tom Walkinshaw built XJR-14 prototypes of the early 1990s.

This year, instead of seeking overall victory with a prototype, Jaguar is aiming for top honors in GT2 with a production-derived XKR built by Lansing, MI based Rocketsports Racing. The JaguarRSR XKR GT2 ran some practice laps at the Petit Le Mans last fall before its competition debut in the ALMS finale at Laguna Seca. RSR owner Paul Gentilozzi will share seat time with Scott Pruett and Marc Goossens in the 24 hour race. The XKR will also be running the full American Le Mans Series season this year starting at the 12 hours of Sebring next month.

Gallery: Jaguar XKR GT2 at Laguna Seca

[Source: Jaguar]
Photos copyright Jaguar / (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Jaguar returns to Le Mans with GT2 XKR

Jaguar returns to Le Mans with GT2 XKR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar observes 75-year anniversary by celebrating past, looking to the future

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Jaguar

Grace and pace and something else - click above for high-res image gallery

Grace and pace. One cannot properly talk Jaguar without mentioning the brand's calling car. For the last 75 years those two attributes have separated Jag from the rest of the pack. After all, not only did the E-Type look that good, but when is debuted in 1961 few cars could match its speed. Those that could, well, they sure didn't look like a Jaguar.

Lately however, the shag-you-are song hasn't exactly remained the same. Don't get us wrong, the brand's adherence to V8s and superchargers has largely ensured the pace part of the equation has been there, but grace... not so much. Or, in the case of the Europe-only diesel X-type Estate (read: station wagon), both terms were rudely, death knellingly absent.

To mark the occasion of their 75th anniversary Jaguar is claiming the old mojo is back. As something more than casual observers of the auto industry, we can assure you that they aren't far off. Five seconds into any journey featuring the brand's new 5.0-liter supercharged V8 will make a believer out of anyone. Moreover, the few fleeting minutes we've spent inside the new XJ's cockpit have made us born again. It might very well be the most graceful interior on planet earth. Now if they could just do something about the XK's snout... Make the jump to check out Jaguar's 75th Anniversary press release, and enjoy the gallery-it's superb.

Gallery: Jaguar 75th Anniversary

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Jaguar observes 75-year anniversary by celebrating past, looking to the future

Jaguar observes 75-year anniversary by celebrating past, looking to the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:40:00 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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Pics Aplenty: Jaguar lets the cat out of the bag with XKR Goodwood Special

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST

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

2010 Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its aggressive stance, classic lines and deep-throated growl, it'd take a really breathtaking array of exotic machinery to let a car like the Jaguar XKR go by unnoticed. Unfortunately for Jaguar, that's exactly what rolls up Lord March's lawn every summer for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The stoic British marque has a long history of participation in the event, and came this year with its 225mph XFR and a host of rare classics. But apparently eager to make its mark, Jaguar turned up with a special-edition XKR, painting it a retina-burning shade of lime green with orange decals, just to make sure it got noticed.

The Goodwood Special upgrades the stock XKR with a lowered suspension, retuned exhaust, 21-inch alloys and satin graphite trim replacing the chrome. But the real treat is under the hood, where Coventry's finest have squeezed out a further twenty ponies from the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 for a total of 530 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. Considering that the (anything but) ordinary 510 hp version rockets to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, the extra power promises to take the sport coupe into even more rarified territory. Unfortunately for the time being the Goodwood Special remains a one-off, but Jaguar is reportedly keeping its ear to the ground for enough feedback to offer a limited production run. Check out the high-res gallery of images by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar Goodwood Special XKR

[Source: Carscoop]

Pics Aplenty: Jaguar lets the cat out of the bag with XKR Goodwood Special originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Tune With the Past: Arden re-issues limited-edition AJ18 XK

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Tuners, Performance, Jaguar, UK

Arden AJ18 - Click above to view in high-res

The thing about limited editions is that there are bound to be at least a few customers disappointed that they couldn't get their hands on one. That's the whole point, keeping demand higher than supply and thus ensuring a high price. So it's a little unusual to see an automaker or aftermarket supplier going back and reopening the supply lines, especially if the model in question has already been replaced. But that's exactly what British tuning house Arden has done with the AJ18.

Based on the previous-generation XK, Arden debuted this limited-edition track-inspired Jag coupe nearly ten years ago at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, pegging production at just 13 units. A decade gone by, Arden has announced the availability of an additional five examples, bringing the total run up to 18 pieces. What sets the AJ18 apart from the stock XK8 is the carbon-composite aero kit, custom grilles and bumpers, narrow wing mirrors, giant rear wing and 20-inch Sportline rims hiding 370mm brake discs with 6-piston calipers mounted to a lowered Bilstein suspension.

We'd just as soon go out and buy a new XK, dynamically superior as it is to its successor in just about every way, but if you've already got a previous-generation model in your driveway and still regret missing your chance to upgrade it to the Arden AJ18, this will probably be your last chance. Probably.

[Source: Carscoop]

In Tune With the Past: Arden re-issues limited-edition AJ18 XK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Jaguar unleashes 2010 XKR, this kitty has claws

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:09:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Jaguar

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

Performance and efficiency. These are the two cardinal attributes that all car designers are aiming for these days, and Jaguar is no different. For the last few years, the automaker's latest XK has relied heavily on its riveted and bonded aluminum-intensive architecture to achieve low weight, which is the first necessity for sporting credentials. For 2010, Jaguar is taking that successful formula and adding lots more power via an enlarged version of its AJ V8 engine. Direct injection, variable valve timing and a variable-geometry intake manifold all conspire to increase power to 510 hp while also having the desirable effect of improving fuel efficiency. Of course, an impressive engine is only a small part of the overall desirability of a new car, and Jaguar claims to have given its XK line, available in both a Portfolio model and uplevel R-model for the 2010 model year, a thorough freshening. So, what are they on about? Plenty, it seems. Keep reading.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XKR

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Jaguar unleashes 2010 XKR, this kitty has claws

Detroit 2009: Jaguar unleashes 2010 XKR, this kitty has claws originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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