Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Invisible to Cops: Top 10 Least Ticketed Vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/invisible-to-cops-top-10-least-ticketed-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/invisible-to-cops-top-10-least-ticketed-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/invisible-to-cops-top-10-least-ticketed-vehicles/#commentsFiled under:



The same company that studied which cars are most likely to get you a ticket also determining which cars are most impervious to the police. Compared to the norm, the most XX sedan will put you at 60 percent less risk of a ticket, while the most resistant-to-the-law sedan will make you 89 percent less likely to be pulled over. That will practically turn you into a covert operative as far as the law concerned.

However, with four sedans, four SUVs, an MPV, and a pickup truck in the mix, you don't have much chance of combining uninterrupted driving and looking good. Luckily the Jag XJ is on the list, and that's good enough for us. Click the link to check out the rest of the cars too slippery for the long arm of Johnny law.

[Source: AOL Autos]

Invisible to Cops: Top 10 Least Ticketed Vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aol autosAolAutosbuickjaguarspeedingspeeding ticketSpeedingTicketTue, 15 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car - Click above for image gallery

We can thank the Italians for some of the most enticing race machinery ever to grace tarmac. But in this case, the Italians have taken a British saloon and transformed it for track duty.

This racing version of the Jaguar XF made its debut this past weekend at South Africa's Kyalami circuit, where the Superstars Series held its season finale. The Italian touring car series pits all manner of specially-prepared machinery - ranging from Chevrolet Luminas and Chrysler 300s to Audi RS4s and the Maserati Quattroporte we reported on earlier - against each other at circuits around Italy, with one round this season held abroad. While you may not recognize any names from the current roster of drivers, the handicapped former CART Champion and F1 driver Alex Zanardi is set to race for BMW in the Italian series.

Few details are available on the new Jag touring car's specifications, but it was prepared by Italian racing garage Ferlito Motors to replace an aging machine based on the old S-Type. For its race debut, the new XF racer finished 12th - dead last of the cars that finished the race, but at least it finished. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the (unfortunately low-res) images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car


[Source: Superstars Series]

Continue reading Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars

Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferlitoferlito jaguar xf superstars touring carferlito motorsFerlitoJaguarXfSuperstarsTouringCarFerlitoMotorsitalyjaguarjaguar xfjaguar xf touring carJaguarXfJaguarXfTouringCarkyalamisuperstarssuperstars seriesSuperstarsSeriestouringtouring cartouring carsTouringCarTouringCarsxfMon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/jaguar-mercury-tops-in-jd-power-2009-sales-satisfaction-study/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/jaguar-mercury-tops-in-jd-power-2009-sales-satisfaction-study/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/jaguar-mercury-tops-in-jd-power-2009-sales-satisfaction-study/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



J.D. Power has released its 2009 Sales Satisfaction Index, and 29 of 38 brands improved their standing versus last year's numbers. The industry watchdogs at Power say that sales people improved the most over 2008, which isn't surprising given the fact that fewer vehicles are flying off dealer lots and every customer is a precious commodity. Even with the improved standing versus 2008, J.D. Power says that brands still lost 12% of sales on average due to poor service at the dealer level, a statistic that could have automakers cringing.

Jaguar took top luxury honors for the second straight year with an 898 index score, beating second place Cadillac by a scant five points. J.D. Power says Jaguar excels in both salesperson interactions and the handling of the dreaded financing/paperwork. The top five rounds out with Lexus, Mercedes Benz and Land Rover. Audi performed most poorly of any brand studied, while Infiniti and Volvo also fared poorly.

Mercury was the top non-luxury make with a score of 867, followed by Smart, Buick, Pontiac and Chevrolet. Mercury reportedly scored well on all five categories tested, though we're a bit puzzled how Mercury could beat Lincoln by four points in spite of the fact that the two makes usually share a common dealership. Japanese and Korean brand-dealers scored poorly in the survey as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Kia and Mazda all scored below the industry average of 832.

General Motors and Ford dealers fared very well in the survey, with all of their brands except Lincoln coming in over the industry average. Chrysler brands, however, did not do as well, with all three makes falling under the industry Mendoza line. Mitsubishi was by far the worst dealership to deal with, with an industry-low 778 index score. Hit the jump to read over the J.D. Power press release and click on the gallery below to view the survey scores for both luxury and mass market offerings.


Gallery: JD Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction Study


[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study

Jaguar, Mercury tops in J.D. Power 2009 Sales Satisfaction study originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarjd powerjd power sales satisfactionJdPowerJdPowerSalesSatisfactionmercurysales satisfactionSalesSatisfactionTue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



On Wednesday night, as part of the run-up to the LA Auto Show, Jaguar held a sizable soiree at SoCal's Milk Studios to show off its latest wares to the public and press, with a heavy focus on its 2011 XJ flagship.

With the British automaker's latest model taking center stage, Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's managing director, discussed the finer points of the super saloon before announcing that rapper Jay Z will feature the XJ in his upcoming music video, "On to the Next One," a track from his new album The Blueprint 3. The 60-second trailer we saw didn't set our hearts on fire, but with Jaguar's renewed focus on "making Jaguar Jaguar again" and its push to appeal to a broader swath of the world's elite, the collaboration - although slightly awkward and mildly forced - could pay itself forward. It's just a shame about Jay Z's new logo being painted on the flanks of the luxury sedan.

Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Jag2011 Jaguar2011 jaguar xj2011 XJ2011Jag2011Jaguar2011JaguarXj2011Xjblueprint 3Blueprint3HovajagJaguarjaguar xjJaguarXjjay zjay z jaguarjay z jaguar xjjay-zjay-z jaguarJay-zJaguarJayZJayZJaguarJayZJaguarXjJiggalala 2009la auto showla showLa2009la2009showLaAutoShowLaShowlashow2009music videoMusicVideoOn to the Next OneOnToTheNextOneThe Blueprint 3TheBlueprint3Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Motors back in the black as Jaguar/Land Rover fortunes improve]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



While many confusing car-related things have happened in the upper strata of the Autoverse over the last few years (Aston Martin and Ferrari both being impart owned by Middle Eastern concerns, Aston Martin not being bankrupt) perhaps the most shocking and disconcerting was Ford's sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to India's Tata. To many, the scheme seemed doomed from the get go and after a couple cash-hemorrhaging quarters coupled to the recent recession, the naysayers appeared right.

Turns out, Tata can say nay to the naysayers as its two prestige/luxury brands just turned a profit. A combination of cost cuts and attractive new models (LR4, XF) have helped catapult the long time money losers into the black. And while the $4.7 million in consolidated net profits last quarter is certainly nothing to jump for joy over, that nearly five million bucks is a nice change of pace from the usual Jag/Landy blood red ink. JLR sales rose 23% over the previous quarter. Rule Britannia! Er, India.

[Source: Gasgoo | Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images]

REPORT: Tata Motors back in the black as Jaguar/Land Rover fortunes improve originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JaguarJaguar XFJaguarXfLand RoverLand Rover LR4LandRoverLandRoverLr4LR4TataTata MotorsTataMotorsXFMon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jeremy Clarkson drifts a Jaguar XKR Convertible... in flippers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/video-jeremy-clarkson-drifts-a-jaguar-xkr-convertible-in-fli/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/video-jeremy-clarkson-drifts-a-jaguar-xkr-convertible-in-fli/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/video-jeremy-clarkson-drifts-a-jaguar-xkr-convertible-in-fli/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson, flippers and a Jaguar XKR Convertible - Click above to watch the video

We missed the first part of this skit, as the video you're about to watch isn't from Top Gear, but rather from JC's newest DVD Dual Duel. Still, it does feature the Stig. And some ridiculous-yet-somehow-jealousy-inducing car-antics. Apparently, Jezza bragged that the Jag is such an easy to handle drifter all-star, that he could smash an apple... while wearing flippers.

But he's not the only one wearing ridiculous shoes while hammering a big powerful car around a track. The Stig attempts to smash apples in a pair of wellingtons. The results, while absurd, juvenile and predictable (guess who has the easier time making applesauce), are still must-watch gearhead television. So without further ado, make the jump and watch the video.

[Source: YouTube via Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jeremy Clarkson drifts a Jaguar XKR Convertible... in flippers

VIDEO: Jeremy Clarkson drifts a Jaguar XKR Convertible... in flippers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DriftDriftingJaguarJaguar XKRJaguar XKR ConvertibleJaguarXkrJaguarXkrConvertibleJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonStigThe StigTheStigTop GearTopGearXKR ConvertibleXkrConvertibleMon, 16 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaguar trains gentleman racers at its R Performance Academy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/jaguar-trains-gentleman-racers-at-its-r-performance-academy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/jaguar-trains-gentleman-racers-at-its-r-performance-academy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/jaguar-trains-gentleman-racers-at-its-r-performance-academy/#commentsFiled under:



The surfeit of driving academies means that behind-the-wheel instruction is no longer only about being a better driver; it's about learning to vigorously drive the car you want to drive. Now it is Jaguar's turn to leap through the flaming driving school ring with the launch of its R Performance Academy.

In this case, though, your wish to learn how to flog a Jaguar will only be granted if you have actually bought one: for now, the academy is open to those who have purchased an XFR or XKR. If that's you, the Performance Academy site is accepting registrations now, and dates are available through next Spring at three tracks around the country. You can check out the press release after the jump for more info. Nothing is indicated about them teaching you to the proper inflection for "Rather!" and "Good show, old chap!" but we're sure it'll be part of your training. Burnouts, however... not so much...

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Jaguar trains gentleman racers at its R Performance Academy

Jaguar trains gentleman racers at its R Performance Academy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving schoolDrivingSchooljaguarjaguar performance academyJaguarPerformanceAcademyWed, 11 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[AW: Jaguar to hatch R-D6 inspired sports fastback for 2014]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/aw-jaguar-to-hatch-r-d6-inspired-sports-fastback-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/aw-jaguar-to-hatch-r-d6-inspired-sports-fastback-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/aw-jaguar-to-hatch-r-d6-inspired-sports-fastback-for-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The on-again, off-again five-door "coupe" from Jaguar is reportedly, well, on again. According to AutoWeek, the British-born and Indian-owned automaker plans to release the sporty hatchback in 2014 with an estimated price of around $60,000. Jaguar first dipped a toe in the five-door coupe waters back in 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though the R-D6 concept was quickly forgotten after its initial round of the show circuit.

Now, an unnamed source at Jaguar tells AW, "There's a growing feeling with the R-D6 that we really had something very innovative, fresh and different. Maybe we missed something back then, but the idea is even more applicable now." Might that newfound interest have anything to do with the BMW 5 Series Grand Turismo and Audi Sportback models?

The new car would reportedly be one size smaller than the current XF and would share its aluminum chassis architecture with the next XK and planned XE sportscars. After the five-door hits the market, there's a reasonable chance a sportier three-door could shortly follow. Power will reportedly come from a new line of V6 engines that will feature forced induction and share ancestry with Jag's latest 5.0-liter V8 engine.


Gallery: 2003 Jaguar R-D6 Concept


[Source: AutoWeek]

AW: Jaguar to hatch R-D6 inspired sports fastback for 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jagjaguarjaguar coupejaguar fastbackjaguar hatchbackjaguar r-d6jaguar rd6jaguar rd7JaguarCoupeJaguarFastbackJaguarHatchbackJaguarR-d6JaguarRd6JaguarRd7r-d6RD-6RD6Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[50-0 in 4:04 - Neiman Marcus sells out special-edition Jaguar XJ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/50-0-in-4-04-neiman-marcus-sells-out-special-edition-jaguar-xj/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/50-0-in-4-04-neiman-marcus-sells-out-special-edition-jaguar-xj/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/50-0-in-4-04-neiman-marcus-sells-out-special-edition-jaguar-xj/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

What would you consider "fast" for a supercharged luxury sedan? 160 miles per hour? Five seconds to sixty? How about four hours? That's how long it took Neiman Marcus to sell out its limited run of special edition Jaguar XJ's featured in this year's Christmas catalog.

By itself, there's not that much that sets the Neiman Marcus edition apart from a stock 2010 XJL Supercharged. It's got a special paint job and a numbered plaque. But more importantly, like the luxury department store did last year with the new BMW 7 Series, this year's luxo barge of choice hit the Neiman Marcus catalog before it becomes available to the public. Which could go a long way towards explaining how, within four hours and four minutes of the car's availability, all fifty of the $105,000 specials were gone. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition


[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading 50-0 in 4:04 - Neiman Marcus sells out special-edition Jaguar XJ

50-0 in 4:04 - Neiman Marcus sells out special-edition Jaguar XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 jaguar xj2010JaguarXjjaguarjaguar xjJaguar XJL SuperchargedJaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus EditionJaguarXjJaguarXjlSuperchargedJaguarXjlSuperchargedNeimanMarcusEditionmarcusneiman marcusneiman marcus catalogneiman marcus christmas bookNeimanMarcusNeimanMarcusCatalogNeimanMarcusChristmasBookxjTue, 20 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Xmas: Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/jaguar-xjl-supercharged-neiman-marcus-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/jaguar-xjl-supercharged-neiman-marcus-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/jaguar-xjl-supercharged-neiman-marcus-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

What with the advent of the world wide web, few of us do our Christmas shopping in catalogs anymore. That probably won't stop Neiman Marcus from selling out of all 50 examples of the limited edition 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition that will appear in its Christmas Book this season. Neiman Marcus offers a limited edition vehicle in its Christmas Book every year, and this will be third time a Jaguar has been offered.

This special version of the new XJ will feature an exclusive Celestial Black paint job with 20-inch double-10 spoke wheels. Other than a special nameplate inscribed with "Neiman Marcus 1 of 50", the yuletide Jag will be just like any other XJ with a supercharged version of the brand's new 5.0-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower. The XJ itself, meanwhile, goes on sale the normal way in the U.S. in early 2010. If you've got a hankering for one of the first, call 1-866-524-6963 on Friday, October 16 at noon EST to place your order. Gift wrapping not included.


Gallery: Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition


[Source: Jaguar]

Happy Xmas: Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarjaguar xjJaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus EditionJaguarXjJaguarXjlSuperchargedNeimanMarcusEditionneiman marcusNeimanMarcusxjTue, 06 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Real Estate? Jaguar XF wagon reportedly back on for 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/real-estate-jaguar-xf-wagon-reportedly-back-on-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/real-estate-jaguar-xf-wagon-reportedly-back-on-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/real-estate-jaguar-xf-wagon-reportedly-back-on-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As if the X-Type experiment didn't go poorly enough, the Leaper may be heading back to the wagon trough, with four-cylinder engines, no less. Yet it's not as lame as it sounds. According to Autocar, the idea of an XF wagon is on the plate for when the model gets its refresh in 2012. Jaguar wants to beat back its Audi and BMW estate car rivals, and were it to have a five-door XF, the car's sales would stand a good chance of being on top, instead of in third place in UK sales.

The four-cylinder talk centers around a diesel engine that is rumored to be a revised 2.2-liter borrowed from Ford by way of Land Rover. While the XF's current V8 has taken some flak for being an underachiever, it at least provides a delightful soundtrack. The bray of a four, even a diesel, may be acceptable to UK buyers who already snap up such powertrains in competitors wagons, but we'd want our family-style XF to kick it with big V8 brawn. Here's hoping we get the chance.

[Source: Autocar]

Real Estate? Jaguar XF wagon reportedly back on for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 jaguar2012 jaguar xf2012 xf2012Jaguar2012JaguarXf2012Xffalsejaguarjaguar brakejaguar estatejaguar shooting brakejaguar wagonjaguar xfjaguar xf wagonJaguarBrakeJaguarEstateJaguarShootingBrakeJaguarWagonJaguarXfJaguarXfWagonxfxf brakexf estatexf shooting brakexf wagonXfBrakeXfEstateXfShootingBrakeXfWagonFri, 02 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: Jaguar XE roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/rendered-speculation-jaguar-xe-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/rendered-speculation-jaguar-xe-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/rendered-speculation-jaguar-xe-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's no secret Jaguar is working on a small roadster dubbed the XE, and according to AutoCar, the design staff at Jaguar are struggling to finalize the look of the BMW Z4-sized drop-top.

Apparently, the original plan was to give the XE an oval shaped grille handed down from the old D- and E-types. Now they're leaning toward a shape more like the XF and new XJ. The roadster is planned to be a front engine, rear drive car possibly based on the aluminum chassis of the XK, but part of the problem with finalizing the XE is the future direction of the XK. Some at Jaguar favor growing the XK to compete with the likes of the Maserati Gran Turismo to make room for the XE.

However, if the XK stays the same size, it could be problematic to make room for the XE and make it different. We vote for keeping the XK the same size and creating a smaller XE roadster.

[Source: AutoCar]

Rendered speculation: Jaguar XE roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsejaguarjaguar roadsterjaguar xeJaguarRoadsterJaguarXerendered speculationRenderedSpeculationrenderingrenderingsroadsterxeThu, 01 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Jaguar working on all-new five-door "coupe"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-jaguar-working-on-all-new-five-door-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-jaguar-working-on-all-new-five-door-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-jaguar-working-on-all-new-five-door-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2003 Jaguar R-D6 Concept

We're not exactly sure when this trend will end, but it now looks like Jaguar is preparing to join the five-door coupe club. Inside Line is reporting that a compact hatch, similar to Audi's new A5 Sportback, is in the works. An evolution of the R-D6 concept first shown back way in 2003, it is being called the RD7, and will feature rear suicide doors and an E-Type aping side-hinged rear hatch. Now that's one heritage element that would definitely look cool, but might not be too practical - we'll have to reserve judgment until we see the final product.

As Jaguar's X-Type is finally being phased out overseas, the logic is that the Gaydon firm needs an entry-level model to compete in the compact premium segment. Apparently Jag is considering both a three-door and a five-door version of this X-Type replacement, which would most likely be built on a slimmed down XF platform. Power is rumored to come from a 2.7-liter diesel V6.

Whatever the final form of the RD7, we'll have to wait a while to see it in showrooms. Next up for Jaguar is the spiritual successor to the XK-E, which is expected some time in 2011, the 50th anniversary of the original E-Type. Cash coming in from the popular XF and the recently revealed full-size XJ might help speed things up a bit, too.


[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Jaguar working on all-new five-door "coupe" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a5 sportbackA5Sportbackaudi a5 sportbackAudiA5Sportbackfive door coupefive-door coupeFive-doorCoupeFiveDoorCoupejaguarJaguar 4-door coupeJaguar 5-door coupeJaguar five door coupeJaguar five-door coupeJaguar4-doorCoupeJaguar5-doorCoupeJaguarFive-doorCoupeJaguarFiveDoorCoupereportsportbackWed, 30 Sep 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata confirms closing of Jaguar or Land Rover plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/tata-confirms-closing-of-jaguar-or-land-rover-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/tata-confirms-closing-of-jaguar-or-land-rover-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/tata-confirms-closing-of-jaguar-or-land-rover-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



When the economy gets dinged, luxury vehicles gets massive dents. Jaguar and Land Rover haven't been the most profitable aut for a while, and parent company Tata is studying which of two plants it would shut to try and stem some of the losses; Solihull or Castle Bromwich.

It sounds drastic, but the pain of closing a plant and shedding underutilized capacity - about 40 percent of JLR's production overhead is going unused - could head off outright failure. Production has been pulled back already, while jobs have been cut and wages frozen, so word of the closing is just more bad news, but Jaguar Land Rover CEO David Smith is committed to taking "decisive actions" to see the storied marques through. The union, of course, is unhappy, and a meeting will be going forward between the company and GMB officials to determine what actions might be taken on both sides.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty]

Tata confirms closing of Jaguar or Land Rover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle bromwichcastle bromwich plantCastleBromwichCastleBromwichPlantjaguarjaguar land roverjaguar land rover plant closingjaguar plant closingJaguarLandRoverJaguarLandRoverPlantClosingJaguarPlantClosingland roverland rover plant closingLandRoverLandRoverPlantClosingsolihullsolihull plantSolihullPlanttatatata plant closingTataPlantClosingThu, 24 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaguar XKR GT2 will debut this week at Petit Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/jaguar-xkr-gt2-will-debut-this-week-at-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/jaguar-xkr-gt2-will-debut-this-week-at-petit-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/jaguar-xkr-gt2-will-debut-this-week-at-petit-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jaguar XKR GT2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After announcing earlier this year that it would enter the American Le Mans Series with a new GT2 class XKR, Jaguar has remained silent on when the car would actually appear. That silence is now over as the car is roaring to life at Road Atlanta today in practice for Saturday's Petit Le Mans.

The new racer has been prepared by long-time Jaguar racing collaborator Paul Gentilozzi and his RSR team. RSR is the successor to Rocketsports racing with which Gentilozzi campaigned XKRs in the Trans Am series. Like the new GT2 C6.R Corvette, the XKR started its life as a production aluminum body-in-white that was then transformed into a racer. Most of the aerodynamic development of the body was handled by the engineers at Jaguar before being fabricated in carbon fiber by RSR and a local Michigan-based supplier. RSR is mainly using this weekend's debut race as an extended track test session to prove-out the new car before participating in the entire 2010 season. We'll let you know how it does.


Gallery: RSR Jaguar XKR GT2 racer


[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Jaguar XKR GT2 will debut this week at Petit Le Mans

Jaguar XKR GT2 will debut this week at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLemansSeriesjaguarjaguar xkrjaguar xkr gt2JaguarXkrJaguarXkrGt2petit le mansPetitLeMansrocketsportsrsrThu, 24 Sep 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Type Redux? Jaguar reportedly considering entry-level coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/x-type-redux-jaguar-reportedly-considering-entry-level-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/x-type-redux-jaguar-reportedly-considering-entry-level-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/x-type-redux-jaguar-reportedly-considering-entry-level-coupe/#commentsFiled under: ,



To put it mildly, sales of the Jaguar X-Type have never quite lived up to worldwide expectations, and that's especially true in the American market where the car did way more damage to the automaker's reputation that its middling sales numbers were ever worth. Jaguar is hoping that its upcoming XJ restores some of the leaping cat's lost luster, and if that happens, exciting prospects may very well open up for the classic British automaker.

Not surprisingly, there are no plans to replace the X-Type in Jaguar's line, but there are a number of options that the automaker could explore for future automobiles - not the least of which is the rumored XE compact sportscar. Engineering chief Mick Mohan tells Autocar that another possibility would be an entry-level coupe that could sport a sticker price several thousand dollars under that of the XF:
Personally, I'd love to make a compact coupe - an Audi A5 or BMW 3 Series coupe rival. There's plenty of profit to be made on those cars, and our aluminum platform technology gives us the opportunity to make one. I think we'd make a really good one too.
One more interesting tidbit from Mohan is that Jaguar has absolutely no intention of following Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz into the crossover market. "Utility will never be what we're about", he says, and somehow, we're thankful for that.

[Source: Autocar]

X-Type Redux? Jaguar reportedly considering entry-level coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>entry level jaguarentry-level jaguarEntry-levelJaguarEntryLevelJaguarjaguarjaguar coupejaguar xeJaguarCoupeJaguarXemick mohanMickMohanThu, 17 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sneak peek at Jaguar's 'Limo-Green' series hybrid concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/sneak-peek-at-jaguars-limo-green-series-hybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/sneak-peek-at-jaguars-limo-green-series-hybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/sneak-peek-at-jaguars-limo-green-series-hybrid-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


For the past year, Jaguar, Lotus, Caparo Vehicle technologies and the MIRA proving ground have been working on a UK government-funded project dubbed Limo-Green. The goal of the project was to develop and build a series hybrid luxury sedan. Earlier this week, Jaguar showed off the car for the first time. Most of the powertrain development work was done using a last generation XJ, but recently all the hardware was moved into the just launched 2010 Jaguar XJ.

Like the Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma, the Limo-Green uses an electric motor for propulsion, in this case a 145 kW, 295 lb-ft unit. A lithium battery pack moves the car for 30 miles on a charge and then the Lotus-developed 1.2-liter range extender takes over for the remainder of the 600-mile range. We've contacted Jaguar for more information, but we're still waiting to hear back. In the meantime, AutoCar is reporting that the big Jag gets 47 mpg (US) on the EU combined cycle with CO2 emissions under 120 g/km.

[Source: AutoCar]

Sneak peek at Jaguar's 'Limo-Green' series hybrid concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RM Sports & Classic of Monterey Auction - Click above for high-res image gallery

After selling off the Nick Alexander Woodie collection on Thursday, RM continued with their Sports & Classics of Monterey auction this past weekend. The sale was highlighted by a 1952 Jaguar C-Type that was originally owned and raced by the late Phil Hill. The legendary driver's son, Derek Hill, drove the car up on stage where bidding immediately passed $1,000,000 on its way to a $2,530,000 final selling price.

Despite the downward trend of the collector car market, RM managed to sell 85% of the 239 cars it offered last weekend. In addition to the C-Type, several other notable cars found new homes, including a 1955 Aston Martin DB3S that sold for $1,980,000 and a Duesenberg Model SJ Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe with a final sale price of $1,430,000. Some of the no-sales included a 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with a top bid of $900,000, a 1938 Talbot Lago T120 that went unsold at $950,000, and a 1953 Ferrari 166MM Spider Scaglietti that didn't meet its reserve despite being bid to $1,100,000. You can read more about the auction in RM's press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2009 RM Sports & Classics of Monterey Auction


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Monterey 2009: RM Auctions sells 1952 Jaguar C-Type for record $2,530,000

Monterey 2009: RM Auctions sells 1952 Jaguar C-Type for record $2,530,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We may still be a ways off before customers - on this side of the Atlantic especially - can begin placing orders for a new Jaguar XJ, but that hasn't stopped Coventry from launching its online configurator post haste.

Visitors to the Jaguar website can spec out their dream Jag and find out already just how much they should be putting aside. The configurator lets you choose between the three levels of specification (standard, Supercharged or Supersport) and wheelbase (standard or extended) before going on to choose from a palette of 14 exterior paint colors, six unique wheels, six interior leather trims and six veneers, as well as no-cost options like deleted badging, an ashtray and lighter, leather steering wheel and a whole mess of optional accessories from floor mats to chromed rims. So sit back, cancel your plans for the evening and take the leap.


Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ


[Source: Jaguar]

Time Waster of the Day: New Jaguar XJ Online Configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata's target was £1 billion ($1.65B U.S.) in loans to keep the JLR group going. And while Tata is in talks with the U.K government about providing a large chunk of that, some of the government's terms -- like veto power over management decisions-- prevented Tata from pulling the trigger.

A measure of success has been achieved with the announcement that Tata has secured a £175 million ($289M U.S.) loan from private sources. Those funds mean that Tata doesn't need the government's money. It also means short cuts won't need to be taken during the current launch of the new XJ and launch of the facelifted Rovers later this year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Tata gets private-sector loan, doesn't need UK government money originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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