Autoblog

Tata is looking to move quickly to expand Jaguar's range of saloons, and why not with such a legacy of sports cars and world-beaters from which to draw? Jaguar became a household name due in large part to racing successes with such cars as the legendary XK120, C-Type and D-Type. More recently in the '90s, the British automaker has tested the exotic waters with its slinky XJ220 supercar. Rumors of a less expensive sports car in the vein of a Porsche Boxster are currently filtering out from dealerships that have spoken with the marque's new management, along with convertible and coupe versions of the popular XF sedan, which has already served to spark a renewed interest in the brand.

Considering that the X-Type is largely considered a colossal failure, don't expect another low-cost sedan. And, though some of its competitors (BMW, we're looking at you) seem to think selling as many SUVs as possible is still a good thing, Tata also owns Land Rover and doesn't want its two iconic British automakers to compete with one another. Sounds rational.


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

The current-generation of the Jaguar XJ sedan is a perfectly capable car, if a bit boring on the eyes. Jaguar's design language had always been daring and beautiful, but until the current XF appeared, had lately been stuck in a rut and seemed to be producing endless copies of itself. No longer, as the brand, now under new Indian management, looks to move its flagship XJ upmarket to take on the likes of Bentley according to David Blackhall, the managing director of Jaguar Land Rover in Australia. If the XF is akin to a BMW in Jag's current line, the next XJ will distance itself as it moves up to cater to the fickle and always fashion-conscious upper crust. Considering how much we like the new direction Jaguar is heading with the XF, we look forward to seeing what the company is capable of with its range-topper, which should debut in the next 12-18 months. So, will it wear a Daimler badge?

[Source: GoAuto]

Auto sales are tough around the globe and production cuts are occurring on a regular basis. Jaguar is planning to slow production at its Castle Bromwich plant by the end of the month in response to slow global sales. The XJ and XK output will be slashed due to a lack of demand. The production cut comes a month after Jaguar's Tata-owned stablemate, Land Rover, cut its Soilhill facility to a four-day work-week in response to slow sales. One bright spot for Jaguar is that UK sales are up a substantial 12%, due mostly to the hot-selling XF sedan. Although Tata has seen some success with the XF, the Indian automaker's reign over the British luxury marquees so far has been less than spectacular. Ford, on the other hand, has two less problem brands on its hands.

[Source: Autocar]

Ford Motor Company sent Jaguar packing this year when it sold the storied English automaker, along with Land Rover, to Indian mega corp. Tata. On its way out the door, Jaguar took something special: the XF sedan. Its entire development process having been carried out under the stewardship of Ford, the XF is easily the most tasty fruit born of the cross pollination between the Blue Oval and Leaping Cat since they were first joined back in 1989. Read on to find out how the 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharge fared in the Autoblog Garage.


All photos Copyright ©2008 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Jaguar XF

If you have a 2009 Jaguar XF, you should hop down to your dealer to have the rear safety belt assembly looked at. Jaguar is recalling 7,900 of the '09 cars because in an accident the rear occupants might not be properly restrained. To find out more you can call Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827, or make an appointment at your local Jaguar dealer.


[Source: Carscoop]

Click above to view video after the jump

The coming Jaguar XF-R has been caught in the valley of death. It was accompanied by a Jaguar XJ mule and shepherded by a fleet of Land Rovers charged with blocking the all-seeing eye of someone's Sony Handycam. Fortunately for us, they failed. The driver of this particular prototype XF-R couldn't keep his foot off the throttle, as at different points in the video you hear the growl of a big displacement V8 and the accompanying scream of a supercharger. Other than vents in the hood to let that 5-liter V8 breathe, the body modifications look to be exceptionally tame. With 500 horsepower, however, its acceleration should be quite the opposite. Follow the jump to check out the video.

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Click to view the Adren AJ21 in high resolution

With the M5-battling Jaguar XFR looming high on the horizon, German tuning house Arden's release of its new AJ21 comes at the perfect time. The XF-based performance sedan, details of which have been trickling out for several months now, offers a range of modifications to give the sharp cat that extra edge.

As you can see from these new images, Arden's given the Jag's appearance a serious makeover, much to the benefit of its aerodynamics. The front end has been thoroughly redesigned to include a bigger grille and vents to help the engine get the air it needs, while the front spoiler keeps things planted. Around back the diffuser and discreet spoiler keeps the tail nailed as well, with side skirts helping along the way and integrated vents to help cool the rear brakes. The package also includes a revised suspension and 21-inch forged alloys, but the real treat is underhood where Arden has worked its magic on the entire range of engines available on the XF. The range-topping supercharged V8 has been bored out from 4.2 liters to 4.5 and is aided in producing 500 horsepower by a custom crankshaft, con rods and pistons. The same enlargement can be done to the naturally-aspirated V8 for 380 hp, with the 2.7-liter diesel six tuned to 250 hp instead of the stock 207. Customers can also specify custom interior options, but to our taste, we'd leave the leaper off the hood. Check out the pair of new images in the gallery below.

[Source: Arden]

The Jaguar XF has been a shot of adrenaline for the perpetually struggling leaping cat, as sexy lines and ample performance are adding new customers to the brand. We love the balance of the naturally aspirated V8 and the ample bite of its supercharged sibling, but we'll always be agreeable with the prospect of more power. Spy photos have shown us that an even more vicious feline is on the horizon with a blown 5.0L V8 that cranks out north of 500 ponies.

The folks over at Auto Telegraaf are reporting that the XFR will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next January, which would give Jaguar a big introduction at North America's biggest auto show. We liked what we saw when the XFR made its cloaked debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (that graphic on the side should so be an option), and we're looking forward to seeing Tata's most powerful vehicle when it hits Detroit.


[Source: Auto Telegraaf]

Click on the above image for our high-res photo gallery of the XF-R

Less than two months after Jaguar XF-R spy shots (followed by a second set) emerged, our man on the ground at the Goodwood Festival of Speed spotted the real thing doing double-time in front of the crowd. He was quick enough to snap five good shots of the fast cat at speed. Power is speculated to be in the 500 hp range, courtesy of a supercharged 5.0-liter V8. Riding on performance rubber wrapped around 20-inch wheels, the sleek sedan will be sure to sink claws into its German rivals when it rolls into showrooms next year.

All photos copyright Frank Filipponio / Weblogs Inc.

The two sedans may look like Jaguar S-Types, but according to Fast Lane Daily's spy shot A-Team, they aren't. They are actually XF-R mules disguised as S-Types with large wheels and big, bulging fender flares. They were caught during hot weather testing recently in Death Valley, U.S.A., and FSD reports that their engines did not sound supercharged, a la the XK-R. Rather, they sounded like the naturally aspirated V8 from the Aston Martin Vantage. Though they're not part of the same happy Ford family anymore, Jaguar could now buy engines from Aston Martin and not worry about stepping on the toes of its sister company. However, this is the first we've heard of the engine in the XF-R not being supercharged, so take it with a big grain of salt for now. Follow the jump to check out the latest episode of Fast Lane Daily that features more of these XF-R mules, and check out our own gallery of the XF-R prototype below.


[Source: Fast Lane Daily]