Autoblog

Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum concept marks 75 years of The Cat [w/Video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Videos, Jaguar, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style, Luxury

Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery. Follow the jump to watch video.

The Jaguar XKR175 isn't the only special kitty making its debut out in Monterey. Jag's new limited-production coupe is joined by the one-off XJ75 Platinum concept created to honor of the brand's 75th anniversary. Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance attendees will find it parked on the Concept Car Lawn.

Pearlescent white paint provides a stark contrast to the big saloon's blacked-out grille, D-pillar, and custom 22-inch wheels. Inside, black leather seats get quilted, diamond-stitch suede inserts. The same material also adorns the headliner. Additional glitz comes courtesy of the Bremont Watch Company, which is responsible for the bespoke clock installed in the XJ75's console.

If the 470-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8 doesn't provide enough entertainment, the XJ75 Platinum also features a 1,200-watt, 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Check out both the official photos and live pictures in high-res galleries below or follow the jump for video walkaround by Jaguar design Boss Ian Callum.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Concept

Gallery: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Concept

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum concept marks 75 years of The Cat [w/Video]

Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum concept marks 75 years of The Cat [w/Video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:59:00 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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Autoblog Podcast #187 - Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans

Dan Roth — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, GM, GMC, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Toyota, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are the crew for Episode #187 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover Lamborghini rumors, the new Ford Explorer's fuel economy with its rumored EcoBoost powertrain, the rumors swirling around the possibility that the Wall Street Journal printed an article that was a plant from Toyota, a sports car based on the Nissan Leaf, and the seemingly insatiable appetite for German premium cars. We hit your feedback and questions before throwing in the towel at the hour and a half mark. Thanks for listening, see you next time!

Autoblog Podcast #187 - Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans

In the Autoblog Garage:

Mitsubishi Outlander
Jaguar XJL
GMC Sierra 3500HD
Volkswagen Golf TDI

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 86:17

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #187 - Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:15:00 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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2011 Jaguar XJ to hit U.S. dealers next month, company looking for 50% growth

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

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

The 2011 Jaguar XJ is certainly a drastic departure from Ye Olde Saloon that went out of production last summer. The new car adds some much needed sex appeal to the flagship Jag, and as we found out in our first drive, it's a pretty good steer, as well. Jaguar is hoping that consumers will appreciate the reworked sedan, too - the automaker is hoping to boost overall sales by 50 percent when the 2011 XJ hits dealerships around the world next month.

According to Automotive News, Jaguar sales dropped 21 percent last year - only 51,885 units being moved worldwide (11,955 of which were in the United States). The automaker is counting on the XJ to increase overall sales numbers to around 75,000 units, with one Jaguar spokesperson saying that the XJ will reignite interest in the brand, though the less expensive XK and XF ranges will still continue to be the lead sellers.

The 2011 XJ is certainly priced and equipped to compete with the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S Class, but can it seriously boost Jaguar's sales numbers? We certainly hope so, and be sure to give us your opinion in the comments below.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Jaguar XJ

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

2011 Jaguar XJ to hit U.S. dealers next month, company looking for 50% growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Startech gives sneak preview of new Jaguar XJ treatment

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

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

The formidable three-dimensionality of the Jaguar XF simply doesn't come across in photos, and it's the much same with the 2011 XJ, an even more august and fulsome sedan. Startech addresses that matter, in photos and probably even more so in person, with its "program" for the XJ.

All of the subjects necessary for a car to graduate from German Tuning University are here: multi-ducted aero kit, new fenders with more vents, additional LEDs, lowered suspension, new exhaust tips, and 21-inch wheels on low-profile tires. Extra credit is provided by the Alcantara interior options, and the "riverboat-design leather" that provides a "maritime ambiance," and "miniature yacht" veneer. Because cats love water, see.

Get a triple scoop of info in the press release after the jump, and have a look at the Startech XJ's primary angles in the high-res photos below.

Gallery: Startech Jaguar XJ

[Source: Startech]

Continue reading Startech gives sneak preview of new Jaguar XJ treatment

Startech gives sneak preview of new Jaguar XJ treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Jaguar XJ is indisputably British and not afraid of a storm

Michael Harley — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, New Car Reviews, Luxury

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

Xynthia ripped into France merely hours after our arrival. Packing gale-force fury, the ruthless wind and rain battered the coast before moving inland with its crushing blow - sadly, it was the country's deadliest storm in more than a decade. While we were spared most of its rage, the countryside outside Paris was a soggy debris-laden mess - not exactly optimal conditions to test the latest flagship sedan from Jaguar.

Soldiering forth - and more intrigued than ever with the all-new saloon - we ignored the rain and spent a long day trekking around the drenched landscape with both the short- and long-wheelbase models. What makes this new XJ so different from its predecessors? Does its performance mirror its powerplants? And, what's up with that painted C-Pillar? The answers, and more, are found after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Jaguar XJ

Continue reading Review: 2011 Jaguar XJ is indisputably British and not afraid of a storm

Review: 2011 Jaguar XJ is indisputably British and not afraid of a storm originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same time

Noah Joseph — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Japan, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Porsche Panamera with body kit by Wald International - Click above for image gallery

Tuners typically roll out one package at a time. When a big tuner show like SEMA comes around, maybe a couple at a time. But Japanese tuning firm Wald International is launching five body kits for some of the most desirable top-of-the-line luxury sedans, all at the same time.

Included in Wald's plans are aero kits for the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera, Infiniti M, Jaguar XJ and BMW 7 Series. Throw in a Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS, maybe a Bentley and the Aston Martin Rapide in there and they'd have the whole kit and kaboodle covered. Not much in the way of details available as of yet on this quintet of modified luxury wheels, but from the looks of it, each has been lowered and mounted with new front fascias, side skirts and big ol' alloys. Check 'em out for yourself below.

Gallery: Wald International luxury sedan body kits

[Source: Wald International via CarScoop]

Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jaguar builds all-electric XJ test vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:12:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Jaguar, Land Rover, UK, Electric

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

According to Autocar in the UK, Jaguar Land Rover is still hard at work on series hybrid vehicles. Similar to the stance General Motors has taken with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, Jaguar believes that the only real way electric vehicles can be made compatible with everyday life is to add a small range-extending gasoline-powered engine that's capable of keeping the batteries charged on the go.

Unlike GM, though, Jaguar has seen fit to contract its small engine work out to Lotus, which makes sense given the two British company's differing product specialties. Lotus has reportedly delivered a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that generates 35kW of power, which is carried - with a little help from a UK government grant or two - inside a new 2011 XJ sedan with a lithium ion battery pack.

Motive force comes courtesy of what Autocar believes is a 145kW (194 horsepower) electric motor with 295 pound-feet of torque. Performance specifications sound pretty good - though not quite as impressive as we might have imagined - assuming all of this is accurate, with a range of 600 miles, combined fuel economy of 47 miles per gallon (57 mpg UK) and carbon emissions of under 120 g/km. Top speed would reportedly come in at 112 miles per hour.

An unnamed source at Jaguar tells Autocar that the electric XJ handles quite well "because of the bulk that's removed from car when you strip out the conventional drivetrain." Future Range Rover models are also rumored to get a similar drivetrain.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Jaguar builds all-electric XJ test vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jaguar XJ to cost from £53,775 in UK

Chris Shunk — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, UK

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

The Jaguar XJ is is a near clean-sheet design for the 2011 model year with all-new sheet metal, interior bits and powertrains. All that change leads to a new price tag when the biggest cat hits UK dealerships this April, and the MSRP ranges wildly depending on what you're looking for. UK site Autocar reports that the XJ will range from £53,775 ($86,741 in U.S. funds, though that's not directly comparable) for the 3.0 diesel Luxury model to £90,455 ($145,638 U.S.) for the "base" 5.0 Supersport LWB. Those prices will climb based on the options chosen, and we're sure plenty of models will crest the £100,000 mark. The middling XJ 5.0 V8 Premium Luxury comes in at £64,355 ($103,579 U.S).

Jaguar will reportedly sell three different versions of the XJ, with powertrain options ranging from five versions of the 3.0-liter diesel model to four versions with the petrol-powered 5.0-liter V8 and finally two different supercharged 5.0-liter Supersport models. All models will reportedly be available with both standard and long wheelbases, with the longer Jags coming with a £3,000 price premium.

Keep in mind that UK pricing very often has very little to do with the XJ MSRP we're likely to see here in the U.S. due to the much higher value of the British Pound versus the U.S. dollar and the UK's wonky Value Added Tax. In other words, don't read much into the pricing unless you live on a very large island just north of mainland Europe. Head over to Autocar to see cross-pond pricing for all '11 XJ models.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Jaguar XJ to cost from £53,775 in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Jaguar, Celebrities, Luxury

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.

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

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

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.

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Happy Xmas: Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition

John Neff — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

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.

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Sneak peek at Jaguar's 'Limo-Green' series hybrid concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Lotus, Electric

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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Monterey 2009: 2010 Jaguar XJ has North American debut at Pebble

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

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

The XJ was, for the longest time, the model most commonly associated with the Jaguar brand. Like Porsche's iconic 911, the XJ's basic shape had soldiered on for decades with significant platform changes hidden behind an all-too-familiar face. When Jaguar switched things up by introducing the forward-looking midsize XF a couple of years ago, people started to take notice that it wasn't going to be business-as-usual anymore in Coventry - or Mumbai for that matter. Heritage and tradition were one thing, but Jaguar needed something radical to reclaim its place at the top of the luxury sedan class. Enter the 2010 XJ, an all-new vehicle with an all-new look that should help Jaguar capture some all-new customers.

Borrowing heavily from the XF playbook, the new ultra sedan offers tastefully modern styling with a dash of traditional elegance and a healthy dose of British class. Sure, the tail lamps might look like they were borrowed from a Citroen, but in person this car has genuine presence. It is a large vehicle compared to the previous XJ, but not as big as, say, an S-Class Benz. The proportions remind us of the BMW 7 Series and the new Porsche Panamera.

As we've told you from our first encounter with the car a month ago, the new 2010 Jaguar XJ will be available in regular or extended wheelbase form, with one of three variations of the company's direct-injected 5.0 liter V8 underhood. The base models get a 385-horsepower normally-aspirated version; the XJ Supercharged gets boosted to 470 hp; and the top-of-the-line Supersport gets the XFR's 510-hp mill. Prices will range from a base of $72,500 to $115,000, making this one dear kitty. No matter the price, it's one striking sedan, and we can't wait to get some seat time soon. Until then, check out our high-res gallery from Pebble Beach below.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ Live

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

Monterey 2009: 2010 Jaguar XJ has North American debut at Pebble originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Waster of the Day: New Jaguar XJ Online Configurator

Noah Joseph — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

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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Jaguar XJ's dual-view infotainment display "technically illegal" in the United States?

Noah Joseph — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:47:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Jaguar, Luxury

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

There's a lot to love about the all-new Jaguar XJ, but if the slick dual-view console screen system was one of the elements that caught your attention amidst the big cat's debut, you may be in for a disappointment. With the dual-view system, Jaguar devised a way to let the passenger watch a movie, for instance, while the driver sees the navigation system. The idea is to keep the passenger entertained without distracting the driver, offering up the best of both worlds. Problem is, it may be illegal in the United States.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration currently prohibits the display of entertainment in the center console. The idea is that it would distract the driver, and they're right. However while the XJ's display may be "technically illegal", as Jaguar's noted designer Ian Callum admits - that is, by the letter of the law - the whole point of the system is that it removes the distraction from the driver's eyesight, thereby complying with the spirit of the law. Whether the NHTSA will change the regulations to allow the system, however, remains to be seen. Think they ought to let this one pass, or is the law the law and that's that? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Autocar]

Jaguar XJ's dual-view infotainment display "technically illegal" in the United States? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:47:00 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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Autoblog Podcast #137

Dan Roth — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Etc., Acura, Audi, Cadillac, GM, Honda, Jaguar, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Diesel

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #137 of the Autoblog Podcast has arrived. Chris, Sam, and Dan are back, chewing the fat over the Acura ZDX, Death Valley spy shots of the Jaguar XJ, what will underpin Cadillac's new flagship model, Electric Lexus pricing, the ongoing Volkswagen/Porsche soap opera, and Honda's swearing off of V8s and RWD. Wrap it all up nice and tidy with some of your questions, and 82 minutes later, you're done. We apologize for the poor audio quality on Dan's track for some of this week's podcast. It only lasts through the end of the Autoblog Garage segment, and then we're back to full-fidelity. Getting a show out to you quickly was important to us, so we went with what we had. 23 minutes in is the magic point where the audio clears up. Let us know what you think, drop us a line at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Thanks to all who have taken the time to fill out our survey; hit the jump to listen or subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast. If you like what we're doing, check out some of our sister blog podcasts like Engadget and Joystiq - you can never have enough listening material!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #137

Autoblog Podcast #137 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Double-size gallery of 2010 Jaguar XJ images

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

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

For any of you looking to get an even better look - or perhaps just additional looks - at the 2010 Jaguar XJ, we've added about 40 new photos to our gallery.

If you want to get an early gander at the car in person and you're in London next week, Jag's top cat will be at the Gulf Luxury Fair at the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane. The event caters to the luxury crowd that Jaguar would like to reacquaint itself with, and takes place from July 25-27. For the rest of us, there is the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Jaguar]

Pics Aplenty: Double-size gallery of 2010 Jaguar XJ images originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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