Autoblog

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

May the best car win. So says General Motors' Bob Lutz, and he's willing to put his Pilotis where his mouth is... so to speak. On a conference call last month, Maximum Bob challenged any journalist to a duel with the Cadillac CTS-V, and, not surprisingly, the mantle was picked up right quick by the boys at Jalopnik.

Rules? Sorta. Any stock production four-door sedan is reportedly eligible to go up against the Big V, and the drivers will be lining up against the clock on October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y. While Jalop's Wes Siler was originally slated to go up against Lutz in a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, that car has since been switched out in favor of the Jaguar XFR (earning the ire of TTAC in the process).

Here's the best part: Anyone who happens to own a new comparable sport sedan, such as a BMW M3 or M5, perhaps a Mercedes-Benz AMG sedan or the Audi S4 (not to mention the Mitsubishi Evolution), is welcome to submit themselves for consideration to take part in the festivities in New York. We're not sure how the participants will be selected or exactly what the racing will entail, but if you're interested in throwing your hat into the ring, click here. For what it's worth, we've driven the CTS-V around Monticello, and we figure the smart money is on the Daddy Caddy.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: CTS-V Challenge]

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Jaguar XF Estate headed to Frankfurt

Chris Paukert — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Jaguar, Rumormill

The Jaguar XF has gotten off to a strong sales start, and with a tempting new diesel engine option in Europe and a new "R" performance model, the sport sedan is being asked to carry a lot of water for the British brand. And if new rumors prove to be true, the XF will soon be able to tote a lot more of the wet stuff thanks to a new wagon variant.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, Jaguar will unveil a thinly-disguised XF Estate concept car at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, with a 2011 production model following about six months later. AMuS also suggests that there will be an XFR estate model to take on BMW's M5 Touring and Audi's RS6, and like its sedan counterpart, it is expected to be V8-powered with some 510 supercharged horsepower. Naturally, more measured V8 and V6 models will also make the scene, along with a pair of V6 diesel models.

Other XF variants, including a possible coupe and convertible are reportedly on the table. Us? We're looking forward to clapping our eyes on the load-lugging cat, and hope that the XF's rumored quality problems don't dog what is sure to be a stylish family transporter.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via AutoTelegraph.nl]

Rumormill: Jaguar XF Estate headed to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Jaguar XFR makes us purrrrr... really, really fast... [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Jaguar

Click above for high-res live images of the 2010 Jaguar XFR

The Jaguar XFR is a saber-toothed tiger of feline badness. The supercharged, direct-injection V8 is good for a jungle-canopy-shaking 510 horsepower - 125 hp up on the naturally aspirated V8 - and 0-to-60 bolt that takes but 4.7 seconds. Further up in the range, getting from 50 mph to 70 mph takes - get this - 1.9 seconds. And even better, the gas mileage stays the same compared to the previous-generation 4.2-liter V8.

Inside, Jaguar's theatrics are upped by the addition of a dark mesh aluminum finish in the fascia and door panels, the latter of which are for the screaming 14-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The navigation system gets turn-by-turn instructions in the message center, and there's an acoustically laminated windscreen for quieter motoring. Perhaps the best part is that the XFR seats hug with a vengeance and look the business in two-tone. Check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Jaguar XFR

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Jaguar XFR makes us purrrrr... really, really fast... [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Jaguar XFR makes us purrrrr... really, really fast... [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R bares more teeth

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar, UK

The Jaguar XF-R has doffed a little more of its mask, and now we can clearly see the copious amounts of black mesh that will fill in the front air dam's side vents, replacing the aluminum strips there now. Otherwise, and as usual, you'll need to know your Jags in order to tell this R apart from its lesser siblings. In addition to the mesh the mesh, the hood vents, rear deck spoiler, and quad pipes are the giveaways.

Otherwise, the car will get 20-inch wheels of a different design than the ones found on the XF Supercharged. And speaking of that other blown cat, the supercharged 5.0-liter lump that will power the XF-R will be up 80 hp up on the "regular" blown XF; in addition to a faster 0-to-60 time, we imagine there'll be increased sound and the fury to go along with it.

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R bares more teeth originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST

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

The Jaguar XF-R is almost complete, and the house of the saltant feline looks to retain its suite of exceptionally modest modifications for the hottest version of its hottest seller. Outside, the car gets hood vents and larger intakes for better breathing, and a sliver of a trunk spoiler hovering over quad tailpipes out back. Larger wheels wearing lower profile rubber hanging off of a seriously firm suspension will be on the menu, all the better to harness the signature trait of an R car: the 500-horsepower supercharged V8 up front. We'll see it some time next year, our bet is at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Video: Jaguar XF-R caught on tape

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Jaguar

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]

Continue reading Spy Video: Jaguar XF-R caught on tape

Spy Video: Jaguar XF-R caught on tape originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: Arden releases details and pics of AJ21

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Jaguar

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.

Gallery: Arden Jaguar XF AJ 21

[Source: Arden]

Update: Arden releases details and pics of AJ21 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R mules testing in Death Valley

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar

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.

Gallery: Jaguar XF-R - spy shots

[Source: Fast Lane Daily]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R mules testing in Death Valley

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R mules testing in Death Valley originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots II: Jaguar XF-R

John Neff — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Jaguar

Click above for high-res gallery of new Jaguar XF-R spy shots

Yesterday we showed you the first clear spy shots of Jaguar's upcoming XF-R super sedan courtesy of CAR, but our own photogs have caught a black version of the cat driving around city streets in the UK, and we thought they'd be the perfect accompaniment to the tuna fish sandwich you're eating in your cubicle right now. We think the exterior mods are even more apparent on this car than the white one caught yesterday. Black tape can be clearly seen surrounding new hood vents and also adorns the more sinister front air dam that we're guessing gulpa a lot more air than the standard XF. The traditionally chromed vertical fender vents now match the jet black body color of the car, as do the new side sills that give it even more curves. New 20-inch wheels with a turbine-style design are fitted and project the appropriate degree of mechanical competence this car will offer, while quad exhaust tips out back complete the transformation. As we mentioned yesterday, speculation says power will be provided by a direct-inject, supercharged V8 producing 500 horsepower. The German super sedans must be at least a little worried, because not only will the XF-R be just as fast as them, in our opinion it looks a whole lot better, too.

Gallery: Jaguar XF-R - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots II: Jaguar XF-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar

As our First Drive suggests, the new Jaguar XF is the most fun you can have behind the wheel of a modern-day Jag, but that doesn't mean that Coventry is resting on its laurels. An XF-R prototype has been spotted undergoing testing and judging by the exterior mods alone, Jaguar has Germany's super sedans set in its sights.

The cloaked from fascia appears to get a set of larger air intakes on either side of the bumper, along with hood vents that hint at the beast that lies beneath. Car is speculating that Jag will use a direct-injected, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 to put out over 500 hp, while simultaneously keeping emissions in check. Other exterior changes include color-matched side sills (in favor of the chrome vents on the standard XF), a new 20-inch wheel design, quad tailpipes, a subtle rear spoiler and possibly a rear diffuser. Expect the Jaguar XF-R to make its debut sometime next year.

[Source: Car]

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar adding second supercharger to XF lineup

John Neff — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar

click above image to view high-resolution gallery of the Jaguar C-XF Concept

Jaguar is all about tradition, which is one reason why its now the black sheep of Ford's Premier Automotive Group, having never even come close to turning a profit while under Blue Oval ownership. Clearly it's time for a change, as sticking with tried and true traditions has gotten the marque nowhere lately. Just as the XF will be shedding any resemblance to the Jaguar's we've come to know, so to will its engine lineup deviate from the one-supercharger rule. In the past, only the high-performance 'R' version of the S-Type, which will become the XF, had a supercharged engine - a 4.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp. That engine will again be used in the XF, but not in the XF-R. Rather, that blown V8 will merely be the top engine in the standard lineup. Later on, around 2010, Autocar expects a new 'R' version with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that sports direct injection and will, in our estimation, produce at least 500 horsepower. Jaguar is serious about making the XF competitive, and the XF-R will require at least a half a grand of horsepower to compete with the BMW M5 and the rest of the German super sedans.

Gallery: Jaguar C-XF Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Jaguar adding second supercharger to XF lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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