Autoblog

Jaguar's jungle looks awfully inviting in new ad

Zach Bowman — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Jaguar, Luxury

There are plenty of attributes we associate with Jaguar. Luxurious, powerful and attractive all spring readily to mind, but we're not sure we'd tie the world "playful" to the brand. Jaguar seems to think otherwise, and has released a new ad showing three of its most sultry models frolicking about in jungles both natural and urban. The spot ends with the tagline "Welcome To Our Jungle," though Axl Rose and Slash are conspicuously absent.

The XJL Supersport, XFR and XKR-S all share some time on screen set to a little Spanish guitar and the bark of delicious supercharged 5.0-liter V8 exhaust notes. The agency behind the spot, Spark44, says that the goal was to show the vehicles as animate, fun objects.

We can certainly attest to these vehicles' ability to paint a smile on your face. The ad does still seem plenty conservative, however. While there's a bit of sideways action here and there, the vehicles mostly seem constrained to speed limits and turn taking. We want to see some sibling rivalry. Hit the jump to check out the full clip for yourself.

Continue reading Jaguar's jungle looks awfully inviting in new ad

Jaguar's jungle looks awfully inviting in new ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar to launch all-wheel-drive sedans within two years

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Jaguar, Luxury

With the X-Type standing as a rare exception, for the entirety of its history, Jaguar has meant rear-wheel drive. Want drive at all four corners? That's what its sister brand, Land Rover, has been for. But not everyone who wants luxury with foul weather prowess wants an SUV. In fact, a growing number of luxury sedan buyers look for power channeled to all four wheels, and Jaguar apparently thinks it can no longer afford to sit by and watch those buyers go to the likes of Audi (with its iconic Quattro models), BMW (with its xDrive offerings) and Mercedes-Benz (which offers 4Matic on several models).

As a result, a new story from Autocar indicates that Jaguar is preparing to launch all-wheel drive versions of the XF and /or XJ sedans. The move is targeted specifically at "the snowbelt of America," where Jaguar reportedly believes all-wheel-drive vehicles account for some 70 percent of sales.

The development of an all-wheel drive system is likely being conducted in conjunction with Land Rover, and is expected to arrive within the next two years. The project is being given a higher priority than the development of hybrid propulsion, since Jaguar estimates that its buyers are more willing to pony up for an extra set of driving wheels than a battery pack and a pair of electric motors.

Jaguar to launch all-wheel-drive sedans within two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar spruces up the XJ with Sport and Speed packs

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Jaguar, UK, Luxury

Jaguar has long been a company of split personalities. On one hand are the luxury sedans that shuttle British cabinet ministers around London and investment bankers to the country club. On the other are the sport coupes that stick it to the world's finest on racing circuits and bar-stools the world over. But those two are getting closer and closer all the time. The GTs are getting more luxurious, and the sedans are getting sportier. So while Jaguar seems to roll out upgraded specs for its XKR with regularity, those on the four-door side of the Coventry equation can stop longing from afar with the latest options packages for the XJ line.

The offerings, in typical Jag style, are split in two: the Sport pack and the Speed pack. The former upgrades the styling, aerodynamics and rolling stock of the big cat with new bumpers front and rear, 20-inch alloys and red brake calipers, plus available sport buckets seats up front and a new array of cabin trim options. The Speed pack, meanwhile, tinkers with the electronic speed limiter to raise top end from 155 miles per hour to 174.

The packages are being released first in Jaguar's home market but should make it to American dealers shortly. In the meantime you can check out the full details in the press release after the jump and the quartet of high-res images for a closer look.

Jaguar spruces up the XJ with Sport and Speed packs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newport Convertible Engineering chops the top off the Jaguar XJ

Noah Joseph — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

Sometimes we lament the loss of four-door convertible "parade cars." Then we see something like this and we don't miss 'em one bit. Woof.

Based on the Jaguar XJ (the long-wheelbase XJ L, to be specific), Newport Convertible Engineering has produced this four-door cabriolet to some questionable results. Sure, the divisive rear quarters of the sedan have been minimized, if not eliminated, but cutting off the roof in favor of folding soft top is hardly an aesthetic improvement.

Inside Line recently tested one and seemed to have enjoyed the experience, but while NCE's transformation was reportedly the most difficult they've pulled off to date, we'd just as soon keep the roof on and take our iced tea in a Bentley Continental GTC. Especially when the XJ convertible starts out around $130,000.

Newport Convertible Engineering chops the top off the Jaguar XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar to ditch current nameplates for alphanumeric badges?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Jaguar

2012 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

An automaker can't make it in the fringe anymore. Everything's going either upmarket or mainstream, and Jaguar has opted primarily for the latter. The company that not so long ago offered essentially one sedan and one two-door is rapidly expanding to a full lineup. So what's the next step? According to the rumormeisters over at Autocar, it's ditching its current model naming strategy.

According to the UK publication, Jaguar is preparing to jettison nameplates like XJ and XF in favor of a more conventional alphanumeric system like those employed by its German and Japanese rivals. The thinking is that while the faithful know Coventry's naming system, it's not immediately evident to newcomers and outsiders where one model sits in the line-up vis-a-vis the next. Besides, it won't be the first time Jag has slapped alphanumeric badges like XJ8 on the flanks of its cars.

One model could possibly hold out, though, as the C-X75 heads down the road to production. Filling the shoes of the iconic XJ220, the company is reportedly toying with the idea of naming the new supercar XJ330. The original was named for the 220 mph top speed it was aimed to reach (but never did), and the new model is targeted to hit a more realistic 205 mph - or 330 km/h on the metric scale.

Jaguar to ditch current nameplates for alphanumeric badges? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where big cats are made: A photo tour of Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 13 May 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, UK, Luxury

A photo tour of Jaguar's Castle Bromwich factory - Click above for high-res image gallery

All Jaguars, whether steel or aluminum, are fashioned in one place: Castle Bromwich in the West Midlands of England. The factory complex originally made RAF Spitfires and Lancaster bombers for World War II service, then was turned over to car production. In the way of Britain's carmaking conglomerates, it produced bodies for brands from Riley to Austin to Morris - when our tour guide started working there in 1966 he was in charge of making Nash Metropolitans.

Jaguar has been the sole occupant since 1977, and consolidated all of its production there in 2005, when its Browns Lane plant was shut. We had a chance to tour the site's C-Block and F-Block recently, where the XJ is assembled and finished. Along the way we came across bodyshells so light they could easily be picked up by one man, a bajillion rivets and miles of adhesive, Ford's gift of reams of data sheets, the shiniest XJ we've ever seen and, of course, signs of Elvis. Have a look at the captioned gallery of high-res photos below to see what's behind the camouflaged red brick walls of Castle Bromwich.

Where big cats are made: A photo tour of Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with Jaguar's next-gen mobile integration for Blackberry

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Jaguar, Infotainment

Jaguar shows off next generation Blackberry interface - Click above to watch the video

Jaguar trotted out a modified version of its XJ to Blackberry World 2011, RIM's international developer's conference, with a prototype smartphone integration system developed in conduction with Denso, RealVNC and RIM.

The setup works much like Terminal Mode, porting the smartphone's (in this case, a Blackberry Torch) UI directly into the eight-inch screen mounted on the dash. Rather than displaying a watered-down interface, the "Connect and View" system allows users to interact with the exact UI through the touchscreen, mirroring all the functionality of the Blackberry - from maps to apps to the music interface - along with softkeys to replace the device's physical buttons. The system also allows Jaguar to block apps and functionality that could be distracting to the driver. The VNC protocol is transferred over USB and keeps the phone constantly charging, while audio is streamed over Bluetooth. Connect and View has been developed specifically for the Blackberry, but Jaguar claims the system is device-agnostic, so Android and Windows Phone 7 versions could be in the cards. But don't hold your breath for iOS implementation.

Jaguar says the system could come to market as early as next year and our compatriots at Engadget got a hands-on with the system at the show. Check it out after the jump, along with more details on Connect and View and Jaguar's latest iPhone app - "Driven Intelligence" - that's available as a free download from the Apple App Store.

[Sources: Jaguar, Engadget]

Continue reading Hands-on with Jaguar's next-gen mobile integration for Blackberry

Hands-on with Jaguar's next-gen mobile integration for Blackberry originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar brings a pair of Designer Editions to go with the announcement at AutoRAI

Noah Joseph — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Jaguar, Luxury

Jaguar XF Designer Edition - Click above for high-res images

There are major auto shows, and there are relatively minor ones. Holland's AutoRAI may fall more into the latter category, but that doesn't mean it can't have its fare share of new debuts. And a big part of those are reportedly coming from Jaguar.

Say what you will about the wisdom of decisions taken in Europe's notoriously mind-altering playground, but as we already reported, Jaguar has apparently chosen the Amsterdam expo as the location to elaborate on the future of its X-Type successor. But the company's English manners prevent it from turning up empty-handed with only some promises of things to come, so it's created a special series specifically for the Dutch market.

Called the Designer Edition, it's available on either the XF or the XJ, powered by the 3.0-liter V6 engine, and decked out in Stratus Grey London paint - looks decidedly greenish to us - with tan leather interior and piano black lacquer trim. The XF Designer Edition is further distinguished by bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels in grey or black, heater leather steering wheels and sports seats and heated windshield. The XJ Designer Edition, meanwhile, packs a infotainment system with Bowers & Wilkins audio, high-def dual-view touchscreen and TV tuner plus a leather headliner.

Only 20 units of each are slated for production, the former coming in at €77,790 ($110,000 by current rates), the latter at €121,290 ($171,000). Just don't forget where you parked yours.

Gallery: Jaguar XF & XJ Designer Editions

[Sources: TopSpeed, autoblog.nl]

Jaguar brings a pair of Designer Editions to go with the announcement at AutoRAI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jaguar readying all-wheel-drive XJ

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Jaguar, Diesel, Luxury

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

Jaguar says it will have an all-wheel-drive version of its flagship XJ sedan ready in less than two years, which should coincide with the launch of the car's mid-cycle refresh. Jag hopes the move will increase its sales in the northern United States, where it has traditionally held the strongest foothold in the U.S. market. According to Jaguar, the all-wheel-drive model will be crucial to maintaining that foothold, as nearly 70 percent of sedans sold in the Rust Belt send power to all four wheels.

Though the all-wheel-drive XJ is the most important prospect for the American market, Jaguar is planning a raft of new and redesigned models to reinvigorate its sales around the world. The company's plan to release a small luxury sedan below the XF is still in place, with pricing to start around £28,000.

Before the small luxury sedan drops, Jaguar is planning to release a four-cylinder diesel version of the XF to try and steal some of BMW's diesel 5 Series sales. For a little perspective, diesel four-cylinder models account for 60 percent of 5 Series sales in Europe.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jaguar XJL

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Jaguar readying all-wheel-drive XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Jaguar considering shooting brake, Evoque-based CUV

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

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Jaguar, Rumormill

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

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

[Source: Automobile]

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

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Report: Jaguar planning XJ Coupe to compete with Mercedes-Benz CL

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Jaguar

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

Now that Jaguar is safely housed under the umbrella of Tata Motors, the British marque is planning a major expansion of its current lineup. In addition to a rumored BMW 3 Series fighter, Jaguar is looking to take aim at the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupe with a stately two-door based off of the new-for-2011 XJ sedan.

According to Automobile magazine, sources within Jaguar say that the XJ coupe will feature a pillarless greenhouse design, glass roof and will use separate sheetmetal from the sedan it's based on. Adrian Hallmark, brand manager for Jaguar in Europe, says that the two-door XJ will be "much more dynamic and emotional than a Mercedes CL."

Hallmark also told Automobile that Jaguar is considering a whole slew of new models, including an XF wagon, high-end sports car based on the C-X75 concept, a crossover based on the Range Rover Evoque and even a possible shooting break version of either the next-generation XF or entry-level 3 Series competitor. Click here to read Automobile's full scoop.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Jaguar XJ

Photos copyright (C)2011 Michael Harley / AOL

[Source: Automobile]

Report: Jaguar planning XJ Coupe to compete with Mercedes-Benz CL originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar recalling nearly 6,500 XJs due to defective windshield wipers

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:44:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Jaguar, Luxury

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

Jaguar has issued a recall covering 6,475 2010-11 XJ sedans built between July 28, 2009 and November 3, 2010 due to defective windshield wipers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration details the exact problem with these XJs, saying:

"The front wiper arms to spindle fixings were not torqued to specification during manufacturing. As a result, the securing nuts could fail to perform as intended, resulting in a loss of wiper arm synchronization and a clash of the wiper arms."

Clashing wiper arms mean they could detach from the vehicle altogether, which is perhaps the last thing any driver would want to have to deal with on a rainy (or snowy) day. The full recall is expected to commence on or before December 13, and dealers will ensure that the wiper arms are securely fitted to the spindle. To read the full details, follow the jump for NHTSA's release.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jaguar XJL

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Jaguar recalling nearly 6,500 XJs due to defective windshield wipers

Jaguar recalling nearly 6,500 XJs due to defective windshield wipers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Jaguar XJL

Zach Bowman — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST

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

Lightweight Luxury with Style

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

There's a sect of motoring nihilists out there who would have us all believe there isn't a single thing in the automotive universe that hasn't been done before. It's the "Simpsons did it" meme on methamphetamines, though instead of a yellow animated family, our cast is populated by the likes of Plymouth, Cord, Studebaker, Hudson and any number of other equally innovative yet forgotten brands. Think adaptive headlights are a trick piece of tech? Think again - Willys-Knight employed a third directional headlight as early as 1928 on its 70A, and Citroën made use of similar methodology on cars like the DS and SM way back when.

The XJ is as close to shrugging off the bland, conservative lines of the luxury sedan as you're apt to find.

Few segments seem to have accepted this grim reality quite like the luxury sedan world. Automakers that once strove to create unique products now seem to be operating from the same design template. Line up the profiles of the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the vast majority of the car-buying public would have no idea which car was which. Each vehicle is attractive in its own right, but we wouldn't accuse any of them possessing the same kind of gravitas as, say, a '38 Mercedes-Benz 770.

Which is one of the big reasons we're smitten with the 2011 Jaguar XJL. Whereas the only way you're going to stop traffic with a 7 Series is to put the drivers around you to sleep, the newest interpretation of the stately Jaguar flagship is the kind of beauty that sends jaws clattering across the concrete.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jaguar XJL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Jaguar XJL

Review: 2011 Jaguar XJL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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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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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