Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

The arrival of the new 2012 XKR-S Convertible completes Jaguar’s XK line-up.



Like the existing Coupé version, the drop-top XKR-S features an upgraded 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine that generates 542 bhp (405 kW / 550 PS) and 680 Nm (502 lb/ft) of torque.

Drive is via a six-speed automatic transmission that’s connected to an uprated Active Differential and, despite the Convertible’s slight weight penalty, performance is identical: 0-60 mph takes just 4.2 seconds (the 0-100 km/h time is 4.4 seconds), while top speed is an electronically-limited 186 mph (300 km/h).



To cope with the extra muscle, chassis tweaks include stiffer springs, bespoke Active Damping settings, revised suspension geometry and recalibrated steering. Stopping power is also enhanced thanks to the fitment of Jaguar’s High Performance Braking System, which combines aluminium calipers with enlarged discs.



Primarily designed to aid high-speed stability, the various aerodynamic elements also give the XKR-S an extremely purposeful look - especially that prominent rear spoiler. Unique interior features comprise leather Jaguar Performance seats and dark aluminium trim.



In the UK, the XKR-S Convertible is expected to cost around £103,000, and deliveries are due to start in early 2012.

Related post:
542 bhp Jaguar XKR-S

XJ Sport and Speed Packs

Jaguar has unveiled three new option packs for its flagship XJ range.



Included in the Sport Exterior Pack are a lift-reducing front splitter and boot lip spoiler, plus unique five-spoke 20” Venom alloy wheels, red-painted brake calipers and a black gloss finish for the grilles and vents.



While the design of the XJ might divide opinion, it’s certainly a car that tends to look much better in the metal. Somehow, photographs often fail to do the styling justice, but judging by the images the Sport Exterior Pack appears to be a subtle addition that works well.

For the cabin, the Sport Interior Pack is based around Jaguar Performance front seats that have extra side bolstering, as well as active ventilation that supplies either chilled or heated air.



Soft-grain leather upholstery features, and buyers can choose from Jet over Jet or Jet over Ivory colour schemes. The effect is finished off by Piano Black trim with carbon fibre highlights and stainless steel pedals.



Finally, the Speed Pack is available exclusively for XJ variants powered by the 503 bhp (375 kW / 510 PS) supercharged 5.0 litre V8 engine. It comprises the content of the Sport Exterior Pack, a reworked engine management system, recalibrated instruments and a modified tyre pressure monitoring system.



Combined with the removal of the electronic limiter, the result is an increase in top speed from 155 mph (250 km/h) to 174 mph (280 km/h), which makes it Jaguar’s fastest ever saloon.



In the UK, pricing and availability will vary by trim level and wheelbase:

Sport Exterior Pack
Luxury SWB	N/A
Luxury LWB	N/A
Premium Luxury SWB	£2,630
Premium Luxury LWB	£2,445
Portfolio SWB	£2,300
Portfolio LWB	£2,045
Supersport SWB	£1,900
Supersport LWB	£1,645
Sport Interior Pack
Luxury	N/A
Premium Luxury	£3,400
Portfolio	£800
Supersport	N/A
Speed Pack
Supersport SWB	£3,700
Supersport LWB	£3,445

Related post:

542 bhp Jaguar XKR-S

Jaguar to build C-X75

Jaguar has announced that its C-X75 supercar is to make it to production, with the project getting assistance from the Williams F1 team.

Although the micro-turbine of the original 2010 Paris Motor Show concept will be swapped for a small capacity internal combustion engine, the C-X75 remains a hybrid thanks to a pair of electric motors powering an axle each.



That arrangement is claimed to offer an astonishing combination of performance and efficiency.



The targets are a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time of under three seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph (321 km/h), combined with CO2 emissions of less than 99 g/km. What’s more, the C-X75 should be able to operate as a pure electric vehicle for at least 30 miles (50 kilometres).

Williams F1’s involvement is to focus on aerodynamics, hybrid technologies and the use of carbon composites for the Jaguar’s chassis.



Only 250 examples of the Jaguar C-X75 are going to be built, and prices will be between £700,000 and £900,000 depending on local taxes. That’s around €800,400 - €1,030,000 or US$1,146,000 - US$1,473,400 based on today’s exchange rates.

Jaguar XF 2.2 litre diesel

Jaguar’s XF saloon will soon be getting a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, a crucial addition to the range that should help steal further sales from its competitors.

Connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the longitudinally mounted 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) motor is claimed to be good for a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).



The car’s target customers - especially fleet users - are probably going to be more concerned about efficiency rather than performance, though. And they shouldn’t be disappointed, because the XF will manage 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 149 g/km of CO2.



Fuel saving devices include an intelligent stop-start system, which has been engineered to reduce the time taken during the shut-down and start-up phases, and high seventh and eighth gear ratios that effectively act as an overdrive facility.



But how does the new Jaguar compare to some of its diesel rivals? Well, judging by the figures, it seems right on the money, although the BMW 5 Series remains marginally quicker, more frugal and less polluting.

Manufacturer	Jaguar	BMW	Volvo	Mercedes-Benz
Model	XF 2.2 Diesel	520d Auto	S80 D5 Geartronic	E 220 CDI Auto
Capacity (cc)	2,179	1,995	2,400	2,143
Power (bhp / kW / PS)	187 / 140 / 190	181 / 135 / 184	202 / 151 / 205	167 / 125 / 170
Torque (Nm / lb/ft)	450 / 332	380 / 280	420 / 309	400 / 295
Acceleration 0-60 mph (100 km/h)	8.5 secs	8.1 secs	8.0 secs	8.8 secs
Top Speed (mph / km/h)	140 / 225	140 / 225	140 / 225	141 / 226
Fuel Consumption (mpg / l/100km)	52.3 / 5.4	54.3 / 5.2	44.8 / 6.3	48.7 / 5.8
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	149	137	166	154
UK Company Car BIK Rate*	22%	20%	26%	23%
*2011-12 tax year.

The introduction of the 2.2 litre XF will coincide with a facelift for the car, hence the disguise seen in the image.



Full production specifications and market launch dates are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 22nd of April.

542 bhp Jaguar XKR-S

Offering a respite from the numerous electric vehicles and hybrids at the Geneva International Motor Show will be the Jaguar XKR-S.

Featuring a reworked supercharged V8 engine, it boasts an output of 542 bhp (404 kW / 550 PS) - exactly the same as Jaguar’s seminal XJ220 supercar from the 1990s.



With a correspondingly healthy 680 Nm (501 lb/ft) of torque, the XKR-S will accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). That makes it the fastest Jaguar road car ever, comfortably outpacing the standard XKR.



To go with the extra performance are tweaked suspension settings, a reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics system and revised aerodynamics.



A price for the XKR-S has yet to be confirmed but, with the stock XKR costing £77,900 in the UK, expect to have to part with around £90,000. That would make it virtually the same as the slightly slower Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Jaguar Bertone B99

Bertone has unveiled the B99 concept, its take on what a future small Jaguar should look like.

Measuring 4.6 metres long - about the same as a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it’s an extremely elegant design that mimics the glasshouse and overall proportions of previous generation XJ saloons.



And that’s the problem, because Jaguar styling has moved on over the past five years.



The XF and current XJ demonstrate a conscious effort to break away from the constraints of a retro design language. That makes it hard to see the regressive B99 sitting comfortably within today’s range.



It’s also questionable whether certain features, such as the low roofline, clamshell doors and pillarless construction, would actually be carried over onto a production version. Take those away, and the danger is that Jaguar would end up with another X-Type. Not necessarily a bad car, but not the best-looking Jaguar ever, either.

World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year

• Audi A1


• Audi A8


• BMW 5 Series


• BMW X3


• Jaguar XJ


• Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Nissan Leaf


• Porsche Cayenne


• Volvo S60 / V60

Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.

The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car

• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi RS 5 Coupe


• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


• Ferrari 458 Italia


• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


• Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Porsche 911 GT2 RS


• Porsche 911 Turbo


• Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250

This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi A7


• Citroën DS3


• Ferrari 458


• Honda CR-Z


• Kia Sportage


• Nissan Juke

There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.

On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition


• Chevrolet Volt


• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid


• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell


• Nissan Leaf


• Smart electric drive

Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.

Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.

Business Car of the Year

UK publication Business Car has announced the winners of its 2011 Awards, which were voted for by readers rather than being decided by a jury.



It was a successful haul for the BMW Group as it took top honours in six out of the thirteen vehicle categories, as well as being declared overall manufacturer of the year. Clearly desirability, solid residuals, decent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions are all attributes that continue to keep both drivers and fleet managers happy.





Business Car Awards 2011 winners



Vehicle categories



Manufacturer of the Year: BMW



Business Car of the Year: BMW 5 Series

Green Model of the Year: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics

City Car: Fiat 500

Supermini: Mini

Lower Medium: Audi A3

Upper Medium: BMW 3 Series

Executive: BMW 5 Series

Luxury: Jaguar XJ

Large 4x4: BMW X5

Small 4x4: Audi Q5

Mini-MPV: Volkswagen Touran

MPV: Ford S-MAX

Sporting Car: Audi R8



Service supplier categories



Service Supplier of the Year: Lex Autolease



Accident Management: The AA

Daily Rental: Enterprise

Fast-Fit: Kwik-Fit Fleet

Insurance: Aviva

Leasing and Fleet Management: Lex Autolease

2011 What Car? Awards

UK publication What Car? has announced its 2011 Car of the Year winners.



During a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, prizes were awarded across seventeen vehicle categories, with one model going on to be declared overall champion.



Supermini



Shortlist

Best buy less than £9,000: Hyundai i10 1.2 Comfort

Best buy £9,000 - £13,000: Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr

Best buy more than £13,000: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport



Winner

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport





Small family car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI SE

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr

Best buy more than £20,000: Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i T3



Winner

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr





Family car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £18,000: Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI S

Best buy £18,000 - £21,000: Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

Best buy more than £21,000: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 SE



Winner

Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec





Estate car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £16,500: Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 TSI SE

Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

Best buy more than £22,000: BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE



Winner

Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec





MPV



Shortlist

Best buy less than £16,000: Citroën C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi VTR+

Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi 112 Sport

Best buy more than £22,000: Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S



Winner

Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S





Hot hatch



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133 Cup

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup

Best buy more than £20,000: Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup



Winner

Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup





Coupé



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 160

Best buy £25,000 - £40,000: Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport

Best buy more than £40,000: Jaguar XKR



Winner

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport





Open-top



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE AC

Best buy £25,000 - £35,000: BMW Z4 sDrive23i

Best buy more than £35,000: Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Cab Blue Efficiency SE



Winner

BMW Z4 sDrive23i





Performance car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £60,000: Lotus Evora 3.5 V6

Best buy £60,000 - £120,000: Audi R8 Spyder V10

Best buy more than £120,000: Ferrari 458 Italia



Winner

Ferrari 458 Italia





Crossover



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Nissan Juke 1.6 Visia

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport

Best buy more than £20,000: Volvo XC60 2.0 D3 DRIVe SE



Winner

Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport





4x4



Shortlist

Best buy less than £30,000: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style 7 seats

Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: BMW X3 xDrive20d SE

Best buy more than £40,000: Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS



Winner

Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS





Compact executive



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: BMW 3 Series 316d ES

Best buy £25,000 - £30,000: BMW 3 Series 320d ES

Best buy more than £30,000: BMW 3 Series 330d SE



Winner

BMW 3 Series 320d ES





Executive car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £30,000: BMW 5 Series 520d SE

Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury

Best buy more than £40,000: Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 245 quattro SE



Winner

Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury





Luxury car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £65,000: Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC

Best buy £65,000 - £100,000: Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Vogue 

Best buy more than £100,000: Rolls-Royce Phantom



Winner

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC





Ultra-low carbon car



Winner

Nissan Leaf





Safety Award



Winner

Volvo for Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake





Security Award



Winner

Volkswagen





What Car? Car of the Year 2011



Winner

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport

2010 Jaguar XFR General specifications

* Name: Jaguar XFR
* Manufacturer: Jaguar
* Parent Company: Tata Motors
* Production: 2010-
* Engine: 5.0 Liter AJ-V8
* MSRP: $80,000 (or €58,000)



2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR


2010 Jaguar XFR









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Jaguar XF Chassis

The basic sub-structure of the XF has been carried over from the S-Type, although the body has been stretched to meet crash safety requirements, and heightened to provide additional headroom while still retaining the "saloon within a coupé" proportions. The suspension and mountings are the same as that used on the XK, while the engine line-up is basically as that used in the S-Type.

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