An exclusive XKR – the XKR 75 – will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 2.

Jaguar Land Rover’s new CEO, Dr Ralf Speth, initiated the challenge to the Jaguar engineering team to construct an XKR to celebrate Jaguar’s 75^th anniversary, which would deliver a combination of enhanced performance, superb chassis and steering control and grip levels to inspire the driving enthusiast to explore the true potential of the XKR’s capabilities.

Mike O’Driscoll, managing director, Jaguar Cars, said: “The XKR 75 will provide owners with exclusivity, excitement and a hint of Jaguar’s great heritage. This is a fitting way to celebrate the sporting credentials of the XK marque in the 75^th year of the Jaguar name,” he continued.

Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 530PS and 655Nm respectively for the XKR 75, to deliver truly outstanding performance. While the limited edition model’s top speed is electronically limited to 174mph (280km/h), the XKR 75′s 0—60mph (100km/h) acceleration time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 510 PS XKR.

Using the rigid lightweight aluminium architecture of the XK as a solid foundation, theincreased power of the XKR 75 is matched by an agile, dynamic chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.

The Jaguar XKR 75 features revised suspension and handling for increased precision and agility in addition to the performance enhancements. To ensure the XKR 75 remains stable at high speeds, a revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler provide increased balance and a reduction in lift.The XKR’s computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

And with an improved acoustics package for the semi-active sports exhaust, the XKR 75 produces a pulse-racing growl to match its performance.

The car’s driver-focussed character, however, has not been achieved at the expense of the Jaguar traditional values of refinement and comfort.

“We conceived the XR 75 as a sports car with a duality of character that makes it perfectly suited to driving across Europe to the Nurburgring, completing some very fast laps, and then driving home again, added Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity.

The XKR 75 features a new Stratus Grey finish. Red brake callipers contrast the eye-catching 20-inch gloss Vortex forged lightweight alloys with a dark technical finish and diamond turn. Customers will have the option to apply a unique body graphic that runs from the front bumper to the rear haunches.

The XKR 75’s interior completes the driver-focussed performance environment finished in Charcoal with ivory stitch, piano black finish to facia and centre console and a Jet suedecloth headlining.

THE XKR 75 AT A GLANCE

The unique features of the exclusive new XKR 75 include:

• Increased performance through detailed engine and transmission recalibration
  
  • Power increased to 530PS (compared to 510 PS on XKR)
    
    Torque increased to 655Nm (compared to 625Nm on XKR)
    
    Upgraded torque converter to handle the increased torque
• Upgraded suspension systems for increased precision and agility
  
  • Increased spring and damper rates (front springs 28 per cent stiffer, rear springs 32 per cent stiffer)
  • New fully-machined aluminium front and revised rear suspension upright for increased camber stiffness (increased by 25 per cent)
  • Re-tuned Adaptive Dynamics damper control software
  • Reduced ride height (15mm front and 10mm rear)
• Aerodynamic body pack with body coloured finish to front splitter, side sills extensions and rear diffuser, and body coloured larger rear spoiler and rear trunk lid finisher
• Sports exhaust with improved performance and acoustics – system has new crossover pipe and larger exhaust outlets
• New Stratus Grey exterior paint with optional graphics pack
• Red brake callipers and 20” Vortex forged lightweight alloy wheels, diamond turned with dark grey finish
• XKR performance interior in Charcoal and Ivory stitch leather, with Jet suedecloth headlining and XKR 75 tread plate
• Active front lighting
• Final calibration was done in partnership with the RSR engineering team which has been collaborating with Jaguar on the 2010 motorsport programme.

Production of the XKR 75 will be limited to just 75 vehicles, which will be available to order from July 2010 in the UK priced from £85,500 OTR.  Customer deliveries will commence during October.

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• JAGUAR ACHIEVES ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION FOR NEW XJ MODEL
• JAGUAR TO UNVEIL THE FASTEST XK EVER AT GENEVA SHOW

Jaguar has received certification from the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) for a comprehensive ‘cradle-to-grave’ study which analyses the environmental impact of its exciting new lightweight XJ model. The detailed lifecycle study will help accelerate the development of the next generation of more sustainable Jaguars, and highlights the company’s progress in reducing the carbon footprint of its products.

The lifecycle assessment of the latest XJ was fully audited and approved by the VCA, making Jaguar one of the few vehicle manufacturers to have completed an officially recognised study of the environmental impact of a vehicle – from manufacturing, through a lifetime of customer use, to ultimate disposal and recycling.

The comprehensive study will enable Jaguar to identify new opportunities to improve the sustainability of its vehicles, including developing the aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium architecture which plays a central role in the outstanding performance and efficiency of the new XJ.

“VCA certification is an important milestone in Jaguar’s mission to reduce the environmental impact of its products,” says Tony Higgins, Project Leader for the XJ certification. “Detailed lifecycle assessment helps us understand more clearly the most effective ways of reducing each model’s carbon footprint.

“Jaguar is committed to maintaining a leadership position in its approach to sustainability, and the certification achieved for the new XJ model is an independent validation of the progress we have made,” he added.

Lifecycle Study Follows Leading Environmental Management Standards

The VCA certification involved an audit of each aspect of the lifecycle assessment carried out on the new Jaguar XJ, addressing product development, manufacturing processes and vehicle performance. This took account of the principles, requirements and guidelines for life cycle assessments as described in the International Standards ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006. The audit also reviewed evidence of the integration of environmental aspects into the vehicle’s design and development as described in ISO TR 14062:2002.

To give an accurate assessment of the environmental impact, thelife cycle study was based on the creation, use and disposal of a typical XJ vehicle over a specified lifetime (200,000km), including the materials used, material processing, assembly and transport during manufacturing.

As the first complete life cycle study carried out by Jaguar, the analysis provides a significant opportunity to increase understanding about the environmental impact of producing and using one of Jaguar’s latest products, and to use this data to generate improvements within future vehicles.

Paul Markwick, VCA CEO, said, “I’m delighted to present this certificate to the team at Jaguar; I know it marks the culmination of a lot of hard work. Environmental issues are rightly high on the business agenda so it is great to see industry embracing initiatives such as Life Cycle Assessment, This demonstrates a clear commitment to the management of environmental impacts at all stages of the product life cycle, from concept through to the end of vehicle life. VCA has supported the automotive industry with its certification needs globally for more than 30 years and this extensive knowledge of the sector means that our audit teams understand the complexities of the vehicle design and construction process and the legislation supporting this”.

Developing Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture

A key focus for future development will be the unique lightweight aluminium vehicle architecture which lies at the heart of the latest Jaguar XJ.

Based on aerospace technology, the aluminium body structure offers a number of major advantages compared to a conventional steel shell, including a substantial cut in the energy required for manufacturing and a significant reduction in weight.

The aluminium body in the new XJ uses up to 50 percent recycled material, with a plan to increase this to 75 percent. Body panels made from recycled material use only five percent of the energy required for new aluminium, equating to a potential saving of three tonnes of CO₂ per vehicle compared to a bodyshell made from new aluminium.

The XJ’s aluminium structure also saves around 150kg compared to an equivalent steel body, allowing the use of smaller, more fuel efficient engines with no compromise to performance. Equipped with the 3.0-litre AJ-V6D turbodiesel, the XJ delivers an impressive combined economy figure of 40.1mpg and CO₂ emissions of 184g/km.

“Jaguar has been at the forefront of developing lightweight aluminium bodies for the past decade, and the lifecycle assessment will help us find new opportunities to enhance their environmental benefits,” says Mark White, Chief Technical Specialist Body Engineering.

“With a holistic approach, which takes account of the energy required during manufacturing, the advantages of an aluminium structure are particularly compelling. Compared to a typical steel-bodied competitor, we estimate that the new Jaguar XJ can cut CO₂ emissions by six tonnes per vehicle over the whole lifecycle.

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• All-New 2011 Jaguar XJ Makes Its First Canadian Auto Show Appearance
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Jaguar will unveil the latest dramatic evolution of its supercharged XKR coupe at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This XKR delivers a significantly raised maximum speed – up to 174mph from 155mph  – and bold styling changes that create an evocative and unique supercharged Jaguar.

The XKR Coupe unveiled at Geneva showcases two new optional performance and styling packs – Speed Pack and Black Pack – that are introduced to the XK range at 2011 Model Year. Jaguar customers have the option to personalise their vehicle to create a car that offers even greater performance without compromising the refinement and luxury for which every Jaguar is renowned.

By raising the XKR’s maximum speed the new car has extended its sporting credentials taking it even further into supercar performance territory.

Russ Varney, Chief Programme Engineer, XK Series, explains the philosophy behind the uprated XKR: “With 510PS and 625Nm of torque, the XKR has immense reserves of power and acceleration which impress everyone who experience it. The car has always had the potential to reach speeds far beyond its original electronically limited maximum and many of our customers have expressed an interest in a car that can safely be driven faster where conditions permit. The new Speed Pack allows them to release some of that potential and give them control of the fastest Jaguar XK we’ve made to date.”

The XKR Coupe featured at the Geneva Show on 4th March 2010 pairs both the optional Speed and Black Packs to create the bold new model, which also sports optional Piano Black veneers on the dashboard and red brake callipers.

The XKR Speed Pack
The XKR Coupe with new optional Speed Pack allows customers to further strengthen their XKR’s already impressive breadth of capability, by extending the car’s top speed from 155mph (250km/h) to an electronically limited 174mph (280km/h) thanks to a unique engine and transmission recalibration.  

To ensure the XKR with Speed Pack remains stable at high speeds, the coupe uses a revised front aerodynamic splitter and larger rear spoiler to provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR’s computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

Every XKR with the Speed Pack will come with body-coloured side sills and rear diffuser, and a chrome finish to the window surrounds, upper and lower mesh grilles, side Power Vents and boot lid finisher. Red brake callipers with a Jaguar ‘R’ logo sit inside 20-inch Kasuga alloy wheels.

Customers who order the XKR Coupe with the Speed Pack will be offered a paint palette that is part of the Jaguar Designers’ Choice programme – a range of colours that have been specifically chosen to compliment the performance potential of the car. Seven colours are available on Speed Pack models – Ultimate Black, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Kyanite Blue and Spectrum Blue.

The XKR Speed and Black Pack
For customers looking to create a real statement with their Speed Pack XKR Coupe, the new optional Black Pack allows them to own a bold and purposeful Jaguar with undeniable visual impact thanks to menacing gloss black wheels and exterior detailing.

Available only with the Speed Pack, XKRs fitted with the Black Pack have a paint palette selected from colours that Jaguar’s Design team believe to be ideal for creating a coupe with immediate exclusivity. The Black Pack models will be available in Ultimate Black, Polaris White or Salsa Red and boast eye-catching 20-inch gloss black Kalimnos alloy wheels.

Further gloss black finishing is applied to the window surrounds and front grilles. Red painted brake callipers contrast strongly with the black alloy wheels, while body coloured front and rear spoilers and boot lid finisher round out the package. Customers also have the option to apply a sweeping ‘XKR’ side body graphic that runs along the door sills.

Jaguar’s Design Director, Ian Callum, says the new Black Pack is a fitting addition to the XKR: “While Jaguars are about beauty, they are also about speed and power. With the optional Black Pack you can now add a sense of drama and severity to that performance.”

In addition to the Black Pack’s exterior changes, the Jaguar Designers’ Choice programme has also selected a range of interior trims that support the visual impact of the car. All XKRs with the Black Pack will be trimmed with Charcoal leather hides that can be personalised with a range of colour stitching and grain. Three interior finishes and veneers for the fascia and door trims are also available – Dark Oak, Dark Mesh Aluminium and Piano Black.

Other enhancements for 11MY
To underline the XKR’s sporting credentials at 11MY red brake callipers become standard on all XKR Coupe and Convertible models.

A tyre repair Instant Mobility System (IMS) becomes standard on all XK and XKR models. This frees up the 30-litre wheel well, which is now carpeted and can hold a specially designed and tailored XK accessory suitcase, substantially increasing the versatility of the car.

In the UK, retail pricing of the XK range starts at £61,955 for the 5.0 n/a V8 petrol. The Speed Pack costs £3,500 and the Speed and Black Pack costs £4,000. Both are available on XKR Coupe only. For more information go to www.jaguar.co.uk.

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Following the successful launch of the 3.0-litre diesel engine and the XFR in 2009, Jaguar is introducing a number of key enhancements to the XF range for 2010.

Spearheading the updated range is the much-acclaimed 275 PS Diesel S model, which will now feature some of the unique sporting character of the XFR to deliver an even more exciting driving experience.

To further boost the appeal of the award-winning XF line-up, the entry price is now less than £30,000, with the 3.0-litre V6 petrol Luxury model priced at a highly competitive £29,900.

Sporting and Sophisticated – The Enhanced XF Diesel S
The 275 PS high-performance XF Diesel S model is significantly enhanced for MY11, taking the lead from the stunning XFR model to provide drivers with superior driving dynamics, a more striking appearance and an upgraded interior which offers the ultimate in sporting luxury.

The MY11 XF Diesel S now comes with an XFR derived interior as standard while the Adaptive Dynamics system, currently featured on the XFR and XK range, is available as an option on the high-performance diesel.

“We have applied the lessons learned from the XFR to bring more sophisticated, sporting driving dynamics to the Diesel S model,” explained Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity. “Fitted with the state-of-the-art Adaptive Dynamics system, the latest Diesel S provides driving enthusiasts with taut handling and superb body control, but without the noise and harshness often associated with ‘sports’ suspension packages.”

Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system is featured in one of the two new option packs which are available exclusively on the XF Diesel S in 2010 to further enhance the driver’s enjoyment of the performance characteristics of this car – the Dynamics Pack and the Aerodynamic Pack.

Dynamics Pack. The Dynamics Pack incorporates the Adaptive Dynamics system. This high-tech system analyses chassis movement and driver and wheel inputs 500 times every second, continually adjusting the suspension to improve handling without loss of comfort. The result improves on the XF’s already impressive handling and strikes a clever balance between a luxury ride and sports car agility. This optional pack also includes Shadow or Silver finish 20-inch Volans five-spoke alloy wheels, and costs from £1250 depending on model.

Aerodynamic Pack. The Aerodynamic Pack is designed to give an even bolder style to the XF Diesel S. The striking new black mesh inserts for the grille and lower air intakes give a fresh look to the front of the car and for even greater visual impact, the sculpted lower air intake blades can be supplied with bright-white LED daytime running lights. The side sills from an XFR complete the package. The cost of this option pack is £1500, or £2000 with the LED lights.

Performance Interior. The enhancements to the MY11 Diesel S are completed by the interior, which now features the superior specification from the XFR as standard, providing the 275 PS diesel model with the ultimate sporting luxury interior. The upgraded cabin includes the leather sports seats from the XFR, featuring 18-way adjustment for the driver and 14-way for the passenger. Power-adjusted raised side bolsters will keep driver and passenger firmly in place during cornering, while the rest of the cabin’s sporting style is enhanced with the high-gloss Piano Black veneer and Jet Suedecloth headlining available as an option on Premium Luxury and Portfolio Diesel S models.

New Colours Across the Range

Polaris White is a new colour for the MY11 XF range, replacing Porcelain. Red brake callipers are also available to order as a no cost option on XFR models and black mesh inserts for the grille also become standard on the XFR and Diesel S.

XF Sports Saloon Now Starts at Under £30,000
The final change for the XF range in 2010 is the entry price. An XF 3.0 V6 petrol Luxury will now be priced at £29,900 on the road.

The XF Luxury model includes many luxurious features as standard. Bond Grain leather seats; Phosphor Blue halo illumination and interior mood lighting; seven-inch full colour touch-screen display with Navigation and Bluetooth technology; six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM and Jaguar Sense and Jaguar Smart Key SystemTM with Keyless Start. The Luxury model comes in a selection of 13 colours and has five different alloy wheel designs to choose from.

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK said: “With more than 19,000 XFs now on the road in the UK the momentum continues and we have celebrated winning more than 60 international awards for XF since it launched in 2008.

“While our class-leading diesel engine is by far the most popular engine in the range, we would like to appeal to low mileage drivers who do not necessarily want or need to drive a diesel. By reducing the entry price for the XF range to less than £30,000 for the 3.0-litre petrol model, we have made our four door saloon even better value for money.”

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Industry experts predict that the new Jaguar XJ will have class-leading residual values; better than Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz over the next three years.

EurotaxGlass’s publish the car industry’s residual value bible – the Glass’s Guide – that the trade use to value cars of all ages. Their independent experts predict that a new Jaguar XJ, which will be launched in March 2010, will be worth more than the equivalent Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz after both 12 months and three years of ownership.

Jason King, Head of Market Intelligence for EurotaxGlass’s, said: “The exterior design of the new XJ is certainly stunning, bringing a bold, fresh approach to the luxury car segment. This bold design is sure to appeal to a wider and much younger audience, building on the fine work of the XF in helping the Jaguar brand redefine itself and appeal to a younger buyer.

“We’re not surprised to see the Jaguar going head-to-head with the Mercedes S-class, traditionally the industry-leader for these retained values. The XJ offers interiors, levels of equipment and overall quality more familiar to buyers of models offered by the other great British luxury car brands, like Bentley and Aston Martin, so we are expecting that the appeal of the new XJ will be very strong. This will translate into strong demand from the used car buyer of the future, and our analysis suggests that this strong residual value position will remain for some time.”

For the customer, a strong residual value not only protects your investment, but it also means that car finance packages are more affordable at the time of purchase. The Jaguar is already competitively priced (starting from £53,775), against the best in the segment and having such a strong residual value position means that the XJ will offer an even more attractive cost of ownership.

The research carried out by EurotaxGlass’s suggests that the new 3.0-litre diesel XJ will retain more than the equivalent Mercedes-Benz S-class after 12 months or 20,000 miles and an astonishing 40 per cent of its value after three years and 60,000 miles of motoring, which is better than the Mercedes-Benz by two percentage points.

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK said: “The Jaguar XJ is a perfect car of choice for every chairman and chief executive in British boardrooms. It is the ultimate package for a sporting luxury saloon. When you add class-leading residual values to the list of the XJ’s attributes I believe that it is the car for Britain’s business leaders.”

Richard Crosthwaite, Prestige Car Editor at EurotaxGlass’s added: “It’s not just the new XJ that has impressed us. The XF has been an amazing success for Jaguar and has been rewarded with cast iron residuals, outperforming the sector. Its used car values are incredibly impressive with a one year value on a diesel XF standing at 80 per cent – the next best comparable in the sector at 72 per cent and the worst is 55 per cent. Let’s hope the next decade sees more of the same for Jaguar – great designs, controlled volume and a truly prestigious and exclusive brand going from strength to strength.”

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The year 2010 marks 75 years of the Jaguar name on both road and race cars.
As a continuation of this great heritage, Jaguar can confirm it will return to the famed Le Mans 24 hours. With a total of seven wins between 1951 and 1990, Jaguar is the single most successful British make in the race’s history. Jaguar will return to Le Mans this year lining up on the starting grid on 12th June 2010 with an XKR GT2 run by JaguarRSR. 

Paul Gentilozzi, Principal Partner, JaguarRSR commented: “We are delighted the ACO has granted us entry in the prestigious 24 hours of Le Mans. It is a race that is held dearly in the hearts of motorsport fans across the world and for Jaguar to be racing again is something special.

“We are fortunate to bring an international line up of the world’s finest driving talent including Scott Pruett and Marc Goossens as our drivers for this race.”

Gentilozzi, who will drive the JaguarRSR XKR GT2 in the 2010 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) added: “Spirits will be high around Jaguar’s return to Le Mans but we must remember the incredibly high level of competition – a podium place in our category will not fall into our hands. That said, I can guarantee 100 per cent commitment from JaguarRSR and urge fans of Jaguar and Britain’s racing heritage to support the team whole heartedly.”

C.J. O’Donnell, Global Marketing Director of Jaguar Cars said: “Motorsport has always been important to the Jaguar brand. Our domination of Le Mans in the 1950s was a foundation on which the company was developed. It was twenty years ago that Jaguar last won Le Mans with a TWR Jaguar Sport entry driven by John Nielsen, Price Cobb and Martin Brundle. Returning to Le Mans will reignite excitement for the marque across the globe, all the more poignant in our 75th year.

“With the introduction of the new XK, XF and XJ, the Jaguar brand has advanced cutting-edge technology, stunning design and our ‘R’ performance driving experience.  We now return to motorsport to demonstrate this achievement and the prowess of the Jaguar XKR.”

In 1951, the C-type won Le Mans at its first attempt, with a further victory in 1953.  The D-type took Le Mans wins in 1955, 1956 and 1957 while this racing success was followed in 1988 with the Jaguar XJR-9LM, a V12-powered Group C car. Another outright victory would follow in 1990 with the Jaguar XJR-12.

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A delectable line-up of Lister Jaguars – the Cambridge-built sports cars that took the big manufacturers on at their own game and won – will be showcased at this year’s Race Retro, held at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry from 12th to 14th March.

Examples of the earliest models – including founder Brian Lister’s first car, through the classic Lister ‘knobbly’ and Costin-bodied models and onto the 1990s’ Storm, which saw the name’s revival, will be reunited with the man behind the marque.

Their appearance coincides with a book written by highly-regarded Jaguar enthusiast Paul Skilleter, which chronicles the company’s sports cars, their founder Brian Lister and their successes during the late-1950s.

Closely associated with driver Archie Scott-Brown, Listers originally used MG and Bristol engines, but the switch to Jaguar engines and the shape of the car, dubbed ‘knobbly’, brought the company unparalleled success and exposure.

A later model, designed by then-leading aerodynamicist Frank Costin shepherded in a new cleaner, wind-cheating appearance, but didn’t repeat the success of earlier models.

Those earlier models proved successful in the fledgling historic motor sport scene, but the Lister name was revived in the 1990s with an all-new (but still Jaguar-powered) sports car. Laurence Pearce’s 600bhp Lister Storm ran at Le Mans and at Daytona, bringing home both the FIA GT Drivers’ and Teams’ Championship in 2000.

Brian Lister, who has provided major input to Paul Skilleter’s book, will be on hand to sign copies at Race Retro. Enthusiasts can buy a copy at an exclusive show discount to its normal retail price.

Adult ticket prices for Race Retro start from just £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance or upgrade to a VIP ticket with fantastic hospitality and a chance to meet our special guests. Children’s tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is also free throughout. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit www.raceretro.com

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Jaguar Canada comes to the Montreal International Auto Show to debut its all-new 2011 XJ. The entire 2010 Model Year lineup featuring the 2011 XJ will be on display for press review January 14 and available during the public show days from January 15 – 24.

Building on the success of the XK and XF, the new XJ is the third step in the revitalization of the Jaguar brand and redefines the world’s perception of a large sports sedan. The all-new XJ will be available in both standard and long wheelbase models. The long wheelbase offers an even more sumptuous and refined environment for rear-seat passengers with an additional five inches of legroom while the XJ’s trunk features power opening and closing for convenient access to the over 430 litre storage space (with standard alloy space saver spare wheel).

The all-new Jaguar XJ brings new standards of sustainability to the luxury vehicle segment. Its lightweight aluminum structure makes it at least 136 kilograms lighter than steel body construction. Jaguar also minimizes the XJ’s carbon footprint in a truly meaningful way: in production, three tons fewer CO2 per vehicle is emitted thanks to the use of recycled materials, compared to a body shell made entirely of new aluminum. These aerospace-inspired aluminum body technologies also provide benefits to performance, handling and fuel economy, while delivering increased strength, refinement and safety.

The first impression of the all-new XJ is its visual assertiveness. The XJ’s sleek lines are complemented by a taut waistline, which further accentuates the impression of length and elegance, and creates a natural tension as it fades from the front arches into the middle section of the car, before reappearing as a strong haunch towards the rear.
The all-new XJ offers a modern reinterpretation of a number of key, historic XJ design cues while maintaining the highest standards of personal luxury. The strong, muscular lower half of the car contrasts with the slim and graceful quality of the roofline. This is a direct influence from the original 1968 XJ sedan.

The standard panoramic glass roof is an integral part of the all-new XJ’s design, allowing a lower, more streamlined roof, while dramatically contributing to the feeling of natural light and space inside. The LED taillight clusters wrap dramatically over the rear fenders, and feature three red vertical strips. The lengthy, stretched teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car’s silhouette. A pure, sculpted shape dominates the XJ’s rear. With a conscious absence of ornamentation, the trunk features only a single leaping Jaguar and the “XJ” logotype.

The all-new 2011 XJ’s face looks confident, with a wide front track and short overhang contributing to fine proportions. Jaguar’s new design language contributes the bold, assertive nose. Jaguar’s mesh grille and slim Xenon headlights create a strong road presence while the wrap-around rear screen reduces the visual weight of the roof pillars and gives the impression of an exotic floating roof.

Sleek design and refined luxury is continued inside the all-new XJ by mixing newly advanced technologies and contemporary design. Jaguar designers have created an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin. The interior creates a sense of personal space enhanced by clean, simple forms from the instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle. An analog clock with individual chrome chaplets, a spun metal face and iridescent blue background provides a look inspired by fine timepieces.

The all-new XJ’s cabin is a marvel in its own right, blending elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provide an eye-catching contrast to beautifully crafted leather and wood surfaces. Complementing the all-new cabin is a level of colors, woods and leather choices not seen before in a Jaguar. The four models – XJ, XJL, Supercharged and Supersport – allow customers to tailor the car to their personal tastes. The 510-hp XJ Supersport is the top iteration of this, providing the ultimate expression of performance and luxury (custom order only) with a leather headliner, semi-aniline leather seats and woods with laser-generated inlays.

Stunning, 12.3-inch (312 mm) high-definition Virtual Instruments(TM) complement an innovative 8-inch (203 mm) touch-screen displays vehicle functions ranging from audio and video to navigation and climate control. The top audio experience is provided by a 1,200-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, standard on supercharged models and optional on the naturally aspirated XJ and XJL. Combining 20 Bowers & Wilkins speakers powered through 15 channels and state-of-the-art sound processing technology, the result is jaw-dropping sound quality tailored to the interior of the XJ. Comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices are linked via the powerful Media Hub.
The all-new XJ’s beauty is much more than skin-deep. All engines transmit power through an enhanced version of Jaguar’s acclaimed electronically controlled, six-speed automatic transmission which has a fully-adaptive shift system that delivers extremely smooth gear changes and works to balance performance and economy.

The new XJ will be available in Canada with a choice of three engines. The 5.0-litre, 385-hp naturally aspirated V8 is standard. One can opt for the XJ Supercharged, powered by a 470-hp supercharged V8. Finally, a 510-hp supercharged V8 is dedicated to the Supersport model. All three engines combine deft performance, unparalleled character, peerless pedigree, and have a classic Jaguar blend of strength and precision.

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Jaguar’s UK sales in November have risen by 50 per cent compared to the same month last year with a total of 1463 models sold.

This success has been led by both the XK and XF models – with sales increasing by 78.4 per cent and 149 per cent respectively for the month.

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK said: ‘The momentum for XF just keeps on going. We have now sold more XF models so far this year, in its second year in showrooms, than we did at the same point in 2008, when we launched. Selling 9128 XF so far this year compared to 8462 sales year to date in 2008 is a great result. This result highlights the demand we continue to see for XF in our showrooms following the introduction of the excellent new 3.0-litre diesel engine.

‘The success of both the new XF and XK models demonstrates excitement and interest in the new range of Jaguar cars. I am delighted these figures reflect a step forward for Jaguar UK within a challenging market and I expect it to continue when the new XJ joins the line-up in 2010.’

In the UK, retail pricing of the XF range starts at £32,900 for the 3.0-litre petrol. The 3.0-litre diesel model is available from £33,900 while the 3.0-litre Diesel S starts at £36,900. For more information go to www.jaguar.co.uk.

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Jaguar is at work on a compact five-door coupe, roughly along the lines of Audi’s new A5 Sportback, Inside Line has learned. Code-named RD7, the new car is an evolution of the RD6 concept unveiled in 2003.

The five-door coupe features suicide rear doors, a side-hinged tailgate arrangement borrowed from the XK-E coupe, and a 2.7-liter V6 diesel engine. The preceding RD6 was positioned as a low-volume niche model replacement for the unsuccessful Jaguar X-Type. The demise of this model, already withdrawn from the U.S. and in its last months of life in Europe, will leave Jaguar with no entrant in the huge compact premium sedan segment, and a model range that starts part-way up the segment above. So the exploration of a new entry-level sedan/coupe is pressing.

The company has reportedly been considering both three- and five-door versions of the hatchback RD7 but will likely limit itself to the higher volume five-door, which could be based on a shrunken version of the XF’s steel body architecture.

But it is likely to be some way off. Jaguar’s next major new model debut will be its new sport car, code-named XE, which is a spiritual successor to the legendary XK-E. It will probably be unveiled in 2011, 50 years after its ancestor, in anticipation of a 2012 on-sale date.

Senior insiders say that the company lacks the resources to fast-track either model, despite the fact that the sports car is based on a cut-down version of the existing XK platform. So RD7 is probably a good four years away. However, heavily modified Jaguar S-Type mules have been recently spotted near Jaguar’s engineering center.

Via Inside Line

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The all-new Jaguar XJ will take Knightsbridge by storm this autumn with the opening of a unique luxury viewing room at the Berkeley hotel.

Owned and managed by Maybourne Hotel Group, The Berkeley is situated in Knightsbridge, in the heart of London’s luxury shopping district, making it an ideal home for one of the world’s most luxurious brands. The Berkeley will play host to Jaguar’s new flagship model until December this year.

Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: “Creating this unique space is part of an ongoing relationship between Jaguar and Maybourne Hotel Group. This new relationship between two thoroughly modern, yet quintessentially British, brands, represents another key element of our innovative marketing plan for the all-new XJ.

“By creating this contemporary space in such a prime London location, we will not only be able to entertain potential XJ customers from the UK, we can reach a huge number of foreign business men and women who make The Berkeley their hotel of choice when visiting the city. Potential customers will have to wait until the end of the year before this new model will be in Jaguar dealerships, making this extended visit to The Berkeley a great opportunity to view the car in the metal.”

Stephen Alden, Maybourne’s Chief Executive Officer said: “The spirit of The Berkeley culture is built around all aspects of exquisite innovation and Jaguar’s XJ model captures this same essence. Our venture together is a natural match and we are delighted with the partnership.”

The ‘look and feel’ of this Jaguar space is consistent with the approach taken by the brand at the Saatchi Gallery for the XJ’s global reveal event which took place in July.

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