Jaguar Testing Hybrid Powertrain on XK?

When it comes to automotive spy shots, and unless you manage to get inside information on a specific vehicle from people that you know and trust –and believe us, this is something extremely difficult, you have to rely on your experience and knowledge of what’s going around in the industry to make a credible story. Take this Jaguar XK test mule that was spotted on the Nurburgring race track in Germany by the spy photographers of our pals over at Next Auto. -Continued

While one could focus on the louvered XK-R hood or the taped bumper, what really sets apart this prototype is that according to the photographers who took the shots, the test mule was extremely quiet on the race track. But could this be enough proof that the XK seen in the ‘Ring was equipped with a hybrid powertrain?

We wouldn’t vouch for it as it is possible that the specific prototype could be wearing a smaller and well-silenced V6 engine. On the other hand, we do know that Jaguar and Land Rover that now belong to India’s Tata Group are developing two mild-hybrid systems based around two new engines, a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel and a 5.0-liter V8 gasoline unit. Apparently, your guess is as good as ours on this one.

Via: Next Autos

Rejected James Bond Movie Jaguar XKE up for Sale

A custom made 1972 Jaguar XKE that was built with the intent to star in a late 1970’s James Bond movie but never actually made it on the big screen, has been put up for sale on eBay. The vehicle is from the Bob Butts movie car collection in California and according to the seller, it is equipped with a 289ci V8 Ford Cobra engine. The starting price for the ’72 Jag that is not road legal has been set at $13,000. The question is what would someone actually do with a car like this? -Continued









Link: eBay

Jaguar Recalling 7,918 XF vehicles due to Safety-Belt Issue

Today, Jaguar announced that it is recalling more than 7,900 MY2009 XF sedans in the United States for a defect in the rear safety belt assembly. Although Jaguar says there have been no accidents or injuries reported due to the problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that in the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained thus increasing the risk of personal injury. Jaguar’s dealers will inspect the rear safety belt assembly and make the necessary repairs. Concerned owners may contact jaguar at 1-800-452-4827

Video: Jaguar XF-R Spied in Death Valley

Jaguar’s forthcoming XF-R that is aimed squarely at the BMW M5, Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG has been caught on film by AMS undergoing hot-weather testing in the infamous Death Valley in the southwestern United States. Expected to be introduced in early 2009, the top-of-the-line XF will boast a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine with direct injection delivering at least 500 horsepower that should roecket the Xf-R from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in under five seconds. -Follow the jump for the video

Via: AMS

Arden’s Jaguar XF Based AJ 21 with up to 550 HP

Arden has finally released real life images and mechanical details on its latest creation, the Jaguar XF based AJ 21. The top of the line version of the AJ 21 gets a supercharged V8 engine stroked out from 4.2-liters to 4.5-liters delivering an output of about 550 HP, which should be more than enough to take the “wildcat” into M5 territory.

Although that’s the Jag to go for, the German tuning firm also offers a 4.5-liter version for both the naturally aspirated and supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engines, increasing output by 80 HP to 380 HPand 500 HP respectively. In the case of the 2.7-liter V6 diesel engine, Arden’s tuning kit bumps power from the standard 207 HP to 250 HP. Other modifications include a specially developed custom sport suspension from Arden combined with light weight 21-inch alloy wheels. -Continued

The Jaguar XF’s exterior has received an extensive treatment that includes a full bodykit with a new front bumper with larger air vents and integrated LED daylights, new side sills that incorporate functional air inlets for better cooling of the rear brakes, a relatively discreet rear lid spoiler and a rear diffuser. Look a bit closer at the front end and you may notice the jaguar ornament on the hood along with the revised the radiator grille which is now more oval-shaped.

Jaguar XK60 Special Edition Marks 60 Years of the XK

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the XK nameplate that was introduced in 1948 with the iconic XK120 sports car, Jaguar has launched a special series of the current XK model for the UK market. Aptly named XK60, the special edition series is available with Jag’s naturally aspirated 298 PS 4.2-litre V8 engine, in both coupé and convertible forms.

The XK60’s features include bespoke 20-inch Senta alloy wheels, a sporty alloy gear knob and selector-gate surround, a new front spoiler and rear valance panel, chrome-finished side vents and bright upper and lower front grille meshes, special tailpipe finishers and appliqués on both sides of the car. Prices are set at £60,995 for the XK60 Coupe and £66,995 for the Convertible. -Image gallery after the jump

Video: 2010 Jaguar XF-R Powersliding at Goodwood Festival

A pre-production version of Jaguar's answer to the Audi RS6 and BMW M5 made an unexpected appearance at last weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Luckily for us, a couple of quick-handed spectators managed to film the XF-R in action. Sources state that Jag's new high-performance sport saloon will be powered by a new direct injection, supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering something north of 500 Hp. You can also see a picture of the 2010 Jaguar XF-R here. -Videos after the jump

Video I

Video II

$27 Million Jaguar XJ13 Le Mans Race Car to run at Bradford Classic

A one-off 1960s prototype Jaguar Le Mans race car worth an estimated £14 million (about $27 million or €18 million) will take part at the Bradford Classic this Saturday on July 19, 2008. The XJ13 that is owned by Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) and kept in its museum in Coventry is very rarely seen - let alone run- and it is believed that this is the first time it has ever run through a British City.

The XJ13 prototype that features a mid-mounted V12 engine will be accompanied at the Bradford Classic by its equally famous test driver, Norman Dewis. Dewis was the man behind the wheel when the XJ13 prototype crashed on the Mira test track in 1971 at 140 mph (225 km/h) after earlier breaking the lap record at 161 (259 km/h). Fortunately, Dewis was escaped the accident unharmed. Several years later, the racing car was rebuilt by Jaguar to a specification similar to the original, using the body jigs made for its original construction. -Continued

Jaguar to Reveal Commemorative XK60 at London Show

The XK60 that will be officially unveiled at the British Motor Show in London next week is a limited edition model created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the XK sports car that started with the XK120 in 1948. The British firm hasn’t released any details on the special edition model but looking at the official picture above, we gather that the XK60 will get unique badges, a subtle bodykit, and a “one-of-a-kind” British Green color.

2010 Jaguar XF-R 500Hp Breaks Cover at Goodwood Festival

The highly anticipated Jaguar XF-R made its first official appearance at this past weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. Due to be unveiled in early 2009, the XF-R is Jaguar's answer to the BMW M5, Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG models. Though official information is scarce for now, the XF-R is said to be equipped with a new direct injection, supercharged 5.0-litre V8 delivering a tad over 500Hp which should be good enough to offer a 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of well under 5.0 seconds.

Jaguar & Land Rover to Join ACEA from July 2008

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) announced today that it has accepted the application of the former Ford owned Jaguar - Land Rover to become a member of ACEA. Their membership will start in July 2008. The current ACEA members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, DaimlerChrysler, FIAT, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen and Volvo.

“We welcome Jaguar Land Rover in our midst and are convinced the company will make a valuable contribution to the work of our association”, said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of ACEA. “We are looking forward to working in close partnership with the European automobile manufacturers concerning regulatory and other issues confronting our industry”, said David Smith, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover. “As the UK’s largest automotive employer, joining the European automotive association was an important step.”

Jaguar XF-R with 500Hp+ Supercharged V8 Scooped

The hottest version of the new Jaguar XF, the XF-R has been caught by Car magazine’s scoop photographers on the road wearing light camouflage. With the new performance version of the XF sedan, Jaguar has set its eyes on the German super trio -BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and Audi RS6.

The XF-R is said to be powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with direct injection developing somewhere north of 500Hp. In terms of styling, the most prominent features of the prototype XF-R seen here include the new grille, the larger air-intakes, the 20+-inch alloys, the subtle rear spoiler, the quad tail-pipes and the bonnet scoops. The XF-R is expected to be introduced in early 2009.

Via: Car

Jaguar & Land Rover Readying Hybrid Versions

Former Ford Group owned Jaguar and Land Rover are developing a series of hybrid models that will go on sale in Europe within the next five years. British magazine Autocar is reporting that the two carmakers that are now part of the Indian Tata Motors Group are developing two hybrid systems based around two new engines, a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel version of the current 2.7 V6 and the all-new 5.0-liter V8 petrol unit that’s expected sometime next year.

The first mild-hybrid models to be introduced into the market will be the Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ in 2010. All of these models will be equipped with the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel unit combined with a micro-hybrid system using stop-start technology. This system alone is believed to boost fuel economy of these vehicles by as much as 10 percent. -Continued

It is also reported that Land Rover is developing a more sophisticated version with a super-capacitor for short-term storage of electricity and a starter-generator that will be able to recharge the battery during engine-braking. This system could make its appearance as early as 2010.

As for a full-hybrid, both British carmakers are expected to introduce their propositions in 2012. However, Jaguar and Land Rover will use different solutions with the 4x4 maker expected to utilize a rear-mounted 'Electric Rear Axle Drive' electric motor.

Via: Autocar

Arden Jaguar XF AJ21: New Images and Details Released

Despite the fact that Arden's official images of the new Jaguar XF AJ21 appear to be the product of photoshop, the German tuning firm's sporty outfit for the XF looks mighty nice. Arden has enhanced the Jaguars appearance with a new bodykit that includes a new front bumper with integrated LED-day lights, side sills with functional air inlets that cool the rear brakes, a rear lid spoiler and a rear diffuser that incorporates the new exhaust tailpipes.

Additionally, the German firm has equipped the XF with an enlarged radiator grille in handmade stainless steel mesh along with a set of new 21-inch alloy wheels. Without giving any specific information or pictures, Arden says that the XF's interior has also been revised. -Continued

In terms of the mechanical improvements and apart from the sport suspension, Arden will offer power upgrades on all four available engines in the XF. Its top-of-the-line SV8 model will feature a modified version of the XF's 416Hp 4.2-liter supercharged V8 with a displacement increase to 4.5-liters delivering more than 500Hp.