Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Axeon Build Electric Defender

One of the more obnoxious experiences we’ve had in a lifetime of memorably obnoxious experiences was bombing through the narrow streets of Dublin’s fair city in a Land Rover Defender 110 van. Though not gigantic by American SUV standards, the old Landie positively dwarfed most cars on the streets of Baile Átha Cliath. In an attempt to make the LWB successor to the classic Land Rover Series models a bit more socially acceptable, European electric-drive specialists Axeon have teamed up with Jaguar Land Rover South Africa to build an AC-powered Defender 110 for use in the country’s game preserves.
According to Axeon, the pickup-bodied, 193-hp Land Rover holds enough energy for thrice the typical game-preserve cruise in its 28.8 kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering roughly 50 miles of regular travel with another 12 in reserve. The trick bit of tech is that the battery pack’s designed to fit in the Defender’s engine bay, rather than underfloor, preserving the truck’s ground clearance and stream-fording capability. It’s on display right now at African tourism expo INDABA in Durban, South Africa.

by blog.caranddriver.com

2011 Jaguar XJL Review & Test Drive

With the introduction of the all-new 2011 Jaguar XJ L (long wheelbase), the all-new Jaguar lineup of exceptional luxury performance vehicles is now complete.  I am very impressed with the longer, sleeker and sexy styling, the incredible luxurious features inside and the smooth, refined ride of the performance-driven powertrain and suspension.  Jaguar has attained the zenith of luxury performance vehicles with the all-new XJ L.
With five extra inches of wheelbase and total length, the all-new XJ L is more versatile than the regular XJ. By more versatile I mean that the XJ L seats three in the rear more comfortably, it can be driven by your personal chauffer when you have a busy schedule and can’t spend time looking for a parking space, you can also take care of your business in the rear using the fold-down wooden table for your laptop, phone or other electronic devises. The XJ L is also an excellent vehicle that can be used by companies ferrying visiting clients between the airport, the headquarters office, or to and from restaurants after long meetings.  Lastly, because of the longer wheelbase the ride is even smoother than the regular wheelbase XJ.
The new XJ L brings new standards of sustainability to the luxury vehicle segment.  Its lightweight aluminum structure makes it at least 300 lbs. lighter over steel body construction, and is made of 50% recycled material allowing the XJ L to minimize its carbon footprint and create a potential savings of three tons of CO2 per vehicle, compared to a body 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 new 2011 XJ L is stunning, sleek, low and sexy from any angle that you view it.  With a total height of 57 inches, the XJ L is 1.3 inches lower than the new BMW 750 L.
The first impression you get is its visual assertiveness.  The XJ L’s sleek lines are complemented by a taut waistline, which further accentuates the impressive of its extra length and elegance, and creates a natural tension as it fades from the front into the middle section of the car before reappearing as a strong haunch towards the rear.
The new XJ L offers a modern interpretation of a number of key XJ design cues while maintaining the highest standard of personal luxury.  This is evident in how the strong, muscular lower half of the car contrasts with the slim and graceful quality of the roofline-a nod to the original 1968 XJ sedan.
A standard panoramic glass sunroof is an integral part of the all new XJ L’s design, enabling the car to have a lower, more streamlined roofline, while dramatically enhancing the feeling of light and space when inside.  The LED light clusters wrap stylishly over the rear fenders, and feature three dramatic red vertical strips while the elongated teardrop shape of the side windows and the wide, full perimeter, chrome strip establishes the car’s sexy and luxurious silhouette.

The rear is notable for its pure, sculpted shape with a conscience absence of ornamentation, as it only features a single leaping Jaguar, the XJ L badge and a tasteful chrome strip in the center of the bumper.  You will also notice a lip spoiler on top of the trunk lid to enhance downforce plus drivers following you will be impressed with the dual, six inch wide rectangular chrome exhaust pipes nicely cut down below.
The face of the all-new 2011 XJ L is confident, with a wide front track, low stance and short overhang contributing to the finely judged proportions.  The nose of the car follows Jaguar’s new design language with a bold and assertive treatment-the powerful upper and lower mesh grilles with the Jaguar face including slim Xenon headlights with lower LED horizontal running lights, create a strong road presence while the wrap-around rear screen reduces the visual weight of the pillars and gives the impression of an exotic ‘floating roof.
The sleek design and refined luxury is continued inside the all-new XJ L by mixing newly advanced technologies and contemporary design to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin.  The overriding impression from the interior is a sense of personal space that is enhanced by the clean, simple form of the leather-wrapped instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle.  At the center of the instrument panel is an analog clock with individual chrome caplets, a spun metal face and iridescent blue background; a look inspired by luxury other vehicles.

The all-new XJ L’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 the beautifully crafted leather and satin elm veneer surfaces.  To further complement the cabin design is a level of choice of color, veneers, and leathers not seen before in a Jaguar.  My XJ L test model came with a leather headliner, semi-aniline leather seats and veneers with laser inlays.
A stunning, 12.3 inch high-definition Virtual InstrumentsTM complement an innovative 8 inch Touch-Screen that displays vehicle functions ranging from audio and video to navigation and climate control.  Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system that my test model came with and it is superb in all respects.  Advanced infotainment features also include a hard-drive based audio and navigation systems, and a comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the power Media Hub.
The all-new Jaguar XJ L’s beauty is much more than skin deep.  You have a choice of three engines-a 5.0 liter 385hp naturally aspirated V8, that I tested, a 5.0 liter 470hp supercharged V8 and a 5.0 liter 510hp supercharged V8.  In naturally aspirated form, the XJ L’s engine develops 380lb.ft. or torque, enough torque to rocket the car to 60mph from 0mph in just 5.4 sec., both supercharged V8’s develop 424lb.ft. of torque that launches each to 60mph from 0mph in just 4.7 sec.  All three engines combine deft performance, unparalleled character, peerless pedigree and have a classic Jaguar blend of strength and precision.

All engines transmit their power and torque 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 fuel economy.  When the time and place is right you can turn the chrome shift dial to S (sport) to increase the reaction time to your inputs, increase rpm’s, and increase the tension of the dynamic adaptive shocks and to make gear changes yourself by using the steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and instantly change gears up or down as needed to quicken your pulse.  This is the same large chrome rotary dial first introduced and featured in the acclaimed all-new Jaguar XF.  When you push the start button on the dashboard the rotary knurled knob floats up and you turn the chrome switch to your selected gear, when you push the button to stop the engine it floats down and disappears giving the center console a cleaner appearance.  The electronic brake is used by pulling back a chrome bar also located on the center console to enable the brake or pushing forward to disengage when you are ready to drive off.
With the XJ L, Jaguar has built upon its leading quality performance using the latest virtual product technologies.  These proven Jaguar dynamic technologies are taken to new higher levels in the all-new XJ L.  Features such as air suspension Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable shock absorbers), and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, sporting, dynamic handling and a refined, supple ride expected of Jaguar.
To elaborate, the all-new, fully independent suspension system features double-wishbones, coil springs, dynamic adaptive real-time shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar up front.  The rear independent multi-link setup features self-leveling air springs, dynamic adaptive real-time shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. Front and rear suspension isolated cradles increase handling performance and lessen noise, vibration and harshness.  The ride and handling is incredible for a long wheelbase sedan, I loved every minute I spent behind the wheel.

Braking is also superb with large vented steel disc brakes at each corner.  Up front are 14.2in. discs clamped with four-piston calipers, while the rear setup features 13.2in. rotors clamped with single-piston calipers.  Braking control and power are enhanced with standard ABS, EBD, BA, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control.
The all-new XJ L rides on 19X8.5in. front and 19X9.5in. rear, double-five spoke alloy wheels wrapped with Pirelli 245/45R19 front, and 275.40R19in. rear low-profile, high performance P Zero Nero tires for added traction and a more compliant ride.
Standard equipment in the XJ L not mentioned above include a heated windshield, heated leather wrapped/power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, infinitely variable front bucket seats with heating/cooling, lumbar/massage/side bolster/headrest height controls, heated/cooled rear outboard seats, SMARTKEY keyless entry/start/stop, navigation with 30GB hard drive, Bluetooth/iPod/USB connection, power windows all-express up/down with fold door locks, three-zone climate control, pull-down rear armrest with dual cupholders/storage, power folding/self-dimming sideview mirrors, self-dimming rearview mirrors, four lighted vanity mirrors, map lamps, a front center console with dual cupholders, storage slot and deep/wide storage bin with padded top, rain sensing wipers, radar sensing cruise-control, front and rear cameras, four Harrier Jump Jet   design inspired swiveling chrome air ducts, power rear sunshade with two manual operated rear side window sunshades, chrome interior door handles, grab handles above each rear door, rear reading lamps, map pockets behind the front seats, front/rear lower ambient lighting for easy entry/exit at night, thick aluminum door kick panels at each door bottom, storage slots in the front/rear doors, thick cut-pile carpeting and Jaguar embroidered floor mats with full-perimeter piping.
The all-new 2011 Jaguar XJ L also comes standard with a CD/DVD player, HD radio, and SIRIUS satellite radio receiver.  In addition, the Media Hub provides flexible connectivity through two (one front/one rear) USB ports, Bluetooth audio streaming and an auxiliary input (rear) which allows the user to connect with iPods, iPhones, laptops and Blackberrys.
Standard safety features include front/rear crumple zones, steel beam in each door, 5-3-point safety belts with pretensioners/load limiters up front, driver and front passenger front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, Blind Sport Monitor on each sideview mirror, alarm and engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring system and LATCH child seat anchors.

The all-new 2011 Jaguar XJ L is one of the finest luxury performance long wheelbase sedans on the market today.  It is sleek, elegant, very comfortable, luxurious, powerful, high performing and safe.  This week marks a very special seven days behind the wheel of this magnificent all-new Jaguar and accolades came from all of the people who stopped to congratulate me on owning such a beautiful sedan.  If they only knew.
by .automotiveaddicts.com

Fat Cat Going Into Production: Jaguar C-X75 Hybrid Supercar To Cost $1.1 Million

Probably the sexist cat yet, the new Jaguar C-X75 Hybrid Supercar combines a performance oriented electric motor and a gasoline engine that will allow the vehicle to reach speeds over 200mph. 0-60mph times are estimated to be under 3 seconds. This exclusive hybrid supercar is made up of a light-weight carbon-fiber chassis and only 250 examples will be built at a heavyweight price of $1.1 million.
If you see a little classic XJ220 in the design of the C-X75, don’t worry, your eyes are not deceiving you.  Jaguar has intentionally revived that old-school look and even incorporated some design elements from the 1966 XJ12 Le Mans prototype. It is speculated that the C-X75 will get 780 horsepower but that figure has not been confirmed yet. Hit up the press release below for additional information.

• Jaguar to launch C-X75 as a hybrid supercar
• Mixes internal combustion power with electric motors to achieve supercar performance and less than 99g/km CO2 emissions
• Downsized highly boosted petrol engine with two powerful electric motors and four-wheel-drive
• 0-60mph in less than 3 seconds
• 0-100mph in less than 6 seconds
• Top speed in excess of 200mph
• All-electric running range in excess of 50km
• True-to-concept, lightweight, all carbon-fiber chassis
• Groundbreaking association with Williams F1 – built in the UK
• Direct technology transfer from top-level motorsport
• Prices from £700,000 depending on local market and taxes
• Exclusive limited volume hybrid supercar – only 250 will be built

MAHWAH, N.J. – May 6, 2011—Jaguar can today confirm that it will launch the remarkable C-X75 concept car as an exclusive hybrid supercar.
Jaguar C-X75 will become the British marque’s most advanced model to date. It will offer performance on a par with the fastest production cars on the market, while adopting cutting-edge technology that offers remarkably economical running. Jaguar expects this hybrid supercar to deliver incredibly low CO2 emissions of less than 99g/km while being able to achieve in excess of 200mph.
“People expect Jaguar to be innovators – that is when Jaguar is at its best,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director. “The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car. We’ve been building on that momentum and there is a clear business case for this exclusive halo model. No other vehicle will better signify Jaguar’s renewed confidence and excellence in technological innovation than this.”
Project C-X75 will be the ultimate expression of Jaguar design and engineering innovation. This high-performance hybrid supercar will stay true to the initial concept design study that made its debut at the 2010 Paris motor show, while fulfilling requirements that allow it to be homologated for road use.
“We were always determined that the Jaguar C-X75 would be as striking on the road as it was in concept form,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars. “This will be the finest looking and most innovative Jaguar ever produced. Even in the world of supercars, we can still produce the most beautiful.”
In an unprecedented move, Jaguar C-X75 will be developed in association with Williams F1 who will provide their engineering expertise in areas including aerodynamics, carbon composite manufacture and hybrid technologies. This association will be at the leading edge of British automotive engineering and innovation.
“Confirmation of this project today signposts Jaguar Land Rover’s continued determination to embrace new technologies,” said Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr Ralf Speth. “A supercar like the C-X75 is the logical choice to showcase cutting-edge design, intelligent use of new environmental technologies and motorsport-inspired performance.”
It also marks a new milestone in both company’s histories as Jaguar Land Rover and Williams collaborate for the first time to produce one of the world’s highest performance and environmentally sustainable supercars. The production of Jaguar C-X75 will create more than one hundred highly-skilled jobs in the UK.
A direct technology transfer between elite motorsport and road-going production cars is key to C-X75’s success. The supercar’s chassis will be made of carbon-fiber to create an incredibly lightweight, yet rigidly strong structure.
Aiding the transition from concept to production vehicle is the choice of powertrain. Jaguar continues to develop the use of the micro-turbine technology that was showcased in the original concept C-X75. Jaguar’s parent company Tata has taken a significant stake in Bladon Jets, and will develop this very advanced technology as a medium-term aspiration that will play a part in Jaguar vehicles of the future.
To bring Project C-X75 to showroom reality within the timescales of a conventional model program, an equally innovative powertrain had to be developed. The road-going supercar will use a state-of-the-art, small-capacity, highly-boosted internal combustion engine with one powerful electric motor at each axle.
“The engine’s compact size allows it to be mounted low in the car for optimum weight distribution and to retain the concept’s stunning silhouette. This will make the Jaguar C-X75 a bona fide hybrid supercar capable of silent electric running with an extensive EV range in excess of 50km,” explained Bob Joyce, Group Engineering Director, Jaguar Land Rover.
When C-X75’s motors and combustion engine combine, it will be one of the fastest production cars in the world, with a sub-three second 0-60mph time and a top speed in excess of 200mph. Crucially, this performance will be generated alongside incredibly low emissions, with a target of less than 99g/km CO2, thanks to Project C-X75’s lightweight construction and cutting-edge powertrain technology.
Williams F1 has been at the forefront of motorsport engineering for three decades. The project engagement on Jaguar C-X75 is testament to the team’s ambitions and will bring together two leading lights of the UK motoring industry.
“Our new association with Jaguar Land Rover provides us with an exciting opportunity to work with one of the motoring world’s most famous and iconic brands,” said Sir Frank Williams, Chairman of Williams F1. “Williams has always considered itself an engineering company and so this project will allow us to combine our technical expertise to create something truly exceptional.”
Jaguar C-X75 will redefine the customer experience, and will set new standards in sales and after-sales services that will be recreated across the range in the future. Only 250 examples will be built, each costing between £700,000 – £900,000 depending on market and local taxes.
“Never before has the company launched such an ambitious, world-beating vehicle program,” said Carl-Peter Forster, CEO Tata Motors. “This is the Jaguar of the future. The opportunity for innovation like this in the UK is part of the reason Tata Motors invested in Jaguar, and it’s fantastic that products like the
C-X75 can become reality.”
From today Jaguar will be taking expressions of interest via its website www.jaguar.com or via its dedicated C-X75 contact service on the following numbers:
UK: 0800 015 8605
International: +44(0)1932 335370 or +44(0)1932 335365
China: 400 820 8955
# # #

The Week In Reverse: Jaguar C-X75, Benz SLS, And #DumpTrump

2012 BMW 6-Series convertible first drive

Do you remember where you were, when the #DumpTrump campaign got #TheDonald bounced from the #Indy500 pace car in about twelve minutes? You're excused if you stepped out for a Starbucks and missed it all. [MotorAuthority]
In the wee hours today, the Jaguar C-X75 went from concept to sort-of reality--if a $1.2 million micro-turbine plug-in hybrid has anything to do with reality in the first place. [GreenCarReports]

On the other side of the Channel, Mercedes-Benz splashed its SLS AMG roadster over the Web before a Frankfurt auto show debut. So that's what a Viper looks like without a roof! Wait...[MotorAuthority]

Just about every automaker posted higher new-vehicle sales in April. Toyota was a notable Debbie Downer, while Porsche and MINI hit all-time highs, even without the help of Rita Coolidge. [TheCarConnection]

Deep in the sales numbers, one cold fact took our analytic breath away: the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf outsold the Saab 9-5 last month. [TheCarConnection]

Who's a big fan of the Chevy Volt? Shocker: it's the father of Christine, and a guy once run over by a Chrysler minivan. [GreenCarReports]
Thinking ahead now, what will you need to know to sell your used electric car? Probably first, to keep it charged for test drives. [AllCarsElectric]
We're all going to pay for drivers who still don't buckle up--and it could come in the form of mandatory roll-over airbags. [TheCarConnection]
On the airbag tag, we're still following Honda's widening recall of early-2000s vehicles for problems with airbags. [FamilyCarGuide]
Last thing before you go--if you haven't seen the amazeballs mash-up of Charlie Sheen, Saab and some Auto-Tuned audio, you're not really all about the social media, are you? [SocialCarNews]

2012 Jaguar XF Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows

When we say the face has been altered, that’s all we mean.
If there were any scowls or frowns upon the introduction of the Jaguar XF in 2007, they stemmed from disappointment with the car’s front fascia. The company’s then-new mid-range luxury sedan had been previewed by the erotogenic C-XF concept, but just a little of the prototype’s appeal was lost in translation to production. For 2012, Jaguar has righted that ship, nipping and tucking the face of the XF and bringing it more in line with the concept we saw a few years ago.
by blog.caranddriver.com

2012 Jaguar XK Gets New Snout, Warm Beeringsley Approves

We knew this was coming. When Jaguar announced the super-extra-fast 2012 XKR-S at the Geneva show, we noted a set of new eyes up front. Turns out those headlights aren’t exclusive to the XK range-topper, as the entire line will be getting them, along with new front fascias and some other subtle changes.
The XK and XKR get wider mouths to match the XKR-S. XK coupes and convertibles get chrome mesh inserts, while the XKRs’ are matte black. The new headlights use LED elements for indicator and running-light functions. Jag also has modified the fender vents; gone are the vertical gills, replaced instead by a horizontal air slot. The hatch lid gets a smaller chrome strip that makes way for a newly applied Jaguar “leaper” logo. A “Black Pack” is optional on the XK and XKR, and includes gloss-black 20-inch wheels and replaces exterior chrome trim with matte black pieces for a look similar to that of the XKR-S.

The XK’s interior also is updated slightly. The most obvious change is the gloss-black center-console trim, while the switches get a new “soft-feel paint” coating. A leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel has been fitted, and there also are new wood, headliner, and color-combo choices. The performance seats from the XKR-S will be available on XK Portfolio and XKR models, and the XKR-S’s suspension can be specified for the XKR via a newly optional Dynamic Pack.



by blog.caranddriver.com

Jaguar Planning Brand New V-6 Engine for XF (and Maybe XJ)

Perhaps you read in this week’s Financial Times that Jaguar is looking at building a new factory for engine construction in the UK. What the company hasn’t said—but thanks to our sources, we can now confirm—is that the added production capacity will allow the Jaguar to begin construction of a brand-new six-cylinder engine. The engine should come to the U.S. in the XF, and possibly even in the XJ.
At present, every Jaguar sold in the U.S. comes with an excellent 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Some are naturally aspirated and make 385 hp, while others are supercharged and produce 475 or 510 ponies. Europeans see more options for their cats: a 2.2-liter diesel four, a 3.0-liter diesel six, and the old Ford-based 3.0-liter V-6. You may remember that last engine from such groaning flops as the Jaguar X-Type 3.0 and the S-Type 3.0. Suffice it to say that the company needs a new gasoline V-6 for the U.S. market and for Europeans who want an engine designed during the current millennium. (Jag also needs all-wheel drive, but that’s not happening any time soon.)
Given that the outgoing lump makes 240 hp, we’d expect Jaguar’s new six-pot to produce significantly more power, something comparable to the 300-plus-hp engines from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. It seems sensible that this engine would be paired to the eight-speed automatic that the company recently announced would be used in 2.2-liter diesel cars in Europe. We were told our wait for the engine wouldn’t be too long, so we figure that we’ll see it in the 2013 or 2014 model year.
by blog.caranddriver.com