Jaguar cars

Track-Focused Jaguar XKR-S Caught Testing at Nurburgring

Back in February 2012, it was reported that Jaguar was preparing a track-focused XKR-S Coupe. Now, the guys from BridgetoGantry have caught a very strange looking XKR-S testing around the Nurburgring track. So, why do we think this is not just an ordinary XKR-S?

First, we looked at the front of the vehicle where we noticed the huge front splitter and dual canards. Then, there’s that huge rear wing at the back. These new elements should have a dramatic effect on front-end grip and feel in high-speed corners. Also, under those huge 20" wheels, we noticed an upgraded multi-piston big brake kit.

So, with all these updates provided to the XKR-S, we strongly believe that Jaguar is working on an even more impressive sports coupe. However, when asked about it, Jaguar officials said that "testing various vehicles and parts do not always necessarily lead to parts or vehicles entering volume production."

Let’s just hope they’re trying to keep it a secret, and not just testing parts.

Jag Shows us What Happens to Clay Model Cars After a Design is Complete

We’ve all seen the way that most luxury cars develop through their conception phase. They start off as a rough drawing, then become a computerized image, and finally turn into a clay model just before the design is finalized. We have often wondered what happens to these clay models after all is said and done. Do they throw them in an over-sized kiln and cook them so they remain permanent fixtures forever embedded in their designers’ memories, or do they destroy them in dramatic fashion with axe-bearing employees?

For those of you that chose the latter scenario – as unbelievable as it sounds – this is precisely how Jaguar rid itself of this life-sized hunk of clay that was once the design platform for the all-new XF. Jaguar didn’t see it fit to just take the clay model into a back roof and hack it into bits, Godfather style, but rather film their three hitmen chopping this beautiful model into tiny bits.

You can see the dramatic video of the three men demolishing the clay model above. We are starting to wonder if every Jaguar model is hacked up in such dramatic fashion, if so, that is a great way to let off some steam. Unfortunately, we are willing to bet that this is significantly dramatized, but cool as hell nonetheless.

We could think of a few older Jags that could use some axe treatment. The X-Type that is the first on the list to catch an axe. No, we don’t mean the clay model; an actual X-Type (A.K.A. Ford Taurus in a Jaguar wrapper).

2013 Jaguar F-Type R

Back in April 2012, Jaguar officially confirmed that the F-Type sports car wold be coming, except they only confirmed it in a coupe version and a roadster version. Now, recent spy shots have revealed that an R version is also under development. Come on, anyone knows that all Jaguars come with their own R version, so this little development shouldn’t have taken anybody off-guard.

The future Jaguar F-Type R will be powered by the usual supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine used in almost all the other R models, but detuned to around 450 HP, which is still pretty impressive for such a tiny sports car.

Compared to the standard F-Type, the R version will get a set of quad exhausts, more prominent front and rear bumpers, a new set of wheels, and a sportier interior.

It is believed that the R version will be launched at the same time as the standard version, so expect to see the new F-Type in all its glory later in September 2012.

Now all we need to complete the lineup is for the Jaguar F-Type RS to get picked.

2010 - 2012 Jaguar XJ

After the XF, it was just a matter of time until we’ll have seen all the models in Jaguar’s line-up receiving the same treatment. And the first to get it was the luxury sedan XJ. While the old generation XJ is an old and unattractive car, the new one features a young, attractive and aggressive design. For the US market the luxury XJ is offered in six different versions with prices starting at $72,500.

The newest generation XJ - ranging from the 2010 to 2012 models - are the first Jaguar models built on Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminum body technology. The US customers will only get the 5.0-liter V8 engine, in both naturally aspirated and supercharged version. Output will range from 385 hp to 510 hp. The European customers however will also get a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine.

Jaguar will also offer both standard and long-wheelbase versions for the XJ, with the latter adding an extra 125mm of legroom. Also all the latest Jaguar technologies will make their way into the new model: air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar.

UPDATE 05/07/2012: Jaguar has unveiled a new video for their flagship XJ. Called simply "Innovations," the video displays new details on the car’s intuitive technology and innovative thinking. Enjoy!

Find out more about the 2010-2012 Jaguar XJ after the jump

2012 Jaguar XKR-S by Arden

When Jaguar unveiled the XKR-S sports coupe, we were more than impressed with its 550 HP V8 engine, but German tuner Arden didn’t agree. They decided it would be much better off with an upgrade package that increased the final output to an even more impressive 645 HP. If memory serves us correctly, this is the first upgrade kit offered for the sports coupe and will probably be one of the few offered.

With a car as sleek and stylish as the XKR-S - it was Playboy’s Car of the Year, after all - there wasn’t much Arden could do to improve on the exterior of the sports car. What they did do was remove the Jaguar logo from the grille, added a new spoiler that slopes a bit down and a new rear spoiler. The Jaguar sits on a new set of sportier wheels as well.

The biggest change, however, was made under the hood where the tuner added an extra 95 HP. The tuner didn’t reveal how they obtained the extra power, but they probably tweaked the ECU and added a new exhaust system at the very least.

2012 Bertone Nuccio Prototype

Bertone impressed the world with their Nuccio Concept unveiled back in March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and now, based on people’s reaction to the concept, Bertone has decided to offer a one-off prototype that was unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show in China.

The prototype unveiled in Beijing is fully functional and will feature a few exterior changes when compared to the initial concept. Bertone did not reveal many details on this new prototype, but the first images revealed show that the company adopted a different, more conventional solution for the headlights, and slightly thicker side mirrors. The concept’s distinctive roof and large, tapered windshield will still be offered.

Under the hood, Bertone will place a 4.3 liter V8 engine that will deliver a total of 480 HP and will mated to an automatic transmission.

This one-off prototype will be going on sale and according to Automotive News, a Chinese car collector is already waiting in the wings to make his purchase. Bertone CEO Marco Filippa said that the asking price for the Nuccio, which took an estimated 15,000 hours to design, engineer, and build, is about 2 million euro, or about $2,650,000 at the current exchange rates.

2012 Jaguar XKR Art Car

We have seen all kinds of art cars lately, but if we remember correctly, this may be one of the few times we actually see a Jaguar XKR Art Car. The car features a unique paint scheme courtesy of renowned local graffiti artist, Mr Kaves.

His work was done in order to attract a younger, hipper audience. The car was revealed at the STK restaurant in New York, where Mr Kaves also presented a fourth canvas based around the F-TYPE name.

Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design, was impressed by the final result: "I love it. It’s a fascinating contrast of beauty and drama. There’s a real edginess to it that we can enjoy at Jaguar."

Mr Kaves said: "I was enlisted to come up with something exciting and spontaneous. I went back to my roots and picked up the spray cans. Seeing the car itself and its great lines, it just inspired me."

2012 Jaguar XJ Ultimate Edition

There’s a good chance that anybody who has a Jaguar XJ in their garage probably has somebody doing the driving for them, but their ride along may get more interesting with Jaguar’s latest XJ special edition. At the Beijing Motor Show, Jaguar will be presenting the XJ Ultimate Edition, a special edition model that takes Jaguar luxury to the next level.

The XJ Ultimate Edition will feature plenty of luxury additions, including two separate, fully-reclining rear seats, folding aluminum tables, and just in case the owner gets a little parched, there’s also a cabinet specifically for a champagne bottle. iPads have also been fitted behind the front seats and goes pretty well - albeit slightly confusing - with a pair of TV screens on the back headrests.

We all know how the Chinese love high-end luxury sedans, so it’s no surprise that the XJ Ultimate Edition will be available for the Chinese market and will sell for a little under $180,000.

Updated 04/25/2012: Jaguar has unveiled a very cool promo video for their latest Jaguar XJ Ultimate Edition. Enjoy!

UPDATE 05/01/12: Jaguar has come out and released another new promo video of the XJ Ultimate Edition, telling us, basically, just how awesome the car is. And really, who are we to disagree? Check it out by clicking on the photo above!

Jaguar debuts brand new supercharged V6 and turbo-four cylinder at Beijing

The Beijing Auto Show press days are here and just before the doors officially open to the public, Jaguar has announced the two latest additions to its current engine line-up. Both engines will be forced-injection and mated to eight-speed ZF transmissions, making these new additions look extremely attractive.

The range-topper of the two will be a supercharged, 3.0 liter V6 while a turbocharged 2.0 liter in-line four cylinder will also make its world debut. Unsurprisingly, the new V6 engine will deliver more power and torque than the four-cylinder, delivering 340HP in base tune and up to 380HP when the engine is fitted to the incredible F-TYPE roadster previewed a few weeks ago.

Jaguar is keen to point out that the new V6 draws on the technology used in their flagship 5.0-liter V8, so the British manufacturer seems to have hit a home run with this latest addition. As previously mentioned, it will be supercharged making use of a twin-vortex unit and a water-cooled intercooler.

As for the new four-cylinder, it is said to pump out 240HP and is a direct decedent of the 2.0-liter unit offered in the stunning Range Rover Evoque. Furthermore, this engine will only tip the scales at 304 lbs, and is likely to be offered in future base Jaguar models, as well as an entry-level variant of the F-TYPE sports car.

TopSpeed Rendering: 2013 Jaguar F-Type

A few weeks ago, Jaguar officially revealed the first spy shots for the upcoming F-Type roadster. The F-Type will be announced later in 2012 and will borrow about 95% of its design elements from the C-X16 Concept announced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. We couldn’t wait to see the final product, so we went to the drawing board for a quick glimpse into the future.

The future Jaguar F-Type will be powered by a new 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers a total of 250 HP in a normally aspirated version and 375 HP in the supercharged R version. Jaguar has also confirmed that the future F-Type will be built as a two-seater convertible and will feature all-aluminum construction. The model will be priced under the current XK, or at about $85,000.

Let us know what you think of the rendering for the upcoming Jaguar F-Type roadster in the comment section below!