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Prototype Jaguar sells for $5 million

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:29:10 +0000

The “missing link” Jaguar fetches $5 million at at Bonhams & Butterfields’ Quail Lodge Sale in California last week. This car sets a new record for Jaguar prices, but falls short of the ultra-exclusive Bugatti Type 57C Atalante that sold for $7.92 over the weekend a few miles up the road in Pebble Beach.

This Jag is the 1960 E2A prototype racer that bridged the gap between the champion D-Type and legendary E-Type. Renowned race drivers Dan Gurney and Walt Hansgen turned the wheel of this car at the 1960 Le Mans. It was raced under Briggs Cunningham’s race team, and the car still carries the team’s white with blue stripes colors today. Unfortunately the car never finished the race when the head gasket failed. The one-of-a-kind racer did go on to victory in the 1960 race in Bridgehampton, New York.

Arden AJ 21 based on the Jaguar XF

admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:48:53 +0000

After few months of waiting for someone to give Jaguar’s newest cat a meaner growl, Arden, the British tuning company specialized in Jaguar cars, finally unveiled its customized AJ 21 based on the Jaguar XF. As you can see from the photos the new vehicle features a new body kit consisting in a completely re-designed front bumper with integrated daytime running LED’s in the Audi style, new side sills, a trunk spoiler and a re-designed rear spoiler with integrated exhaust system and rear air diffuser.

Under the hood, the 4.2 liter supercharged V8 engine was replaced by a much stronger 4.5-liter engine capable to develop 550 hp. The 2.7-liter V6 engine offers now 250 hp, with 43 hp more than the standard version. Also a new suspension was added in order to improve the stability of the car, together with new 21-inch alloy wheels. No words about the price yet.

Jaguar, Land Rover productions scheduled a leaked following sale to Tata

besthidxenon — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:36:05 +0000

Following Wednesday’s announcement that Jaguar and Land Rover officially belonged to India’s Tata Motors, the luxury marques’ future product plans were leaked. The plans continue all the way up to 2016 — although Tata has only agreed to guaranteed the next five years of production plans — and show some radical changes for the brands. AutoWeek claims to have the inside goods on future Jaguar and Land Rover products, and here is what they say is in the works: 2009 Jaguar For 2009, Jaguar will roll out an R version of its all-new XF sedan, plus an up-rated and XKR — nothing really new there. In addition to the new 5.0-liter supercharged V8 — delivering 500 horsepower — a naturally aspirated version of the same engine — producing 380 horsepower — will also be offered in Jaguar models (though it’s unclear which ones). Land Rover Changes scheduled for Land Rover next year include a revised Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The SUV’s interiors will get the most attention, but Jag’s 5.0-liter V8 will also be added under the hood. 2010 Jaguar Jaguar will launch its all-new flagship XJ sedan in 2010. The XJ will take on some styling cues from the XF, but will remain more luxury-oriented than the XF. The new XJ will remain the same size, but its interior volume should increase thanks to better packaging. Jaguar’s ill-fated X-Type will finally get the ax in 2010. As previously reported, U.S. sales have already ended. Land Rover The LR3 will see a face lift in 2010, with a heavy emphasis on improving interior quality and fit and finish. Jaguar’s aforementioned 380 horsepower 5.0L V8 will likely find its way under the 2010 LR3’s hood, too. 2011 Land Rover Land Rover’s LRX concept will make production in 2011, but it remains unclear what Land Rover will call it. LR1 is in the mix but could be too entry-level and, on the opposite side of the coin, LR4 could be too up-market. Whatever Land Rover decides the name the SUV, the road-going version of the LRX will have a hybrid option. 2012 Jaguar Jaguar’s long-awaited throw-back sports car will finally make production in 2012. Currently dubbed the F-Type — although the production model could be called the XK-E — Jaguar is currently deciding whether to base the car on the XF or XK. Land Rover For 2012, a seven-seater version of the LRX is possible. Details remain scarce, but Land Rover is said to be aiming for the Mini Clubman’s uniqueness. 2013 Jaguar The range-extending Jaguar XF coupe should bow in 2013, although it still needs the green light from the company’s new owners. With the XF sedan bowing this year, it begs the question why the world must wait until 2013 for a two-door version. But then again, it took Cadillac a while to produce the CTS coupe. Contrary to recent rumors, there are no plans for an XF drop-top or wagon. Land Rover Land Rover’s flagship Range Rover will be completely overhauled for 2013, and the changes will see the SUV become larger and more stylish. Perhaps the most staggering news about the new Range Rover is that it will sticker for an astonishing $200,000, thanks to its Bentley-like appointments. But despite the Range Rover’s growth in luxury in size, fuel economy will see an increase — due to the use of light-weight materials and an available hybrid powertrain. 2014 Jaguar 2014 should see an all-new XF, complete with an all-alloy body construction. Little else is known about the next-generation XF but it will be designed alongside the 2015 XJ to keep costs down. Land Rover An all-new Range Rover Sport will bow in 2014 and will also switch to an all-aluminum body. A new Land Rover Defender is also a possibility for 2014, although nothing is set in stone. However, Tata is said to be carefully considering the project as the Indian automaker has a growing interest in a rugged 4×4 model that could be sold throughout the world — think Toyota Land Cruiser. 2015-2016 Jaguar An all-new XJ will join the Jaguar lineup. Land Rover Land Rover is due for a new LR3 sometime in 2015 or 2016, although it remains unclear what platform the new SUV will ride on.
[ Jaguar, Land Rover productions scheduled a leaked following sale to Tata Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Tata buys Jaguar and Land Rover for $2.3 billion

besthidxenon — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:33:00 +0000

Ford announced on Wednesday the sale of its Jaguar and Land Rover luxury brands to India’s largest automaker, Tata Motors. The deal will include the brands, plants and Intellectual Property Rights, all for a cash sum of about $2.3 billion, with a commitment from Ford to pay out $600 million in future pensions to retired employees of the two brands. The purchase is to be completed by the end of June, the second quarter of the year, pending government approvals. Other stipulations of the contract include Ford continuing to supply Jaguar and Land Rover powertrains, stampings and other components, as well as environmental and platform technologies, among others, for unspecified and differing amounts of time. Ford will also provide engineering support, research and development, information technology, accounting and other services. In some markets, Ford will continue to provide financing for Jaguar and Land Rover dealers and customers for up to 12 months. “We have enormous respect for the two brands and will endeavor to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities intact,” said Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors. “We aim to support their growth, while holding true to our principles of allowing the management and employees to bring their experience and expertise to bear on the growth of the business." "Jaguar and Land Rover are terrific brands," commented Alan Mulally, Ford’s CEO. "We are confident that they are leaving our fold with the products, plan and team to continue to thrive under Tata’s stewardship. Now, it is time for Ford to concentrate on integrating the Ford brand globally."
[ Tata buys Jaguar and Land Rover for $2.3 billion Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Alfa to share platforms, dealerships with Jaguar?

besthidxenon — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 04:08:01 +0000

Now that Jaguar’s sale to Tata is as good as a done deal, it has been revealed that Fiat could team with Jaguar to produce premium rear-wheel drive vehicles for its Alfa Romeo brand and possibly even share some of the same dealerships — easing the Italian automaker’s re-entry into the U.S. market. “I think I would be more than pleased to collaborate with Tata in terms of Jaguar/ Range Rover, if in fact it ends up being owned by them,” Sergio Marchionne, Fiat’s chief executive, told the Financial Times. Fiat already has close ties with Tata — the Indian automaker purchasing Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford — as the two companies currently produce cars, engines and transmissions together in India. Tata head Ratan Tata also sits on Fiat’s board. The possible deal could also see Fiat using Jaguar and Land Rover dealerships for U.S. distribution, which would eliminate Fiat’s need to start a dealer network from Scratch. Fiat is also entertaining the idea of teaming with one of the Big Three U.S. automakers. However, just as Chrysler has learned, it’s not always a smart move to sell redundant vehicles under one roof.
[ Alfa to share platforms, dealerships with Jaguar? Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]