1971 Jaguar Xke 4.2l, Restored, New Top & Leather Interior Runs & Drives Great on 2040-cars

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #323 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #323 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #323
Lamborghini Veneno

2013 Jaguar XJ AWD

Even though this year's winter has gotten off to an abnormally slow start for most of North America, Jaguar has shown the world it means business by launching its all-new Instinctive All Wheel Drive system in Montreal, Canada. Designed primarily for consumers in the Northern US and Canada, Jaguar put us on the same snowy, slushy and icy roads that many of its buyers will have to deal with. Rather than making declawed versions of the XJ and XF, Jag says this system enhances the performance abilities of its sedans when desired while still making them as fun to drive as their rear-wheel-drive counterparts. We had a chance to test out both the XF AWD and XJ AWD, but we spent most of our time behind the wheel of the flagship XJ, driving it on the open roads as well as a few closed courses.
Considering the lengthy and convoluted history of the Jaguar brand - including a stint as a member of Ford's defunct Premier Automotive Group alongside Volvo and Aston Martin - it is rather surprising that the automaker is just now getting around to introducing an all-wheel-drive system intended for widespread use, but the new Instinctive AWD will finally allow the XF, XJ and other future products to better compete against the likes of Mercedes-Benz 4Matic, BMW xDrive and Audi Quattro. In the XJ, Jaguar expects the AWD models to account for around 40 percent of the product mix nationwide and a little bit more (50 percent) for the XF, but in the northern states, it expects around 80 percent of XF sales to be AWD variants.
Instinctive AWD is rear-biased and operates as full rear-wheel drive in good weather, but when the road conditions turn slick, the system can split engine power 50:50 between front and rear axles using a center transfer case.

Jaguar producing short film starring Damian Lewis from Homeland [w/video]

Jaguar is working up a short film to coincide with the US debut of the company's new F-Type. Desire will feature actor Damian Lewis in the lead role opposite Jordi Molla as the main villain in the story. The whole of the action will take place against the picturesque backdrop of the Chilean desert with filming starting early next month. According to Jaguar, the story will follow Lewis as he plays Clark, a man who delivers cars for living. Things get exciting when he crosses paths with a young woman played by Shannyn Sossamon.
With music by Lana Del Rey and some serious production value, Desire sounds keen to take its place among great automotive advertising short films like the BMW Driver series. Jaguar has released a quick teaser, which you can check out by heading over to the F-Type site. You may also take a peek at the full press release below for more information. Expect to see the film debut early next year.