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Artist imagines eerie world where cars have no wheels

The wheel ranks right up there with the telescope and four-slice toaster in the pantheon of inventions that have moved humankind forward. But what if a circle in three dimensions had never occurred to anyone, and we all had just moved on without it? Perhaps we'd be driving around in Lucas Motors Landspeeders with anti-gravity engines. Or maybe we'd have the same cars we do today, just without wheels.
That's the thought experiment that seems to have led French photographer Renaud Marion to create his six-image series called Air Drive. The shots depict cars throughout many eras of motoring that look normal except for one thing: they have no wheels. The models used include a Jaguar XK120, Cadillac DeVille (shown above), Chevrolet El Camino and Camaro, and Mercedes-Benz SL and 300 roadsters.
Perhaps one day when our future becomes our past, you'll be able to walk the street and see with your own eyes the rust and patina of age on our nation's fleet of floating cars. Until then, Monsieur Marion's photographs will have to do.

Jaguar's ambitious turnaround plan will put a big focus on the American market

Land Rover is on a roll, but it's been awhile since we've heard from sister company Jaguar. The company is concocting yet another turn-around plan, and recently-appointed CEO Adrian Mardell provided several details about what's in it and it means for the American market. Speaking to industry trade journal Automotive News Europe, the chief executive conceded that mistakes have been made. "[Jaguar] was incredibly successful in North America 25 years ago, before we took the compromises and the decisions we made," he explained. He stopped short of providing specific details but pointed out that Jaguar's best days have been "lost within Ford Motor Company data." If you need a crash course in Jaguar history, Ford bought the brand from British-Leyland in 1990 and sold it to India-based Tata in 2008. Mardell, who joined Jaguar Land Rover in 1990 and watched the group embark on a roller-coaster ride, sees big potential for growth on Ford's home turf. "There are 20 million millionaires in the United States alone. So, a lower volume [and a] higher price positioning is absolutely the right position for Jaguar today," he opined. In contrast, Jaguar has largely aimed for mainstream segments in recent years. The publication added that Jaguar's master plan calls for moving upmarket to fight in the same arena as Bentley and Porsche. As of writing, most buyers and journalists consider Jaguar an alternative to brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, and its current portfolio reflects this positioning: The XF competes in the same segment as the 5 Series, for example, while the F-Pace goes head-to-head against the X5. Moving upmarket is easier said than done, and there's no word yet on precisely how Jaguar will pull it off. We know that it's starting from scratch; it canceled the new XJ months before the big sedan's unveiling. Automotive News Europe learned that one of the models being designed to jump-start the brand is an electric four-door GT that will cost about GBP100,000 (around $128,000) when it goes on sale in 2024. Looking further ahead, the brand will continue to expand by launching two additional electric models. Their design will "split opinion." "What we will not worry about is being loved by everybody, because that is the kiss of death. That is what put Jaguar in the situation it is in today, which is with no equity whatsoever," outspoken JLR chief creative officer Gerry McGovern recently told a group of investors.

Jaguar and Land Rover now offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace will come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and the connectivity feature comes as a roughly $300 option on select and appropriately equipped 2019 Jaguar and Land Rover models, the joint automaker said. It comes via Jaguar Land Rover's Smartphone Pack, which is available on all 2019 and future models, but with conditions. The car in question must have the 10-inch InControl Touch Pro touchscreen or split-touchscreen Touch Pro Duo infotainment systems, plus navigation, InControl Apps and Wi-Fi connectivity. Those are included on some upper trim levels and available as separate options on others. So basically, depending on trim level, you could be looking at a simple $300 add or a long-line of other extra charges just to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are other new features coming for the InControl Touch Pro system as well, including voice command for navigation, major graphic refreshes for certain screens, new shortcut buttons on the home screen for key navigation, media and phone functions, and changes to the user experience in the media screen. Jaguar and Land Rover first introduced the InControl Touch Pro for 2016, enabling users to learn whether they have enough fuel or battery range to get to a searched-for destination and share their destination, current location and ETA with others via email or text message when using the on-board nav system. The Touch Pro Duo first debuted on the 2018 Range Rover Velar and will be standard on the 2019 I-Pace electric crossover, plus the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. It features interlinked dual upper and lower touchscreens. In terms of the trim level availability mentioned earlier, a JLR spokesperson tells us that Smartphone Pack is available on all 2019 Jaguar F-Pace trim levels. It is available separately starting with the F-Pace Prestige trim level, but on the base F-Pace and Premium versions, you have to also get the optional Connect Pro Pack, Navigation Pro Pack, and traffic sign recognition and adaptive speed-limiter pack. Yes, it is a bit complicated. JLR recently released a touchscreen infotainment system designed to blend in with vintage models that retails for $1,796 before taxes. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.