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Jaguar takes evolutionary approach for 2016 XF [w/videos]

One week ahead of its debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show, Jaguar has let loose a slew of images and details on the second-generation 2016 XF Sedan. The release comes alongside a high-profile stunt over London's Canary Wharf. A total of 75 percent of the XF's body is made from aluminum, which trims the big cat's curb weight by 132 pounds on the rear-drive model and 265 pounds on the all-wheel-drive variant. Aside from aiding acceleration, braking and fuel economy, the advanced structure promises an increase in torsional stiffness as well as a 50-50 weight distribution. Beyond that, the new car's dimensions differ only slightly compared to last year's XF. The wheelbase has been stretched by two inches, although the new model is 0.3-inches shorter and 0.1 inches lower. Double wishbones are used in front while an integral-link suspension sits in back with standard traditional dampers and optional adaptive dampers. Jaguar is also promising the Configurable Dynamics system that was pioneered on the F-Type. No surprise here, but an electric power-assisted tiller will be in use, although Jag says it benefits from lessons learned with the XE. Jaguar is mum on its full powertrain lineup, although it does mention that both 340-horsepower and 380-hp versions of Jaguar Land Rover's familiar 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 will be offered, paired with standard eight-speed automatic transmissions (likely the highly regarded ZF autobox). Jaguar's designers, led by design director Ian Callum, didn't rock the boat too much for the new sedan. Clearly inspired by the upcoming XE, the new XF gets a wider, but thinner grille. The headlights are slimmer, but retain a similar shape compared to last year's car, and as is the trend, they're now lined with LED accenting. The S trim, shown above, gets wide, menacing grilles in the front bumper as well as a total lack of chrome trim. The XE influence is most evident on the XF's tail, where the Aston Martin-aping taillights of the first-gen have been ditched, with broader, angled units, complete with an F-Type-inspired LED pattern. As with the current car, a thin chrome strip ties the lights together, while the lower bumper on this sportier model features a gloss black surround for the dual exhausts. Not surprisingly, the XF's profile is pretty classic, with a very long hood and a short deck that terminates in a handsome duckbill spoiler.

Jaguar readying a pop-top F-Type Coupe? [w/poll]

Typically convertibles are spun off of coupes, but sometimes it goes the other way. Like the Porsche Cayman that was based on the Boxster, the Lotus Exige spun off of the Elise, and the Jaguar F-Type, which arrived as a roadster before the coupe debuted. But if the latest reports are to be believed, Jaguar could be planning something in between.
According to Auto Express (which has, mind you, been known to stretch the rumors out some), Jaguar is toying with the idea of offering a partial convertible version of the F-Type - something Porsche would call a Targa (and which we would too if Stuttgart weren't so litigiously protective of the name). The additional roof configuration would give the F-Type three body-styles, giving its customers more choices.
It wouldn't be the only sports car to offer three roof options: There's the Porsche 911, of course. Ferrari once offered GTB, GTS and Spider versions of the 348 and 355. The Chevy Corvette has been offered in all three forms, as was the Pontiac Solstice many moons ago. But that kind of variety in roof configurations has become scarce. Jaguar's decision reportedly depends on whether it can make the business case or not. Do you think there'd be enough demand for a lift-roof F-Type?

James Bond Spectre villain to drive never-was Jaguar C-X75 supercar

James Bond is used to being outgunned. Often working alone, 007 has developed a knack for taking out major criminal syndicates and terrorists despite this routine disadvantage. But in his latest film, Spectre, we suspect Mr. Bond will have met his match in at least one regard – the car being driven by his nemesis, Franz Oberhauser, played by Christoph Waltz. For the 24th Bond flick, Spectre, the chief baddie will reportedly be driving the oft-fancied Jaguar C-X75 Concept car, which will star opposite of the hero's new Aston Martin DB10. As you'll recall, Jaguar flirted with actually producing the C-X75 before calling it off just over two years ago. According to Autocar, which spoke to people involved in the film's production, Herr Oberhauser's C-X75 will be powered by Jaguar Land Rover's popular 5.0-liter, supercharged V8, rather than its original complex hybrid powertrain (which relied on four electric motors recharged by a pair of diesel-fueled micro gas turbines). Jaguar would not confirm its role in the upcoming film, although Autocar has pieced together a few powerful signs that the company will be donating the services of its concept to the new flick. First, supplying the villain's car for the latest Bond film fits in nicely with the company's "Good to be Bad" campaign, despite the fact that the villain, in this instance, is Austrian, rather than British. Moreover, Autocar points to Aston's use of the tagline "It's good to be Bond" since the reveal of the new DB10, as an indication that the Jag will be opposing its former corporate cousin in Spectre.