1973 Jaguar Xk V12 Roadster on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Jaguar's Callum refutes two XJ bodystyle rumor

Not long ago, we relayed word from Edmunds that Jaguar was planning to split its next-generation XJ sedan into two bodystyles - one model that continued the ambitious design approach fostered with the current X351-based model, and another, more upright model to better appeal to China's conservative design sensibilities.
We expressed some cynicism in the idea, noting that such a strategy "might catch more profits for the marque, but it might also represent a setback to design head Ian Callum's vision for a thoroughly modern Jaguar portfolio." Callum has been quite insistent in his belief that Jag needs to be a forward-thinking brand in terms of design, and the two-model strategy seemed to conflict with that idea. We tried to get some comment from Callum at that time, but were unable to reach him.
As it turns out, our cynicism was well-placed. Autocar says that while the next XJ will continue to have two wheelbases, Callum has denied the two-model talk, saying flatly: "I can't see us doing two bodystyles. The cost would be enormous and the message inconsistent. You have to believe in what you produce and to do two bodystyles would undermine that."

Lister Knobbly returning to limited production for 60th anniversary

Lister Cars was one of the pedigree names of British racing from its founding in 1954 and then on and off until the early 2000s. The company combined its own lightweight chassis with engines from other manufacturers, many of them British (and especially from Jaguar). Last year, the name and the intellectual property were sold to a new company that planned to revive the brand. For Lister's 60th anniversary, it is building a new version of one of its most famous racecars, the 1958 Lister-Jaguar Knobbly. The 2014 Listers are built to the exact specifications of the original cars, and the aluminum bodies are hand-formed on the original jigs. It is offered in racing trim starting at 249,000 pounds ($409,618) and is certified for FIA historic racing. There's also a road-legal version starting at 259,000 pounds ($426,060), if you don't intend to race but do intend to drive. There are two engines available, just like in the original car. A reproduction Jaguar D-Type 3.8-liter inline-six with dry-sump lubrication pumps out 330 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with a four-speed Jaguar gearbox. The other option is a 4.6-liter Chevy V8 with 315 hp and 290 lb-ft with a four-speed manual transmission. The Chevy-engined version also gets a slightly altered body with a higher hood to clear the engine. The first 2014 Listers will be delivered in the UK this April. Unlike many of these boutique sportscars, the racing version will be available to US buyers, but Lister won't federalize the road version due to the high cost. Scroll down to get all of the details about the revived racer. LISTER MOTOR COMPANY LAUNCHES NEW 60th ANNIVERSARY BROCHURE AS THE ORDER BOOKS BEGIN TO FILL New 60th Anniversary Lister Jaguar brochure now available 50 per cent of 2014 production already sold First cars to be delivered in April, 2014 Road-going variant to be offered at GBP259,000 + tax Race-going version to be GBP249,000 + tax. Following the recently announced purchase of the Lister Motor Company in May 2013, the company is delighted to announce that it has now published its 60thAnniversary Lister Jaguar brochure, which fully outlines the specifications for its fantastic recreation of the iconic Lister Jaguar 'Knobbly' racing car.

Jaguar unveils a Touring version of the XE SV Project 8 super sedan

Jaguar produced just 300 examples of the bonkers XE SV Project 8 super sedan. Now, it's going to build 15 more, but in a new street-spec Touring form. It's essentially the same as the track-spec version, but you lose the extreme aero elements. If you remember the Project 8 from a couple years ago, you know it has an adjustable carbon fiber wing sitting atop the decklid. This one just has a small lip spoiler, giving it a more discreet look. Additionally, the adjustable front splitter is swapped for a smaller fixed one that is less likely to scrape on everything you encounter on the road. Finally, Jaguar removed the aggressive decals, but you're allowed to put those back on optionally if you so choose. The Touring retains the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 making 592 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That's good for a 0-60 mph run in just 3.3 seconds. There is some bad news for those angling for the highest top speed, though. Jaguar limits the wingless Touring to just 186 mph, whereas the more stable, regular SV Project 8 is allowed to hit 200 mph. Another bit exclusive to the Touring is the required four-seat configuration. You were able to option the standard car with a half roll cage in place of the rear seats. But hey, don't you want to drive your friends around in your stupid-fast Jaguar? Weirdly enough, the Touring is actually a hair more expensive than the standard car. You'll be looking at a standard price of just over $190,000 to the regular car's $187,500 starting price. The difference is negligible at that point, and the Touring will actually be far more exclusive than the already limited standard Project 8. We certainly like the looks of the Touring version — it reminds us of the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring in nature and purpose, and there's a whole lot to love about that car. Jaguar says that even though it's only making 15 of them, some slots are still open for ordering. If the most powerful Jag without a wing strikes your fancy, we'd recommend getting in touch with Jaguar sooner rather than later.