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Jaguar I-Pace electric crossover sales are taking off

Earlier this month, it was reported that Jaguar Land Rover is due for a turnaround plan to cut costs and improve cash flow. The owner of JLR, Tata Motors, is scheduling a 18-month plan called "Project Change," worth $3.2 billion. But it seems a step in the right direction has already been taken with the introduction of Jaguar's electric I-Pace: InsideEVs is reporting that Jaguar sold 1,200 I-Pace models in October, which represents strong growth for the brand and the new model. 8.7 percent of Jaguar's total October sales consisted of the I-Pace, meaning that the total October sales volume of 13,764 units was largely boosted by the new electric crossover. Total sales were up 11.6 percent, and it was overall the best October ever for JLR. Some 2,500 I-Pace crossovers have been sold so far. The October sales figure is a noticeable rise from September's 710 cars, which itself is a strong pickup from just 140 cars sold in August. These are signs of both production and sales perking up, and it wouldn't be surprising to see monthly I-Pace sales hit 2,000 units sometime soon. It helps that the I-Pace is priced competitively with Tesla Models S and X, starting at $70,495 including destination charge, with Jaguar-like performance and looks. Last month, we reported of Jaguar possibly going electric-only in the next decade, with a portfolio consisting of an electric XJ, a full-sized EV crossover and an electric sports car in addition to the I-Pace. Brexit uncertainty and China-market woes mean Jaguar is on unstable ground, but as its owner is about to run an even tighter ship, and it first full-electric model is visibly picking up the pace, the coming decade could turn out to be a positive for Jaguar. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: InsideEVs Green Jaguar Crossover Electric Luxury jaguar i-pace i-pace

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.

Bloodhound SSC makes its speed-ready debut in London

Bloodhound SSC, the 1,000-mph land speed record contender, broke cover this week in Canary Wharf, London, in the heart of the Docklands financial district. "This is the best of British engineering meets the best of British banking," quipped Philip Dunne, MP, minister of state for defense procurement, which has provided backing for the team in terms of Army and Royal Air Force personnel and equipment. The team announced that Bloodhound will do its first test runs in Newquay, Cornwall, next spring before traveling to Hakskeen Pan in northwest South Africa in the fall. There, on October 15, 2016, it will make its first attempt on the land speed record, which currently stands at 763.035 miles per hour. That speed was set by Thrust SSC in the Black Rock desert on October 15, 1997 by Bloodhound's driver, Andy Green. Nineteen years later to the day, Green will be shooting for a speed over 800 mph. Over 8,000 people will come to Canary Wharf to see this extraordinary jet- and rocket-powered car over the next couple of days. This is the first-ever viewing of the machine in assembled form. The right-hand side is fully dressed in desert spec, complete with forged aluminum wheels and aerodynamics. The left-hand side is in 'naked' Newquay test spec, with panels removed for easy access and the whole thing riding on rubber tires that can run on tarmac. First impressions are of a big yet muscular car simply crammed with engines, jets, and rockets. The most recognizable thing, apart from the seven fire extinguishers, is the Jaguar AJ133 5.0-liter V8, lifted from an F-Type, which will run the fuel pumps that deliver over 211 gallons of high-test peroxide over the rocket motor's 20-second burn time. The EJ200 Typhoon military jet engine occupies the top floor and provides nine tons of thrust, and underneath is the single Nammo rocket motor providing an additional four tons. "When we go for 1,000 mph, we'll need another two rocket motors," says Mark Chapman, Bloodhound's chief engineer. "That total additional eight tons of thrust is what we'll need to get from 800 to 1,000 mph." He explains that the rear of the car will have to be redesigned to accommodate the two additional rocket motors, and the suspension might have to be adapted with longitudinal rear spring units like the fronts. There are still unknowns in the project, such as the area of vacuum that will follow the car several meters behind.