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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.

1955 Jaguar D-Type that won Le Mans sets $21.78 million record price at auction

There's simply no denying that the Jaguar D-Type is one of the most noteworthy race cars ever devised. Jaguar pioneered the use of the monocoque chassis design, and D-Types won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957. And with its bodywork pulled taught over the wheels, engine, and passenger compartment, not to mention the massive fin behind the driver's headrest, the D-Type also one of the most stunning. The car you see above, Jaguar D-Type chassis number XKD 501, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1956, narrowly defeating a team from Aston Martin. Along the way, this D-Type completed 2,507.19 miles at an average speed of 104.47 miles per hour, and a maximum speed of 156.868 mph on the Mulsanne Straight. It was entered by the non-factory team Ecurie Ecosse, and therefore painted in the team's traditional Scottish blue with a white cross. That kind of provenance, coupled with its pristine original race-winning condition, makes XKD 501 extremely valuable. In fact, it just sold at RM Sotheby's Monterey auction for $21.78 million (a $19.8 million bid plus auction fees), making it the most expensive British automobile ever sold at auction. Take a gander at our high-res image gallery above to soak up all its low-slung goodness. Related Video:

Jaguar F-Type Checkered Flag edition marks 70 years of sports cars

Jaguar's first sports car, the XK 120, debuted in 1948, right in the midst of Britain's postwar recovery efforts. Since then, the company has had decades of success building everything from lightweight roadsters to record-setting supercars. Currently, the automaker's performance lineup is led by the Jaguar F-Type coupe and roadster. To celebrate 70 years of building performance cars, Jaguar is releasing a new special edition, the F-Type Checkered Flag. Most of the upgrades are visual and are available on both coupe and convertible models. In addition to badges and logos on the rear bumper, headrests, kick plates and steering wheel, the cars will be fitted with brushed aluminum trim and black leather. The steering wheel will have a red center marker at its top. There are additional red and white accents throughout the rest of the car. The F-Type Checkered Flag will be available in three colors: Caldera Red, Fuji White or Carpathian Grey, all with a contrasting black roof. Jaguar F-Type Checkered Flag View 18 Photos Somewhat surprisingly, the Checkered Flag upgrades will only be applied to four- and six-cylinder models paired with the eight-speed automatic. Turbocharged four-cylinder cars make 296 horsepower, while the supercharged V6 models make either 340 or 380 horsepower. The 380 horsepower model can be equipped with all-wheel drive. The F-Type R Dynamic package (not the same as the V8-powered F-Type R) packs revised dampers for a smoother ride. Other general changes for the 2020 model year include revised dampers on the F-Type R coupe and convertible. The F-Type R gets the SVR's rear upper ball joint, rear knuckle and rear control arm. A rear camera and parking sensors are standard across the board. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Jaguar Jaguar Convertible Coupe Luxury Performance