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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #323 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #323 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
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Jaguar Land Rover will electrify all new models after 2020 — and maybe some old ones

Just as Volvo did earlier this year, Jaguar and Land Rover announced a date after which all new models introduced will be electrified. That date is 2020, a year after Volvo, and JLR's definition of electrification is very similar to Volvo's, including full electrics, plug-in hybrids, and mild hybrids. Whether the British automaker's mild hybrids will be something like the 48-volt start-stop function on the Audi A8 or a more conventional hybrid has yet to be announced. Regardless, internal combustion engines won't disappear from the Jaguar and Land Rover lineups yet, and there's still a couple of years before the start date for the companies to sneak in a fully gasoline or diesel model if they wish. And on the flip side, there's nothing stopping the companies from releasing EVs or hybrids before the start date, which is exactly what Jaguar is doing with the I-Pace. Jaguar reiterated that the electric crossover will go on sale in 2018. View 11 Photos Jaguar specifically isn't just looking at electrifying future cars, but also possibly classic cars. Jaguar Land Rover Classic revealed its fully electric E-Type concept. The vintage car department took a first-generation model and created a battery pack and electric powertrain that could fit in the car, leaving as much original as possible, including the way it drives. The battery pack and motor are mounted up front, with power sent to the rear, and they weigh roughly the same and fill roughly the same space as the old straight-six engine. This keeps weight distribution the same, makes packaging easy, and should keep the driving experience roughly the same as the old car — though the electrified version is faster. Jaguar claims a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 seconds, which is about a second quicker than the gas-powered model. It also has a range of 170 miles and a charging time of around 6 to 7 hours. Other changes include an updated interior with touchscreen infotainment, carbon fiber dash, and LCD instruments. Jaguar said this electric conversion is just a concept right now, which could be just as well. We're not sure many E-Type owners would line up to replace their old six- and 12-cylinder engines. After all, part of the appeal of those cars is the sound of the engine, and stirring a manual gearbox.

Tata confirms JLR is looking at NA for new plant

Despite recent rumors to the contrary, Jaguar Land Rover is considering building a factory in North America, though not necessarily in the United States. The confirmation comes directly from former Tata Motors boss and still chairman emeritus Ratan Tata in a conversation with Automotive News. "The company is indeed looking at North America as a location for another plant. Where they locate that plant, in which country or which state they locate, is something they will need to decide," Tata said to AN. The magnate indicated that he wasn't taking part in the decision, though. Rumors of JLR's plans to open a factory in the US go back to at least to 2014. The automaker was reportedly looking to open a plant in the South to produce around 200,000 vehicles a year, and at the time, South Carolina was considered a possible location. However, later speculation made Georgia a likely contender, especially after the state's governor reportedly flew to the UK to pitch the company on the idea. Recently, the business had allegedly changed its mind and had turned the sights towards Austria or Turkey as potential alternatives. JLR is seemingly on a factory building binge at the moment. It opened a new engine plant in the UK late last year and its first manufacturing center in China at about the same time. The latest Land Rover Discovery Sport will also get assembled in Brazil for the local market. Related Video: Featured Gallery Land Rover Discovery Sport production at Halewood View 44 Photos News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Jaguar Land Rover Plants/Manufacturing Jaguar Land Rover Luxury jaguar land rover