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Jaguar Land Rover reveals Bond cars [w/video]

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Frankfurt Motor Show coverage to bring you something far cooler. Jaguar Land Rover has officially introduced the cars it's lending to the latest James Bond film, Spectre. There's not much that wasn't previously covered as part JLR's February 2015 release, although there are some comments from the stars, as well as a pair of behind-the-scenes videos. At the very forefront of the British brand's charge is the Jaguar C-X75, the stillborn concept that set hearts aflutter with its handsome looks and its innovative turbine-powered drivetrain. According to Jaguar Land Rover, the orange supercar will be piloted by baddie Dave Bautista as part of an enormous chase scene throughout Rome. Meanwhile, Eve Moneypenny, played by Naomie Harris in her second Bond flick, will pilot the blacked-out Defender. For those that remember Skyfall, Miss Moneypenny spent most of the film's pre-title sequence tearing through Istanbul, Turkey behind the wheel of a silver Defender. Joining the Defender is the most powerful vehicle Land Rover has ever produced. The new Range Rover Sport SVR will show up wearing a menacing black paint job and featuring some extra lighting on both its roof and in its bumper. It's not clear who will be driving the 550-horsepower SVR, but in the photos released by JLR, it's shown trading places with a pair of Defenders as they rampage through the Austrian snow. Check out the photos of the vehicles below. You'll find both studio stuff and some set photos. There's also a full press release from JLR, as well as a pair of behind-the-scenes videos. Show full PR text Jaguar and Land Rover stunt vehicles Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and Land Rover Defender make international debut in Frankfurt, Germany ? SPECTRE cast members Naomie Harris and David Bautista attend star-studded event ahead of reveal at motor show ? Guests entertained by British singer and musician John Newman ? Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations [SVO] as well as Jaguar and Land Rover Design worked with filmmakers on the conception and creation of the Bond ? SVO is responsible for the most luxurious and highest performing cars that Jaguar Land Rover makes ? Jaguar and Land Rover to release exclusive and interactive behind-the-scenes SPECTRE content on www.JaguarUSA.com and www.LandRoverUSA.com (FRANKFURT, GERMANY) – September 15, 2015 - Today, Jaguar Land Rover celebrated their vehicles appearing in the new Bond adventure, SPECTRE.

Jaguar Classic's 3.8-liter engine block costs nearly as much as a new Jetta

Jaguar is helping collectors restore its vintage models by resuming production of the 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine block it built between 1958 and 1968. Called XK, the straight-six originally powered half a dozen models (including the famous E-Type), and its modern recreation costs nearly as much as a new compact sedan. Wearing part number C22250, the cast-iron block is built to the original's specifications by Jaguar's Classic division, and it comes with a 12-month warranty. Sourcing a used block would likely be markedly cheaper than ordering a new one from the factory, but enthusiasts who value originality above all will appreciate the fact that it comes certificate of authenticity. Customers who send the company proof of vehicle ownership can even retain the serial number from the engine they're pulling out, though an asterisk will identify it as a replacement. Jaguar built the XK engine for several decades, but the 3.8-liter variant only remained in production for 10 years. It powered cars like the surprisingly quick XK 150 roadster, the stately Mark IX and early examples of the E-Type, though its displacement grew to 4.2 liters in 1964. As of this writing, only the 3.8-liter XK is available new. If the E-Type you're painstakingly restoring deserves nothing less than the best, or if you think a 3.8-liter block makes an awesome coffee table, you'll need to send Jaguar a check for GBP14,340 including taxes, a sum that represents approximately $17,800 at the current conversion rate. Enthusiasts will also need to source pistons, connecting rods, a crankshaft and a complete cylinder head, among many other parts, so the cost of a full rebuild will lie well beyond the $20,000 threshold. For context, Volkswagen charges $18,895 for an entry-level Jetta. Related Video:

Watch four hours of fantastic machinery at Le Mans Classic 2016

The 24 Hours of Le Mans came and went, but it wasn't the end of the automotive activities at Circuit de la Sarthe. This past weekend, the venerable racetrack was host to the 2016 Le Mans Classic, in which seven decades of vintage racecars once again competed for glory. The event started with qualifying on Friday, July 8, and racing on the following Saturday and Sunday. Six "grids" of cars each included a different historic racing era, including the early days from 1923 to 1939, as well as that famous period from 1966 to 1971 that featured the all-conquering Ford GT40. The wide range of eligibility also permitted some unusual machines to show up, such as a 1950 Cadillac Series 61 and a 1974 Dodge Charger. This year also marked the debut of the Group C class for more recent Le Mans racers from 1982 to 1993. The 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B was not present, but one of the Peugeot 905 race cars that gave the marque a remarkable 1-2-3 finish at the 1993 Le Mans came back for the event. The Le Mans Classic also featured the Jaguar Classic Challenge just for cars made by the feline automaker, and the race attracted a bit of human star power. Chris Harris of Top Gear participated in the marque-specific race while behind the wheel of a new continuation Lightweight E-Type. And although the event happened over the weekend, you can catch most of the action via the recorded live stream above. It features a full four hours of vintage racing with commentary in both French and English. It's a great chance to see one of the best combinations of classic cars and historic venues out there. Related Video: Related Gallery Jaguar Continuation Lightweight E-Type View 46 Photos Image Credit: Le Mans Classic Jaguar Automotive History Classics Videos France chris harris vintage racing le mans classic circuit de la sarthe