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Jaguar brings the new XKSS to Jay Leno's Garage

Jay Leno is no stranger to the Jaguar XKSS, having driven Steve McQueen's no less. But that doesn't mean he would turn down a chance at another one, and certainly not the continuation model seen in this week's Jay Leno's Garage. This particular XKSS is the first of nine cars built to complete the car's original 1957 production run, which was cut short in a factory fire. The video covers many of the fascinating details that went into recreating the XKSS. Among them are Jaguar's acquisition of an original D-Type engine block to make new castings, and even replicating the type of type of steering wheel used back in the day. Most of the vehicle is made to be identical to the originals, with only a few changes made for usability. This includes better quality materials for the brake lines, and ethanol-resistant materials for the fuel tank. Because this particular XKSS was on its way to the LA Auto Show (where we saw it debut at the Petersen Museum), Leno didn't get a chance to take it for a spin. However, snippets of his drive in McQueen's car were added, since it's the same car for all intents and purposes. What Leno emphasizes is how modern the car feels, also noting that it feels lighter than many other classic Jaguars. To see all the details and impressions, check out the video above. Related Video:

Jaguar's famed design director Ian Callum is quitting

Jaguar's director of design Ian Callum is officially stepping down. Callum has been with the company for over 20 years, leading numerous important and legendary designs. To name a few, Callum is responsible for recent cars like the Jaguar F-Type, XF and I-Pace. He also designed the C-X75, which was a concept hypercar that Jaguar absolutely should have made. "I have had an incredible career at Jaguar," Callum says. "One of my biggest highlights was creating XF because it represented the beginning of a new era moving Jaguar from tradition to contemporary design — it was a significant turning point in our story." Callum also says he isn't done designing cars — he's even going to continue to act as a consultant for Jaguar after his departure. It's unclear what his main project will be after he leaves in July, but he's left the door open for himself. "I came into this role with a mission to take Jaguar design back to where it deserved to be. It has taken 20 years, but I believe I have achieved what I set out to do. Given the strength of both our products and the design team I feel that now is the right time to move on, both personally and professionally, and explore other design projects," Callum says. In addition to slick sports cars and sultry sedans, Callum is also responsible for leading Jaguar into the era of SUVs and crossovers. He headed up the design for the F-Pace and E-Pace. We found both of those to be some of the better looking crossovers on sale today, so props to Callum for finding and implementing the Jaguar style in the inherently unstylish crossover format. Callum has designed plenty of great cars outside of Jaguar, too. A few examples include the Aston Martin DB7, DB9, Vanquish and Ford Escort Cosworth. Our big question is, what's next for Callum? Whatever car he decides to design is probably going to look the business, so we're excited for any projects he gets involved in after Jaguar. Taking his place at Jaguar is current creative design director Julian Thomson. He's been with the company since 2000, and has previously worked with Ford, Lotus and Volkswagen.

2017 Jaguar F-Type slashes $3,600 off base model

It won't be quite such a drain on the checking account to hop into a Jaguar F-Type for the 2017 model year. The 2017 F-Type Coupe will start at $62,395 (after the $995 destination charge), which is $3,600 less than the 2016. Jag will also give the convertible a $2,700 price cut to begin at $66,395. Drivers won't really be giving up amenities with either of these. Both entry models will use the company's supercharged 3.0-liter V6 making 340 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission. They'll come with partially electric six-way adjustable seats and a fixed metal roof for the coupe. New standard features will include a valet mode, solar attenuating windshield glass, and the brand's EliteCare warranty with five-years/60,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. The vehicles also still pack navigation and a surround sound stereo system. The 2017 F-Types will arrive at dealers in late spring 2016. The move to cut prices follows on Jag's decision in September to slash the cost of the XF 35t by over $5,200. Related Video: THE 2017 JAGUAR F-TYPE • 2017 Model Year F-TYPE lineup to include new $61,400 1 F-TYPE Coupe and new $65,400 1 F-TYPE Convertible entry models, reducing available cost of entry to the sports car family by $3,600 and $2,700 respectively • Standard Best-in-Class Jaguar EliteCare Ownership Package 2 Featuring New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Roadside Assistance, Jaguar InControl® Protect & RemoteTM and the Longest Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance Package of any Luxury Brand in the Market (Mahwah, N.J) – November 12, 2015 – Jaguar North America today announced it will expand the price range of the F-TYPE lineup in the U.S. for the 2017 model year to include new entry-level coupe and convertible models which lower the introductory price of the F-TYPE Coupe & Convertible to $61,400 1 and $65,400 1 respectively. The 2017 line-up of Jaguar sports cars will continue to consist of the F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the range topping F-TYPE R. The addition of a new entry price level for 2017 Jaguar F-TYPE builds upon the pricing realignment strategy announced as part of The Next Generation of Jaguar for the 2016 model year in which an improved competitive value position was brought to market through a combination of new entry priced models, increased standard equipment and lower MSRPs that all help the brand target the heart of the luxury market.