Auto blog

Jaguar planning two bodystyles for next XJ

As we alluded to in today's F-Type first drive, Jaguar hasn't been selling its wares in China for very long, and as a result, buyers there usually don't have the same appreciation for the brand's history. So you might reasonably think that the company's recent radical styling shift (kicked off by the 2008 XF) wouldn't be as jarring to the nation's buying populace since they really didn't have the automaker's more traditionally styled models from years past to compare them against.
Yet while Jaguar and its sister marque, Land Rover, continue to pick up steam in China's developing market, that apparently isn't necessarily the case. Local buyers there tend to have more conservative tastes when it comes to styling, preferring more upright dimensions, big back seats and larger quantities of traditional luxury materials (think: chrome and wood) than other markets currently find desirable. Thus, the very bold current-generation XJ sedan may be leaving some sales on the table.
According to Edmunds, Jag doesn't want to risk that, and as such, it is preparing two bodystyles for the next-generation XJ - one with the rakish coupe-like styling of the current model, and a more "old-school" three-box sedan designed to appeal to a wider swath of Chinese buyers.

Jaguar F-Type SVR leaks with more power, aggressive looks

Jaguar's new F-Type SVR just leaked online, and according to the German brochure posted by Autovisie the new model in the range is a powerhouse with 567 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque (according to our conversions) from its 5.0-liter supercharged V8. Those figures give the SVR 25 hp and 14 lb-ft over the current all-wheel drive F-Type R. That's according to the brochure, anyway. US figures might vary slightly. The F-Type SVR is solely available with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, and the powertrain can get the coupe to a top speed of 200 miles per hour or 194 mph for the convertible. Acceleration is also quite brisk with the run to 62 mph lasting just 3.7 seconds, which makes the new model even quicker than the Project 7's 3.8-second sprint to 60 mph. The SVR shows off its extra power through a more aggressive nose with larger intakes and slats behind the front wheels to pull cool air past the brakes. The rear also gets a wing and larger diffuser. The brochure lists optional carbon ceramic brakes that are 46 pounds lighter overall than traditional units. A titanium exhaust can also shed about 26 pounds and probably makes the supercharged V8 sound even fiercer. Spy shots have shown the SVR testing, but Jaguar hasn't said anything official about it. Still, this brochure looks legit. The document makes no mention of price, but you can expect a premium over the F-Type R's $104,595 (after $995 destination) for the coupe and $107,445 for the convertible. You can check out more photos of the SVR and download the full brochure from Autovisie. Related Video:

Jaguar producing short film starring Damian Lewis from Homeland [w/video]

Jaguar is working up a short film to coincide with the US debut of the company's new F-Type. Desire will feature actor Damian Lewis in the lead role opposite Jordi Molla as the main villain in the story. The whole of the action will take place against the picturesque backdrop of the Chilean desert with filming starting early next month. According to Jaguar, the story will follow Lewis as he plays Clark, a man who delivers cars for living. Things get exciting when he crosses paths with a young woman played by Shannyn Sossamon.
With music by Lana Del Rey and some serious production value, Desire sounds keen to take its place among great automotive advertising short films like the BMW Driver series. Jaguar has released a quick teaser, which you can check out by heading over to the F-Type site. You may also take a peek at the full press release below for more information. Expect to see the film debut early next year.