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Jaguar models could rev with inline-six engines again

Rumors are swirling once again that Jaguar might return an inline-six engine to its lineup. Autocar claims Jaguar Land Rover will use the modular Ingenium engine family to create a 3.0-liter straight-six. The new motor will replace the automaker's current V6. As with the Ingenium 2.0-liter four-cylinder, JLR will likely offer the powerplant in gasoline- and diesel-fueled versions. A rumor in May 2015 also suggested JLR would create an Ingenium-based turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 1.5-liter three-cylinder unit. According to Autocar, the engine bay in the XE, XF, and F-Pace can already fit the longer engine. The automaker isn't talking, though. "We can't comment on future product one way or another," company spokesperson Nathan Hoyt told Autoblog. Jaguar built much of its performance legacy with straight-six-powered vehicles. While the C-Type and D-Type were winning races with the engine layout, practically every Jaguar production model used them as well. Today, straight-sixes are less common. BMW continues to use them, and Mercedes-Benz reportedly also plans to offer one soon. While Autocar's report is still just a rumor, the move to an inline-six could be advantageous for JLR. For example, using an Ingenium-derived design could simplify manufacturing by allowing the company to build the powerplant in one factory alongside the 2.0-liter version. Returning to a design with such an important heritage for Jaguar would also make life easy for the brand's marketing team because it could link the new engine to past racing glory. Related Video:

Jaguar Land Rover calling in 100k vehicles in three separate campaigns

Jaguar Land Rover is recalling an estimated 104,114 vehicles in three separate campaigns in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The largest of them affects Range Rovers made between April 15, 2005, and September 4, 2012, covering 74,648 units in America from the 2006 to 2012 model years. In those affected vehicles, the front brake hose could rupture, leaking brake fluid and decreasing the capability of the brakes to, you know... stop the vehicle. In a similar but separate recall, subsequent Range Rovers from the 2013 and 2014 model years (manufactured between August 16, 2012, and January 8, 2014) are also being recalled for a brake issue – this time due to the incorrect routing of the brake vacuum hose. The issue could wear down the hose and disable the power assist, again impeding the brakes from properly functioning. This second recall also affects the 2014 Range Rover Sport (specifically those manufactured between May 7, 2013, and January 8, 2014), affecting 24,679 units between both models across the United States. A third smaller recall concerns the 2012-2015 Jaguar XK – namely those built between March 4, 2011, and March 20, 2014. This campaign involves the front side parking lamps, which might switch off after about five minutes, in contravention of federal standards. As such, an estimated 4,787 units are being called in. In all three cases, owners of the affected vehicles can expect to hear from their local dealer to arrange to bring in their wayward British luxury vehicles to have the relevant issue fixed. RECALL Subject : Front Brake Hose(s) may Rupture Report Receipt Date: JAN 27, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V039000 Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Potential Number of Units Affected: 74,648 Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC SUMMARY: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Land Rover Range Rover vehicles manufactured April 15, 2005, to September 4, 2012. One or both of the flexible front brake hoses may rupture causing loss of brake fluid. CONSEQUENCE: If one or both of the flexible brake hoses fails, the vehicle may require a longer distance to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front brake hoses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 13, 2015. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837.

Consumer Reports no longer recommends Honda Civic

Consumer Reports annual Car Reliability Survey is out, and yes, there are some big surprises. First and foremost? The venerable publication no longer recommends the Honda Civic. In fact, aside from the walking-dead CR-Z and limited-release Clarity fuel-cell car, the Civic is the only Honda to miss out on CR's prestigious nod. At the opposite end there's a surprise as well – Toyota and Lexus remain the most reliable brands on the market, but Buick cracked the top three. That's up from seventh last year, and the first time for an American brand to stand on the Consumer Reports podium. Mazda's entire lineup earned Recommended checks as well. Consumer Reports dinged the Civic for its "infuriating" touch-screen radio, lack of driver lumbar adjustability, the limited selection of cars on dealer lots fitted with Honda's popular Sensing system, and the company's decision to offer LaneWatch instead of a full-tilt blind-spot monitoring system. Its score? A lowly 58. The Civic isn't the only surprise drop from CR's Recommended ranks. The Audi A3, Ford F-150, Subaru WRX/STI, and Volkswagen Jetta, GTI, and Passat all lost the Consumer Reports' checkmark. On the flipside, a number of popular vehicles graduated to the Recommended ranks, including the BMW X5, Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, and Cruze, Hyundai Santa Fe, Porsche Macan, and Tesla Model S. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the hilariously recall-prone Ford Escape getting a Recommended check – considering the popularity of Ford's small crossover, this is likely a coup for the brand, as it puts the Escape on a level playing field with the Recommended Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. While Ford is probably happy to see CR promote the Escape, the list wasn't as kind for every brand. For example, of the entire Fiat Chrysler Automobiles catalog, the ancient Chrysler 300 was the only car to score a check – there wasn't a single Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, or Ram on the list. That hurts. FCA isn't alone at the low end, either. GMC, Jaguar Land Rover, Mini, and Mitsubishi don't have a vehicle on CR's list between them, while brands like Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Nissan, Lincoln, Infiniti, and Cadillac only have a few models each. You can check out Consumer Reports entire reliability roundup, even without a subscription, here.