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Jaguar Cars News
Devoted to news, reviews and information on all classic and new Jaguar cars. Everything from classic models, through to the modern cars: Jaguar X-Type, Jaguar XF, Jaguar XJ, Jaguar XK, Jaguar XKR and any new models available from dealers in the future...

New Jaguar XJ Delayed

The new Jaguar XJ, originally scheduled to be launched in December 2009 has been pushed back to arriving at dealers April 2010, with rumours that it may be delayed further being strenuously denied by executives at Jaguar UK.

The initial postponement of the launch has reportedly been caused by the laudable desire from Jaguar UK to make sure the car is 100% right when first deliveries start. The technical problems have seemed to stem from the increasingly complex electrical system, with software glitches being tricky to track down.

The dual-view display screen is rumoured to be head culprit, which has caused issues in the newly face-lifted Range Rover, and Jaguar are keen to make sure these are all resolved before the first customers receive their gorgeous new cars, after a spate of electrical gremlins plagued early versions of the XK when it was first launched in 2006, something which the manufacturer is keen not to repeat.

We think that this is a great step for Jaguar to take, and we would rather see Jaguar enhancing its fantastic reputation for quality still further with this stunning new car, rather than going for the easy money by launching less than perfect cars a few months to early.
New Jaguar XJ - More Details

More details have emerged today on the new Jaguar XJ model, with a fantastically detailed piece from CAR Magazine, that is well worth reading. CAR have produced several rendered images, based on a combination of both the recent spyshots of the new XJ running around in disguise, and the top down shot that Jaguar had already officially released, and we have to say there images are easily the best we've seen so far, and likely to be very close to the finished product.

To see the full article we would suggest you pay a visit to CAR magazine yourself by following this link: CAR Magazine Article.

The new XJ, codename X351 is due to be released on 9th July at a reveal in London, and we are expecting several more snippets and teasers to be released by Jaguar UK before this time to whet our appetites for what will be one of the years most anticipated new cars.

Jaguar has also released a video of design Director Ian Callum, talking about the new XJ, in which he goes on to describe the car in more detail - very interesting viewing and you can watch it simply by clicking below:
New Jaguar XJ Teaser

New Jaguar XJ Teaser

Jaguar has started the countdown to the launch of the all new aluminium XJ model, by releasing this teaser shot of the car - see above. Jaguar is expected to bring us a few more pictures from obscure angles before the car is revealed properly in London on the 9th July.

From the picture, we can see that the XJ will abandon many of its current 60's styling cues and go for a look much closer to the incredibly successful XF model. It should have a much wider grille than the current XF and the headlights will be much sleeker units more akin to those seen on the C-XF concept.

The roofline will be a flowing curvy affair, with the option of a full length panoramic glass sunroof letting plenty of light into what will be a very advanced interior, again taking XF styling and stretching it further, and the rear c-pillars look to be very narrow, with the majority of the metal hidden behind blacked out glass. The XJ may even be a lift back rather than a saloon car - we will have to wait and see!

Jaguar is running their own teaser website which you can keep up to date with the new XJ, and your first chance to sit in the car will be at the Frankfurt motorshow in September.
New Jaguar XF Station Wagon

New Jaguar XF Station Wagon to appear in September Show?

More rumours are circulating on the net regarding Jaguar possibly launching a station wagon (or Estate as the UK like to call it) version of the fantastic XF model.

The Image above is a photoshop job unfortunately but it's a very good effort, ans shows just how an XF station wagon could look. The image is taken from Auto Express magazine who have a varying reputation for their "scoops" -some extremely accurate, some less so - but we like this one so we thought we'd show it - you can find a link to the original article below.

It runs along the lines that the only other station wagon version of a Jaguar ever launched - the X-Type, was more of a lifestyle car rather than a true load lugger, and it's expected that the XF would follow the same thinking, and have similar space to say a BMW 5 series rather than the more spacious Audi A6 Avant.

Rumours suggest Jaguar could show this car at the Frankfurt motor show in Germany in September, but with the new Jaguar XJ so close to launch, it may be doubtful that Jaguar would show 2 new products at the same show, so the XF Station Wagon may have to wait until next year. With sales of big SUV's dropping in the US, this has prompted many buyers back into station wagon models, which may be what has prompted Jaguar to look again at this model.

Link to source: Auto Express Article
Jaguar Working On F1 Style Energy Recovery System

Jaguar developing Mechanical KERS system

Engineering transmission firm Torotrak announced that is has been working exclusively with Jaguar to develop a mechanical energy recovery system. Unlike several current regenerative braking systems which store the energy developed when the car slows down as electrical energy, this system uses a small infinitely variable transmission, coupled with a flywheel to store the energy.

When the Jaguar brakes, the kinetic energy is sent through the IVT and spins the flywheel at speeds up to 64,000 revs per minute. This energy is stored and when the car accelerates again it is released back into the drivetrain, giving an added boost of power. As the energy is not wasted, this makes the Jaguar more fuel efficient.

Tototrak and JLR have not said when the system will see an application in production cars, but trial are underway integrating the system into the current crop of petrol and diesel models, and it could be launched in the new Jaguar XJ which we are expecting to see towards the end of 2009.
Jaguar top 225 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats

Jaguar have pushed the new XFR to its limits in a secret test at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and in doing so broke the record for the fastest ever Jaguar.

The modified XFR reached a staggering 225.675 mph on its run, powered by a tweaked version of the newly launched 5.0 litre engine in the supercharged Jaguar XF. The engine was almost standard, save a new air intake, revised supercharger settings and new exhaust system, boosting the power from 503 to 600 horsepower, but all the engine internals were untouched, as was the standard gearbox, boding well for tuners to come along and liberate even more power. Jaguar also modified the bodywork with a new front skirt and a huge rear wing to give downforce and stability at speed, as you can see below:

All this work was done in conjunction with American racing company Rocketsports, and the car was driven by Paul Gentilozzi, who raced the Jaguar XKR to 5 series wins in the US Trans Am series between 2001 and 2006. He was quoted as saying "During my career, I've raced worldwide from the southern tip of New Zealand to Le Mans, Along the way, I have been privileged to drive and own so many exciting cars but I've never driven one that was as exciting to drive fast as this Jaguar."

The previous Jaguar speed record was set by Martin Brundle in 1992 in a Jaguar XJ220.
New 2010 Jaguar XKR Released

Following on from the XFR, Jaguar has also released the all new XKR. Featuring the same massive 5.0 litre supercharged engine also seen in the new Jaguar XFR, with 510 horsepower and direct injection making it cleaner and more fuel efficient than the smaller 4.2 litre V8 it replaces.

To highlight the model changes, Jaguar has made some interior and exterior modifications to the familiar but still gorgeous Jaguar XKR shape. first of all we have the all new "supercharged" 20" wheels with a turbine design that echoes the internals of the supercharger seen below:

We also get a new front bumper with aluminium effect cooling vents replacing the previous fog lights, taking the look closer to the original Advanced Lightweight Coupe concept that the XKR was first shown as at Detroit 3 yrs ago. Following that the rear lights are now LED's too.

On the interior, more changes are to be found, with the drive selector from the Jaguar XF that rises out of the central transmission tunnel when the starter button is pressed.

But visual changes aside, the real news is what going on underneath. That vast extra performance has turned the XKR into a true super car with Ferrari levels of power, so the suspension has been beefed up to cope, with new continuously variable dampers replacing the tradition CATS suspension meaning new owners should expect a rather firmer ride, but with vastly increased handling capability, thanks also in part to the new electronic rear differential, which also means that big power slides are on the menu should you want them, and we do!

The all new XKR is at dealers in late March in the UK, and we cant wait to test it. Jaguar is also producing a non supercharged version of the 5.0 litre engine for the standard normally aspirated Jaguar XK models, which takes its performance to a similar level to the old XKR. Power is up from 300 bhp in the 4.2 to 381 bhp in the new car, with a 5.0 second 0-60 time. Prices are up a surprisingly small amount, making these new Jags both absolute bargains! We are yet to hear whether these engines will make it into the current Jaguar XJ saloon car, or whether Jaguar is saving them for the all new XJ, due to be shown in concept form at the end of the year.
Jaguar Launches XFR

New Jaguar XFR Launched

Jaguar has finally launched the all new supercharged version of the XF - the XFR.

Straight into the technical details for you: an all new 510 bhp 5.0 litre V8 motor, (known as the AJ V8 Gen III) with direct injection keeping CO2 and other nasty emissions down whilst boosting fuel economy. There's 625Nm of torque available from very low revs means the XFR will have the M5 beat in most driving conditions, due to not just more power but more accessible power 0-60 takes only 4.7 seconds.

Alongside this monster of a motor, the Jaguar XFR has some advanced chassis improvements over the standard Jag XF: a quicker steering rack gives a more responsive feel, and the standard CATS suspension has been replaced with expensive electronically controlled continuously variable Bilstein shocks which are linked to the new active rear differential as seen in the latest Ferraris, all controlled on board, meaning if you want to take the XFR to the track and produce some 100 yard powerslides then no problem.

The pictures look good, but it looked even better in the metal at the Detroit show, What you can see in the pictures are the trademark R bonnet vents from the Jaguar XKR along with a much deeper front bumper with huge chromed air intakes to help the engine breathe and conduct air to cool the front brakes, and a deeper protruding front splitter-like lip to give front down-force. Sculpted deep side sills help the mean looks, as does a discreet boot spoiler and trademark R quad exhausts under the new rear bumper. finishing off the look there's a gorgeous set of big 20" alloy wheels in the style of turbine rotors.

The XFR replaces the 4.2 supercharged SV8 in the XF range, and is described by Jaguar's chassis Guru Mike Cross as taking the SV8 and increasing everything by 30%, but it still retains the trademark supple Jaguar ride and is meant to be more usable in everyday conditions than the BMW M5.

We cant wait to try this beast of a car ourselves...
Jaguar Annouces Further Redundancies

Jaguar Has announced that a further 450 redundancies will be made in th coming months. 300 management poitions and 150 agency staff will be lost in the latest round of Job cuts. This is in an effort to cut costs with the Global recession having a dramatic effect on car sales.

Jaguars corporate director Don Hume was quoted: "Our employees understand that Jaguar Land Rover functions as one company and that this move will help both companies’ positioning as we move forward"

These job losses come despite the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealing that Jaguar cars sales for 2008 actually rose compred to 2007, mainly off the back of the introduction of the new Jaguar XF. Conversley Land Rover was hugely down with sales figures dropping by over 30%. it is a shame that Jaguar has to suffer from its ties with Land Rover, as Jaguar is expected to continue its strong sales improvement having announced a range of new engines in the Jaguar XJ, the XF and the Jaguar XK cars.
New Jaguar XF-S Diesel

New Jaguar XF diesels announced

Jaguar has revealed 2 new diesel engines that will be inserted into the XF and also the Jaguar XJ. The motors are both developments of the current 2.7 diesel unit that has won so many plaudits in the motoring press. The capacities have been raised to 3.0 litres, but with 2 different power levels:

The lower power version still has 240 horsepower, well up on the 207 from the 2.7 diesel - a 16% increase and a 15% increase in torque. This gives a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. Startlingly the larger engine has an increase in fuel economy to 42mpg - a 10% improvement, while keeping the CO2 emissions the same at 179 g/km.

The higher power version gives rise to a new model in the XF line up - the XF S diesel. Its is a true high performance version with 275 horsepower, and a huge 600 Nm of torque. These give some seriously impressive performance figures, 0 to 60 time of 5.9 seconds, 50-70 mph in 3.2 seconds, a limited top speed of 155 mph. These numbers mean the new Jaguar XF S is 33 percent more powerful and has 61 percent more torque from 1500 rpm than the old 2.7 litre unit, and with the same 179 g/km emissions.

The new 3.0 diesel is definitely a replacement for the 2,7 litre, despite it already being one of the most advanced designs, and corrects the one small chink in the XF's armour when most road test pitched the 2.7 against the BMW 530 Diesel and E320 CDI - both 3.0 capacities, and should ensure the XF stays top of the class when the new Mercedes E-Class with its worthy but very dull styling hits the market.
New Jaguar XJ Spyshots

Latest Jaguar XJ Spyshots

Apologies for the absence of posts in December - An office move has limited our time scouring for and posting the latest Jaguar news - normal service is now resumed!

Just to prove it, here are the latest shots of the next generation Jaguar XJ that are currently floating round the interweb. Unlike previous spyshots which have been of the current generation XJ body shell being used as a test mule, here we have the real thing - early pressings of the body shell that will make up the new car, heavily disguised of course.

From the rear particularly, we can see the cladding around the top of the C Pillar that is designed to disguise the incredibly coupe-like roof line that the new XJ carries. This shows clearly Jaguar is moving away from the traditional 3 box shape completely, and towards the 4 door coupe style that we have seen in the Aston Rapide concept, the latest Maserati, The Lamborghini Estoque, and all started with the Mercedes CLS, which was internally known at Mercedes as the Jag-Beater during its development.

The new XJ is expected to be revealed at the Frankfurt show in September, and should have the new generation of engines currently being debuted in the Jaguar XF and Jaguar XK - the new 3.0 diesel in both 237 and 270 horsepower forms, and the 5.0 V8 both as a naturally aspirated and supercharged format. Prices are expected to be up on the £50,000 a current XJ costs.

To see more spyshots of the new XJ, follow the link here to EVO magazine: Link.
Jaguar - Land Rover Announces 200 Job Losses

Jaguar Sheds 200 Jobs

Jaguar Land Rover has today announced it is seeking 200 voluntary redundancies from its 16,000-strong workforce at it's 3 manufacturing sites: Castle Bromwich and Solihull facilities, and Halewood in Merseyside.

A spokesman for Jaguar told the BBC the plans were part of an efficiency drive and not connected to the current economic downturn. Last month Jaguar Land Rover announced it was making a series of production cuts at its factories, due at the end of October.

Land Rover has suffered from falling sales due to falling demand for large off raod models, but Jaguar has increased both profits and sales this year thanks to strong demand for the Jaguar XF.
Jaguar XFR Spotted Testing

Jaguar XF-R Spotted Hot Weather Testing

Some great pictures on the internet today of the Jaguar XFR undergoing hot weather testing in Death Valley. The area is known for being the hottest driest area of the United States, and is located in Inyo County, California. These conditions are ideal for pushing the Jaguar XF to its limits to ensure that the new 5.0 litre supercharged V8 can withstand some of the worlds harshest conditions.

The pictures also show the car wearing a very light disguise, even less than previous spyshots, and reveal what we expected about the car - It will feature a lower, more aggressive front spoiler with enlarged air intakes, a set of deeper sideskirts, a pair of bonnet vents to help the engine breathe and let heat out, and also noticeable if you look really closely is a discreet rear lip spoler on the back of the boot.

The new Jaguar is expected to be revealed early next year, with sales commencing mid - late 2009.
Jaguar 'Scaling Back Production'

Jaguar to close Halewood Plant for 1 week.

Halewood, Jaguars production facility in Merseyside which produces both the X-Type and the Freelander for Land Rover, is to cease production for a week to ensure supply matches demand with the worldwide economy slowing, a Jaguar spokesman announced.

"The plant will shut for a week towards the end of October, and We're taking prudent action to continue matching production to demand," the spokesman said, adding that staff at the plant would continue to go to work and get paid.

spokesperson admitted that “final decisions have yet to be made, but it’s likely production of Jaguar XJ and Jaguar XKXK will also be reduced, primarily in response to global demand”.

She also confirmed that despite the impending reduction in output Jaguar’s UK sales are up over 12 per cent year-to-date, thanks to the success of the new Jaguar XF.

This has raised concerns of possible job losses from Jaguar scaling back to a 4 day week or cutting shifts to scale down production to meet shrinking demand due to the credit crunch, although extra capacity in the Halewood plant is expected to be taken up by the new sub-Freelander Land Rover model, as shown by the recent LRX concept in 2009.
Jaguar E-Type Wins "Most Beautiful Car Of All Time"

The Daily Telegraph newspaper asked its readers to vote on what they thought were the most beautiful looking cars of all time. The poll has been running online for the last 6 months, and the results are in. Unsurprisingly, the Jaguar E-Type topped the table, with over 4 times as many votes as any other car!

This follows countless other polls in newspapers, motoring magazines etc. where the E-Type won the aesthetic vote ahead of some far more expensive machinery, and it seems the results are similar worldwide with the E-Type claiming first place in most other countries, as well as Great Britain. (Although the vast proliferation of English cars in the top 20 do tend to suggest a slight national bias in this particular survey!)

Other classic Jaguars don't fare badly at all either, with the Mark 2 in 12th place, the D-Type in 11th, and the XK120/140/150 in a heady 3rd position.

The top twenty are listed below for you:
- 20th - Ferrari 288 GTO
- 19th - Bugatti Type 57 Atlantique
- 18th - Ferrari 250 GT SWB
- 17th - Austin Healey 3000
- 16th - AC Cobra
- 15th - Chevrolet Corvette
- 14th - Alfa Romeo P3 8C
- 13th - Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
- 12th - Jaguar Mk2
- 11th - Jaguar D-type/XK-SS
- 10th - Ferrari 250 GTO
- 9th - Lotus Esprit
- 8th - Aston Martin DB9
- 7th - Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
- 6th - Aston Martin DB4/5/6
- 5th - Lamborghini Miura
- 4th - Ferrari Dino 206/246 GT
- 3rd - Jaguar XK120/140/150
- 2nd - Citroën DS
- 1st - Jaguar E-Type (XKE)
To visit the original article follow this link: Telegraph Poll
Monty Panesars New Jaguar XKR

More good Public Relations work by Jaguar UK today as England bowler Monty Panesar became the latest brand ambassador for Jaguar.

Monty, one of England's spinners and top all round bowler, collected his new Jaguar XKR from the Castle Bromwich Jaguar Plant, and was obviously over the moon to receive the XKR (as anyone would, given a new XKR!) and said "I’m really excited about working with Jaguar. I’ve always loved Jaguars because of their image and heritage, but I chose the XKR because, to me, it has everything. It’s the perfect sports car, it looks sexy and is amazing to drive."

Monty came to public attention when he was the first Sikh to play for the England cricket team, and established himself as a figurehead following a series-winning display against Pakistan in 2006. Altogether a great tie up for Jaguar, and could be seen as fitting in perfectly with the profile of the new Jaguar owners Tata Motors.
As part of the deal, Jaguar is working with Monty and his favourite Charity - the Cure Parkinsons fundraising trust known as 'Movers and Shakers'; and is auctioning off the chance to win a private dinner with the England bowler to help raise funding.

This latest venture follows a series of high profile England sports stars, as previous ambassadors have been footballers Michael Owen and Alan Shearer, and is a coup for Jaguar as the England cricket team have previously been seen with sponsored VW Touaregs, on TV shows such as 5th Gear.

Jaguar's UK Marketing Director David Steele commented: "We are delighted to be associated with Monty - he has established himself as a great ambassador for British sport making him the perfect match for a British brand. I am sure he will thoroughly enjoy driving his new Jaguar XKR."
Jaguar XF - One For The Ladies!

Now there's a Jaguar XF having fun!

Evecars.com - a website specifically set up to give the woman's angle on new cars, advise on car purchases etc, has proclaimed the Jaguar XF it's 2008 'Best Executive Car'

The XF was put through its paces by: Alex Jenner-Fust(evecars.com's editor), Eve magazine's Rachael Ashley and Jessica Gibson, Vicky Parrott - road tester for Autocar Magazine, and Eve reader Sarah Thane. Five separate qualities were considered: Comfort (driving position, space in the rear), Practicality (getting in and out, positioning a child seat), Space (boot volume and ease of loading) Parking and of course the Drive.

Alex Jenner-Fust editor of evecars, Alex Jenner-Fust commented: "For a car that will take you seamlessly from school gates to board room, look no further. The Jaguar XF combines cutting-edge tech with a classic British feel. Driving it is a real pleasure, whether you're on the school run or cruising to the south of France. The stereo system is easy to use, while the seats are so comfortable you won't want to get out."

This follows straight on the back of the Auto Express 'Car of The Year' Award (see our previous article) and is just the latest in a long line of awards for the Jaguar XF.

UK Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, Geoff Cousins said: "The female market is incredibly important to Jaguar and it is great to see that XF really appeals to women with its combination of style and practicality."
Jaguar XF Wins Car Of The Year (Again!)

Another day, another award for the Jaguar XF...

The latest in a series of awards for the Jaguar XF has seen it winning 'Car of the Year 2008' This time coming from Auto Express Magazine in their New Car Honours 2008. The XF claimed the award following victory in the 'Best Executive Car' category ahead of cars like the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, Audi A6, and the Mercedes CLS and E-Class.

UK Managing Director of Jaguar, Geoff Cousins said: "I am absolutely thrilled Auto Express – the UK's biggest selling weekly motoring magazine – has awarded the XF with its top accolade. This has been a fantastic year for Jaguar with the XF leading the success of our revitalisation plan. In July, total Jaguar sales were up 29.2% versus the same month last year there are now over 7,000 orders for XF in the UK and more than 22,000 worldwide - we couldn't be more pleased with the reaction it has received."

Dan Strong, Editor of Auto Express was quoted as saying "Jaguar’s XF is a machine that has proved the doubters wrong. It’s a car that impresses on every level, from design to driveability, practicality to price. But that’s not the only reason why our judges chose this car. Our winner has raised the standards in a class where excellence is considered the norm. It’s a home-grown package, designed and developed in the UK and built by a highly-skilled workforce."

The XF has picked up similar awards from other UK motoring titles like What Car? magazine, and the Sun Motoring Section, and What Diesel magazine all voted the Jaguar XF 'Car of the Year' while Top Gear magazine proclaimed the XF 'Limo of the Year'. Other awards include 'Interior of the Year' from CAR magazine and the 'Design Award' from Autocar.
Jaguar Drivers Club (Auckland) 10th Annual Car Show

Calling all Jaguar owners and drivers in Auckland!

A quick mention for our friends at the Jaguar Drivers Club in Auckland who are hosting their 10th Annual car show this Sunday 14th September, at:

Alexandra Park Stables
Manukau Road
Greendale
(Entrance off Campbells Crescent)

On show will be a fabulously rare XJ220 (worth the admission alone!) a replica of the XK180 Concept car and a replica of the Gorgeous one off XJ13 racer, along with other classic Jaguars on display.

There will also be a Jaguar swap meet and trade stands for those precious little classic Jaguar items.It sounds like a great day out so we're happy to pass on the publicity - even if it is a little far to travel from the UK!

for further information please viti the Jaguar drivers club(Auckland) website here: http://www.jagclub.org.nz/
Apex Jaguar XKR GT3 at XK60

The Apex Motorsport race team Jaguar XKR made a surprise appearance at the fantastic XK60 - the XK's 60th Anniversary Celebrations, which were held at Goodwood race circuit this weekend.

Despite the weather, the car - which runs in the FIA GT3 European Championships and the Britcar Championship, was taking passengers for flying laps around the Goodwood circuit, at a speed which made the rest of the classic and vintage Jaguars on display look a little pedestrian!

The cars race drivers, Ben Lucas, Stuart Scott and Chris Ryan, were showing of the cars huge abilities to both lucky passengers getting once in a lifetime trips (for a small donation to Children in need), and also stunned onlookers who were admiring the incredible sound of the superchargers and the deep V8, and the Apex XKR was easily both the newest and loudest Jaguar XK on display at the event.

If you'd like to see more of this beauty, the next Britcar races will be at the Snetterton circuit on 16th & 17th August, and the FIA GT3 European Championship's next meeting is Brno on 13th & 14th September.
Jaguar Joins Lotus To Work On Bio-Fuels

Jaguar and Lotus have today announced they have set up a joint collaboration to explore new engine technology for Bio Fuels.

The Project, known internally as 'Omnivore' as a reference to the ability to consume anything, has been created to focus on improving fuel efficiency through the use of newly emerging renewable types of fuel. Jaguar and Lotus will work with Queens university Belfast, whose engineering department are experts in engine simulation, to produce 'A single-cylinder research engine, aimed at achieving higher thermal efficiency through a variable compression ratio system with a two-stroke operating cycle with direct fuel injection.'

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Plc said, “We are also working on all aspects of future fuels, investigating alternative powertrains to accommodate alcohol fuels as they enter the market. Taking full advantage of the benefits of sustainable bio-alcohols will ensure a greater percentage of vehicle miles will be travelled using renewable fuels.”

Lotus has already released the Exige 270E Tri Fuel concept earlier in the year, whilst Jaguar has also committed itself to explore further hybrid technologies with Land Rover, which Tata management have pushed ahead as a priority with rising oil prices and green pressure mounting on 4x4 drivers.
Classic Jaguars to Drool Over!

Bonhams To Auction Stunning Classic Jaguars.

Bonhams the renowned classic car auctioneers are to sell some fantastic examples of classic Jaguars at this weekend's coming XK60 event. The 60th anniversary celebrations will see some stunning cars up for sale, following their recent sale of the first D-Type racer registration XKD 509 at the Festival of Speed a few weeks ago.

Star of the show this time looks set to be this XK120 (above), the first ever steel bodied, right hand drive XK120 OTS roadster. First registered in Coventry on April 19th 1950, and delivered to Australia. The beautifully restored car has a guide price of £110,000 - £130,000.

Another car to pique my interest is a different XK120 (above), and another first, This is the first ever Left Hand Drive XK120 DHC (Drop Head Coupe) ever produced, built on 29th January 1953, and sold through the Hornburg Jaguar dealership on Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, USA. It's estimated for sale at £50,000 - £60,000.

Two more beauties are also for sale amongst the 32 cars offered in the auction. There is a 1954 XK Championship-winning Jaguar XK120 Competition Roadster, registration no. 582 AXK (above), and another XK120 roadster in the form of a D-Type engined XK120 roadster that was the property of racing driver Mike Salmon (below).

There are far too may good looking cars in the auction to feature them all here, but you can take a more detailed look at the Bonhams website here.
Classic Jaguar Wood Restoration

A quick mention for a chap doing some sterling work restoring and producing new wood dashboards and interiors for Jaguars from the original XK's all the way up to the modern stuff.

Saul, originally from Cardiff, relocated to the sunnier climate of Altamonte Springs, Florida back in 1987 where he runs British Autowood, a small business dedicated to restoration of British car woodwork (mainly Jaguar and Rolls Royce). He can either restore or produce new wood parts for all Jaguars, from early XK's right through to more modern stuff, and can supply full replacement dash kits if required.

Having worked in Jaguar sales for longer than I'd care to remember, I've visited the Jaguar wood veneer workshop plenty of times - seeing how they build up the layers of walnut veneers is great, huge amounts of craftsmanship involved, and facinating stuff.

Saul has brought some more functional modifications into his work - would you like a cup holder added or the ash tray removed? It may not have been the original Jaguar design and made me chuckle when I first saw cupholders in a 70's Jag, but practicality is just as important when the car is being used every day rather than purely restoring concourse cars.

You can contact Saul either through the British Autowood Website, or call him in the US on (407)774-5332.
Jaguar To Re-Enter Le-Mans

Ratan Tata, billionaire owner of Tata Motors has revealed that Jaguar are considering a sensational return to Le Mans Racing, more than 15 years after pulling out of the last race.

Previous owners Ford had pulled Jaguar out of the 24 hr race for a variety of reasons, notably cost, but then went on to enter Jaguar into the vastly more expensive world of Formula 1, resulting in a dismal failure to produce results, and the team being sold.

Speaking at the companies annual general meeting, Chairman Ratan Tata said "We want to hit the Le Mans race, for which we are already re-examining whether we can bring back the Jaguar marque to its earlier state,"

Jaguar last won Le Mans in 1990 with the Jaguar XJR12LM - powered by Jaguar's own production-based V12 engine prepared by TWR. Although no such engine exists now, and diesel variants from Peugeot and Audi are sweeping the field, Jaguar enthusiasts see the Le Mans 24hr as a perfect reintroduction to racing for Jaguar, and a more fitting one, as links between Formula 1 and Jaguars road cars were tenuous at best.

Mr Tata added "Jaguar has lost its sheen over the years and the marque has suffered. Despite this, it has a very loyal customer and dealer base spread across various countries. Both Jaguar and Land Rover have tremendous engineering capabilities, and now it is upon us to keep it together."

This new direction fits well with the desire of Jaguar management to push the brand more as a sports car company in line with Porsche.