Jaguar News

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/110020524414/jaguar-returns-to-le-mans-with-xkr-gt2-by-jaguarrsr

Jaguar has confirmed it will end its 15-year absence from the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The company's racing division plans to send the JaguarRSR XKR GT2 to race in the event, a first since an English racing team took 28th place recording a DNF in the 1995 Le Mans.

Racing team RSR co-developed the new GT model with Jaguar in Coventry. The car makes use of a 550 bhp (557 PS / 410 kW) AJ133 5.0-liter V8 engine that gets the car to a 180 mph top speed. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission, and a CST transverse sequential transaxle from Hewland. Using an aluminum monocoque, and light 18-inch wheels, the car's weight is held at 1,245 kg.

The English auto manufacturer's cars have won the race seven times, including wins in 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1988, and 1990. In what is now the company's 75th anniversary, Jaguar is hoping to pull out another Le Mans win this coming June. The car will also be used for the full 2010 calendar of the American Le Mans Series.

Jaguar ended a five year absence from motorsports last year.

Source (via Tata Motors): http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6646155/green/eib-loans-jaguar-land-rover-458-million-for-hybrid-development/index.html

Is a hybrid Jaguar or Land Rover in your future? That increasingly appears to be a certainty, especially since Jaguar Land Rover was just awarded a $458 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to develop hybrid powertrains.

According to a release issued by parent firm Tata Motors, the loan was issued by the EIB, and granted under the European Clean Transport Facility. The loan will, in part, finance the development of mild and full hybrid drivetrains, in addition to other energy efficient vehicle technologies.

Neither Jaguar nor Land Rover currently offer hybrid models, although both brands have dabbled with the technology. The forthcoming Range Rover LRX may use a diesel-electric hybrid system, while Motor Trend suggests a new small Jaguar roadster (dubbed "XE") could feature an extended-range electric driveline. Jaguar is also reportedly working on experimental hybrid and electric versions of its new XJ flagship.

In 2009, Jaguar received over $761 million in loans, which it says has helped it meet financing goals -- necessary as it seeks to return to profitability.

Source: http://www.jaguar-cars-blog.com/

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.

Posted by Tom Walton

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/110021724613/jaguar-xkr-speed-pack-and-black-pack-announced-for-geneva

XK Performance Packages to be Offered
By Zack Newmark
February 18, 2010

Jaguar will introduce two new packages for the Jaguar XKR Coupe, the company confirmed today. The automaker will market the Speed Pack and Speed & Black Pack in the UK at costs of £3,500 and £4,000, respectively.

The two kits will only be available on the XKR Coupe.

When customers purchase the Speed kit, they will get a car with an electronically limited top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h) instead of 155 mph (249 km/h). The company states that a "revised front aerodynamic splitter and larger rear spoiler" are needed to guarantee stability with the new top speed. At higher speeds, the car will be a bit less responsive to steering wheel movements.

Also included are 20-inch Kasuga alloys with red brake callipers visible from outside. Chrome lines ring the windows, grille, exterior vents, and trunk. The rear diffuser and side sills are also painted in body colour, including Kyanite Blue, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Spectrum Blue, and Ultimate Black.

£500 more gets you glossy black 20-inch alloys from Kalimnos as part of the Black upgrade. In addition, front and back spoilers, and boot lid finisher are also body colour. Sadly, only three collors are available when buying both Speed and Black kits: Polaris White, Salsa Red, and Ultimate Black. XKR Side Graphics may also be applied. Inside, Charcoal-colored leather in several grains with a choice of contrast stitching is also included. Dark Mesh Aluminum, Dark Oak, and Piano Black are the available trims.

Starting price of the Jaguar XKR Coupe is £74,955. The car with the Speed and Black Packs will be shown off at Geneva next month.

Read the story on the Jaguar.com Web Site at:

http://www.jaguar.com/us/en/#/about_jaguar/news_pr/75years_looking_forward