Jaguar News

Anonymous internet hoons Tax The Rich try to set their Jaguar XJ220 alight.

It's Jaguar's first SUV and, despite the clunky look of this cobbled-together test mule, it promises to be a game-changer for the Indian-owned British brand.It needs to be super special so it does not steal sales from its sister brand, Range Rover, but it gets a head start by sharing its base with the all-new Jaguar XE. It should be ready next year.What is it? Jaguar SUVWhy the fuss? It's Jaguar's first.When is it here? 2015How much? About $80,000This reporter is on Twitter: @PaulWardGover 

Jaguar is preparing to launch the XE -- a completely new sedan -- next year, and until now we've only seen the car testing with body mules based on the XF. But Carsguide's spy photographers have just snapped the XE production prototype during winter testing in Sweden, giving us a first look at the car's proportions. A teaser image issued by Jaguar last week showed just the face, with styling cues echoing the XF, but we now also see the car's proportions, although some of the lumpy rear is likely to be cladding intended to disguise its lines.The XE will be underpinned by Jaguar's new aluminium iQ(A1) platform -- also to be used by the next generation of the XF -- and will feature a more compact body and shorter front and rear overhangs.The new sedan will be powered by a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder engines dubbed Ingenium in both petrol and diesel, with a strong focus on fuel efficiency while still offering performance. But the newcomer is also a candidate for the 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre V6 that powers the F-Type, to make for a range-topping variant.The transmission across all models is likely to be an eight-speed auto, driving the rear wheels as standard but with an all-wheel drive option -- choices to arm it against key German rivals: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Audi A4.The XE is tipped for a debut later this year, followed by a roll-out into overseas showrooms early in 2015 and arrival here later that year. Expect it to be strategically priced against the rivals, which have entry points starting as low as $53,000.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Based on the XF Sportbrake that has, until now, only been available in four-cylinder or V6 guise, the XFR-S Sportbrake packs a mammoth 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. Power is pegged at 404kW and 681Nm of torque, while a slick eight-speed automatic gearbox sends drive to the rear.The zero to 100km/h sprint is claimed to take just 4.8 seconds, or 0.2 seconds slower than the sedan. Both cars are electronically limited to a top speed of 300km/h.The XFR-S will also feature reworked suspension components to provide a more engaging drive, while 20-inch ‘Varuna’ wheels cover larger brakes. The electronically controlled rear differential employed by the XFR-S sedan can also be found in the Sportbrake. Of course the R-S has been treated to a host of visual enhancements to give it a more aggressive appearance. The front bumper now features larger cooling ducts, while the bonnet incorporates louvres to extract heat from the engine and the front fenders now have ‘gills’. At the rear of the car you’ll find a larger carbon diffuser housing quad exhaust tips.The Sportbrake can also be had in this striking shade of ‘Ultra Blue,’ unique to the fast wagon. It’s not as shouty as ‘French Racing Blue’ applied to previous R-S models, but still pronounced.  Inside the Sportbrake boasts carbon-fibre trim and sports seats with contrasting micro-piping and stitching. Boot space is quoted as 1675 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.It is understood that only a handful of XFR-S Sportbrakes will be available globally, and the local Jaguar HQ has already scotched our hopes that any of those rare birds might come here. “We don’t have any plan to bring that car into the Australian market,” Jaguar Australia spokesperson Bethany Allsopp told Carsguide.

The eagerly anticipated Jaguar sports car – which has revived fresh interest in the brand -- will arrive in three versions: the $119,900 F-Type, the $152,300 F-Type S and the top-spec $219,600 F-Type R.The three variants share an all-aluminium construction aimed at trimming weight to aid in dynamic handling, and two engines with two levels of tune on the lower one.That entry level mill is 3.0-litre supercharged V6, with outputs of 250kW/450Nm for the F-Type and 280kW/460Nm for the F-Type S, while the range topping F-Type R is powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 developing 404kW/680Nm and promising a 100km/h time of 4.2-seconds and a top speed of 300km/h.That entry level mill is 3.0-litre supercharged V6, with outputs of 250kW/450Nm for the F-Type and 280kW/460Nm for the F-Type S, while the range topping F-Type R is powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 developing 404kW/680Nm and promising a 100km/h time of 4.2-seconds and a top speed of 300km/h."The F-TYPE Coupé provides its driver with a unique sports car experience. It combines seductive design with cutting-edge technology and performance which is truly breathtaking. Engaging, precise, intuitive and alive - it is the definitive sports Coupé," Jaguar Land Rover group marketing director Phil Popham says in the press statement.Carsguide's test drives of the coupe suggest that Jaguar is on the money with their aims, and there's likely to be a queue of buyers keen to get their hands on one. As an extra attractant, the F-Type price includes free servicing for the first three years or 100,000km (whichever comes first).2014 Jaguar F-Type Australian pricesJaguar F-Type $119,900Jaguar F-Type S  $152,300Jaguar F-Type R  $219,600This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Based on the XF Sportbrake that has, until now, only been available in four-cylinder or V6 guise, the XFR-S Sportbrake packs a mammoth 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine.Power is pegged at 404kW and 681Nm of torque, while a slick eight-speed automatic gearbox sends drive to the rear. The zero to 100km/h sprint is claimed to take just 4.6 seconds.The XFR-S will also feature reworked suspension components, bigger brakes, and wider wheels and tyres to improve handling. The electronically controlled rear differential employed by the XFR-S sedan is expected to feature in this Sportbrake version as well.Of course the Sportbrake has been hotted-up visually to give it a more aggressive appearance. The front bumper now features larger cooling ducts, while the bonnet incorporates louvers to extract heat from the engine. At the rear of the car you'll find a larger diffuser housing quad exhaust tips. It can also be had in this striking shade of blue, unique the Jaguar's 'R-S' models.It is understood that only a handful of XFR-S Sportbrakes will be built with few, if any, coming to Australia. We'll have more details once the car has been revealed at the Geneva motor show on March 6. 

There's always a great deal of interest any time one of the cars used in a 007 movie is offered for sale. And you can probably multiply that by 59 times for the collection of Bond vehicles owned by US real estate mogul Michael Dezer.Dezer is known for  development on a grand scale: nearly the entire suburb of Chelsea in NewYork, and several massive projects in Florida including partnerships with Donald Trump for the 900 million Trump Towers, $600 million Trump Grande Ocean Resort and Residences and the $166 million Trump International Hotel and Tower.And Florida is also where he garages his collection of 1800 vehicles, including the 59 genuine Bond ones he's selling, each of which has appeared in one of the movies.The catch is that Dezer insists they be bought as one lot, for US$33 million ($37 million). But the buyer will have a fairly comprehensive sample across the Bond series.Among the 59 are a Fairey Huntress boat used in 1963's From Russia With Love and an Audi A5 and Land Rover Defender used in the most recent film, Skyfall, for the kickstarter car chase scenes.From films in between, there are a brace of Aston Martin DB5 coupes, one of which helmed by Pierce Brosnan for Goldeneye -- and the Russian T55 tank from the film. The famed Lotus Esprit S1 that morphed into a submarine in The Spy Who Loved Me is also one of star vehicles, as are the armoured and armed BMW 750iL from Tomorrow Never Dies, and the Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day.There are also more everyday wheels, including the Citroen 2CV from For Your Eyes Only, and a replica of the AMC Hornet from The Man With The Golden Gun. The collection has been on display at the Dezer Musuem in Miami, and it's likely the buyer will do something similar once the deal is done.And while it will make a little space in the Dezer garage, there are still plenty of interesting cars staying there, including the 1948 Ford from Grease,  the 1981 DeLorean from Back to the Future, the Ghostbusters 1959 Cadillac, an original Batmobile, the Lamborghini Social Experiment Project AU 79, and many, many more.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

Jaguar will be keeping an eye on the sales response to Porsche's new 911 Targa, with a suggestion a similar approach could be added to the F-Type line-up. Jaguar head of design, Ian Callum, told British site Auto Express an F-Type Targa is under consideration as a third model and that sketches had already been made.“We're considering it, but it’s not definite,” Callum is cited as saying, adding that sales volume for the British brand could be a barrier to a successful business case. “The issue with the Targa is volume. If you think of Porsche, 10 per cent of its cars are Targa, 10 per cent of ours is less than theirs. You have to work out the business case but we have considered it, it’s not decided yet.”Callum has previously revealed that a shooting brake was another iteration under consideration when the F-Type was being developed, however the chances of seeing another version of any kind may be pushed back until Jaguar clears some other projects off the to-do list. The design chief confirmed to Auto Express that work was currently under way on "three or four" vehicles, with a small sedan likely to be next, followed by the production version of the C-X17 SUV.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

New British sports car brand David Brown Automotive have issued the first teaser looks and details for their creation -- codenamed Project Judi for now.Echoing the heritage of their namesake, the car looks to be a redux of the hallowed Aston Martin DB5 (itself named for the other David Brown, who headed the brand for decades) and is based on the Jaguar XKR. However the company's press blurb talks of bespoke and "completely original exterior and interior design, realised through the highest quality materials and craftsmanship".It's been announced Project Judi is based on the Jaguar XK-R for reliability and weight-saving strategies. “As reliability is vital, we chose to adopt a thoroughly proven and acclaimed chassis that not only delivers dynamic performance but also lends itself to our lightweight aluminium design," David Brown says.Under the bonnet will be Jag's supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine developing 375kW of power and 625Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The company claims Project Judi will do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds -- 0.2 seconds faster than the XKR coupe but 0.2 behind the XKR S -- and reach an electronically limited top speed of more than 250km/h.Project Judi will be unveiled at Top Marques Monaco on April 17, but it's likely we'll see more images and details emerge before then.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

Transformers Super Bowl adParamount pictures is using the 2014 Super Bowl to give us our first taste of the upcoming film Transformers: Age of Extinction. The upcoming fourth instalment of the Transformers franchise brings a new cast led by Mark Wahlberg, and new Tranformers too in the form of Dinobots. Seinfeld reunion Super Bowl adWe last saw Jerry Seinfeld during a Super Bowl battling Jay Leno for Honda NSX keys, but now Seinfeld’s web series ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ is doing well enough to warrant its own Big Game ad. Now into its third season, the Super Bowl ad for the show sees Jerry Seinfeld and Jason Alexander reprising their roles of Jerry and George from Seinfeld’s classic 90s sitcom.Jeep Cherokee Super Bowl adJeep is pretty keen to show off its new Cherokee SUV’s adventure potential, so has created this Big Game ad to tickle at your outdoor heartstrings. Despite its fundamentally road-going Dodge Dart/Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based underpinnings, Jeep’s Super Bowl ad reckons the new Cherokee is the cure for restlessness, and prepared for whatever’s on the other side of the horizon. Bruce Willis Honda Super Bowl adTough guy Willis is doing duty for Honda’s Super Bowl commercial, highlighting that the Japanese carmaker builds more cars with top safety ratings in America than any other brand. To underscore his point, Willis emphasises the importance of the people around you. Friends, family, loved ones, "everyone you care about". They’re not test dummies, he points out. So he wants you to give them a hug. Right now ... go on. Bob Dylan Super Bowl adOf all the superstars that would seem an unlikely bet to ever advertise cars, iconic musician Bob Dylan would be the unlikeliest. And yet here he is for the Chrysler 200 sedan at the 2014 Super Bowl, his gravelly tones singing about how well America builds cars, providing a soundtrack for a cavalcade of glorious stars-and-stripes imagery.Maserati Super Bowl debut Maserati has showcased the launch of the four-door Ghibli sedan with a debut appearance in the world’s biggest advertising slot – the Super Bowl. The footage stars 10-year-old Academy Award-nominated child actress Quvenzhane Wallis from 12 Years A Slave, directed in this piece by David Gordon Green. Ford Super Bowl ad Twice as GoodLongtime stalwart of The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live, comedian Rob Riggle is performing a bit of transformational magic for Ford during the Super Bowl. The key ad showcases the Ford Fusion sedan, claiming to have double the fuel economy of the average vehicle.That's the take-off point to a series of magical morphs that show just having the Fusion in your driveway can do wonders for house and yard -- not to forget your wardrobe and pets. Riggle ultimately upgrades himself to Hollywood heartthrob James Franco, and the whole shebang should help put you in the mood for the Fusion's arrival in Australia next year, badged as the 2015 Mondeo mid-sizer.Jaguar teases first Super Bowl ‘bad boy’ adJaguar's first Super Bowl teaser shows they've got some top-shelf baddies lined up as part of the 'British Villains' theme to sell the F-Type Coupe. First off the leash is screen and theatre legend Ben Kingsley -- with a shelf of Oscar, Grammy, BAFTA, Golden Globe and SAG awards, but most recently seen as the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. VW teases Super Bowl ad with Carmen ElectraVolkswagen hits all the memes in engineering an algorithm for the perfect Game Day commercial. And apparently, the algorithm requires the integration of glamour model/actress Carmen Electra, puppies, babies, some twerking, a Wang Chung soundtrack and ... well, you've probably seen every highlight of every other ad.Danica Patrick gets buff for Super Bowl adIt wouldn't be the Super Bowl without an ad featuring race driver Danica Patrick touting for website hosters GoDaddy -- who also sponsored her Nascar Nationwide Series campaign for JR Motorsports. The Game Day commercial shows a lot of Patrick's body sporting a set of pumped muscles that almost shame the bodybuilders racing her to a tanning salon.Toyota taps Muppets and Terry Crews for Super BowlThe Toyota Highlander -- sold here as the Kluger -- has a strong family focus, and the car giant will underscore that by starring the Muppets in its Super Bowl commercial. The teaser video gives a glimpse, with a supporting role from former footballer and lately actor Terry Crews (The Newsroom and Arrested Development). 2015 Hyundai Genesis Super Bowl adThe 'Dad's Sixth Sense' ad shows the parent rescuing his son from a series of falls and mishaps from infancy onwards -- but then the Genesis' auto braking saving him from a crash when he's distracted by a pretty girl during a driving lesson.Audi unleashes mongrel for Super BowlAudi has created a miniature mongrel with a savage streak for their Super Bowl ad. The footage shows a couple trying to choose between a chihuahua and a doberman as a pet, and deciding to breed them together as a -- wait for it -- doberhuahua.VW channels Victoria’s Secret for Super BowlVolkswagen is aiming to tout durability and reliability in its Super Bowl, which features a father telling his daughter that every time a VW hits 100,000 miles (160,000km) an engineer back in Germany sprouts wings. While the appendages might usually be better worn by the Victoria's Secret 'Angel' models, the addition of the wings offers the opportunity for a few sight gags.Jaguar Super Bowl with Tom HiddlestonIt's good to be bad, Jaguar claims. And the luxury brand is pushing that theme for their Super Bowl ads, featuring a line-up of British villains. We've already seen Ben Kingsley in the main teaser, and now we get Tom Hiddleston in a second spot. Most recently seen playing Loki in the films Thor, The Avengers, and Thor: The Dark World.Jaguar full Super Bowl adContinuing the bad boy theme to showcase the F-Type Coupe, Jaguar has revealed the full 60-second commercial that will screen at the Super Bowl. Shot in a mock thriller style, with moody lighting and all the super-villain props of planes, attractive assistants -- and of course the F-Type -- the ad takes a tongue-in-cheek approach, and comes off being very engaging as a result.Terry Crews disturbs with shirtless Super Bowl teaserGet ready to see a whole lot more of actor Terry Crews than you ever bargained for. The latest teaser for Toyota's Super Bowl ad shows the sports star turned movie star without a shirt and demonstrating muscle control with his pecs in time to the cheesy jingle.Big Bang Theory star in Hyundai Super Bowl adThe theme for the Hyundai Elantra Super Bowl commercial is 'Nice' and actor Johnny Galecki is almost typecast in it, after playing nice guys on both The Big Bang Theory (Leonard) and Roseanne (David). In the footage, Galecki tries to chat up a woman who pulls up beside him in a matching Elantra, pointing out all the nice features of the car -- and getting some nice brush-offs in return.Kia plugs into The Matrix for 2014 Super BowlThe 60-second commercial, scheduled to run during the 2014 Super Bowl prime advertising slot, will see Fishburne as Morpheus offering the 'red vs blue' choice. In the movie it was red and blue pills, one of which would let you stumble on in an illusory world while the other would awaken you to reality. For the Super Bowl ad, promoting the Kia K900 flagship launching in overseas markets, Morpheus offers people the chance to choose either a red or blue key.Toyota full Super Bowl adToyota is aiming for catchy family fun with its 60-second Super Bowl, in which actor Terry Crews is piloting his new Highlander -- sold here as the Kluger -- along a remote highway, when he stops to help out after spotting a broken-down, brightly painted bus. Within seconds, his SUV is crammed with Muppets: Animal stuffing his drum kit into the cargo area and Dr Teeth hijacking the driver's seat to steer off into a series of adventures, all singing an annoyingly catchy jingle perfectly designed to stick itself limpet-like to the viewer's brain.Chevrolet Super Bowl ad is all bullIn the ad, titled Romance, we get to meet "a man ... a man and his truck ... and a very eligible bachelor" who just happens to be a prize bull. It goes on in the vein of "bated breath and lonely hearts" -- you get the picture -- as the driver hauls his new bull through the US landscape with Hot Chocolate's 'You Sexy Thing' in the background.The ad that shocked the Super BowlCreated for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) as part of its Zero Fatalities campaign, The Twist starts off with an image of a young boy curled up in a car seat, and a voiceover that starts off "Sam looks like he's sleeping..." but as the camera zooms out we see that he's been killed in a car crash, not by the crash itself but by being unbuckled and flying into the back of the seat in front of him. M&M's Super Bowl adConfectionary brand M&M’s has also delivered a Super Bowl treat this week, with a new ad for the colourful button-shaped candies. Yellow – the peanut M&M character – is unknowingly taken captive by Russian underworld types, in the boot of an oh-so Russian baddie black S-Class Mercedes-Benz.