My thoughts on all things motoring, press releases, reviews & techie stuff, from around the world.
Please note that the pictures of vehicles within this blog are used as examples of the specific press releases, on occasions, due to the lack of available official pictures, examples are re-produced.
ANY AND ALL PROFANITIES WILL BE REMOVED AND THE PERSON/S RESPONSIBLE WILL BE BANNED, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Purpose
I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Jaguar designer Wayne Burgess answers questions at top speed to mark launch of new performance saloon
Jaguar XJR575 has more power than any previous XJ with a top speed of 186 mph
Performance saloon accelerates from 0-62mph (100km/h) in just 4.4 seconds – and from 0-186mph in 44 seconds
5.0-litre V8 Supercharged engine produces 700Nm of torque
New addition continues Jaguar’s heritage of luxurious refinement and interior comfort with upgraded performance and unique design touches
Electronic Active Differential enables fine control of power delivery and maximises traction
Two new paint options from Special Vehicle Operations division ensure XJR575 is more individual than ever
Enhancements to Touch Pro Infotainment system include larger 10-inch touchscreen and 4G Wi-Fi
Intelligent safety measures include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitoring
Wayne Burgess, Production Studio Director and SVO Projects at Jaguar, quizzed by TV presenter and racer Amanda Stretton in the back of the XJR575
Jaguar XJR575 is available to order now at Jaguar UK retailers, priced from £93,710 OTR
Jaguar has launched the new XJR575 with a high-speed interview starring designer Wayne Burgess being questioned by TV presenter and race driver Amanda Stretton as the performance saloon accelerates from 0-186mph.
Lasting just 44 seconds – the time it takes Jaguar’s fastest-ever XJ saloon to reach its top speed – Burgess gave a quick-fire insight into the development of the potent new model.
The high velocity interview was almost over before it began, but the unrelenting acceleration of the new XJ flagship did not stop Burgess, Production Studio Director and SVO Projects Director at Jaguar, from providing a unique take on the performance saloon.
“I have done plenty of short interviews in my time, but nothing quite like this! It might have been a bit of fun but doesn’t it just demonstrate perfectly the extreme performance of the new XJR575. I could barely finish answering those quick-fire questions before we hit 186mph and then it was all over! Can we go again?”
Wayne Burgess, Production Studio Director and SVO Projects, Jaguar
The XJR575 is the new performance flagship for the XJ range with power up from 550PS to 575PS, delivering 0-62mph (100 km/h) in just 4.4 seconds. Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine also provides 700Nm of torque, providing the new addition to the range with effortless acceleration and refinement.
Customers will be able to choose between two bespoke exterior colour finishes created by Special Vehicle Operations – Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey – while additional tailor-made exterior details include a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes featuring gloss black surrounds.
Updated exterior badging and twin bonnet louvres mark the vehicle out from the rest of the range, as do the red brake callipers that accompany the 20-inch Farallon gloss-black wheels. Bespoke embossed tread plates alongside intaglio and diamond-quilted seating add a final flourish to the XJR575’s interior.
“This is a performance vehicle, but that doesn’t mean we have had to cut any corners when it comes to comfort or design. Jaguar is the standard bearer for interior refinement and the XJR575 is no different. It can go very quickly, but it does so with the serene comfort customers expect from a Jaguar saloon. That makes this a very special car indeed.”
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar
The XJR575 is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich plant alongside the XE, XF, F-TYPE and XJ model lines.
The new Jaguar XJR575 model is available to order now from Jaguar UK retailers, priced from £93,710 OTR.
Dynamic twist sets an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Furthest Barrel Roll in a Production Vehicle
Final test proves E-PACE lives up to Jaguar’s ‘Art of Performance’ philosophy
Inspiration from cinema’s most iconic car stunt
Attitude and stance come as standard with Jaguar’s new compact performance SUV
Sports car looks with SUV practicality for the next generation of Jaguar customers
Agile, responsive chassis and sports car driveline technology make E-PACE the hot hatch of its segment
Next-generation digital tech keeps you connected, with 4G Wi-Fi, and a super-sized touchscreen as standard
All-weather, all-surface traction technology and all-wheel drive keeps you connected to the road – whatever the conditions
Price from £28,500, customers can order and configure their E-PACE at jaguar.co.uk with order books open now.
The new Jaguar E-PACE has set an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title during its world premiere. The compact performance SUV leapt into the record books with a 15.3 metre-long jump complete with a 270-degree corkscrew-like ‘barrel roll’.
Demonstrating the agility, precision and performance of Jaguar’s newest SUV, the feat was the final test for E-PACE after 25 gruelling months of work across four continents to ensure extreme durability and that it lived up to Jaguar’s Art of Performance philosophy.
The Jaguar E-PACE is a five-seat, compact SUV that packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a spacious, practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Trademark Jaguar driving dynamics and design put the brand’s sports car DNA in a practical design packed with advanced technologies to keep you connected.
The E-PACE is the newest member of Jaguar’s SUV family, joining the ground-breaking all-electric I-PACE Concept and the 2017 World Car of the Year, the Jaguar F-PACE – itself launched with a spectacular GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ setting loop-the-loop in 2015.
The exterior design is inspired by the Jaguar F-TYPE sports car and characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches that give the E-PACE a bold and purposeful stance, instantly communicating dynamic agility. Jaguar sports car DNA is also evident in the fast sweep of the roofline and the distinctive side window graphic.
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said: “Established Jaguar design principles ensure the E-PACE is immediately recognisable as the sports car of its class. Our new compact SUV combines the interior space, connectivity and security that families expect with the kind of proportions, purity of design and performance not usually associated with such a practical vehicle”
The E-PACE completed its world record jump at ExCeL in London – one of only a handful of venues in the UK big enough to accommodate the 160-metre run-up and run-off vital for the 15-metre leap.
Behind the wheel was stunt driver Terry Grant, who has completed stunts on many film sets and holds an impressive 21 GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles.
Terry Grant, Stunt Driver, said: “As far as I am aware no production car has ever cleanly completed a bona-fide barrel roll and therefore it has always been an ambition of mine to perform one ever since I was a boy. After driving the Jaguar F-PACE in the record-breaking loop-the-loop, it has been amazing to help launch the next chapter of the PACE family in an even more dramatic dynamic feat.”
Unsurprisingly, the barrel roll is not one to be tried at home; months of testing and analysis were completed to fine-tune the stunt, including achieving precisely the correct speed of run-up. The ramps were modelled extensively using CAD before any jumps took place. Terry experienced a G-Force of 5.5 during the 270 degree twist, and required a 160-metre run up to hit the air at the correct speed.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Pravin Patel said: “This amazing feat really was a sight to behold. While I’ve seen the barrel roll stunt in film, witnessing this incredible feat in real life was something pretty special. Congratulations to Terry and Jaguar for setting another epic Guinness World Records title.”
The reveal of the E-PACE was followed by a spectacular musical performance by Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra who presented the now legendary Ibiza Classics. As a celebration of the new Jaguar E-PACE, Pete collaborated with singer-songwriter Raye to perform “You Don’t Know Me” by Jax Jones - a hit that features Raye that has over 230 million plays on Spotify and over 130 million You Tube views.
Pete Tong said: "I've been working with the Heritage Orchestra for the past couple of years but this is the first time I've been involved in something like this, it's very exciting and I'm glad to be a part of it! Jaguar breaking the Guinness World Record for the barrel roll was mind-blowing. To see this stunt recreated right in front of us was mind-blowing. This creative approach to revealing the new Jaguar E-PACE was the inspiration behind the collaboration between myself and Raye and we are now planning to put the track on my new album."
E-PACE: Connected, Intelligent, Agile, Responsive
The Jaguar E-PACE is connected and intelligent. The 10-inch touchscreen comes as standard and connects customers to their favourite apps, including Spotify. Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl system allows you to keep the vehicle secure by tracking it on your smartphone, automatically alerts the emergency services in case of an accident and allows you to check fuel levels and mileage remotely via a smartphone or smartwatch. Customers can warm up the car, cool it down and even start it remotely using InControl.
Digital connectivity can be found throughout the cabin, ready for every need of the modern family. There are up to four 12-volt charging points and five USB connections as well as a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices.
The E-PACE has exceptional interior space for its class. The compact SUV can seat five in absolute comfort with generous rear legroom. The large luggage space is made possible by the vehicle’s sophisticated Integral Link rear suspension architecture and can fit a pushchair, a set of golf clubs and a large suitcase
Configurable Dynamics gives the driver even more control with individual settings for the throttle, automatic transmission, steering, and, where fitted, the Adaptive Dynamics suspension system. Adaptive Dynamics senses driver input, body and wheel movements and pre-emptively loads the suspension and chassis and adjusts the damping for improved roll control and agility in all conditions.
E-PACE is available with a range of powerful and efficient Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. The 300PS Ingenium petrol turbo engine powers the sporting SUV from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds (6.4 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint) before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 151mph. For customers who want the ultimate efficiency, the front-wheel drive 150PS Ingenium diesel delivers CO2 emissions of 124g/km.
Alan Volkaerts, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar E-PACE, said: “The Jaguar E-PACE provides the best of both worlds: Jaguar sports car dynamics with compact SUV practicality. The latest addition to our growing PACE family provides comfort, interior space and leading stowage solutions allied to engaging handling and Jaguar Land Rover’s latest Ingenium petrol and diesel engines.”
E-PACE’s Active Driveline all-wheel-drive system is a technological first for Jaguar. The intelligent set-up combines phenomenal traction with Jaguar’s unmistakable rear-wheel-drive character. The system’s torque-biasing capability delivers optimal stability, dynamics and fuel efficiency in all conditions and all weathers.
The E-PACE features the very latest safety and driver assistance technologies. A stereo camera underpins the advanced Autonomous Emergency Braking system, which also provides pedestrian detection and supports Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the Intelligent Speed Limiter and Driver Condition Monitor systems. Front and rear parking aids are standard.
The camera also combines with the electric power assisted steering system and rear radars to deliver a Blind Spot Assist function, to help reduce the risk of sideswipe collisions on multi-lane roads. A new Forward Traffic Detection system also warns drivers of approaching vehicles at junctions where visibility is restricted. Advanced active safety features include a pedestrian airbag, which deploys from beneath the trailing edge of the bonnet in the event of a collision.
The E-PACE is the first Jaguar to feature the company’s next-generation Head-Up Display technology. The advanced display can project up to 66 per cent more information onto the windscreen using large, full-colour graphics with enhanced clarity. Essential information including vehicle speed and navigation directions are in full view at all times, with alerts and updates for the infotainment, safety and convenience features all projected directly into the driver’s eyeline – reducing the need to look away from the road.
An optional 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument panel and choice of two premium audio systems developed with Meridian put the E-PACE on a par with vehicles from the class above when it comes to interior technology.
The E-PACE is also available with Jaguar’s innovative wearable Activity Key. The waterproof and shockproof wristband has an integrated transponder, allowing the driver to lock the main key inside the vehicle when enjoying outdoor pursuits such as running or cycling.
Whenever the Activity Key is activated, by holding the wristband up to the upper edge of the number plate surround on the tailgate, any conventional key fobs left inside the vehicle are disabled.
The strong chassis also allows owners to tow up to 1,800kg (braked), ideal for customers who use their E-PACE for both business and pleasure.
New XJR575 performance flagship model joins the XJ range with upgraded power from 550PS to 575PS delivering 0-100km/h time of just 4.4 seconds (0-60mph in 4.2 seconds)
Range-topping vehicle features unique interior design touches as well as two special exterior colour options painted at Special Vehicle Operations’ Oxford Road facility
Luxury saloon benefits from technology upgrades including the latest Touch Pro infotainment system and 4G Wi-Fi
Latest functions can all be accessed through the new larger 10-inch central touchscreen
All XJ models get state-of-the-art intelligent safety features including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitoring
New 2018 Model Year Jaguar XJ available to order now from Jaguar UK retailers, priced from £59,995 OTR
Jaguar has announced a range of enhancements to its XJ luxury sports saloon. The 2018 model year (2018MY) updates include the introduction of the XJR575 performance flagship model, a host of technology upgrades and the addition of the latest intelligent safety features.
The new XJR575 is the most dynamic derivative in the line-up and delivers 575PS and 700Nm of torque for effortless acceleration and refinement. The 25PS uplift in power is delivered by Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine and powers the luxury sports saloon from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds (0-60mph in 4.2 seconds) and to a top speed of 186mph (300km/h).
Available in the standard wheelbase bodystyle, the XJR575 reinforces the XJR’s standing as Jaguar’s fastest XJ saloon. Customers will be able to choose between two bespoke exterior colour finishes created at Special Vehicle Operations’ state-of-the-art Oxford Road facility: Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey.
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said:“The Jaguar XJ is the largest model in our saloon car line-up and retains the physical presence and graceful design customers expect from a Jaguar flagship. Anyone who sees this car immediately knows it is both great to drive and to sit in. The intricate details inside and out give owners and passengers the feeling that they are in the presence of something truly special.”
Tailor-made exterior details include a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes featuring Gloss Black surrounds. Updated XJR575 exterior badging and twin bonnet louvres mark the vehicle out from the rest of the range while 20-inch Farallon gloss-black wheels with red painted brake callipers are the final dynamic flourish.
Inside the XJR575 features bespoke embossed tread plates, 575 intaglio and diamond-quilted seating available in Jet/Jet and Ivory/Jet colour options and finished with additional 575 branding.
For 2018MY the XJ features a number of technology upgrades which enhance connectivity with 4G Wi-Fi capability, allowing occupants to stay online on the move with as many as eight devices.
Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said: “There is huge momentum behind Jaguar in the UK at the moment with record sales, high footfall at retailers and more customers considering the brand than ever before. Work doesn’t stop here though, these latest updates to the XJ show we’re still working to improve our line-up and widen its appeal to even more UK buyers.”
“The very latest technology and peak of Jaguar performance are now available in our flagship model, adding to the already impressive package of style, comfort and agility. The Jaguar XJ has always been designed as the ultimate luxury driver’s car, and with the new 2018 model year range and the XJR575 we’ve made it even more desirable.”
In addition, the central console now features a larger 10-inch touchscreen. As well as giving customers greater clarity, the bigger screen functions like a smartphone allowing occupants to pinch and zoom when using satellite navigation and create custom homepages for shortcuts to favoured features.
Jaguar’s saloon car line-up promises strong safety credentials and the 2018MY XJ features the latest intelligent safety technologies. Forward Traffic Detection is designed to assist drivers when forward visibility is restricted, for example when pulling out of blind junctions.
Lane Keep Assist is able to determine the car’s lane position and monitor steering inputs. If the vehicle drifts out of its lane without indicating, the system applies gentle steering torque to correct the movement and prevent the unintended lane-change. In addition, Driver Condition Monitor is able to identify periods of little or no steering activity followed by sudden or excessive inputs – a clear indication of driver fatigue – and display multi-stage visual warnings to prompt the driver to take a break.
The pedestrian safety bar is raised further by Jaguar’s advanced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), which provides superior functionality with the introduction of Pedestrian Detection. The system operates from 3-37mph (5-60km/h) and uses an advanced forward-facing stereo digital camera to spot hazards, automatically applying the brakes when the risk of a collision is detected.
The 2018 Model Year XJ is available to order now from Jaguar UK retailers, priced from £59,995 on-the-road.
£2,000 Scrappage Allowance available across most Vauxhall passenger cars
Cars of any age and from any manufacturer are eligible
Option of combining scrappage with Vauxhall’s other great finance offers
Vauxhall has re-launched its Scrappage Allowance scheme, which means customers can take advantage of a £2,000 (including VAT) scrappage trade-in against most new passenger cars in its range.
To qualify for the scheme, customers must have owned their trade-in vehicle for a minimum of 90 days. There is no upper age limit for cars and any manufacturer’s vehicle will be accepted.
Customers can combine scrappage with Vauxhall’s other great offers including Flexible Finance, Flexible PCP and a free insurance offer. For example, young drivers could take advantage of £99 insurance (18 to 20 year olds) for one year’s insurance on both ADAM SLAM and Corsa Limited Edition, while those aged 21 and over could get one year’s free insurance.
This means that a 21-year old customer participating in scrappage, could receive £1,190 finance deposit contribution and pay just £193 per month over 36 months for a Corsa three-door 1.2-litre Limited Edition, which includes one year’s free insurance and one year’s free OnStar and 4G Wi-Fi*.
“Vauxhall’s Scrappage Allowance scheme makes buying a new car even more affordable,” said Leon Caruso, Vauxhall's Retail Sales Director. “Even customers who think that their current car is only worth a few pounds can now turn it into a £2,000 contribution towards the cost of a new Vauxhall – and that’s over and above any other deals they negotiate with the retailer, including free insurance on ADAM SLAM and Corsa Limited Edition.”
As part of the scheme, vehicles must be traded-in and scrapped to be eligible for the allowance. All surrendered vehicles will be handled by Vauxhall’s official contracted end of life vehicle partner Autogreen through their online platform
www.rewardingrecycling.co.uk.
The offer is available across Vauxhall’s passenger car range excluding VIVA, Corsa Sting and Sting R and ADAM JAM. The Scrappage Allowance scheme is available at participating Vauxhall retailers. Terms and conditions apply.
*On selected models only. OnStar is a comprehensive package, which includes a high-speed 4G Wi-Fi mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery technology.
