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Jaguar Takes the Cover off the 2007 XK

Ever since the debut of the Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe (ALC) concept at the 2005 Detroit auto show in January, we’ve been eagerly awaiting its production version, the new XK to appear. During the past months, we’ve seen various spyshots and now, finally, Jaguar has announced the arrival of its most stunning car in recent memory. Designed by Ian Callum, who also worked on the gorgeous Aston Martin DB9 and Vanquish, the new XK bares a striking resemblance to its Aston cousins. The all-aluminum 2007 XK is stiffer and lighter than its predecessor and is powered by a 4.2L V8 that produces 300 bhp. 0-60 comes just under 6 seconds and top speed is limited to 155mph. The new XK will hit showrooms next spring, with plans for the convertible to be announced later this year.

Jaguar's Next Generation XK Series

In 1996, at the Geneva Motor Show, British prestige car maker Jaguar took the wraps of its new XK8, a two-door slink mobile powered by an advanced V8 that wowed crowds and became the marque's fastest selling sports car to date.

Almost 10 years since the XK8's arrival, which also spawned the much-loved XKR (complete with supercharger), not a lot has a changed.

There was a mild makeover for the XK Series in early 2004, but the fundamental shape, and more importantly it's chassis and powertrain, had barely been tinkered with.

But all this is set to change.

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2005 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon

Jaguar has a new addition to its family for 2005 - and it's the kind of addition that's become a standard in the European luxury ranks. The Sportwagon joins in with the compact wagons from Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and soon, Saab, in a sort of battle of the bands where there are no losers - indeed, there's hardly an also-ran in the group.

The Sportwagon is based on the entry-level X-Type sedan, which came to North America in 2002. Jaguar hoped that today's X-Type buyer would be tomorrow's customer for its other offerings, from the mid-level S-Type to the top-of-the-line XKs and XJs. And though some 100,000 X-Types have been sold in North America, the smallest Jaguar has needed incentives to keep its sales at decent levels. It's not done much to improve the brand image here, but in Europe it's been a bigger success, especially with the diesel versions now plying the streets.

The Sportwagon gives the X-Type some much-needed, mid-lifecycle interest. And the versatility of the wagon body, built around luxury trappings, gives the lineup an appealing entry in the niche dominated by Audi and BMW.

2005 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon
Price: $36,995
Engine: 3.0-liter V-6, 227 hp
Transmission: Five-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 185.5 x 70.4 x 58.4 in
Wheelbase: 106.7 in
Curb Weight: 3761 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 18 /24 mpg
Safety Equipment: Dual airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, all-wheel drive
Major Standard Equipment: Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player, power sunroof
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles

Spied: Next Jaguar XK8

Design and development of new car models is a highly secretive process, but inevitably these future models need to be tested in the real world. Manufacturers use ‘mules’ and disguises to try and hide their future models, to some success, but combined with insider knowledge we can bring you information on the cars that the manufacturers don’t want you to hear about - At least not for a few years.

Jaguar XK8
Confirming that Jaguar’s concept at Detroit is more than a flight of fancy these heavily disguised test cars have been snapped around Jaguar’s research facility at Whitley, Coventry. Built on a modified version of the XJ’s lightweight aluminium platform the new XK will be powered by the same 4.2-litre V8 that features in the rest of the Jaguar range. It’ll be offered in either normally aspirated or supercharged forms - developing either 300bhp or 400bhp.A heavily-disguised Jaguar coupe Talk of a 3.0-litre version, using the XJ6’s V6 have been denied, though such a car would undoubtedly increase sales by being able to be sold for less than V8 versions. Due to be officially unveiled in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show the XK8 will go on sale in Spring 2006. If you want one early, get down to your Jaguar dealer and get your name on the waiting list.

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Jaguar Group C Wind Tunnel Models Amongst Automobilia Attractions For Stoneleigh Park

Automobilia collectors will have a unique opportunity to acquire a Jaguar Group C wind tunnel development model at H&H’s sale at the International Historic Motorsport Show, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on February 25th.

Two of these beautifully-engineered models are on offer:

* A 1986 Jaguar XJR6, in sprint configuration. Two ‘real’ sprint cars were manufactured, but were both converted to XJR8s for the 1987 season, so there is no longer an XJR6 remaining in racing form. (One of the XJR8s was destroyed at Le Mans in 1987, with the other now believed to be residing now in Japan.) Estimate £1,500-2,500.

* A Castrol XJR9 GTP racer, developed for the USA IMSA or Daytona series. An identical model is also displayed by the Jaguar Heritage Trust. Estimate £1,500-2,500

Both models are contained in their original wooden travelling crates, and are in very good condition.

The automobilia sale also includes a superb collection of Brooklands members’ and guests’ badges from 1907 (the first year of issue) through to 1942 and missing only 1916. They are mostly in very good condition, and many have matching numbers. A large number of pre-war Brooklands programmes have also been consigned to the sale. All are being sold without reserve.

Another fascinating lot is a collection of original sketches and drawings by Peter Kirwan-Taylor, most famous for working closely with Colin Chapman in the early days of Lotus. This includes both individual sketches and full sketch books featuring drawings and designs for Lotus, MGA, Triumph TR2 and Swallow Doretti chassis’. Estimates range from £50-£80 to £300-400.

Full details of the lots in the February sale, which also includes some 3,000 models from the private Portuguese Queiroz collection, can be obtained at www.classic-auctions.com

1939 Jaguar Duke SS100 Replica

Jaguar Duke SS100 Replica. Cost over $20,000 to build. Black and blue, blue leather seats, wood dash, two tops (convertible and hardtop), with curtains. Trophy winner, one of a kind, less than 2,500 miles. Ford frame and engine. Other ads selling for over $12,000. Hurry won't last. Call or email.A steal at Price - $ 9,000

Jaguar S-TYPE Voted 'Best Buy' In Which? Car Survey

The Jaguar S-TYPE has been voted 'Best Buy' in its class in the 2003/2004 Which? Car reliability and satisfaction survey, published by the Consumers' Association.

The S-TYPE took the top spot in the Luxury Cars category based on lavish praise from owners and some impressive scores for safety and security, as well as offering a superb driving experience. The X-TYPE was also recommended as 'worth considering' in their Large Cars category.

The report defines Best Buys as the finest of today's new cars, offering excellence in all of the key areas that are important to car buyers – reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, security and running costs.

The Which? Car survey also recorded how owners rate their dealers. Jaguar came second out of 36 manufacturers in terms of making buyers feel valued, and fourth in customer care during servicing and repairs.

New Jaguar Special Edition

Jaguar has introduced a new X-Type Special Edition - the Spirit.

Based on the 2.5 litre, the new model features the recently announced Jaguar 'Sports Collection' accessory body styling package as standard. This comprises a new front lower spoiler, black mesh finish for both upper and lower grille openings, side skirts and a more pronounced rear boot spoiler.

Other features include cruise control, metallic paint, electric leather seats, climate control, remote ICE controls, trip computer and 17 inch Cayman alloy wheels.

The Spirit will cost £23,800. Alternatively, the 'Sports Collection' package can be ordered for all existing X-TYPE saloons for around £1,495 excluding wheels, depending on the model.