Category: Jaguar

From its lightweight aluminum spaceframe construction to its bold styling, the XF has carved out a niche as a fun alternative to traditional luxury sedans by offering unparalleled driving involvement and agility.

Even though Jaguar’s flagship had a refresh just two years ago, the company isn’t resting on its laurels. A pair of new engines, a new transmission and all wheel drive are some of the new features which have been added this year to keep the 2013 Jaguar XF on top. For the first time in recent memory, buyers will be able to get a car which not only has the looks and agility expected from a Jaguar, they’ll be able to get this driving experience while being able to beat its rivals at the gas pump. Here are some of the key highlights to the XF:

Supercharged V6: Jaguar Returns to the Six Cylinder
Name any classic Jaguar, and chances are that it came equipped with a six cylinder: The XJ, XK120 and even the E-type were all built around these engines, and they had no problem beating their V8-powered rivals. The company is finally returning to this design with the introduction of the first new Jaguar engine in fifteen years: a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 based on the AJ V8.

The designers did a lot more than merely cut off a couple cylinders and called it a day. A new, more compact supercharger combined with a water to air intercooler and a re-engineered combustion chamber help this engine produce 335 hp and 331 lb-ft. of torque. While the cylinder may be 50 hp and 49 lb-ft. of torque less than the outgoing 5.0 liter V8, the new V6’s flatter powerband and lower weight provides almost identical on-road performance.

The innovation extends past the motor: Counterbalancing and redesigned engine mounts eliminate vibration, giving the V6-powered XF all the smoothness of its eight cylinder cousin. The new stop/start system also cuts fuel consumption in stop-and-go driving, yet is so quick the motor is running before the driver has time to move his or her foot from the brake pedal over to the accelerator.

If it drives like the V8, is as quiet as the V8 and is as smooth as the V8, then why go for the V6? According to EPA estimates, fuel economy has gone up two mpg in both city and highway driving, saving drivers thousands in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle while providing performance superior to its six cylinder rivals.

Four Cylinder: Hybrid Economy Without Hybrid Complexity
After a very positive reception in the Land Rover Evoque, parent company Tata has decided to send the SUV’s turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder over to Jaguar for use in their cars, starting with the XF. The lightest engine in Jaguar’s history, this motor provides 240 hp and 251 lb-ft. of torque allowing the car to go from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy figures have yet to be released, but highway fuel economy should be at least 29 mpg on the highway, handily beating heavier, more complex and far more expensive rivals like the Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid.

Supercharged V8s: Ultimate Performance
The supercharged 5.0 liter V8 continues to be available in 470 hp tune in the XF Supercharged and 510 hp tune in the XFR. New this year is the Speed Pack, bringing aerodynamic and suspension improvements which allow the XFR to hit a top speed of 174 mph. Like the V6, the V8s also get the stop/start system for improved fuel economy.

All Wheel Drive: More Traction and More Speed
Buyers now have the option of ordering their V6-powered XF with Jaguar’s new Intelligent All Wheel Drive system. This computer-controlled system gathers information on wheel speed, braking and steering angles to provide the right amount of power to each tire. Not only does this improve traction in bad weather, the system adjusts to body movement for better handling and quicker launches.

Eight Speed Transmission: Fast Shifting and Increased Smoothness
The six speed automatic has been replaced by a new 8 speed ZF automatic, improving fuel economy and power. Thanks to some clever tuning by Jaguar engineers, drivers can switch gears using the paddle shifters with all the speed of a DSG transmission but without the associated weight penalty.

New Stereos
Bowers and Wilkins stereos are returning to Jaguar, providing stunning audio performance while drawing less power. Standard on the XF is a 380 watt, 14 speaker system with the option of a 825 watt, 20-speaker unit. Both systems can stream via Bluetooth, a pair of USB ports or Auxiliary jacks. HD radio is included, as is a single-slot CD player with a “virtual” CD changer held on a 30 GB hard drive. The system can copy and hold audio from up to 10 CDs, eliminating the wait needed to swap discs in a traditional changer.

Without a doubt, Jaguar is definitely starting off the New Year by maintaining their top spot for 2013 luxury sedans. Click here to see the new 2013 Jaguar arrivals at Park Place Jaguar.

The launch of the F‐TYPE at the Paris Motor Show is one of the most exciting and anticipated events in the automotive industry: speculated by the press, fearfully watched by competitors and eagerly awaited by enthusiasts. The car being delivered is better, faster and more beautiful than anything predicted, feared or hoped for. It is an exceptional sports car that will ignite passion in drivers the world over, a true heir to the incredible performance heritage of Jaguar. At launch, the F‐TYPE will come exclusively in a convertible body style with three trim levels, primarily differentiated using performance and dynamic features rather than rising equipment levels:

– F‐TYPE with a 340 horsepower supercharged V6

– F‐TYPE S with a 380 horsepower supercharged V6

– F‐TYPE V8 S with a 495 horsepower supercharged V8

Like every Jaguar product launch the F‐TYPE is boldly looking to the future, but does so standing on the shoulders of giants. This car’s commitment to living up to its unmatched heritage is clear from its name – called the F‐TYPE, it is the spiritual successor to the great C‐, D‐ and E‐TYPE cars of the past. But a bloodline and name is not enough: we could not just call it FTYPE, we had to make it F‐TYPE.

As a new sports car, the first question most people will ask is: how fast is it? With the F-TYPE V8 S running from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 186mph, the simple answer is: very. All engine variants benefit from the following:

– Supercharged engines for linear and immediate power delivery.

– Aluminum platform to save weight and increase performance.

– Double‐wishbone suspension for tremendous grip and handling.

– Front‐engine, rear‐drive layout with near perfect weight distribution for exceptional balance.

High power and low weight means effortless speed. By combining powerful engines with an all-aluminum body the F‐TYPE achieves high power to weight ratios for each model to deliver a car that is fast, lively and responsive.

F-TYPE STYLE

The look of the F‐TYPE has purity and simplicity, which gives it lasting beauty. The proportions and stance are uncompromised, for a look of poised muscularity and latent energy. It is the new shape of Jaguar sports cars, which takes the themes established by the Jaguar sedans and evolves them.

Two bold strokes, called ‘heartlines’, define the signature look of the F‐TYPE. These two lines were the first strokes penned by the designers to define the shape:

– The first heartline starts with the blade bisecting the shark gill grille openings of the bumper, runs through the headlights, and over the top of the front fenders before elegantly fading in the doors. This sweeping line is mirrored by the feature line that runs back from the side vent. The top of the side vent meets the lower edge of the clamshell hood, and the vent itself is stamped with the Jaguar name. An additional ‘lightcatcher’ surface detail above the side sills allows the door surface to wrap around the side of the car, creating a fuselage effect.

– The second heartline begins at rear edge of the door, rising to create the powerful haunch over the rear fenders, emphasizing that the car is rear wheel drive. It then wraps around in an unbroken curve, forming a low, wide and elegant tail.

The width of the tail is emphasized by the slim, full‐LED tail lamps that wrap all the way around the fenders almost to the trailing edge of the rear wheel arches. The tail of the vehicle actually tucks inwards creating the impression that the car is actively waiting to leap forward into action.

F-TYPE POWER

The F‐TYPE powertrain lineup is headlined by three supercharged engines: two V6 and one V8. The V6 is the new 3.0 liter, which is a version of the acclaimed Jaguar 5.0 liter V8. The key to those impressive power figures:

– Roots‐type vortex superchargers, mounted in the ‘V’ of the engines.

– Intercoolers to reduce intake air temperature and improve power and efficiency.

– Superchargers that ensure no lag and immediate power delivery, so that the F‐TYPE engines are responsive and eager to rev.

The engines of each F‐TYPE model are mated to a new 8‐speed ‘QuickShift’ automatic from ZF. It features closely spaced ratios and is specifically engineered for this sports car application with shifts that are shorter and more immediate, with almost no perceptible interruption of torque delivery in shifts. In the past an automatic transmission in a sports car would have been unthinkable, but this new generation of transmission has none of the compromises and all of the benefits:

– Limited power interruption during shifts.

– Once in 2nd gear, a clutch mechanism locks the torque converter to create a direct mechanical connection between the engine and the driven wheels for more direct and responsive feel.

– Adaptive Shift strategy responds and tailors shifts to how the car is being driven, from relaxed to aggressive.

– Corner Recognition interacts with other vehicle systems to recognize if the car is in a bend to prevent upshifts while cornering.

– Full manual control via paddles mounted to the steering wheel, or using the new SportShift selector in the center console.

– Complete driver control when shifting manually: in Dynamic Mode the transmission will not automatically upshift, even at redline

– Throttle blips on downshifts when in Dynamic Mode to match engine and gear speeds for smoother shifts.

– Responsive acceleration through closely spaced gears 1 to 6.

– Better highway fuel economy through the overdrive gears (7th and 8th).

With power and performance being the deciding factor in the success of a sports car, the F-TYPE is poised to take the competition by storm, but the luxury and refinement that makes a Jaguar so unique has not been forgotten. A car of this caliber is certain to turn heads, and with sales expected to begin in May of 2013, the wait is nearly over to experience this incredible journey as Jaguar begins it’s push back into the luxury sports car arena.

For more information about the legendary new F-TYPE and when it will be available, feel free to reach out to your favorite Park Place Jaguar Sales Consultant and check back on our blog for more news!

If you aren’t familiar with Gilt.com, it is an online shopping site where one can find deals on such luxurious items as vintage watches, designer shoes, made-to-order clothing lines, and a variety of other lifestyle items for those with a refined taste. One thing you don’t usually see on the site, however, is a car. You might ask, but a browse around their online store tells the story. Gilt is an online retailer that doesn’t simply sell products, but showcases the highest quality, most unique, and most coveted items available. It took a special partnership with Jaguar to create a deal that fit this model, and now you have the opportunity to reap the benefits.

With the launch of Jaguar’s ultra-luxury sedan, the 2013 XJL Ultimate, they have taken a step into the world of beautiful luxury design, cutting edge technology, and the addition of details that the truly discriminating luxury automotive enthusiast dreams about. Long comfortable drives with the world at your fingertips through wirelessly connected iPads, digital screens, hidden workspaces, and control of your own automotive experience become readily available in this a vehicle. All while chilling a bottle of the finest champagne with two bespoke champagne flutes within the beautifully designed center console extending between the rear seats.

So, what sort of deal, you may ask, could you add to this amazing vehicle to make it better? This is where the Gilt partnership comes in. On Friday, September 21^st, at 12pm ET, the ultimate luxury package will be available for Gilt members to purchase.

The Package Includes:

The opportunity to reserve for purchase at a Jaguar Retailer, an All-New 2013 Jaguar XJL Ultimate, in a “Designers Choice”, Polaris White exterior with jet black interior trim for $155,000 MSRP*. The buyer will reserve the vehicle online and will complete purchase through the buyer’s local Jaguar Retailer. The Retailer will be contacted by Jaguar to receive the buyer contact information to finalize the purchase and coordinate vehicle delivery.

Upon purchase of the vehicle, the buyer will receive a roundtrip airfare for two to London; a stay in the Jaguar suite at 51 Buckingham Gate; a gourmet dinner cooked in suite by a world renowned Michelin-starred chef; a meet and greet with Jaguar’s Design Team; and a bottle of chilled Lanson Champagne. 

The buyer will also receive a $2,500 Gilt credit to spruce up the buyer’s wardrobe for the trip to London.

Don’t miss out on this never before seen partnership between Jaguar and Gilt, and make your way over to Gilt.com at noon ET on Friday September 21^st to stake your claim on this amazing opportunity.

*MSRP excludes destination, delivery fee, tax, title, license and other local fees.