Jaguar Heritage Racing

Monaco, Sunday 13^th May 2012:  Jaguar Heritage Racing, the new 'works' supported racing programme of Jaguar Cars, scored its debut win with a C-type in the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, Serie C for Pre-1953 Sports Prototypes.  The prestigious FIA sanctioned race was won by Alex Buncombe, in Jaguar Heritage Racing's 1952 C-type.

The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of historic racing.  This is the 8^th running of the FIA sanctioned event, which occurs two weeks ahead of the F1 Grand Prix on the exact same circuit around the streets of the principality.

The race winning C-type has an interesting history - its first owner was none other than Juan Manuel Fangio, who bought the car directly from the Jaguar factory.

Alex Buncombe commented from the podium in front of the Royal Box, "It's a real honour to score Jaguar Heritage Racing's maiden victory and what a place to do it, here at the most famous race track of them all, on the streets of Monte Carlo.  The team and mechanics did a fantastic job preparing the car, it's super quick and it ran like a dream throughout the weekend. In my view it's the best C-type in the world."

Frank Klaas, Global Head of Communications Jaguar Land Rover said: "Wow! To win the first race we entered with our new Jaguar Heritage Racing programme is a superb achievement, but to do that in Monte Carlo in the prestigious Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is a dream come true.  It's a superb showcase for the Jaguar brand across the world.  My congratulations go to Alex, Derek Hood and the whole team at JD Classics for this great victory!  Well done guys." 

Derek Hood, Managing Director, JD Classics added, "This was the perfect start to our new partnership with Jaguar.  The whole team at JD Classics is so proud to represent Jaguar and be part of this historic debut win."  

The next event for Jaguar Heritage Racing is the legendary Mille Miglia in Italy beginning this week on Thursday, 16^th May.

Speed taxi service

Jaguar launches XJ Sport and Speed taxi service

The latest addition to Jaguar's fleet at its Nürburgring Nordschleife engineering test centre is the marque's very first taxi, albeit one with rather more ability than you may expect from a traditional cab; based on the latest all-aluminium long wheelbase XJ Supersport with Sport and Speed Pack options, Jaguar's 'Nürburgring taxi' boasts 510PS from its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine and a top speed of 174mph, but no fare meter…

Said Frank Klaas, Global Head of Communications, Jaguar Land Rover: "We've been running a successful Nürburgring driving programme from our Nordschleife engineering test centre now for some time, as it's the very best place to demonstrate the dynamic abilities of the current Jaguar XF, XJ and XK models.

"Of these models, we found it's the XJ Supersport that most often surprises journalists with its speed simply because they perceive it to be a large luxury car. The XJ is both those things, of course, but its aluminium architecture means it's rigid and lightweight too, which make it a very good car on track. To underline that fact, our engineering team created this special Nürburgring taxi version in which our trained drivers can safely take passengers on very hot laps!"

Finished in non-standard matt grey paint with exterior Sport Pack, the Jaguar Nürburgring taxi is also specified with the Speed Pack - which raises its electronically limited top speed from 155mph to 174mph - but is otherwise mechanically standard. Inside there is, of course, ample room for four, although a few of the XJ's usual creature comforts have been replaced in order to keep its occupants securely in place during the very quick laps of which it is capable. Gone are the standard leather-trimmed heated and cooled seats, and in their place are four race seats, each equipped with four-point harnesses. A full bespoke roll cage completes the interior changes.

Jaguar XJ Ultimate

At-a-glance

• The XJ Ultimate represents the pinnacle of the luxurious, innovative XJ experience with heightened levels of opulence for rear-seat passengers
• Two individually tailored rear seats are trimmed in semi-aniline premium natural leather with power adjustment and recline, lumbar support, massage function and climate controls
• A rear business table, machined from solid aluminium with piano black trim, powers into position at the touch of a button
• A pair of bespoke champagne flutes resides in a dedicated storage area beneath the powered table
• A champagne chiller between the rear seats cools the bottle to the perfect temperature and automatically presents it when the cabinet is opened
• A full-length, leather-trimmed centre console features phosphor blue accent lighting and stowage areas to extend the car's business usability
• Each rear-seat passenger is provided with an iPad^® and keyboard, housed and charged in dedicated leather-trimmed docks in the rear of the front seats
• A 15-channel, 20-speaker surround sound system engineered specifically for the XJ by British audio specialistsMeridiangives an unparalleled audiophile listening experience
• Rear-seat entertainment package with twin headrest-mounted screens and wireless headphones
• Exclusive interior finishes including Herringbone veneer, machined aluminium and bespoke LED lighting
• To underline its purpose in ensuring that passengers remain cosseted at all times, the XJ Ultimate features revisions to the suspension to optimise rear ride compliance
• The first 20 XJ Ultimate models will be finished in Celestial Black, but customers can choose to have their car colour-matched to any shade of their choice
• Discreet external detailing and badging differentiates the Ultimate from other XJ variants
• Unique 20-inch 'Maroa' forged alloy wheels feature both technical grey and highly polished finishes
• The XJ Ultimate is the first Jaguar to be announced that will be available with a new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine

• The XJ Ultimate can also be specified with Jaguar's existing 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, and its 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel. All powertrains drive through eight-speed transmissions

INTRODUCTION

The flagship Jaguar XJ ushered in a new interpretation of the company's established reputation for dramatic design and - with its lightweight aluminium architecture - responsible performance. Now, the XJ Ultimate focuses on two further Jaguar hallmarks: innovation and luxury, extending the model's emotive appeal.

Based exclusively on the long-wheelbase XJ, the interior changes applied to the Ultimate focus on the rear accommodation, extending the car's limousine remit to provide a fully-appointed luxury business class experience for the most discerning of global customers. The XJ Ultimate offers the appointments of a private jet in a package to suit a wide range of requirements.

A full-length, leather-trimmed centre console separates the two individually tailored rear seats which feature power adjustment, ventilation, massage and lumbar functions. A table, machined from solid aluminium with piano-black and chrome detailing, rises up from the centre console at the touch of a button to provide a working area, its role supplemented by the provision of two third-generation iPads^® with wireless keyboards that are housed in bespoke leather-trimmed docks in the rear of the front seats.

Switching the focus from business to pleasure is the bespoke champagne chiller mounted between the two rear seats. This cools the bottle to what experts agree is the perfect temperature before 'presenting' it forwards when the chiller is opened. Two specially commissioned champagne flutes reside in a purpose made cabinet beneath the centre table.

A full rear seat package with twin headrest screens and wireless headphones completes the experience in combination with a new 20-speaker surround sound in-car entertainment system developed by British audio expertsMeridian.

To underline its purpose in ensuring that passengers remain cosseted at all times, the XJ Ultimate features revisions to the suspension to optimise rear ride comfort, with no compromise to the car's breadth of dynamic ability.

The exterior detailing of the XJ Ultimate offers discreet clues to the model's figurehead status with sculpted lower air intakes chromed to match the grille, polished stainless steel oval exhaust pipe finishers, unique dual-surfaced alloy wheels and subtle 'Ultimate' badging.

The XJ Ultimate is available with Jaguar's existing 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, its powerful and efficient 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel, and a new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol unit, all driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed transmission.

EXTERIOR

The Jaguar XJ introduced a mouldbreaking coupé design ethos to its class, taking Jaguar's established principle of long, unbroken feature lines and applying them to a decidedly 21st century form. Dramatically different from its competitors, the all-aluminium XJ captures the essential Jaguar design elements of elegance, muscularity, sleekness and strength.

The detail changes applied to the XJ Ultimate serve to subtly enhance the inherent rightness of the car's design, making it clear that this is the luxurious flagship of the range.

The lower front air intakes are reshaped and chrome finished, matching the powerful Jaguar grille, while LED daytime-running lights underline the assertively shaped headlamps.

The 20-inch Maroa forged alloy wheels are unique to this model and feature a dual-tone colour scheme. A dark grey, technical finish is applied to the inner surfaces of the spokes which contrasts with the bright, polished surfacing on the outer edges, combining to create an appearance that is both glamorous and purposeful.

Anyone following an XJ Ultimate will be in no doubt that the model is a cut above, as it is distinguished by new oval tailpipe finishers in polished stainless steel that echo the front air intakes and a discreet metal 'Ultimate' badge underneath the 'XJ' nameplate. The 'Ultimate' badging is repeated in the power vents set into the front fenders.

The first 20 Ultimate models made will be painted in Celestial Black, but customers can also order their car in Polaris White - and any colour in between. In addition to an exclusive extended palette of paint colours, including a new 'chromaflare' range, XJ Ultimate customers can order their car colour-matched to any shade of their choosing on provision of a suitable sample for a true bespoke experience.

INTERIOR

Jaguar has always prided itself on creating unique cabin environments and the interior architecture of the XJ is like no other, combining graceful and unexpected forms with quality materials that reward the senses with their tactility, visual splendour and luxury.

Unique finish and personalisation

Now, the Ultimate's position as the XJ range's luxury flagship is apparent from the moment the door is opened. A unique wood veneer, crafted using straight ebony, has been formed into a Herringbone pattern with mirror image upper and lower halves separated by a strip of piano black veneer. The Herringbone pattern forms fillets in the doors and at the front of the car runs around the base of the windscreen to create a dramatic feature that mimics the form of classic wooden-hulled power boats.
The clock mounted in the dashboard is also unique to the model with a brushed aluminium face, embossed lozenge detail and 'spun' bright finish.

The XJ Ultimate is offered in three interior colourways for the sumptuous leather that covers virtually every surface and is also used for the headlining; Jet on Jet, or Ivory seats and lower surfaces with either Mineral orBordeauxuppers.

Further personalisation is offered through customers being able to specify the headrests embroidered with a pattern of their choice. The 'Ultimate' intaglio which sits in the centre of the sweep of Herringbone veneer under the windscreen can also be changed to read whatever the owner wishes.

The XJ Ultimate brings a particular focus to the rear seat passengers to create an ambience that carefully balances the requirements of the modern, on-the-move businessperson with certain surprise-and-delight features that underline the XJ's 'work hard, play hard' personality and reward the discerning owner who appreciates the sense of fun with which Jaguar imbues all its products.

Tailored rear seating

In the Ultimate the XJ's standard rear bench has been replaced by two unique and individual seats designed specifically for this model. Elegant, cosseting and ergonomically optimised, the tailored seats are covered in semi-aniline leather which offers a more luxurious and tactile finish and allows the hide to retain its essential qualities of look and feel, complemented by the hand-finished stitching.

The seats feature winged headrests, powered recline and four-way lumbar adjustment functions to allow passengers to achieve the seating position perfect for them. The comfort levels offered by the seats are enhanced through the inclusion of on-demand massage, heating and cooling functions.

The occupant positioned behind the front passenger seat is also provided with a stow-away button that automatically powers the empty chair forwards to increase still further the XJ's generous legroom. The front seats follow the same unique design as the rears and offer identical functions with an additional range of electric movement allowing 20 by 20 adjustment.

The seats are divided by a centre console running along the length of the car. Fully trimmed in soft-grain leather, piano black veneer and chrome, the console houses a number of features exclusive to the XJ Ultimate. At the touch of a button a table machined from a solid piece of aluminium with a gloss black and chrome finish rises up to then be pivoted into position in front of whichever passenger requires its use.

Chilled to Perfection

Raising the table reveals the first of the XJ Ultimate's surprise and delight features, a pair of champagne flutes in a bespoke recess flock-lined in either Mauveine or Jet and lit by phosphor blue ambient lighting. Within the centre console are 'fluteholders', designed specifically for these glasses and machined from solid aluminium.

The flutes are, of course, there for a reason: discreetly integrated between the rear seat backs, covered in soft-grain leather and marked by a chrome Jaguar leaper is a hidden champagne chiller. Lined in the same flock as the champagne flute recess to give the impression of a bespoke suit lining, it holds one standard sized champagne bottle which, when the cabinet door is opened, is effortlessly presented forwards to the passengers. The champagne is kept perfectly chilled at the optimum temperature range of 7°C-10°C.

TECHNOLOGY

Rear-seat passengers are also provided with a range of entertainment options to enjoy while sipping their champagne. The XJ Ultimate is fitted as standard with Jaguar's Rear Seat Entertainment package which comprises two eight-inch high-resolution screens mounted on the back of the front seat headrests.

These can display inputs from a number of sources; the DVD player, digital TV tuner or an external media player that can be synced through the Rear Media Interface, which provides USB and RCA connections. Sound can be provided through the wireless headphones, allowing each passenger to watch separate entertainment sources.

The rear seat environment, including the entertainment, is managed by a wireless controller housed in the centre console and which also allows passengers to alter their individual climate zones and seat heating and cooling functions.

Meridian Surround Sound

The XJ Ultimate is also fitted as standard with the latest generation of in-car audio systems. Specifically developed for the XJ by British ultra-premium audio expertsMeridian, marking a new partnership for Jaguar, the Meridian Surround Sound System fitted to the XJ Ultimate uses the latest technological developments to deliver music reproduction that is second to none.

Unlike other manufacturers,Meridiandesigns and manufactures audio systems that combine innovative technology with the most natural of approaches: comparing their musical reproduction to the sound of the original musical performance.

The 15-channel amplifier, 20-loudspeaker system featuresMeridian's unique digital sound processing technology that allows every person travelling in the XJ Ultimate to enjoy a musical experience that places them in the centre of the sound field.Meridianachieves this through its Trifield technology which creates an all-enveloping sound field that makes each listener feel that the music is exclusively focused on him or her.

Meridian technology achieves a level of natural detail, realism and performance usually associated with speakers eight times the physical volume. Meridian Cabin Correction and Dynamic Volume Control precisely and effortlessly minimise resonances and monitor extraneous noise levels to allow the audio to be unobtrusively maintained at a constant volume in order for it to be perfectly heard whatever the circumstances.

iPad Integration

In addition to the entertainment on offer, the XJ Ultimate also provides a pair of third-generation iPads^® with wireless keyboards. The iPads^® are housed within specially designed leather-trimmed docks in the rear of the front seats and hidden behind roller doors, also finished in tailored leather. The iPads^® are automatically kept charged whenever the ignition is on and also included in the cabinets are wireless keyboards to allow the tablets to be used without being removed from their docks if required.

PERFORMANCE AND DYNAMICS

To underline its purpose in ensuring that passengers remain cosseted at all times, the XJ Ultimate features revisions to the air-sprung rear suspension for optimised ride compliance. While this provides a truly relaxing experience for rear seat passengers, the XJ Ultimate loses none of the model's core dynamic abilities and so is as rewarding to drive as it is to be driven in. The XJ's lightweight aluminium construction means a weight saving over its rivals of as much as 150kg. This of course offers  great advantages in terms of agility, acceleration, braking and driver feedback and involvement.

The aluminium architecture also provides benefits in terms of emissions and fuel consumption, allowing the XJ to provide an astonishing balance of performance and frugality from its range of highly efficient, refined and muscular engines.

The XJ Ultimate will be offered with Jaguar's existing and acclaimed 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine in supercharged form, and the equally highly regarded 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel. With 510PS and 625Nm of torque, the supercharged V8 provides astonishingly vivid performance, the diesel V6 offering uncannily smooth and potent progress while returning fuel consumption figures of 40.1mpg (EU) on the combined cycle.

The XJ Ultimate will also be offered with a new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine being introduced to the range for the 2013 model year. This engine, which in the XJ Ultimate will produce 340PS and 450Nm, draws on the award-winning technology inherent to Jaguar's V8 and offers similar performance to the naturally-aspirated version of that engine (which is not available in the XJ Ultimate), but with the emissions and fuel economy advantages of a V6.

The 3.0-litre V6 S/C will be offered in tandem with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system and, in common with all powertrain options, will drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

XJ Ultimate

With heightened levels of opulence for rear-seat passengers and a 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine, the XJ Ultimate is the pinnacle of luxury within the Jaguar range.

XJ Ultimate

Jaguar at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

Beijing, 23rd April 2012: Jaguar unveils the XJ Ultimate, announces two new forced-induction petrol engines and releases further details of the F-TYPE sports car

• The XJ Ultimate- the new pinnacle of the XJ range - makes its global debut
• Two new forced-induction engines; the 240PS2.0-litre I4 Turbocharged Petrol and the 340PS 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged Petrol are announced and will feature in the XF and XJ saloons
• A 380PS version of the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged Petrol will additionally be available exclusively in the forthcoming F-TYPE sports car
• Also shown was the C-X16, the concept which led to the acceleration of Jaguar's plans to bring the F-TYPE to production

Today at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition Jaguar unveiled the XJ Ultimate. With discreet exterior changes and a sumptuous interior specification, the XJ Ultimate represents the pinnacle of the luxurious, innovative, XJ experience with heightened levels of opulence for rear-seat passengers.

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar, said: "The XJ Ultimate embodies the sophisticated glamour that Jaguar is renowned for. Its luxurious interior creates a unique atmosphere that reflects the status of its owners."

Surprise and delight features within the XJ Ultimate include individually-tailored rear seats with power adjustment and massage functions, an electrically-powered business table machined from solid aluminium, integrated iPad® functionality, an exclusive Meridian Surround audio system, and even a champagne chiller.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, added: "The XJ Ultimate is a car for individuals who understand the value of discretion. The design changes offer subtly stylish clues as to its bespoke interior environment."

Also announced were two additions to Jaguar's engine line-up, both of which have particular relevance to theChinamarket: the four-cylinder 2.0-litre I4 240 Turbocharged Petrol and the 3.0-litre V6 340.

Supercharged Petrol. Both engines will drive through eight-speed automatic transmissions and make intelligent use of forced-induction technology for high specific output that's efficiently delivered, the V6 also being offered with Jaguar's Stop-Start system.

In addition to offering enhanced customer appeal in China - a market in which Jaguar sales have increased by 156 per cent in the first quarter of 2012 alone - their introduction will further improve the appeal of the XF and XJ ranges in other key global markets.

Said Bob Grace, President Jaguar Land Rover, China: "Since their respective launches the XF and XJ saloons have won a combined total of 214 global awards and achieved considerable sales success. The China market, in particular, has embraced this current generation of contemporary Jaguar saloons, and the addition of the 2.0-litre I4 Ti 240 and 3.0-litre V6 S/C 340 engines will further enhance their appeal."

The 3.0-litre V6 S/C will also be available in 380PS form exclusively in the forthcoming F-TYPE sports car which was recently announced in New York. Shown in Beijing was the C-X16, the concept which led to the acceleration of the F-TYPE programme. The F-TYPE will join Jaguar's existing range of cars - the XF saloon and Sportbrake, XJ saloon and XK coupe/convertible. Full F-TYPE technical and range details will be announced later in 2012. It will go on sale in mid 2013.

Graffitied XKR

A sporting celebration of Jaguar, the F-TYPE…and a graffitied XKR

Following Jaguar's announcement at the New York auto show that it will soon be building the  F-TYPE, an all-new sports car, a special celebration of the marque's sporting past and future was held at the exclusive STK restaurant in the city's meat packing district.

A key attraction for the many celebrities in attendance was the unveiling of an XKR coupe with a unique paint scheme courtesy of renowned local graffiti artist, Mr Kaves.

Ian Callum, Jaguar's Director of Design, who had earlier visited Mr Kave's studio to add his own finishing touch to the XKR said: "I love it. It's a fascinating contrast of beauty and drama. There's a real edginess to it that we can enjoy at Jaguar."

In addition to his painting the XKR, Mr Kaves, a graffiti artist since the age of ten, used his talents to produce a series of works for Jaguar celebrating its sporting bloodline of C-, D- and E-type, each being represented on a canvas displayed on the walls of STK. During the evening, Mr Kaves then finished a fourth canvas based around the F-TYPE name to complete the series.

Asked about his work with Jaguar, Mr Kaves said: "I was enlisted to come up with something exciting and spontaneous. I went back to my roots and picked up the spray cans. Seeing the car itself and its great lines, it just inspired me."

Jaguar's Director of Design, Ian Callum, right, with Mr. Kaves at Picture Cars East garage in Brooklyn NY

Jaguar Announces the F-TYPE

Jaguar announces new sports car: the F-TYPE

Jaguar confirms that it will bring an all-new sports car to production; the F-TYPE.

Speaking at the New York auto show Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars, confirmed: "We showed the C-X16 concept in September 2011, and the reaction to it has been so positive that we've accelerated our development of an all-new Jaguar sports car.

"That car will be called the F-TYPE, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year. The core appeal of Jaguar's cars is their sporting heart, and that heart will beat stronger than ever before in the F-TYPE. Its development is a vivid representation of the confidence and ambition of the Jaguar brand, and the desire amongst our engineers and design team to produce a world-leader in a market segment that we have been absent from for too long. But no longer - the F-TYPE is coming."

Utilising Jaguar's industry-leading knowledge of all-aluminium construction, the F-TYPE will launch as a convertible, and a strict two-seater with the focus uncompromisingly on delivering driver reward. A range of petrol engines will be available - including a new powerplant family - and all will deliver stunning sports car performance.

Today also marks the point that the F-TYPE's rigorous development schedule moves to final on-road testing, with engineering prototypes now leaving Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant - the same plant at which the production cars will be built.

Ian Hoban, Jaguar's Vehicle Line Director said: "The engineering development of the F-TYPE has focused on delivering a heightened level of dynamic driving reward. We are excited about our progress to date and are looking forward to soon being able to demonstrate what we have achieved."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: "A true sports car needs to be pure in both its purpose and its form; to have the opportunity to produce such a car for Jaguar has been a privilege both for myself and for my team. The C-type, D-type and E-type Jaguars were all sports cars that held true to this principle in their era, and the F-TYPE will hold true to that same principle in its time, a time that is soon to arrive."

The F-TYPE will join Jaguar's existing range of cars - the XF saloon and Sportbrake, XJ saloon and XK coupe/convertible. Full F-TYPE technical and range details will be announced later in 2012. It will go on sale in mid 2013.