Jaguar

Jaguar XJ Supersport (2011)

Letting the past go! The 2011 Jaguar XJ is all new, yet it’s all Jaguar

By: Juan G. Robbin

Over the last four decades, Jaguar used the familiar shape of the XJ in one way or another quite successfully. Even when the “All new” steel to aluminum XJ came out in 2004, it was basically a refreshed XJ. Finally, for 2011, Jaguar has turned the page and has let go of its past with the introduction of the all-new 2011 Jaguar XJ luxury sedan.

I can confidently state, that the new XJ will be a benchmark design for how a luxury sedan should look like for the 2^nd decade of the 21^st century. Why? It’s sinuously fluid shape, the perfectly balanced dimensions as well as the way it creates a subtle yet powerful statement.

Recently, Jaguar sent over a sumptuous 2011 XJ Supersport. This is the top of the line sedan with a screaming 510 HP supercharged engine. When I got the call confirming the delivery, I was like a school boy on the last day of class. Well, I was definitely not disappointed. The XJ is marvelous, not only to look at but also to drive.

The front fascia offers a bit of sportiness look with the metallic mesh grill. The dramatic lights look like diamonds on a starlet’s neck. The dramatic hood, roof and trunk lines simply flow perfectly, mainly due to the perfectly executed constant radius curve that ends at the rear of the trunk. The tail lights are LED works of art, not only giving the new XJ a signature look but also breaking new ground with their simple yet elegant design. The wheels offer a “Coming at you” prancing cat over a red background, letting only but the most discerning cognoscenti know that this Jaguar is a special feline.

Inside the XJ, driver and passengers are greeted with an exquisitely appointed, yet understated interior. Our test car had the carbon fiber panel inlays as well as bright purple glove box and center console lining, causing a mesmerizing stir with everyone that noticed them. The entire dash has a unique curve shape, accented by a dropped surface offering quite the dramatic trim line from door to door. Additionally, the retro-looking, accent-lit A/C vents feature prominently front-center, go well with the design of the dash, giving the XJ a unique interior look without being over the top. The instrument cluster is fully LED lit, and yes, it is a “wow, how cool” feature.  We did notice though, that the resolution of the information presented is somewhat grainy and at times, slow to refresh, causing the tachometer needle to tick up and down instead of being a continuous flow. Regardless, it’s a very small nit-pick in an otherwise fabulous automobile. The gear selector lever is once again, the ubiquitous Jaguar “orb” or round dial located top left on the flat center console. The 2^nd generation mid-center dash infotainment display is much improved over the antediluvian speed of the previous generation model, a welcome change. Steering wheel has multiple buttons that control sound, cruise control and blue-tooth phone. The wheel itself is wonderful; mainly due to the high-end leather as well as how its design gives it a perfect look and feel, just right for this car.

Rear seating is comfortable for two, tight for three. This is where the long wheel base version of the XJ shows the added leg room. Trunk, as expected, is well appointed with bespoke looking luggage support strips, typical of a high-end British marque. One interesting thing we noticed is the attention given to being understated with regards to badging and branding. There is a discrete XJ Badge and traditional “leaper” to the left of the trunk lid and mid trunk respectively. There is a Supersport badge on both front fender side gills and lit branding on the door sills. Thank you for staying understated Jaguar!

Starting the XJ Supersport you immediately get a hint of the awesome power lurking under the “bonnet”. Throttle pedal feel is perfect, so is brake modulation and steering input. Feel sporty?  Then select the “S” mode and shift with the steering paddle-shifters. Impressive how stealthy this car is, few realize the amount of power and performance the Supersport wields. Floor the accelerator and this cat leaps! Offering effortless acceleration all the way into territory that will get your license suspended! 60-0 braking produced a fairly flat and commanding stop, just as expected from a car of this caliber. Cornering is predictable and quite flat, offering plenty of suspension feedback. This all new sedan is truly an amazing car to drive!

The 2011 Jaguar XJ Supersport; A special cat that will feel at home driving you to the board meeting, the race track, and everything in between.

The Essentials:

MSRP: $110,200.00                                          MSRP (As tested): $110,200.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 17.5 MPG
Engine: V8, 5.0 liter, 510 Supercharged Horsepower
Options: Rear seat entertainment, heated windshield
visit: www.jaguar.com

By: Juan G. Robbin

The most civilized sporty Jaguar yet!

Jaguar XKR Coupe (2010)

Even before the introduction of the sinuously beautiful E Type sports car in the 60’s, Jaguar has had some of the most iconic sports car designs of the 20^th century. Adding to this fine design heritage is the current Jaguar XK, which without a doubt, is one of the sexiest that has come from Jaguar’s chief designer, Ian Callum up to date. The XK comes in two versions, the naturally aspirated and the sportier, Supercharged R version respectively, additionally, these are available in coupe and convertible forms. The R offering a more aggressive look and set up in addition to a tantalizing stable of 510 quite capable supercharged horsepower.

The XK design is immediately recognizable, highlighted by its long, sloping hood and the agressive front oval, shark mouth-like air intake. This writer finds the coupe form to be the more elegant look of the two, due in part to the flowing roof line as well as the signature sloping rear window design. This is a look which pays homage in part, to the classic Jaguar E Type.  One of the few available options on the R version are the elegant 20” motorsport inspired Nevis design wheels, making the XKR Coupe look like a bejeweled starlet walking the red carpet during a premiere. That is to say, sumptuously elegant!

Inside the XKR, there is an aura of bespoke exclusivity, with the buttery leather, soothingly soft suede as well as deep gloss wood trim. There is a proper and complete instrument dash, as well as a center mounted multi-function display that as it turns out, is the only sore spot of this elegant cat. Why? The glacier-like speed of the touch screen responses. Regardless, the XKR is a modern and elegant coupe that offers the best of both worlds; elegance and sportiness both around town and on your favorite curvy road. Rear seats are offered, but if you want to be friends with the person you ask to sit in the back, you better reconsider the request. They are better suited for putting your travel valise instead. Trunk space is good for several soft bags and is limited primarily by the shallowness of the space, so pack accordingly for that special summer weekend in the Hamptons.

The XKR is a large coupe, yet it doesn’t feel large or ponderous. Quite the contrary, it’s nimble, aggressive, agile and ready to pounce when you as it to. The steering feels superb, with the right amount of boost needed to maintain comfort and directness. Brakes and suspension have the uncanny balance of being perfectly compliant without being intrusive or harsh. We tried several threshold braking stops and the binders worked with nary a complaint. The deep V8 sourced burble from the exhaust sends the subtle message: Go ahead-try me. And boy did we ever! Step on it and there is a banshee-like whine from the supercharger that will make even the most jaded car afficionado squirm with delight. During our week-long sojourn with the XKR, we invented reasons to drive, simply so we could use this special cat. Rarely do we get that giddy about a car and the XKR made us feel that way all through the week.

Few sport coupes have the dynamic balance between sport and luxury so well defined as the Jaguar XKR. Add to that, the impressive build quality, plus the noticeable high end materials and you have a feline that will make an owner smile every time it gets driven, regardless of the destination.

The Essentials:

MSRP: $95,150.00  MSRP: (As tested): $101,000.00
Fuel Economy: (Observed): 17.8 MPG
Engine: Supercharged V8, 5.0 liter, 510 HP
Popular Options: Nevis 20” wheels
visit: www.jaguar.com

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2011 Jaguar XJ

The new year is starting in style thanks to the all new for 2011 Jaguar XJ. The Collection began its season of exclusive premiere parties with none other than the iconic Jaguar XJ flagship sedan. Recently given rave reviews and voted “Best of Show” by SAMA at the South Florida International Auto show, the new Jag deserved the elegant soiree thrown in its honor by the famed Coral Gables dealership.

The Jaguar and Aston Martin showrooms were combined and transformed into a decadent showcase for the gorgeous and sexy new interpretation of the British marque’s flagship. After a short speech by the Collection and Jaguar brass, the sheets finally came off the exquisite examples that were there to be ogled by the guests in attendance. “My! This new Jag is a stunning car!” Was the typical phrase said most of the guests.

It is a sleek and modern design, a clear departure of the old but traditional and retro shape that served the previous generations of the XJ well. This car is sure to lead the company into the 21st century with a progressive yet elegant design language. There are two sizes, the XJ and the long wheel base, XJL, featuring five more inches of rear legroom. Even though the body is completely new, there are still subtle clues to the observer that this car has a long lineage as the XJ. The back LED tail lights are shaped to resemble a cat’s claws and the front matrix grill harks back to the traditional Jag design of previous generations, yet looks instantly contemporary. The head lights are uniquely sculptured, like nothing I’ve ever seen on a Jaguar, they give the car an aggressive and distinct stare and character when looked at head on. Engines being offered are the 385 HP normally aspirated 5 liter V8, available on the standard XJ and XJL, the 470 HP Supercharged 5 liter V8 offered on the Supercharged models and the demonic 510 HP, V8, 5 liter Supercharged offered on the XJL Supersport.

Ensconced in the sumptuously elegant cabin, passengers will feel like they have just stepped into the posh cockpit of a private jet. The instrument panel is now digital with large widescreen instruments. The center stack is also completely digital, and a large LCD screen dominates it. Traditional rounded and chromed air vents in give the front cabin a decidedly gentlemanly British ambiance. The wood trim feels and looks rich while completely surrounding the cabin. For all you audiophiles reading this, Jaguar has collaborated with renowned audio company Bowers & Wilkins to bring true Hi-Fi sound to the car.

So, do the Magic City’s well heeled automobile connoisseurs approve of Jaguar’s new flagship? Judging from the commentary and expressions overheard from most of the invitees, it looks like the new XJ is going to be a home run for Jaguar and its new owner, TATA Motors in India. Soon, the parking lots of South Florida’s premiere locales will be seeing something new. Yes, there is a new cat in town and it’s called the Jaguar XJ.

For more information visit: www.jaguar.com

2009 Jaguar XK-R

By: Juan G. Robbin

The art of blending luxury and performance!
Jaguar XK-R Convertible (2009)

The current Jaguar XK body style, redesigned in 2006 comes in both coupe and convertible versions. However, due to the unique sloping rear hatch design, the convertible looses its signature distinctive elegance that’s designed into the coupe. Regardless of the difference, the
XK-R convertible is all Jaguar.

You can’t help but to admire and notice the sleek, sloping shape of the hood, the classic front mesh deep grille and the unique to the XK-R optional 20” wheels. All of this plus the retro side vents behind the front wheels, giving the XK-R convertible a contemporary yet an unmistakable Jaguar flair. There are the sporty, quad exhaust tips plus the “R” logo brake calipers, giving subtle hints that this is no ordinary Jaguar.

Once seated, you are greeted by comfortable and fully adjustable leather sports seats. Rear seats are better used for extra storage as opposed to trying to squeeze in passengers. There is simply almost no room even for the smallest of persons. The center mounted multi-function display manages the sound system, vehicle trip data, navigation and ventilation. The unit processor was a bit slow executing the commands and difficult to see if the top is down during a bright, sunny day. Since we last drove the XK-R in 2007 there have been some refinements, namely the obsolete telescoping power antenna is finally gone and it’s now integrated into the rear spoiler. There is more luxurious headliner fabric being used as well as interior upgrades that emphasize luxury.

Steering is superb, with its speed adaptive system that works just as you want it. The handling is crisp and direct, with just the right touch of feedback. The exhaust is fully active, giving way from a subtle rumbling sound when cruising to a full out burbling deep power note that gives you an evil smile every time you floor the throttle. Acceleration is impressive, so are the brakes. Feeling sporty? Then put the gear selector in the sports mode and use the paddle shifters. These will reward you with quick and effortless manual shifts through the six speed range. Downshifting with the paddles will reward you with sports like heel and toe-like throttle blips on the downshift that leave you feeling oh so wonderful. The powerful supercharged V8 in the XK-R was surprisingly miserly giving us over 18 MPG in mixed driving. We noticed a big blind spot in the rear corner of the top behind the passenger’s window due to the inherent design of the soft top. Regardless, it’s the price one pays for having a soft top as compared to a foldable hard top. Trunk space is shallow and tight, but usable, it is an advantage over most hard top convertibles.

The XK-R is a sexy soft-top convertible that does everything well, with understated, yet modern style and elegance.

The 2009 Jaguar XK-R convertible: One sporty, sleek cat!

The Essentials

MSRP: $93,400.00 MSRP (As tested): $103,960.00
Fuel Economy: (Observed): 18.2 MPG
Engine: V8, 4.2 liter, supercharged, 420 HP
Popular options: Adaptive cruise control, Bowers & Wilkins premium sound
Visit: www.jaguarusa.com

2009 Jaguar XF

By: Juan G. Robbin

Jaguar XF (2009)
One Sexy Feline

The all new-for-2009 Jaguar XF has ushered in a new era for this fabled bespoke car maker. Gone is the classic Jaguar profile of yesteryear, replaced with a new, modern look that evokes a fresh, design approach.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the exterior of the XF. Finish and panel fit is noticeably better than previous models. Doors open as a proper British car should, with aplomb and heft. Once inside, you instantly notice a very clean and uncluttered dash design, this is mainly due to the flush-when-closed HVAC vents. Jaguar PR people call the vent rotation the “Jaguar handshake.” There is no traditional gearshift, making the center console look elegant and modern. Press the pulsating amber lit start button and the show begins. The air vents start their unison rotation to the open position as well as the PRNDL gear selector “orb” slowly emanates from its flush, stowed point. One can’t help but wonder how long it will be until “Prince Lucas” (Referencing the supplier, Lucas Electrics; popular in British cars of the past, Jaguar included, who had a less than a stellar reputation for reliability). makes himself known and wreak havoc on these neat show-and-tell items. I’ll bet that the chances are slim, as Jaguar has paid close attention to getting the interior not only right, but also bringing it up a notch in terms of the level of luxury this interior delivers to the owner. Still, I would love to get my hands on this car again in five years and see how well these two gizmos are holding up to the ravages of time and repeated use.

Jaguar has done a masterful job of making the interior feel exactly as one would expect from this type of car. It all seems to work harmoniously giving the driver and passengers a palpable feeling of luxury thanks to the blend of wood, leather and fine wool carpets. One thing we did notice where the turn signal and wiper stalks on both sides of the steering wheel column felt cheap and sloppy. Not up to par on how the rest of the cabin controls feel. Part of the luxury experience is perceived on the tactile feel of interior appointments and switchgear. There should be a discernable level of quality throughout and these two stalks do not feel that way. Seating is comfortable all around. Rear seats are good for two, tight for three people. Trunk space is typical for a midsized luxury sedan.

Driving the XF is an unruffled affair with a ride that is quiet and silky smooth, both on urban streets and on the highway. This car reminded us of a German sports sedan instead of a classic British automobile because of the ride and the nice balance of direct feel and compliant luxury. Acceleration is quick; handling is tight with excellent steering feedback. Brakes are strong yet easy to manage both under hard and easy braking. The XF we drove is the standard model, with a 4.2 liter, 300 HP V8. If you long for more power, no need to fret, there is a supercharged version of the XF that gives you an additional 120 HP.

Jaguar is serious about making cars that are reliable, exciting to drive yet beautifully designed. If you are looking at a mid-sized luxury sedan from Germany, the US or Japan you should include the Jaguar XF in your short list of candidates.

The Essentials

MSRP: $55,200.00 MSRP (As tested): $56,950.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 20.5 MPG
Engine: V8, 4.2 liter, 300 HP
Popular Options: Premium Luxury Warm climate package
Visit: www.jaguarxf.com

2008 Jaguar XK Convertible

By: Juan G. Robbin

The most refined cat yet!
Jaguar XK Convertible (2008)

The XK body style, new for 2006 comes in both coupe and convertible versions. However, due to the unique sloping rear hatch design, the convertible looses some of the distinctive elegance that’s designed into the coupe. Regardless of the difference, the XK convertible is all Jaguar.

You can’t help but to admire and notice the sleek, sloping shape of the hood, the classic front grille, its large, optional 19” wheels and low profile tires. All of this plus the retro side vents behind the front wheels, giving the XK convertible a contemporary, yet an unmistakable Jaguar flair.

Once seated, you are greeted by comfortable and fully adjustable leather sports seats. Rear seats are better used for extra storage as opposed to trying to squeeze in passengers. The center mounted multi-function display manages the sound system, vehicle trip data, navigation and ventilation. The unit processor was a bit slow executing the commands and difficult to see if the top is down during a bright, sunny day. Since we last drove the XK there have been some refinements, namely the obsolete looking power antenna is finally gone and it’s now integrated into the rear spoiler. There is more luxurious headliner fabric being used as well and interior upgrades that emphasize luxury. The standard 19 inch wheels have run flat tires, available on the XK for the 1st time.

Steering is superb, with its speed adaptive system that works just as you want it. The handling is crisp and direct, however, we where left wanting a tad more power. Of course, there is the sportier, more powerful XK-R version that takes care of this desire. The exhaust note is a raspy tone that is sporty yet not overly so. Push the accelerator all the way to the floor and the sound is music to your ears. The V8 in the XK was surprisingly miserly giving us over 21 MPG in mixed driving. We noticed a big blind spot in the rear corner of the top behind the passenger’s window due to the top design. It’s the price one pays for having a soft top as compared to a foldable hard top. Trunk space is shallow and tight, but usable, an advantage over most hard top convertibles.

The XK is a sexy convertible that does everything well, with understated, yet modern style and elegance.

The 2008 Jaguar XK convertible; One sexy cat !

The Essentials

MSRP: $80,835.00 MSRP (As tested): $87,910.00
Fuel Economy: (Observed): 21.8 MPG
Engine: V8, 4.2 liter, 300 HP
Popular options: Luxury Pkg. Premium sound, and 19” Sabre chrome wheels.
Visit: www.jaguarusa.com

2007 Jaguar XK Convertible

By: Juan G. Robbin

“One Sexy Cat”
Jaguar XK Convertible (2007)

The XK body style, new for 2006 comes in both coupe and convertible versions. However, due to the unique sloping rear hatch design, the convertible looses some of that distinctive elegance that’s designed into the coupe. Regardless of the difference, the XK convertible is all Jaguar.

You can’t help but to admire and notice the sleek, sloping shape of the hood, the classic front grille, it’s large 20” wheels and low profile tires. All of this plus the retro side vents behind the front wheels, giving the XK a contemporary, yet unmistakable Jaguar flair. Once seated, you are greeted by comfortable and fully adjustable leather sports seats. Rear seats are better used for extra storage as opposed to trying to squeeze in passengers. The center mounted multi-function display manages the sound system, vehicle trip data, navigation and ventilation. The unit processor was simply too slow executing the commands and almost impossible to see if the top is down in a bright, sunny day.

Steering is a superb, with its speed adaptive system that works just as you want it. The handling is crisp and direct, however, we where left wanting more power, especially when you wanted to accelerate out of a situation in a hurry. Of course, there is the sportier, more powerful XK-R version that takes care of this. We noticed a big blind spot in the rear corner of the top behind the passenger’s window due to the top design. It’s the price one pays for having a soft top as compared to a foldable hard top. Trunk space is shallow and tight, but usable, an advantage over hard top convertibles.

The XK is a sexy car, it does most things well, but not extraordinary. You will need the XK-R for that. I recommend getting the coupe, its better looking, better handling, less expensive and easier to live with day in and day out.

The Jaguar XK convertible, a sexy convertible cat.

The Essentials

Base MSRP: $80,835.00 As tested: $93,535.00
Fuel consumption: (observed): 19.5 MPG
Engine: 4.2 liter, V8, with 300 HP
Popular options: Advanced Technology and “Lux” Aluminum packages.
Visit: www.jaguarusa.com