2002 Jaguar Xj Sport Limited Edition Xj8 Sedan New Timing Chains & Tensioners on 2040-cars

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The Jaguar E-Type Lightweight is back on the prowl after a few decades away

Sometimes procrastination has its benefits. Jaguar originally planned to build a run of 18 E-Type Lightweights for racing in the '60s. However, it was only ever to complete 12 of them. It has taken all of the intervening decades to finally get back to the project and build the final run of new Lightweights. While Jag announced the plan recently, the first continuation model was unveiled during the Pebble Beach weekend.
Coming from Jaguar Land Rover's Special Operations unit, these cars are identical to the way they left the factory in the '60s. Jag is even using the same grade of aluminum for the bodies, and the cars are fully compliant for FIA historic racing. Power comes from an aluminum, 3.8-liter inline-six with about 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque routed through a four-speed manual gearbox. Who could guess that in 2014 someone could buy a brand new vehicle from a major manufacturer that comes with Weber carbs? Though, Lucas mechanical fuel injection is an option.
While they look old, these new E-types are also a wonder of modern technology. To get things just right, the company laser scanned an original car to create the new bodies. Check out the gallery from the unveiling to see this old cat on the prowl again.

Jaguar F-Pace shows off its production pelt for first time

We're no strangers to the Jaguar F-Pace, having spotted the production mules for the aristocratic English brand's first crossover on a few different occasions. Today, though, we get not only our first time look at the car in production sheetmetal, but also confirmation that the production model won't stray far from the sexy C-X17 Concept. Riding atop the same aluminum platform that underpins the already acclaimed XE sedan, the F-Pace follows the example set by the Range Rover Evoque, offering up almost a chopped-top look, particularly near the rear, where the plunging roofline and high beltline meet. That said, similarities to products from sister company Land Rover look to be mere coincidences, as the sheetmetal being shown appears all Jag. There's a prominent, snout-like grille that's flanked by a pair of predatory, LED-accented headlights. In back, the small rear window crowns a pair of thin, wraparound taillights. Think XE, with small influences from the F-Type for these units. As for what hides underneath those muscular body panels, our spies are predicting the standard allotment of Jag goodness. That means a gas-powered 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter, supercharged V6, both borrowed from the XE/XF to start, before diesel and hybrid powertrains roll out. Naturally, all-wheel drive will be offered, although the F-Pace should also arrive sporting rear-wheel drive. And while we've got little to go on to believe it's happening, we're still hoping for an F-Pace R, complete with blown 5.0-liter V8. We suspect we'll be waiting on that one for awhile, though. You, though, don't have to wait to check out our spy snaps of the newest Jag in the litter. Check out our photos of the F-Pace, available up top.

Hot Rod Garage series premieres with 700-hp big-block Jaguar XJ

Roadkill hosts Mike Finnegan and David Freiburger have broken up - kinda - to spin off a new show, Hot Rod Garage, that mostly gives up the driveway and parking lot wrench work for the confines of a garage. We say kinda because while Finnegan is the primary host for Hot Rod Garage, Freiburger plays guest host and the new show starts off by wrenching on the Roadkill Draguar project car.
What's the Draguar? It's a 1974 Jaguar XJ12 that's about to be force-fed a 383-cubic-inch Chevrolet long-block engine with tidbits like Holley carbs, a Weiand 6-71 roots blower and a "custom WillBlow transmission," all good for about 700 horsepower. After that Finnegan gets into swapping parts on his wife's El Camino and some TIG welding lessons.
You can check out the first episode below. And in case you're worried, no, Roadkill isn't going away.