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Jaguar might not sell many XF Sportbrakes in the U.S., but here's why it's trying

One of the wonderful surprises of this year was when we learned that the U.S. would receive the XF Sportbrake wagon, and — less of a surprise — it's as much a looker as the previous generation. And while we're never one to look a gift car in the grille, it did seem strange that Jaguar would attempt to bring a wagon to the U.S., especially when it already had a similarly sized F-Pace crossover. So we spoke with Jaguar CEO Joe Eberhardt, Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum, and Jaguar's head of product planning in the U.S. to find out what prompted the company to bring the XF Sportbrake here. There were a few key reasons. One was simply that the folks at Jaguar really like the car, and they know that journalists like wagons. That doesn't exactly pay the bills for a car, but the enthusiasm is good. According to these people at Jaguar, though, they do believe there is a market for the car, and they expect to sell most of them on the coasts. Obviously, even if Jaguar sees a wagon market, it's still going to be much smaller than for crossover SUVs. But no matter how small that market is, Jaguar has an extra advantage for bringing the wagon here. The company knew it was going to make a wagon regardless of whether it would come to America, since the wagon market in Europe is so strong. In fact, Jaguar expects that half of XF sales in Europe will be Sportbrakes. So the majority of the engineering costs will be covered from those sales. The folks at Jaguar also told us that the car wasn't difficult to homologate for the U.S., so the cost of bringing it here was minimal. So in the worst case scenario that has the XF Sportbrake hardly selling in America, Jaguar isn't going to be seriously hurt. And if it's a success, then it's even more of a success. So the XF Sportbrake isn't purely a passion product, but that's OK. It means consumers have one more option to the multitude of crossovers in the U.S., and enthusiasts have the chance to own a super cool wagon. Also, although the XF Sportbrake is currently only available in America in top-level 380-horsepower S trim, Jaguar said lower trim levels and lower-output engines, all at lower prices, will be available here in the coming year or so. Meaning there will be even more ways to satisfy your wagon itch. Related Video:

UK electric motor maker YASA expands production 50-fold for EVs

LONDON — British electric motor manufacturer YASA said on Thursday it was increasing its production capacity from 2,000 to 100,000 units with a new factory to tap into growing demand from carmakers for greener technologies. Automakers are racing to build greener vehicles and improve charge times in a bid to meet rising customer demand and air quality targets but Britain lacks sufficient manufacturing capacity, an area the government is building up. Last year, the government picked a site in central England to house a new automotive battery development facility, which will develop the processes required to manufacture the latest battery advancements. On Thursday, YASA, based near the English city of Oxford, said it had raised another 15 million pounds ($21 million) as part of its expansion. "Our customers are looking to adopt innovative new technologies such as YASA's axial-flux electric motors and controllers in order to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding hybrid and pure electric automotive market," said Chief Executive Chris Harris. The firm exports 80 percent of production and has worked with companies including Britain's two biggest carmakers Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan as well as Aston Martin. JLR will decide this year whether to build electric cars in its home market, previously citing factors such as pilot testing and support from science and government as pre-requisites. Reporting by Costas PitasRelated Video:

Lister is now taking offers for 200 mph LFP SUV

Lister is now taking orders for its new LFP SUV, which is a heavily tuned version of the Jaguar F-Pace. Stock, the F-Pace's supercharged V8 engine makes a handsome 380 horsepower, and the SVR version is good for 550 hp. Lister is intent on making the LFP the world's fastest SUV, so that power output has grown to 670 horsepower. The 0-62 mph sprint will only take 3.5 seconds, and Lister says the LFP will go on to reach a top speed of 200 mph. This would leave the 190 mph Lamborghini Urus in second place. While the 707-horsepower Grand Cherokee Trackhawk can hit 62mph in 3.6 seconds, its top speed is "just" 180 mph; the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is good for 176 mph and it hits 62 mph in 3.8 seconds. The Tesla Model X, on the other hand, is capable of a 2.9-second 0-62 mph blast, but it will only reach a limited top speed of 155 mph. The company says the LFP's bold top speed figure can be achieved partly thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber – however, the wording is still served with a grain of salt, as Lister says the LFP will "potentially" be the world's fastest SUV, and the claims are yet unverified. The carbon-aided weight reduction also has handling benefits for the large SUV. Lister also released these photos of the LFP, complete with interior shots depicting a more racing-inspired cabin, yet trimmed with luxurious materials. Or as the company blurb says: "Take a look at the interior to see how comfortable 200mph can be". Lister prices the LFP at GBP140,000, or a touch over $180,000. Related Video: