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2016 Jaguar XJ sedan revealed

Jaguar has been steadily updating its sedan lineup, launching the entry-level XE and a new version of the mid-range XF – and now it's revealed an refreshed version of its flagship XJ. A facelifted version of the existing model (which was first launched in 2009 and arrived in the US in 2011), the 2016 Jaguar XJ benefits from a few key enhancements to keep it current. The principal visual updates revolve around the exterior lighting, which now includes full LED headlights, new daytime running lights and redesigned LED tail lights. There are new oval exhaust tips as well, but some of the most vital updates have been carried out inside. The refreshed interior includes a new InControl Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment system, with multi-touch control and backed up by a 60-gig solid-state hard drive. A new 17-speaker Meridian sound system comes standard, and the instrument cluster has been redesigned as well. The XJ also benefits from Jaguar's All-Surface Progress Control system and a raft of driver assistance features. Rear-drive models also get a new electric power-assisted steering rack and semi-automated parking system. Between engine options, drivetrain choices, wheelbase lengths, and trim levels, the updated XJ continues to offer an array of configurations – and Jaguar has worked to further differentiate them from one another. The base model carries the 340-horsepower, 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 and can be specified with rear- or all-wheel drive. There are regular and long wheelbase versions, and in R-Sport and Portfolio trim lines (the former now coming standard in the shorter car). Though the entire range is supercharged, the model designated as the XJ Supercharged packs a 470-hp version of the company's celebrated 5.0-liter force-fed V8, while the performance flagship XJR packs the same engine but with 550 hp (once again in either wheelbase) and now comes standard with the Black Pack. The 2016 Jaguar XJ is slated to reach US showrooms this fall. The updates will surely go a long way towards keeping Coventry's flagship sedan in the game for longer until an all-new model is ready. The question is whether these updates will be enough to keep the XJ competitive against the newer BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class, and Maserati Quattroporte. Or for that matter with the Audi A8 that's just as old but was also recently refreshed, or the Lexus LS that's been around for longer with similar updates along the way.

2016 Jaguar XJR meets 1988 XJR9-LM at Silverstone

The current Jaguar XJR is not the first Jaguar XJR. Not by a long shot. In fact there's a long and distinguished history of Jaguar production and racing models that have worn those letters over the years. So to highlight its lineage, Jaguar brought the 2016 model together with its nearly 30-year-old racing namesake to Silverstone. And it brought Andy Wallace along for the ride. Wallace won at Le Mans in 1988 driving the XJR9-LM. Designed for the race track and adorned with iconic Silk Cut livery, the XJR9 looks entirely different from the XJR luxury sedan you can buy today. And with a 7.0-liter V12 mounted amidships instead of the modern sedan's 5.0-liter supercharged V8 placed up front, they're mechanically different beasts as well. But it's not the difference in design, powertrain, or performance that Jaguar is highlighting in this video encounter. Instead, Wallace is impressed by the advancement of the lighting technology from the Le Mans racer he drove in the late 1980s to the sedan sold today. To hear him talk about how they used to use the headlights in the nighttime hours of the famously grueling endurance race is harrowing enough all on its own. Hear his story in the video above. NEW JAGUAR XJR MEETS XJR9-LM AT SILVERSTONE WITH LE MANS WINNER ANDY WALLACE AT THE WHEEL - Andy Wallace drives new Jaguar XJR and Le Mans-winning XJ-R9 LM at Silverstone - XJR9-LM – one of one million XJs now built – back on track at night for the first time since it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1988 - Track session presents benefits of new Jaguar XJ LED headlights in day and night driving conditions - Wallace discusses new XJR headlight technology, which offers drivers more confidence, safety and performance at night - New short film captures all the action https://youtu.be/IgMxSkJb058 (Whitley, Coventry - 16 November 2015): Legendary racing driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Andy Wallace relived his 1988 victory by taking to the Silverstone circuit to drive the Jaguar XJR9-LM during day and night back-to-back with the new 550PS, 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 Jaguar XJR. Wallace discusses his experiences in the XJR9-LM and the new XJR in an exciting new film available to view and share at https://youtu.be/IgMxSkJb058 Driving at night on the Silverstone circuit gave Wallace the opportunity to test the new LED headlights on the new XJ, which are a first for Jaguar. "Driving at Le Mans back in 1988, it was so hard to see at night," said Wallace.

David Brown Automotive launches old-is-new-again Speedback [w/video]

Back in January, we reported on a new British coachbuilder called David Brown Automotive. In February, the startup released the first details and images of its inaugural project, and now it has revealed the finished product.
It's called Speedback, and it's based on the Jaguar XKR. But while it's built on a modern chassis (relatively, anyway - the XK arrived in 2006 and is soon to be discontinued), it's been rebodied to look like a classic British GT. That means that, while it may look like a classic Aston Martin, it's got a thoroughly modern 5.0-liter supercharged V8 under the hood with over 500 horsepower on tap.
Otherwise, little in the way of details have been disclosed - including what you can bet will be an astronomic price that tends to come with these sorts of coachbuilt customs. But the important parts are what you can see, and that means the finest British craftsmanship inside and out. Whether you like the particular style or not, of course, is entirely a matter of taste.