1983 Jaguar Xjs on 2040-cars

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We're spending six months with a Jaguar XE diesel

It's hard to discuss the Jaguar XE sedan without at least mentioning the BMW 3 Series. So here we are doing it. The XE was built to compete with the 3 and the likes of the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It's the smallest Jag sedan in a long time, and it's poised to be one of the brand's best-selling vehicles. We're putting one in our fleet for half a year to see how it is to live with. What we got For the detail-oriented, this is a 2017 Jaguar XE 20d AWD Prestige painted Ammonite Grey with a Jet and Latte interior. Translation: a midlevel trim with a diesel engine, all-wheel drive, dark gray paint, and a cabin with light tan leather seats and a black dashboard. It's a handsome combo. Base price for the model is $46,395. This one has plenty of options, which raise the price to $55,485. For $2,400, the Vision Package includes things to help you see and some more that help the car see for you: xenon headlights with washers, auto high beams, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitor, and cross-traffic detection. The $2,100 Comfort and Convenience Package adds heated and cooled front seats, heat for the rears, a power trunk lid, and an electric rear sunshade. A 10.2-inch wide-format touchscreen, navigation, WiFi, and an 825-watt sound system are included in the $2,700 Technology Package. And then there's the little stuff: metallic paint for $550, a head-up display for $990, and $350 to get the SiriusXM working. Other details include an eight-speed automatic transmission, engine stop-start, and some nice 18-inch wheels. What we skipped This XE most notably lacks a place to put gasoline – we didn't get the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder or any of the tunes of supercharged V6 in the pricier models. We also skipped the upper trim levels, which for 2017 included R-Sport and Portfolio (an S model is new for 2018). The only other big item you can put on a Prestige is the $360 Black Design Package; it swaps out the shiny grille, vent trim, and window surrounds for – you guessed it – black parts. Why we got it It's a completely new model in a popular segment. Sport sedans are fun. And Jaguars are pretty. There are likely to be some mini comparisons between the Jag and our succession of long-term A4s. What's next On the other end of the new-Jaguar spectrum is the F-Pace, a crossover that has a lot in common with the XE. So we're going to spend some time with one once the XE leaves.

Jaguar brings the new XKSS to Jay Leno's Garage

Jay Leno is no stranger to the Jaguar XKSS, having driven Steve McQueen's no less. But that doesn't mean he would turn down a chance at another one, and certainly not the continuation model seen in this week's Jay Leno's Garage. This particular XKSS is the first of nine cars built to complete the car's original 1957 production run, which was cut short in a factory fire. The video covers many of the fascinating details that went into recreating the XKSS. Among them are Jaguar's acquisition of an original D-Type engine block to make new castings, and even replicating the type of type of steering wheel used back in the day. Most of the vehicle is made to be identical to the originals, with only a few changes made for usability. This includes better quality materials for the brake lines, and ethanol-resistant materials for the fuel tank. Because this particular XKSS was on its way to the LA Auto Show (where we saw it debut at the Petersen Museum), Leno didn't get a chance to take it for a spin. However, snippets of his drive in McQueen's car were added, since it's the same car for all intents and purposes. What Leno emphasizes is how modern the car feels, also noting that it feels lighter than many other classic Jaguars. To see all the details and impressions, check out the video above. Related Video:

Jaguar recalls 1,500 XJ sedans over brake issues

A problem with the hydraulic brakes on the flagship XJ sedan has prompted Jaguar to issue a recall. The issue, as publicized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the notice you can read below, revolves around the brake line junctions underneath the affected vehicles, which may leak fluid, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the braking system. The problem only affects an estimated 1,571 units from the 2014 and 2015 model years, manufactured between February 6 and July 23, 2014. Owners of those affected units are being notified to bring their vehicles in to their local Jaguar dealers to have the brake line junctions inspected and tightened. This issue appears to be unrelated to Jaguar's recent recall of several model lines, the XJ included, over a problem with the power steering system. RECALL Subject : Incorrect Torque of Brake Pipe Unions Report Receipt Date: NOV 19, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V741000 Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,571 Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC SUMMARY: Jaguar Land Rover North America (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jaguar XJ vehicles manufactured February 6, 2014, to July 23, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the brake line junctions under the vehicle may leak brake fluid. CONSEQUENCE: A brake fluid leak may reduce the vehicle's braking ability, requiring additional distance to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake line junctions, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is J048. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.