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Porsche, Jaguar continue dominance in 2015 JD Power APEAL study

The top of JD Power's 2015 APEAL Study has not changed much in the last year. Porsche remains No. 1 with Jaguar nipping at its heels, although both premium brands saw their overall score fall compared to 2014. For those that need a refresher, the APEAL Study looks at how "gratifying" a vehicle is to own and drive, rating cars and brands on a 1,000-point scale. The industry average for 2015 has increased from 794 to 798, while the total number of automakers that finished above the curve increased from 16 to 20. While Porsche and Jaguar finished at the top, their scores dropped eight and seven points, respectively, to 874 and 855. The top "non-premium" brand was Mini, which scored an impressive 825, up from 795. If the BMW-owned British marque is still a bit too premium for your tastes, last year's non-premium winner, Hyundai, did climb five points and is this year's runner up. At the opposite end of the scale, Smart sits at the very bottom of the rankings, with a score of 683 (it didn't appear on the 2014 rankings). Fiat also dropped, from fourth worst in 2014 to second worst in 2015, despite the 500 being named most appealing city car. Subaru made an impressive climb, from third worst to seventh, falling just 10 points shy of the industry average and two points south of the non-premium average. In the individual vehicle segments, eight brands earned multiple awards, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Porsche earning three apiece. Surprise segment victories included the new Ford Expedition, which beat out Chevy's popular Suburban. The Infiniti QX80 bested the likes of the Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover for best large luxury SUV, and the Dodge Challenger beat its muscle car rivals from Ford and Chevy. Most of the victories, though, were quite predictable. The Mazda6 and CX-5 took wins for the midsize sedan and compact SUV categories respectively, while the Volkswagen Golf captured the compact car win. The Ford F-150 won the large pickup category, while the Porsche Cayman was named most appealing compact premium sporty car. Check out the official release on the 2015 APEAL Study, available below, from JD Power. 2015 U.S. APEAL Study Results The latest safety-related technologies are among the drivers of customer satisfaction with new vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S.

2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR is the quickest kitty in Geneva

"Always follow your local speed limits," says a disclaimer at the bottom of Jaguar's press materials for its new F-Type SVR. Granted, every single new car you can buy in America is capable of accelerating well past the highest official speed limit in the United States. This new Jaguar, though, is another matter entirely, boasting as it does a top speed of 200 miles per hour. Not since the famed XJ220 has Jaguar offered such a compelling speedster. Whereas that slinky coupe relied on a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a five-speed manual transmission, the 2017 F-Type SVR benefits from a supercharged, 5.0-liter V8 pushing out 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic. Also unlike the supercar of old, the SVR's all-wheel-drive system means it can potentially serve as an all-weather sportscar. My, how times have changed. Looking past its headline-grabbing 200-mph capabilities, the F-Type SVR can accelerate from 0-60 in a scant 3.5 seconds in coupe form. Buyers who prefer the wind in their hair get slightly lower performance peaks, with a 186-mph top speed and a 3.9-second run to 60. Either way, this Jag will make its owner look good, with aggressive hood vents, massive air intakes in the fascia and a carbon-fiber spoiler that automatically raises and lowers from the car's rear haunches. Considering that the F-Type V8 is already one of the best sounding cars for sale in America, we have no doubt that the SVR, with its brand-new inconel titanium exhaust system, will emit a sound second only to God's own chariot. Pricing starts at $126,945 for the coupe or $129,795 for the convertible. If we have one complaint, it's that British Racing Green is not one of the seven available colors. For shame, Jaguar. Make ours Ultra Blue and we'll forgive you, just this once. View 16 Photos Related Video:

Jaguar Land Rover reveals Bond cars [w/video]

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Frankfurt Motor Show coverage to bring you something far cooler. Jaguar Land Rover has officially introduced the cars it's lending to the latest James Bond film, Spectre. There's not much that wasn't previously covered as part JLR's February 2015 release, although there are some comments from the stars, as well as a pair of behind-the-scenes videos. At the very forefront of the British brand's charge is the Jaguar C-X75, the stillborn concept that set hearts aflutter with its handsome looks and its innovative turbine-powered drivetrain. According to Jaguar Land Rover, the orange supercar will be piloted by baddie Dave Bautista as part of an enormous chase scene throughout Rome. Meanwhile, Eve Moneypenny, played by Naomie Harris in her second Bond flick, will pilot the blacked-out Defender. For those that remember Skyfall, Miss Moneypenny spent most of the film's pre-title sequence tearing through Istanbul, Turkey behind the wheel of a silver Defender. Joining the Defender is the most powerful vehicle Land Rover has ever produced. The new Range Rover Sport SVR will show up wearing a menacing black paint job and featuring some extra lighting on both its roof and in its bumper. It's not clear who will be driving the 550-horsepower SVR, but in the photos released by JLR, it's shown trading places with a pair of Defenders as they rampage through the Austrian snow. Check out the photos of the vehicles below. You'll find both studio stuff and some set photos. There's also a full press release from JLR, as well as a pair of behind-the-scenes videos. Show full PR text Jaguar and Land Rover stunt vehicles Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and Land Rover Defender make international debut in Frankfurt, Germany ? SPECTRE cast members Naomie Harris and David Bautista attend star-studded event ahead of reveal at motor show ? Guests entertained by British singer and musician John Newman ? Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations [SVO] as well as Jaguar and Land Rover Design worked with filmmakers on the conception and creation of the Bond ? SVO is responsible for the most luxurious and highest performing cars that Jaguar Land Rover makes ? Jaguar and Land Rover to release exclusive and interactive behind-the-scenes SPECTRE content on www.JaguarUSA.com and www.LandRoverUSA.com (FRANKFURT, GERMANY) – September 15, 2015 - Today, Jaguar Land Rover celebrated their vehicles appearing in the new Bond adventure, SPECTRE.