1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas Base Sedan 4-door 4.0l on 2040-cars

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Jaguar takes evolutionary approach for 2016 XF [w/videos]

One week ahead of its debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show, Jaguar has let loose a slew of images and details on the second-generation 2016 XF Sedan. The release comes alongside a high-profile stunt over London's Canary Wharf. A total of 75 percent of the XF's body is made from aluminum, which trims the big cat's curb weight by 132 pounds on the rear-drive model and 265 pounds on the all-wheel-drive variant. Aside from aiding acceleration, braking and fuel economy, the advanced structure promises an increase in torsional stiffness as well as a 50-50 weight distribution. Beyond that, the new car's dimensions differ only slightly compared to last year's XF. The wheelbase has been stretched by two inches, although the new model is 0.3-inches shorter and 0.1 inches lower. Double wishbones are used in front while an integral-link suspension sits in back with standard traditional dampers and optional adaptive dampers. Jaguar is also promising the Configurable Dynamics system that was pioneered on the F-Type. No surprise here, but an electric power-assisted tiller will be in use, although Jag says it benefits from lessons learned with the XE. Jaguar is mum on its full powertrain lineup, although it does mention that both 340-horsepower and 380-hp versions of Jaguar Land Rover's familiar 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 will be offered, paired with standard eight-speed automatic transmissions (likely the highly regarded ZF autobox). Jaguar's designers, led by design director Ian Callum, didn't rock the boat too much for the new sedan. Clearly inspired by the upcoming XE, the new XF gets a wider, but thinner grille. The headlights are slimmer, but retain a similar shape compared to last year's car, and as is the trend, they're now lined with LED accenting. The S trim, shown above, gets wide, menacing grilles in the front bumper as well as a total lack of chrome trim. The XE influence is most evident on the XF's tail, where the Aston Martin-aping taillights of the first-gen have been ditched, with broader, angled units, complete with an F-Type-inspired LED pattern. As with the current car, a thin chrome strip ties the lights together, while the lower bumper on this sportier model features a gloss black surround for the dual exhausts. Not surprisingly, the XF's profile is pretty classic, with a very long hood and a short deck that terminates in a handsome duckbill spoiler.

Not just 'our logo on a sail': Automakers gain technology from America's Cup

HAMILTON, Bermuda - From water taxis that "fly" on hydrofoils to aircraft wings and cutting-edge car steering wheels, the America's Cup has produced technology with potential far beyond its "foiling" catamarans. With their focus on carbon fiber and aerodynamics, the teams that fought for the America's Cup attracted partners including planemaker Airbus and automotive groups BMW and Land Rover, who were keen to learn from them. One area where this is likely to have an impact is in harnessing "foiling" technology, where the America's Cup boats "fly" above the water on foils, cutting water resistance. "Foiling in small electric boats will most likely appear on rivers in major cities. We are just at the beginning of the foiling adventure," Pierre Marie Belleau, head of Airbus Business Development, who managed its partnership with Larry Ellison's Oracle Team USA, told Reuters. The space-age catamarans used in the 35th America's Cup, which ended in victory for Emirates Team New Zealand this week, can sail at maximum speeds of 50 knots (57 mph) and have more in common with flying than sailing."CARBON FIBER RELATIONSHIP" For Jaguar Land Rover, which sponsored British sailor Ben Ainslie's attempt to win the cup, the relationship is a strategic one with a focus on technology and innovation. "We don't just get our logo onto a sail," Mark Cameron, JLR's Experiential Marketing Director, said by telephone, adding that the carmaker would be providing more designers to help Land Rover BAR with technology for their next campaign. "This is a dynamic sport that is developing fast. ... It's moving quickly just like the car industry is moving quickly. It's all changing," Land Rover produced a special steering wheel for Ainslie to use in the America's Cup, with in-built gear shift paddles that allowed him to adjust the catamaran's "flight" levels. The relationship is similar between BMW and Oracle Team USA, with the German automaker focused on areas including the electronics in the wheel used by skipper Jimmy Spithill, the development of carbon fiber used to make the boat and its components, and the aerodynamic testing. "We like to think of ourselves more as a partner than a sponsor. We have a very strong carbon fiber relationship," Ian Robertson, who is the BMW management board member responsible for sales and brand, told Reuters between races. "This is a dynamic sport that is developing fast. ... It's moving quickly just like the car industry is moving quickly.

Jaguar hints at what might become of XK after F-Type's arrival

Jaguar may move the company's XK further upmarket following the introduction of its forthcoming F-Type. The newcomer to the range easily shoulders the burden of carrying the Jaguar sportscar mantle, freeing up the XK to evolve in another direction. While speaking with Autocar, Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum said there's an opportunity to grow the grand tourer both in size and luxury.
Whether that means the vehicle will retain its two-plus-two seating configuration or swell to offer buyers even more space remains to be seen. Either way, the future will likely see the XK soften its claws moving forward. And that's no bad thing. Jaguar has a long history of building luxurious grand tourers more content to soak up miles of highway than bounce from apex to apex.
What else is in store for the brand? Callum seems to have kept his cards close to his chest, refusing to acknowledge ongoing rumors of a Jaguar crossover beyond saying the brand "had to take notice" of the popularity of the luxury SUV market.