1996 Jaguar Xjs Convertible on 2040-cars

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Jaguar Land Rover gets to work on new university R&D center

Jaguar Land Rover has a raft of new products in the pipeline, from the new Defender to the next-generation XF sedan. But new product isn't the only thing the British automaker is investing in: it's also opening new facilities around the world, including what it's calling the National Automotive Innovation Centre back home in the UK. Based at the University of Warwick, the new $220-million R&D center is the result of a joint effort between JLR, its parent company Tata, the manufacturing arm of the university and the British government. The facility will bring together professionals from the automaker as well as its suppliers with academics to encourage, as the name suggests, innovation in the automotive sector. Its 355,000 square feet are earmarked to become the hub for Jaguar Land Rover's advanced research activities, including "workshops, laboratories, virtual engineering suites and advanced powertrain facilities, equipped to enable a full range of design, visualisation and prototyping activities." The cornerstore was just laid in a ceremony this week, but the facility isn't due to open until the Spring of 2017 when it will encompass some 1,000 employees, including 600 relocated by JLR to the new location from other sites in the UK. Related Video: Construction Begins On New UK Automotive Innovation Centre For Jaguar Land Rover - GBP150 million National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) will open in Spring 2017, providing a state-of-the-art technology hub for Jaguar Land Rover's advanced research team and collaborative partners from the supply chain and academia - To keep the UK and Jaguar Land Rover at the forefront of global innovation, the team will develop the vehicles and personal mobility solutions of the future - The NAIC will focus on inspiring the next generation of engineers - from schoolchildren to undergraduates.

Jaguar sends off XK with limited-run Final 50 edition

The Jaguar XK coupe and convertible are pointed at the production sunset, and the cars that will end their retail lives in the US will be the dubbed the XK Final Fifty Limited Edition. As the name implies there will be fifty of them made, 25 of the fixed-roof variety, 25 of the droptop.
As the name doesn't imply, however, they'll be based on the XKR and be injected with liberal doses of XKR-S and XKR-S GT: the 510-horsepower V8 from the XKR will be mated to normally optional items like the Dynamic and Performance Packs, machined front suspension components from the XKR-S and a 10-millimeter lower ride height, the louvered hood from the XKR-S GT and Vortex 20-inch forged wheels. The sheetmetal gets a bath in Ultimate Black paint "with special trim" and badged door sill plates. Convertibles will come black roofs, but the Performance Active Exhaust will keep you apprised of the 5.0-liter V8 bellows no matter which car you choose.
They'll go into production this summer and hit dealerships in the fall. There's a lengthy press release below with more info on how this cat will sing its swan song.

Jaguar details XE for North America

Jaguar is bringing the XE to North America next spring, and in advance of its arrival, the British automaker is giving us more details on its new compact sports sedan. The top engine choice is dubbed the XE 35t, which is a little misleading since its tried-and-tested 3.0-liter V6 is actually supercharged, not turbocharged. Regardless of the manner of forced induction, its 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque are claimed to propel the XE to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. Buyers looking for something more frugal at the pump may be more interested in the other engine option. The XE 20d adopts Jaguar's new Ingenium diesel, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four good for 180 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque. That's quoted for a 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive will also be available on both versions, but come by default in rear-drive form. Buyers will also have the choice among three trim levels, staring with Premium, moving up to Prestige and on to R-Sport with satin chrome and gloss black trim, a rear spoiler and 20-inch alloys. Pricing is set to be announced closer to launch, but for now you can scope out the details in the press release below, and watch this space for our upcoming drive report to follow our earlier report. JAGUAR XE ALL-NEW COMPACT SPORTS SEDAN TO EXPAND JAGUAR U.S. LINEUP IN 2016 - All-new Jaguar XE sports sedan to arrive in U.S.