One of the most beautiful race cars ever produced, the Jaguar XJ13 never turned a wheel in competition. Built to contend with the likes of Ford and Ferrari at LeMans, the XJ13 prototype was finished too late to compete in the 1966 event. By 1967, the rules had changed to limit engine displacement to 3 liters, and Jaguar had no suitable replacement motor.

More pics after the jump.

The car was used as a testbed for Jaguar’s V12 engine development, and was then to be used for publicity. During the filming of a promotional video, the car lost a wheel at speed and suffered a devastating crash. Jaguar decided to rebuild the car, finishing the restoration in 1973. To keep the car as authentic as possible, a repaired piston was used instead of a new one; the car could be driven, but it would not hold up to the rigors of a race track.

Preserved in Jaguar’s Heritage Collection, the XJ13 saw light duty at car shows and special events. In 2002, the car again suffered a damaging accident when it rolled off a high curb and cracked the original 12 cylinder engine block. Jaguar once again made the correct decision; the car would be rebuilt, this time to full working condition. The restoration was completed in 2007, and the XJ13 made it’s public reappearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

How good was the XJ13? The 12 cylinder, 5 liter motor developed in excess of 500 horsepower, good enough for a top speed of 161 miles per hour. The engine and transaxle bolted to the aluminum frame and served as the only support structure aft of the cockpit bulkhead. Suspension components were bolted directly to the transaxle. The sensuous body was created by Jaguar’s aerodynamicist, Malcom Sayer, who was the man behind the D type and C type Jags.

The fact that only one XJ13 was ever produced only ads to the car’s appeal. Sure you can buy a replica, but what gear head among us wouldn’t love to have the original XJ13 in his collection?

Source: Supercars

http://www.supercars.net/cars/3833.html

John Fluevog designs funky ’50s-inspired footwear. He also designed his slinky custom ‘65 Jag. The car was a rusted-out lump before restoration/customization began. He chopped its top, modified nearly every body panel, and dropped the whole thing on a custom frame. He also stuck a Chevy V-8 under the hood for good measure. Most builders don’t have the balls to mess with such a classic design, and for good reason—it’s easy to mess up. Fluevog actually made the thing look better, and made it unmistakably Fluevog. Check out Fluevog’s site for more pics and a brief story on the resto.

Source: John Fluevog

Here’s a pretty picture to start your day off right. The 2011 Jaguar XKR is heart-stoppingly gorgeous and it’ll hit 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds and reach 174 mph in a straight line, thanks to upgraded transmission and engine programming. Motive force is provided by Jaguar’s venerable 5.0-liter supercharged V8, good for 510 horsepower. And with a base price of only $96,000, even your run-of-the-mill plastic surgeon can afford one.

Source: Exhaust Note, Jaguar

With September over and fall fast approaching, it’s time once again to prepare for the season of crushing debt. All too happy to accommodate is the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, which every year features an exclusive edition of the coming year’s hottest luxury vehicle. This year’s debutante is the 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition, which actually differs very little from the 2010 XJL scheduled to hit the U.S. early next year.

As a matter of fact, as often is the case with the Christmas Book cars, the only features distinguishing the Neiman Marcus edition from the Filthy Plebe Edition will probably go unnoticed by everyone save for your valet and your in-house mechanic. The exclusive Celestial Black (looks Hella Blue to us) paint job will likely be mistaken for whatever pedestrian OEM choice Jaguar offers and the unique leather and Zebrano wood accent combination probably won’t flutter any eyelashes at your yacht club, but the discreet plaque certifying your Neiman Marcus XJL as 1 of 50 will definitely make the $105,000 purchase worth it. Well, that and the 470-horsepower supercharged 5.0L V8 under the hood.

For those of you with the disposable income to seriously consider buying the 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition, it will be available for pre-order begining Friday, October 16th at noon EST by calling 1-866-524-6963. Your trophy wife will be ever so grateful.

Source: Jaguar

Whatever you feel about the new wrapper of the venerable XJ sedan, we think you’d be hard pressed to find fault with the new interior, which is both visually appealing and a tactile delight. We were wowed by the combination of colors and materials that greeted us inside the silver demonstration car on Pebble Beach’s row of manufacturer displays. Make the jump for a gallery and more of our thoughts on the car.

Despite being a seemingly clashing combination of dark materials, cream-colored upholstery, and chrome accents, the interior was remarkably welcoming. We couldn’t find the exact color combination on the XJ configuration site, so possibly it was a custom showcar one-off. That being said, the materials were first-rate, the seats were welcoming, and it was almost good enough to excuse the exterior (in our minds). As you’ll notice in the gallery, the XF-style front treatment is a stretch … however, we were impressed with the elegant taillight treatment. Overall, experiencing the car in person is much different than merely seeing it flit across your monitor, and we found that experience to be overwhelmingly pleasant. Of course, that pleasant experience comes with a pricetag … a $72,500 MSRP. Time to either cash in your stock options, bust into your trust fund, or start scratching lottery tickets!

Come live vicariously through us as we, the most prestigious automotive blog in the world, grace the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with our stately presences. We’re sure to be the star attractions – forget the live unveiling of several never-before-seen new cars, and the endless rows of priceless works of automotive art sprawled out on the golf course greens like so many unobtanium sandtraps. Surely Jay Leno and the other celebrities will probably manage to jostle themselves into the photos of our expert appraisals of the class frontrunners, but we won’t be too upset. We’ll take a break from being the life of the Concours every so often to update you, our faithful readers. So check back often, and follow us at http://twitter.com/ridelust and in our Pebble Beach live coverage to catch all of the latest updates.

Land Rover LRX Concept

The revitalization of Britain’s two most storied automakers by Indian-owned Tata Motors can not begin soon enough. Following news last month that the companies had lost a combined $501.5 million, it is not surprising that now they have announced that 300 jobs and production of the X-Type will be cut. Can the LRX stop the bleeding?

Jaguar X Type

The jobs will be shed from the Halewood plant in England, which employs 2,000 and makes the Land Rover Freelander. Despite the bad news, Jaguar pressed onward with the launch of the new XJ model last week in London and like all important unveiling ceremonies, the event was attended by David Hasselhoff.  The list of who will be able to afford 2010 XJ when it arrives in showrooms, however, may not include “the Hoff,” as the price will start around $80,000 and extend upwards to more than $110,000.

New Jaguar XJ

There is reason to be optimistic though, for all of Ford’s mismanagment of the luxury brands, they did pour billions of dollars into bringing the English brands out of their archaic manufacturing practices, and as a result, J.D. Power and Associates three-year Vehicle Dependability Study has Jaguar at the very top tied with Buick for the No. 1 spot.

Land Rover, sadly, still sits at the very bottom of that same study.  The LRX concept has been awarded substantial Government assistance for its development as a green SUV alternative.

There are few cars that drive lightly into Ridelust’s fantasy garage … but we’d surely scrap a few of them to make way for this ex-Phil Hill Jaguar C-Type racer. XKC-007 was raced extensively, and won at Elkhart Lake (the first win for a C-Type), Torrey Pines, and the famous Watkins Glen. Now the car is up for auction at Pebble Beach next month, and we’re thinking it’s going to bring a fortune. More details and the press release below.

For those who don’t know about the C-Type, it was a racing version of the XK120, but heavily modified to weigh 1,000 lbs less than the already sprightly XK. With a 200+ HP version of the legendary XK six cylinder, a DOHC number, the C-Type ended up winning Le Mans in the year of its debut. This isn’t a Le Mans car, but we’d gladly sell off excess organs to purchase any C-Type.

Press Release:

HISTORIC 1952 JAGUAR C-TYPE SPORTS RACER, DRIVEN TO VICTORY BY PHIL HILL, JOINS STARTING LINE-UP FOR RM’S MONTEREY SALE
Sports & Classics of Monterey

About RM Auctions
Celebrating 30 years in the collector car industry, RM Auctions and its associated companies are responsible for acquisitions, restorations and sales of the world’s rarest and most valuable vintage automobiles, including record-breaking sales in Maranello, Italy and London, England. RM’s restoration division achieved unprecedented accolades in 2006, when the Company earned “Best of Show” honors at the world’s top three collector car events in a single year. www.rmauctions.com

[Source: Autoblog]

Tuesday we provided you with a taste of the all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ courtesy of a leak. Now, the dam has burst wide open. Hit the jump for all the details and a huge gallery of the newest flagship Jaguar.

The 2010 Jaguar XJ is a radical departure from your grandfather’s Vanden Plas. Design director Ian Callum has shed the old-school British saloon look in favor of the modern and muscular design cues first seen on the new XF. The front grille is tall and broad to conform with European pedestrian safety standards and the headlamps are what a Quattroporte should have. The ever popular “hood bump” hints at the power coming from one of three available, less ground-breaking versions of the same engine.

The standard XJ will be powered by a 5.0L V8 producing 385 horsepower. The XJ Supercharged will use a supercharged version of the same engine good for 470 horses. At the top, we have the XJ Supersport with 510 horsepower. The 0-60 times of 5.4, 4.9 and 4.7 seconds respectively are quite good for a car of this size due largely in part to the all-aluminum body. Each variant uses a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Top speed is 121 mph on the naturally aspirated XJ and 155 mph on the boosted versions.

Moving to the side, you’ll see a high beltline and a very coupe-like profile with decidedly few character lines adorning the door panels. The rear overhang is huge and largely disproportionate to the front, but the boot will likely accommodate three sets of golf clubs and three caddies to carry them. Interestingly, the c-pillars have been blacked out to provide a wraparound look to the rear glass. When coupled with the available panoramic sunroof, the exterior effect is quite cool. Long-wheelbase versions will be offered in all three trims.

The rear of the car is barely distinguishable as a Jag, save for the near actual-size “Leaper” on the deck lid. Tall, slim tail lamps stress the width of the XJ, and the LED light pipes used are both bright and unique. It would be nice to see the exhaust integrated into the bodywork, especially at this price. The base XJ starts at $72,500. The XJ Supercharged ups the ante to $87,500 and the Supersport will blow past the six-figure mark at $112,000. The price seems a bit high, but once inside you may change your mind.

The cockpit is surrounded by a distinctive wraparound of wood trim. Blue backlighting is everywhere, from the door handles to the “shifter” and even the air vents. That’s right, backlighting for the vents. The infotainment Media Hub supports a multitude of devices through two USB ports, and the available 1200W Bowers & Wilkins speakers will help drivers get the best out of the hard drive-based audio system. From behind the wheel, the big show has got to be the high-definition virtual instrument panel. This 12.3-inch display will adapt based on driving conditions, even changing color while in the Dynamic driving mode to indicate optimal shift points.

Production will start this December with deliveries early next year.

Press Release:

9 July 2009
REVEALED TODAY – THE ALL NEW 2010 JAGUAR XJ

The All New XJ brings a bold and daring new spirit to automotive luxury

MAHWAH, N.J., JULY 9, 2009 – Jaguar proudly revealed the all new 2010 Jaguar XJ today in London. The iconic XJ offers a seductive mix of striking design and robust performance made possible by Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired light weight aluminum body technology. The all new Jaguar XJ will go on sale in December 2009, with a starting price of $72,500 MSRP. It is available to order today for delivery in early 2010.

Building on the success of the XK and XF, the new XJ is the third step in the revitalization of the Jaguar brand and redefines the world’s perception of a large sports sedan. The new XJ will be available in both standard and long wheelbase models. The long wheelbase offers an even more sumptuous and refined environment for rear-seat passengers with an additional five inches of legroom while the XJ’s trunk features power opening and closing for convenient access to the 15.2 cu. ft. storage space (with standard alloy space saver spare wheel).

The all new Jaguar XJ brings new standards of sustainability to the luxury vehicle segment. Its lightweight aluminum structure makes it at least 300 lbs. lighter over steel body construction, and is made with 50 percent recycled material allowing the XJ to minimize its carbon footprint and create a potential savings of three tons of CO2 per vehicle, compared to a body shell made entirely of new aluminum. These aerospace-inspired aluminum body technologies also provide benefits to performance, handling and fuel economy, while delivering increased strength, refinement and safety.

“The launch of the all new Jaguar XJ marks a major milestone for Jaguar in North America, which is expected to be the world’s largest Jaguar XJ market,” says Gary Temple, President of Jaguar Land Rover North America. “The debut of our ultimate four-door flagship follows recent recognition for exceptional dependability and clearly demonstrates our commitment to producing the finest cars in the world – fast, beautiful cars that offer luxury, performance and first-rate quality.”

The first impression of the all new XJ is its visual assertiveness. The XJ’s sleek lines are complemented by a taut waistline, which further accentuates the impression of length and elegance, and creates a natural tension as it fades from the front arch into the middle section of the car before reappearing as a strong haunch towards the rear.

The New XJ offers a modern reinterpretation of a number of key XJ design cues while maintaining the highest standards of personal luxury. This is evident in how the strong, muscular lower half of the car contrasts with the slim and graceful quality of the roofline – a nod to the original 1968 XJ sedan.

A standard panoramic glass roof is an integral part of the all new XJ’s design, enabling the car to have a lower, more streamlined roofline, while dramatically enhancing the feeling of light and space inside. The LED light clusters wrap stylishly over the rear fenders, and feature three dramatic red vertical strips while the elongated teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car’s silhouette. The rear of the all new XJ is notable for its pure, sculpted shape. With a conscious absence of ornamentation, the rear features only a single leaping Jaguar.

The face of the all new 2010 XJ is confident, with a wide front track and short overhang contributing to the finely judged proportions. The nose of the car follows Jaguar’s new design language with a bold and assertive treatment – the powerful mesh grille and slim xenon headlights create a strong road presence while the wrap-around rear screen reduces the visual weight of the pillars and gives the impression of an exotic “floating” roof.

“The new XJ is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the quintessential Jaguar,” says Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars. “Its visual impact stems from the elongated teardrop shape of the car’s side windows; that powerful stance and its wide track. It is the most emphatic statement yet of Jaguar’s new design direction.”

The sleek design and refined luxury is continued inside the all new XJ by mixing newly advanced technologies and contemporary design to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin. The overriding impression from the interior is a sense of personal space that is enhanced by the clean, simple form of the leather-wrapped instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle. At the center of the instrument panel is an analog clock with individual chrome chaplets, a spun metal face and iridescent blue background; a look inspired by luxury watches.

The all new XJ’s cabin is a marvel in its own right, blending elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provide an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully crafted leather and veneer surfaces. To further complement the cabin design is a level of choice in colors, veneers and leathers not seen before in a Jaguar. Four specification levels – XJ, XJL, Supercharged and Supersport – allow the customer to tailor the car to suit their tastes. The top-of-the-range Supersport provides the ultimate expression of performance and luxury, with a specification that includes a leather headlining, semi-aniline leather seats and veneers with laser inlays.

Stunning, 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual InstrumentsTM complement an innovative 8-inch Touch-screen that displays vehicle functions ranging from audio and video to navigation and climate control. Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, which is standard on the Supercharged and Supersport models. Advanced infotainment features also include hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

The all new XJ’s beauty is much more than skin-deep. All engines transmit power through an enhanced version of Jaguar’s acclaimed electronically controlled, six-speed automatic transmission which has a fully-adaptive shift system that delivers extremely smooth gear changes and works to balance performance and economy.

With the XJ, Jaguar has built upon its leading quality performance using the latest virtual product technologies. These proven Jaguar dynamic technologies are taken to new levels in the all new XJ. Features such as air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control (on Supercharged and Supersport) and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and a refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar.

The new XJ will be available in the US with a choice of three engines – a 5.0 liter 385hp naturally aspirated V8, 5.0 liter 470hp supercharged V8 and a 5.0 liter 510hp supercharged V8. In naturally-aspirated form, the XJ develops 380 lb.-ft. of torque. The supercharged versions develop 424 lb.-ft. and 461 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively. All three engines combine deft performance, unparalleled character, peerless pedigree, and have a classic Jaguar blend of strength and precision.

The all new 2010 Jaguar XJ delivers a driving experience that is just as memorable as the car’s sleek and alluring appearance, combining responsive, sporting dynamics with the luxurious drive expected from a Jaguar.

All New Jaguar XJ At-A-Glance
• As the company’s ultimate four-door flagship, the all new XJ extends the appeal of the legendary XJ line to a new generation of customers.
• The all new XJ will be available in the US with a choice of three engines – a 5.0 liter 385hp naturally aspirated V8, 5.0 liter 470hp supercharged V8 and a 5.0 liter 510hp supercharged V8. In naturally-aspirated form, the XJ develops 380 lb. ft. of torque. The supercharged versions develop 424 lb. ft. and 461 lb. ft. of torque, respectively.
• The new XJ features both standard and long wheelbase models. The long wheelbase offers an even more sumptuous and refined environment for rear-seat passengers with an additional five inches of legroom while the XJ’s trunk features power opening and closing for convenient access to the 15.2 cu. ft. storage space (with standard alloy space saver spare wheel).
• The new Jaguar XJ is constructed using Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminum body technology, which makes the XJ at least 300 lbs. lighter over steel body construction; providing benefits to performance, handling and fuel economy, while delivering increased strength, refinement and safety.
• Key driver aids on the new XJ include Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control (available only on Supercharged and Supersport), and Sequential Shift System for manual gear selection, with shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel and quick-ratio power steering.
• The new XJ comes standard with a CD/DVD player, HD radio, and a SIRIUS™ satellite radio receiver. In addition, the Media Hub provides flexible connectivity through two USB ports, Bluetooth® audio streaming and an auxiliary input, which allow the user to connect with iPods®, iPhones™, laptops and Blackberrys®.
• A 12.3-inch high-definition screen, which uses sophisticated – and beautifully detailed – Virtual InstrumentsTM, provides all of the functions performed by traditional dials.
• A panoramic glass roof is an integral part of the all new XJ’s design, enabling the car to have a lower, more streamlined roofline, while dramatically enhancing the feeling of light and space inside.
• The all new Jaguar XJ can be ordered today for delivery in early 2010 and will go on sale in December 2009, with a starting price of $72,500 MSRP.

The All New XJ Model Line Will Include:

• 5.0-liter naturally aspirated XJ and XJL (385hp) with a $72,500 and 79,500 MSRP, respectively
• 5.0-liter XJ and XJL Supercharged (470hp) with a $87,500 and $90,500 MSRP, respectively
• 5.0-liter XJ and XJL Supersport (510hp) with a $112,000 and $115,000 MSRP, respectively

Editor’s note: All prices include an $850 destination and delivery charge. Tax, title, and registration fees not included.

Tata Execs Force Smiles Amid Financial Downturn

Give Ford credit, their timing in unloading Jaguar and Land Rover could not have been better. Despite dwindling sales and the dark looming clouds of factories being shuttered, Tata Motors has finally introduced its Jaguar and Land Rover brands in India, one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile markets. Unfortunately, saddled with the two of the biggest money drains in the auto world, Tata is reporting an annual loss for the first time in eight years. How much have Jaguar and Land Rover cost Tata?

How does $504 million sound? Keep in mind that Tata bought the brands for $2.3 billion from Ford in March 2008. Unfortunately for Tata, the purchase was soon followed by a collapse in the global economy and sales of luxury sedans and S.U.V.’s (essentially the entire Jaguar/Land Rover product catalog) have been hit especially hard. According to Reuters, during a 10-month period ending in March, Jaguar Land Rover sales fell to 167,000 vehicles, compared to 246,000 in the same period the previous year.

Tata continues to maintain that they are very pleased with their decision and looking forward to turning the brands around. How a company that is built almost exclusively on economy cars can manage to restore two of the most elitist lines of vehicles is debatable however. Tata’s cheapest car, the Nano, start at $2,200. Land Rover products in India will begin at more than $120,000. Good luck Mr. Tata.