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XKR-S GT vs C63 BS vs V12 Vantage S

It’s a weird world isn’t these days, automakers seem to be making hardcore versions of already hardcore version cars. Is it all really necessary? Well, automakers would like to think so.

The XKR-S GT is a hardcore version of a hardcore version of a hardcore version… Yep, XKR, XKR-S, XKR-S GT. But the end result is a proper track weapon.

The Aston Martin Vantage V12 S is an upgraded version of the already mad V12 Vantage.

The C63 AMG is hardcore enough but AMG decided it needed more, it needed treatment from the Black works.

Now all you need to do is kick back, relax and just enjoy all three of these beasts go hand in hand.

Steve Sutcliffe of Autocar magazine demonstrates.

Mercedes-Benz Retaliates To Jaguar

Since Jaguar randomly took the piss out of Mercedes’ Magic Body Control advert, Mercedes-Benz has now retaliated but in image-form.

This time, Jaguar’s ‘cat-like reflexes’ has been overpowered by Mercedes-Benz’s PRE-SAFE Brake advert.

Your move, Jaguar.

Jaguar’s Hilarious Reply To Mercedes’ Chicken Advert

Isn’t rivalry just the best, each company being careful not to say too much, and not too little. We’ve seen Audi and BMW fight it out on billboards, now it’s Jaguar taking the piss out of Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Magic Body Control’ system (incorporated in the new S-Class) out of the blue!

Here’s the original Mercedes-Benz video: 

Ding, ding, ding, your turn ‘Benz!

Jaguar F-Type R Coupe Configurator

With its reveal only days prior, Jaguar has already launched the configurator for the new F-Type R Coupe. We spec’d ours up to almost £110,000.

Polaris White
20″ Wheel – Storm – Black & Diamond Turned
Performance Seats in Suedecloth with Suedecloth Interior Pack
Suede Cloth Interior with Cirrus Contrast Stitching
Centre Console – Dark Technical Weave Aluminum with “R” Graphic
Jet Morzine Header and Headlining

£107,531.36*
£22,531.36

Jaguar XJR Review – Limo or Beast?

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Jaguar recently announced that their flagship model will be undergoing some R treatment. This treatment would up the power and torque, lower the weight and enhance its appearance.

The end result? The Jaguar XJR. This car suffers from severe MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder), that’s in a good way of course. On one hand, it’s an Ocean Liner, on the other hand, it’s Superbike fast. Summing up this car will be very difficult indeed.

PERFORMANCE

We’ve already driven the Jaguar XJ 5.0 Supersport and did not even once stop to think it needed more power, it was already sublimely fast, this however, is in a different league all together.

It uses the same 5.0 Supercharged engine in the Supersport, only it’s tuned to 550 PS. This outrageous horsepower is hauled by an eye-watering 680 NM torque.

We can go into performance figures all day, but that’s not this car’s party piece, it’s the way it absolutely devours corners.

2014 release

5.0-liter Supercharged V8

680Nm, 550PS

174mph (280kmh)

0-62 4.6 sec

8-speed automatic transmission

HANDLING

Despite its shear size, the Jaguar XJR is incredibly light on its feet, making it feel unbelievable. You’d expect a car of this size and weight to handle like a barge, but it really doesn’t.

On a straight road, you’ll arrive at the end quicker than you assumed. Hit the Dynamic Mode button, knock down a few gears, floor the throttle, hear that V8 roar, then get ready to flip the paddle up into another dimension of speed, adrenaline and performance.

It’s incredibly tail-happy too, we tested the XJR on narrow and slippery country roads, and this thing just wants to hang its arse out and eat its own tyres up.

EXTERIOR

The XJR features a new front splitter and an aerodynamic sill section which is further supported by a boot-lid spoiler with additional ‘R’ bonnet louvres which lends the car stability at high speeds and a muscular, more aggressive stance on the road. New 20-inch ‘Farallon’ forged alloy wheels have also been bolted on with low-profile tyres to maximise grip.

INTERIOR

The interior hasn’t been compromised by the immense power either, it’s still as opulent as Buckingham Palace. Special ‘R’ sport seats which feature semi-aniline leather and contrast stitching have been fitted to the XJR for maximum support and a choice of posh veneers just to keep that level of richness.

The driving position is spot-on too, you don’t feel like a chauffeur anymore; this time, you’re in control.

You still get the ridiculous 825 Watt, 17-speaker, Meridian Sound System which can pop your ears with the most clarified bass and vocals of any system.

VERDICT

9/10

The XJR? Bloody brilliant. Those expectations of it being a slightly faster Supersport has made me think twice about making assumptions. Well done Jaguar.

 

Jaguar F-Type Coupe

The all new  Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé range, led by the high-performance F-TYPE R Coupé model, has made its global dynamic debut at an exclusive VIP media and consumer event on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

“The dramatic debut of the 550PS F-TYPE R Coupé in Los Angeles this evening – possibly the most dynamic reveal of a car ever – underlines its performance credentials.”

The all-aluminium Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé model line-up is headlined by the F-TYPE R Coupé, its 550PS/680Nm 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine enabling acceleration from 0-60mph in 4.0-seconds, and a top speed of 186mph (limited). F-TYPE S Coupé and F-TYPE Coupé models complete the range, powered respectively by 380PS and 340PS versions of Jaguar’s 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine, giving 0-60mph in 4.8/5.1-seconds and top speeds of 171/161mph.

The F-TYPE Coupé range complements the existing 2013 ‘World Car Design of the Year’ award-winning F-TYPE Convertible model line-up of V6-engined F-TYPE (340PS) and F-TYPE S (380PS), and the F-TYPE V8 S (495PS).

The F-TYPE Coupé will go on sale in spring of 2014.

 

 

Another One Bites The Dust: Maserati Ghibli

Maserati Enters A New Market…[nggallery id=8]

It’s been quite a while since Maserati has decided for a brand new model, but with other marques now releasing new models onto the production line rapidly, Maserati has decided to join the ranks.

Since Maserati lifted the cover on the all-new Quattroporte last year, Maserati did have a slight gap between their models. To fix this, they needed something that would slot into the class below the Quattroporte.

While the Quattroporte is successfully joining the luxury segment rivaling the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Jaguar XJ, Maserati have decided to release a new small saloon called the ‘Ghibli’ which will rival BMW’s and Mercedes’ small saloon segment ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show.

                                                                                                                                                          

THE GHIBLI FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1966[nggallery id=9]Maserati first introduced the Ghibli in 1966 and it featured a 4.7-liter dual-cam V8, which produced 330 horsepower. The V8 was linked to a ZF five-speed manual, which enabled the Ghibli to reach 60 mph in under seven seconds. 3 decades later, Maserati released the Ghibli II which boasted a 2.0-liter fuel-injected twin-turbo V6 pushing 306 horsepower. Since 1996, there hasn’t been a word on the Ghibli for the past 17 years but finally, the Ghibli is back and now to feature two 3.0-liter V6 engines.

                                                                                                                                                        

ENGINE VARIANTS

At this moment in time, Maserati hasn’t released any horsepower or torque outputs, but it’s expected the petrol V6 will produce around 410hp while the diesel should produce around 330hp. A V8 engine will definitely be available soon.

The Ghibli will also feature a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters throughout the engine variants. However, the Ghibli won’t be offered with a Manual transmission but it will be offered in both all-wheel and rear-wheel drive

                                                                                                                                                       

ITALIAN DESIGN FLARE[nggallery id=10]

The new design flare that Maserati is going for proves that they are still a quality product just advancing in the automotive industry. Even with their recent performance SUV, the Kubang, it’s noticeable that it fits into the same family as the Quattroporte and the Ghibli.

The exterior of the Ghibli has a very strong presence and stance. The low front bumper combined with the signature Maserati grille, gives the Ghibli an aggressive appeal which is further supported by the down-facing head lights reminiscent of the all-new Quattroporte. The sides are very similar to the Quattroporte also with the Maserati’s 3 vented grille and side creases.

The rear has very distinctive lines that crowns the Ghibli unique in design. Its rear bumper which swoops just beneath the LED tail lights is mated by a subtle diffuser with quad exhaust inserts. The twin 6 spoke rims helps the Ghibli to achieve a luxury stance on the road too.

                                                                                                                                                 

INTERIOR[nggallery id=7]

Maserati has thought about everything with the new Ghibli and one of the best features is the interior. As you can already see you are welcomed by a very rich and up market interior which is yet enhanced by the red colored interior. The infotainment system also seems like it’s had an overhaul and Maserati have finally got round to changing their old steering wheel! The centre console is very clean with little buttons accented with a beautiful carbon fiber trim going perfectly with the red leather seats.

                                                                                                                                                   

WHAT MASERATI EXPECT FROM THE GHIBLI

Many important details are still under wraps, we must wait till the Shanghai Auto Show for more to emerge. Maserati aims to sell 50,000 Ghibli’s annually until 2015.

                                                                                                                                                   

OUR VIEW OF THE MASERATI GHIBLI

Maserati has provided their best over the past few years, we can really see that they’re trying to stay on top of compeitition. With the Ghibli, Maserati are aiming to be on top of the German market and in our eyes, we see the Ghibli perfectly fitting into that market. The design has become more of an elegant and luxury product rather than a hunkered down track ripping item.

Even though Maserati has offered the Ghibli with a V6 Diesel, some may say it’s not “Maserati-like”, we look at it in a different perspective. While BMW and Mercedes release amazing 3.0-litre V6 Diesels, Maserati wants to join in and show them what they’re capable of.

All in all, we love the Ghibli, its distinctive presence, design and performance puts it in the spotlight for us. We’d love to see more of the Maserati, but until then, enjoy some of our custom Ghibli pictures below –

[nggallery id=8]