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.

 

video: Heroic Porsche Driver

Daejeon City, Republic of Korea.

The driver of this modified Porsche 997 convertible saved the day as he blocked in the car that hit a motorcyclist just moments before and drove on as if nothing happened.

REPORT
“The hit-and-run car was boxed in by Porsche 911 turbo, black sedan, and driver of this vehicle(Taxi)
“The driver of the hit-and-run car didn’t know what happened.”
“I can smell alcohol from her breath”

it could have been more serious tragic,
but the motorcycle rider was ok.

The interviewer received awards from police commissioner.
but he wanted more than just award.

he wishes.
“it’s pain and suffering for both party, i wish people don’t drink & drive and no hit-and-run”

“

Video: BMW 235i Racing

BMW Motorsport is expanding its range of cars within the BMW Sports Trophy Customer Racing programme: from 2014, privateer BMW teams and drivers will have the opportunity to line up at events with the new BMW M235i Racing. With a price of 59,500.00 Euros (excl. VAT) and impressive performance figures, the production-based coupé meets all the basic requirements of a successful entry-level racing car.

This car will help to make motorsport affordable on an entry-level basis.

The plan is initially for the car to be used in series and events such as the VLN Endurance Championship and the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (DE). Looking ahead, the BMW M235i Racing should also be successful on international stages for BMW Sports Trophy drivers.

“The basis our engineers had to start with when developing the racing version of the BMW M235i Racing was exceptionally good,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “The production models from the BMW M Performance Automobiles range are already incredibly sporty. Because of this, we did not have to make many modifications in order to get the BMW M235i Coupé up and running as a racing car. BMW Motorsport can look back on a long tradition of allowing ambitious teams and drivers an affordable way into motor racing – and of offering them an absolutely competitive car. That was the case recently with the BMW M3 GT4, and that is now being superseded with the BMW M235i Racing. While the BMW Z4 GT3 spearheads our range, the new car means we are now also excellently positioned for the coming years in the field of production-based racing cars.”

The racing version is capable of generating 333hp

The motorsport genes are also easily recognisable in the production version of the BMW M235i Coupé, courtesy of the aerodynamically optimised body design. It is propelled by the most powerful petrol engine developed so far for a BMW M Performance Automobile: a six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. With a capacity of 2,979ccm, the racing version is capable of generating 333hp (245kW).

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Motorsport-specific driving aids such as ABS, DSC and traction control ensure that the motorsport newcomers can also handle the BMW M235i Racing surely and safely. The car also comes with mechanical limited-slip differential, which is also available for the BMW M235i Coupé in the original BMW Parts range. The racing car is also fitted with features such as the FIA-certified safety cell and the modern safety tank. On top of this come components from the BMW M Performance Parts range, such as the rear and front spoilers, diffusor and carbon wing mirrors.

Technical Data BMW M235i Racing

Max. width: 1,862mm (without mirrors)
Wheelbase: 2,691mm
Height: 1,380mm (without antenna)
Max. track: 1,608mm
Engine: six-cylinder in-line
Capacity: 2,979ccm
Output: 333hp (245kW)

Alpina B4 BiTurbo

The foundation that Burkard Bovensiepen laid in the 1960s in the form of a performance-enhanced BMW 1500, has since developed into a permanent fixture in the luxury sports car segment.

What were then the first technologically and qualitatively relevant products marketed by ALPINA, namely four-cylinder petrol engines with Weber dual carburettors, are now in modern form high-tech automobiles. Equipped from the outset with the best possible genes by BMW, they currently represent the ultimate in performance, comfort, driving culture and efficiency.

The new BMW ALPINA B3 and B4 Bi-Turbo models combine these characteristics like no other. The modern straight-six 3 litre engine equipped with two turbochargers produces 410hp and a maximum torque of 600Nm. The adaptive ALPINA sport suspension and the 8-Speed Sport-Automatic transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC deliver maximum comfort and impressive dynamics. Functional aerodynamics, signature 20” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels and two elliptical double tailpipes are hallmarks of the ALPINA design philosophy.

 

The perfect interaction of power, torque and high-tech transmission means accelerating from 0 to 100km/h (0 – 62mph) takes just 4.2 seconds and a staggering top speed in excess of 300km/h is possible. At the same time these qualities encourage relaxed cruising and stress-free long distance journeys – during which the real life consumption easily drops below 10l per 100km. In fact the new B4 Bi-Turbo Coupé achieves a class-leading combined fuel economy of just 7.6l/100km and 177g/km CO2*

Lamborghini drops camo

The Lamborghini “Cabrera” test vehicle has been photographed again thanks to a reader from Autoblog.nl. This time in Sölden, Austria.

The lines and proportions of the new Lamborghini become more obvious as most of the big black covering plates have been removed. The infamous camouflage wrap still blurs most of the details away but we can see the renderings from last week can give you a pretty good indication on the final overall look of the car. It seems most likely for Lamborghini to unveil their new car at the 2014 Geneve autoshow.

majormajormajor

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.

 

 

2014 Nissan GT-R

Nissan has decided to put a mild facelift along with the introduction of the wild Nismo GT-R. Cosmetically, a fresh set of light clusters will have to do until the all new GT-R will be unveiled somewhere between 2016 and 2018.  Multi-LED headlights create a distinctive “lightning” motif, easily gives this model it’s own signature look. These headlamps also adapt to speed, improving visibility when driving at highway speeds. Customers looking for added visual impact now have a wider color palette to choose from.

The engineers from Japan have taken note from GT-R owners issues with previous GT-R’s and improved on all points. As with most Japanese cars, the interior has left owners with things to wish for in the new GT-R.
A better look and feel, more leather details and an overall more premium feel to travel in first class.

 

Nissan GT-R Nismo

“LEAKED” A day before it’s debut.  595 HP and a 7:08 ‘Ring time. Insane numbers.

It's fast!!

The twin-turbo V6 3.8-liter engine from the GT-R develops 545 HP (401 kW) and 463 lb-ft (627 Nm) of torque.  Nismo revised the intake and exhaust systems, installed bigger turbochargers from the GT3-spec model and modified the ignition timing.

The 3.8 V6 now develops 595 HP (438 kW) and 480 lb-ft (650 Nm). Nissan says the engine can take even more power, but the tranny simply would not be able to cope with that.

The Nissan GT-R Nismo rolls on 20-inch wheels wrapped in rubbers from Dunlop. 255/40RF-20 run-flat Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST

 

The GT-R Nismo with the optional track package will cost less than 200,000 USD (about 148,000 EUR / 124,000 GBP). Pricing details will be unveiled officially tomorrow.

 

 

SPORTAUTO ringtimes (same driver)

1. Gumpert Apollo Sport mit Sportreifen 7.24 min › 11/2009

2. Porsche 911 GT2 RS mit Sportreifen 7.24 min › 11/2010

3. Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 mit Sportreifen 7 7.25 min › 8/2012

4. McLaren MP4-12C mit Sportreifen 7.28 min › 11/2011

5. Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 mit Sportreifen 7.30 min › 8/2011

6. Porsche Carrera GT 7.32 min › 1/2004

7. Pagani Zonda F 7.33 min › 5/2006

8. Porsche 911 GT2 mit Sportreifen 7.33 min › 11/2007

9. Porsche 911 GT3 RS mit Sportreifen 7.33 min › 5/2010

10. Koenigsegg CCR 7.34 min › 3/2006

11. Audi R8 GT mit Sportreifen 7.34 min min › 12/2010

12. Lexus LFA mit Sportreifen 7.34 min min › 2/2012

13. Ruf Rt12 mit Sportreifen 7.35 min min › 2/2008

14. Nissan GT-R 7.36 min › 5/2011

15. Corvette ZR1 7.38 min › 10/2009

Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed their ‘Vision Gran Turismo’ – a virtual concept designed for the latest Gran Turismo PlayStation game due to release on December 6th 2013.

As good as it looks, you won’t be seeing this car on the road as it is designed to be a virtual racer. It’s not all doom & gloom though because Merc’ have build a 1:1 scale model for research/development purposes.

This front-engined rolling piece of art will virtually feature a rear-wheel-drive arrangement with gullwing doors like the SLS AMG.

A fire-breathing AMG V8  will be pumping out 577 BHP and 590 lb-ft of torque, which is supported by a body that weighs just 3,053 lbs.

All of this immense power will probably need out-of-this-world stopping power, and it does! The Vision GT comes with AMG’s high-performance ceramic composite brakes which can rip your face off if you slam on the brake pedal.

All of which is normal, lots of power, a light body, beautiful design, it’s a supercar recipe that’s lasted decades, however, 8 exhaust pipes sets it apart from other Supercars.

The interior was not shown in the press release, but Merc’ says it comes with an F1-inspired cockpit with red integral sport seats and a display that floats above the steering wheel – how cool is that!

Have your chance to drive the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo when the game is released on the 6th of December