We’ve been hearing a lot lately about Jaguar’s plans to really maximize sales with its existing lineup, as well as adding new models. Most recently, this included the announcement that all-wheel drive XF and XJ models are coming, but also estate and diesel models of the XF a while ago. Both occupy key markets in Europe, while being niche players at best here.

The United States has never taken a liking to diesels, but that hasn’t stopped manufacturers from trying to find success anyway. Volkswagen has diesel models, and General Motors is slated to offer a diesel-powered Cruze soon. Part of the failure of the diesel to break through has to due with a lingering stigma from the past. Today’s diesels are nothing like the ones from yesteryear though.

To prove the value and efficiency of diesels, two brothers worked in conjunction with Jaguar to bring over a stock XF 2.2 diesel. It was the first diesel Jaguar to be brought over to the U.S.

They travelled across the U.S in four days, passing through 11 states on their way. The results are pretty incredible for a luxury sedan. Over 2,884 miles, the car averaged 52.4 mpg. That made for just four stops of fuel in the trip that spanned from New York, New York to Los Angeles, California. Who says you need a hybrid to be efficient?

The engine powering the XF is a turbo diesel 2.2-liter four-cylinder making 190 horsepower and 332 (!) pound feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and auto stop/start technology. An efficient setup if there ever was one. To document the journey, Jaguar has released this new video. Are American customers ready for a Jaguar diesel? We aren’t sure, but with numbers like this it couldn’t hurt to give it a shot. Diesel engines don’t come with the added expense and weight that hybrid systems do. The XF is also such a looker too.

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1. Jaguar Plots Future Growth With New Variants, Models
2. Jaguar Looks to Expand U.S Sales With AWD Models
3. Jaguar Likely to Add Crossover to Model Lineup

The share of all-wheel drive equipped cars in the United States has been steadily growing, especially in the luxury segment. Companies like Audi with Quattro and Subaru have made all-wheel drive a centerpiece of their brands. but it has found mainstream acceptance after being more of a niche offering.

It is a way to avoid the stigma of front-wheel drive in some luxury circles, and it adds extra peace of mind and security in snow climates. Jaguar, which is looking to increase its share in the U.S, is set to introduce AWD models of its core XF and XJ cars. Much like it has done by coming out with an XK wagon in the United Kingdom, Jaguar’s primary focus right now is maximizing appeal quickly with its existing models.

Jaguar executive, Adrian Hallmark says the new models are critical, pegging them as a centerpiece of U.S growth. Speaking with Autocar, Hallmark said: “In the snowbelt of America it accounts for 70 per cent of sales, and overall it accounts for 30 per cent of sales, so we are working on it and in the final stages of a decision. It is core to our future offering.”

Jaguar wants to have the core automotive segments covered before expanding with hybrids, for instance. Future Jaguar plans call for the brand to go head-to-head with Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz rather than occupying a higher space in the market. Right now Jaguar is lacking an entry-level competitor which is crucial for global sales, as well as a crossover.

Both models are in the works, and the crossover is rumored to be based on the Land Rover Evoque. Given Jaguar’s stunning design language inside and out lately, we’re looking forward to both vehicles. Jaguar shouldn’t have any problem expanding sales around the world if they are up to the same level as the XF and XJ sedans.

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Ford Start Concept

Designed by Ford’s California-based design offices this Ka-sized city car is powered by a 1.0-litre 1.0 litre turbocharged and direct-injected engine. The ‘EcoBoost’ engine offers the same performance as 1.6 litre engine, but produces less than 100g/km of CO2 emissions.

Arcimoto Green Concept Car

The Arcimoto Green Concept car takes its inspiration from the bicycle. Designed with two wheels at the front and just one at the back, the car is extremely light and as such uses much less battery power than other battery cars giving it a longer range of up to 160 miles per charge.

Phoenix Roadster

Made from bamboo and rattan roadster the Phoenix Roadster is the world’s first biodegradable car. Created by product designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Albrecht Birkner the Phoenix’s biodegradable skin is designed to last at least 5 years, the average length of time most people keep a car.

VW Bulli

The Bulli is an all-electric concept inspired by the Classic VW Camper. This zero-emissions vehicle has a driving range of around 184 miles and a 0 to 60 time of 11 seconds. With rear seats that fold flat to make a bed, all you need is then is your sleeping bag and a surfboard.

Peugeot SXC

The SXC (Shanghai Cross Concept) is a hybrid crossover powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine at the front and an 95bhp electric motor at the rear giving a combined 48.7mpg and emitting 143g/km of CO2. Whilst not the most impressive figures, do bare in mind this thing is bigger than a BMW X5.

Neora

The Neora Concept, from Taiwanese electric car maker Luxgen, is powered a 241 hp motor and is capable of travelling 400 km when fully charged. The Neora has a top speed of 250 km/h and features unique LED lights and an infotainment system from smartphone manufacturer HTC.

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is the electric car maker’s second car. Tesla refer to the concept car as a ‘beta car’ meaning is almost ready car for production. The Model S supports DC fast charging, giving the car an extra 300 miles of range with just a 1 hour charge.

KTM E3W

The KTM E3W is an electric two-seater three-wheeled concept car powered by a 15kW electric motor with a range of up to 60 miles. To keep weight to a minimum the car has a plastic body and to make getting in and out easier the E3W has super cool scissor doors.

VELV

The VELV concept from PSA Peugeot Citroen is a 100% electric car with a 27-horsepower electric motor and a top speed of 68 mph. Capable of 62 miles when fully charged the VELV has aerodynamic styling, gull-wing windows and a peculiarly narrow backend.

Hyundai Blue2

The hydrogen-powered Blue2 hybrid from Hyundai produces an impressive 90 kW of power and is capable of 82 mpg. The car also feature automatic opening doors opening system, cameras instead of mirrors and even LED screens instead of number plates.

Opel One Euro

The One Euro concept from Opel is so called because of its ability to travel 100 kilometres for just one euro. This clever little car is a tandem two-seater, meaning that the passenger sits behind the driver, and has a range of just over 60 miles and a top speed of 75 mph.

MUTE

The MUTE is a prototype lightweight electric vehicle from Munich’s University of Technology. The car features a 15kW engine powered by a 10kW Lithium Ion battery and a 4kW Zinc-Air range extender; where zinc reacts with air producing a chemical reaction that results in electricity.

Jaguar C-X16

The Jaguar C-X16, is a super sexy concept from Jaguar. The hybrid coupe features a kinetic energy recovery system like that found in Formula 1 cars, where energy expended during breaking is stored for later use. One press of the C-X16′s push-to-pass button and the car will get a boost of power without using any extra fuel or emitting any harmful gases.

Audi Urban Concept

The Audi Urban Concept is another tandem car, with space for a single passenger behind the driver. Powered by two electric motors, with a combined 20bhp, the Urban Concept weighs less than half an average car and can be charged from a domestic socket in just one hour.

VW NILS EV

The Volkswagen NILS EV is a single seater featuring in-wheel motors powered by a lithium ion battery. This tiny, lightweight concept is made from aluminium and polycarbonate, weighs just 1014 pounds and has a top speed of 81 miles per hour.

This green car concepts post was brought to you by the team at carrentals.co.uk, a car hire comparison site from within the UK.

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This past Friday, BMW released the sixth-generation 3-Series. For years it has been the standard that every other car in its segment has been judged by. The 3-Series, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class to a lesser extent. Infiniti has fielded a strong competitor with the G35 and G37, but it hasn’t come close to toppling the dominant sales position of the 3-Series.

Cadillac is trying its hand at toppling it with the “ATS” (it is a codename, for now) that is slated to go on sale next year. Jaguar, which is on the upswing with a new lineup, is said to be readying a new model that it intends to go head-to-head with the 3. We’ve seen this before; the Jaguar X-Type was an entry-level model that was supposed to significantly increase Jaguar’s sales. The X-Type car was lackluster though, based on Ford Mondeo mechanicals and unappealing to the buyers Jaguar wanted to attract.

The S-Type also failed at achieving sales success for Jaguar. The latest models from Jaguar are an entirely different story however; the XF and XJ are nothing like the cars they replaced. Thoroughly modern in style, they have generated favorable reviews and generated increase sales. Jaguar’s goal is to take it to BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi though, and to do that it will need a larger lineup. A key part of that is fielding a strong competitor in the entry-level segment, where a good amount of luxury brand sales are concentrated.

Automotive News reports that an entry-level model is development, with a a launch date slated for around 2014. The car would be priced at under $40,000. The main reason for the delay comes down to engines – at the moment Jaguar has basically one engine, its 5.0-liter V-8, that powers its lineup. The new car would need both a four-cylinder turbo and a six to compete properly. New engines are under development, but they won’t be ready few years, which leads to the 2014 launch date.

AN also reports that the C-X16 Concept in Frankfurt is going into production as soon as next year. That is in addition to the C-X75 super car project, which has already been confirmed by Jaguar. With these projects in the pipeline, Jaguar’s future looks bright.

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One of the most anticipated launches of the Frankfurt Motor Show is here: Jaguar’s C-X16 Concept. Jaguar has been focusing on performance a lot lately; the XKR-S turns up the heat to be Jaguar’s fastest model and the C-X175 is a super car concept that is headed for production.

A model that been rumored about for a long time….years in fact, is a new Jaguar sportscar slotting in below the XK. It has been speculated about in both front and mid-engined form, but the car’s primary competitor was always the Porsche Boxster (and now Cayman). While sales for the aforementioned Boxster and Cayman are quite low, we’re still glad to see Jaguar making an effort. Clearly Ratan Tata’s desire for more sports cars at Jaguar is resulting in some action. Let’s take a look at the C-X16 Concept.

Jaguar’s head designer Ian Callum has found a design theme that works for Jaguar and is sticking with it. The C-X16 follows a similar pattern to recent Jaguar products, eschewing retro design hints for a modern approach. More curves a la the C-X175 concept would have been nice, but what we’re seeing here is a design that is clearly production ready. It has classic good looks with a long hood and muscular stance; even better looking than the XK we’d say. The interior is we love too; the C-X16 has a minimalist, focused design that wouldn’t be out of place in an exotic.

Power comes from a supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder making 376 horsepower and 332 pound feet of torque. Nice figures for a car of this size right? There’s more though, as the C-X16 features hybrid system that delivers efficiency while being thoroughly enthusiast-focused. An electric motor works in concert with the car’s eight-speed transmission to provide an extra boost of power.

The big feature is a “Push to Pass” button on the steering wheel, that when activated, boosts power output by an impressive 92 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to this and lightweight aluminum construction, 0-62 mph arrives in just 4.4 seconds. Handling is also aided by the setup, which yields a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Jaguar says the C-X16 is the most responsive and compact Jaguar in a generation; the smallest car produced by the company since 1954. All of this reads remarkably like a production press release. We can’t imagine a official confirmation is that far off. Until then, check out our gallery of Jaguar’s latest below.

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1. Frankfurt Preview: Jaguar Releases Sketch of C-X16 Concept
2. Jaguar C-X75 Concept a Go for Production
3. Jaguar XKR-S Unveiled, Takes Spot as Jaguar Performance Leader

Some rumors date years back, so much so that we’re used to hearing them all the time. Things like this are the imminent return of Alfa Romeo to the United States market, and to a lesser degree, the Toyobaru sports car (which is officially on its way).

A new Jaguar sports car ranks right along with that. Most of the rumors have focused on a lower-cost Porsche Boxster competitor, but also a new flagship sports car. They have proved to be true, with a new super car coming in the form of the C–X75.

Now comes a sketch of the next sports car, called C-X16 Concept. These performance projects are reportedly being undertaken with a strong backing from Ratan Tata, the owner of the Tata Group.

While at first glance it might seem like a successor to the XK, that isn’t the case. The C-X16 previews a new, lower cost model that will slot in below the XK. Jaguar styling of late has been gorgeous, and look for the C-X16 to continue that. We’re big fans of the existing XK, but from the sketch the C-X16 appears to be even more engaging and dynamic.

It is said to use themes from the C-X75, such as upright headlights and intakes and a four-sided grille. The new car is expected to be a two-seater, powered by a six-cylinder engine at launch. It would be based on the next-generation XK platform, with the same width but a shortened length.

That and six-cylinder power would differentiate it from the XK. The C-X16 is expected to have much more of a hard edged performance focus than the XK. For now, Jaguar is calling it a concept, but it is likely a very thinly veiled one that will preview a production car coming next year. The C-X16 is scheduled to debut on September 13th at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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You have made it to the top. Successful and in charge, you want to live life to the fullest. All the money you’ve made has allowed you to indulge in your favorite hobby, collecting cars, but now you find yourself stuck in the office all day. As far away from your obsession as possible. Have no fear, you are not alone. Car lovers dwell in office spaces the world over and the most artistic of us have designed everything a car lover would need to remodel that drab cubical into a high class gear head power office. What do you need in your office to keep you revved up and making that money? A desk, some chairs, adequate lighting, and a few other creature comforts, I’m sure.

So let’s start with a desk. This has to be the center piece of your office, the place where all the deals go down. For you F1 lovers, there’s the F1 inspired desk from PitStop Furniture. At a modest $450, you won’t be too over the top.

Formula racing isn’t for everyone. Some people like to keep a lower profile. If you want your desk to reflect that more subtle image, this desk may not be for you. A nearly complete Mini could be the place where you get all of your work done. For about $4,500 this desk would probably cost about the same as the real deal, but you can’t drive a real Mini into your office building, no matter how easy those guys on The Italian Job make it look.

   But, if you think the F1 desk looks like it was built from the Erector set you had as a kid and the Mini looks a tad worn for the wear, then perhaps you need the The Executive Desk from designer Dale Mathis. At the tune of $21,000, this clear top desk lets you become memorized by the daily gear grind. You can sit and stare straight down all day long as you see this functional piece of art at work, just don’t forget you need to work too.

Now that your desk situation is under control, you need to find your throne, the place at which you will sit for 8-12 hours a day. At Racechairs.com you can find any number of chairs that will fit your decor and your body.

The “12 Hours of Sebring” chair has to be the most ironic and my number one choice for a few reasons. First, unless you pay for it, there is no seating in Sebring, a fact that they neglect to mention when you buy passes or look on the website. Secondly, at about $400, it won’t break the budget.

Budget? What budget, you say. Money is no object? Then buckle up. You can enjoy the same seating as the owner of a Ferrari Scuderia 16M for the everyday low price of $25,000. Touted as one of the most comfortable seats from Ferrari, don’t expect it quick- each chair is custom made.

You now have a sweet chair to sit in behind that power desk, but what will you be working on? Why, a car inspired computer, naturally. Computer manufacturer ASUS has teamed up with Lamborghini to introduce the ASUS- Automobili Lamborghini VX7 laptop. Now, you can speed through the cyber world like it’s the Autobahn because this $2,200 laptop has the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processor that not only helps you get the job done, but gives you the best gaming performance out there. (Just don’t tell the boss…)

With the coolest desk, the sickest chair, and the fastest computer you now have a line of people waiting to see you. They know that you are the one who can make things happen, but what will you have them sit on? Carbon fiber sitting chairs are a great choice. GarageWorks Industries has a line of modest looking carbon fiber chairs, including a rocking chair for when your mom visits starting at about $1,400.

But, if the carbon fiber chair is just a tad to plain for your tastes, you can always step it up a notch or three. You can have your guests sit in style in a Porsche 917 1970′s inspired seat from Inspired Designs, while you run through the numbers. But at about $5,800, you may be a bit more picky who you give the green light too for a test sit.

If you’re after something a bit more elegant then look no further than Aston Martin Heritage Designs. They have handcrafted a love seat out of the boot of an Aston Martin DB6. The sofa is a custom order that may run you upwards of $7,300.

Every visitor to your office will more than likely have something they will need to set down. You want to give them another stylish and car inspired piece to do that with, a table. Different’ sizes and shapes, coffee tables and end tables can make or break a look. If you have gone with the F1 Inspired office with the carbon fiber chairs, why not keep with it by investing in carbon fiber tables? From $800 up, a carbon fiber table from Seibon will not only be indestructible, but also a sleek and chic way to impress.

If your tastes for the unique have won your designs over, then have no fear, I have the best coffee table for you, one made from an engine block. Many tables made from blocks are custom orders and can range in price from $500 to a couple of thousand. It’s best to not get one made from an inline formation, the wedge of a V engine will support a glass top better. Most will be made from a Chevrolet V-8, but a connoisseur can have anything, including an Aston Martin V-12 converted into usable work of art.

Now, you have all of the basics covered, desk, chair, computer, seating, and tables, but what about the accessories that will drive home the fact that you’d rather be racing than working? No problem. You can provide all the lighting you could ever want with a pair of Maserati inspired and Lumina produced lamps.

With the work day being stressful on a loyal servant such as yourself, you find that music in the background soothes your soul. But, not just any stereo system will do, oh no. You want the best, so you shell out $20,000 for a Ferrari speaker tower called the Art.Engine. It should pair up nicely with your Ferrari FMP160 MP3 player.

Ah, another tumultuous work day comes to a close. You made the numbers you needed to this month and you would like to pour a toast to the entire office to celebrate. You duck into your office and see what you have in the final piece in your office transformation, a Jaguar Etype V-12 engine block that has been transformed into a wine rack. Each cylinder now capable of holding a full 720mL bottle of bubbly, you’ll be looking for reasons to pop a cork at 5:00.

You have created your ultimate work space, a gear heads paradise away from the garage and you like it. Sure it’s set you back more than some people pay for houses, but your life is cars. You went to a lot of different places to get these goodies, and you are now basking in your stylistic glory. But, if you’re way too busy to do all of the digging and running around to find all of these pieces you’re in luck; LA Design Studios in Poland as developed a whole office furniture line inspired by the Shelby AC Cobra 427 from the mid-1960′s(pictured first). So, instead of each piece bringing it’s unique characteristics to the room, all the pieces will coordinate to make your space feel like it was designed by Shelby himself. This one stop shop won’t save in the budget however, but at least one check is easier to write than 15.

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The only true disappointment with many auto shows is the limited or non-existent opportunity of seeing the greatest creations in motoring in motion. Taking place on the first weekend of July, the 2011 edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed is an outside exhibition where museum-quality, near priceless machines are seen and heard. Within a well-forested area where plenty of green space, the event is also considered as “the largest motoring garden party in the world”. First held in 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed has grown as a multi-day world gathering that featured some of the most marvellous pieces of motorsport history.

With motor vehicles as ancient as the 1909 Blitzen-Benz, presentations of auto racing’s golden age within the 1950s through to the 1970s intrigued as signs of automotive technology progression. The Chaparral 2J CanAm sports car and a Ford GT40 were a few of the classic motorsport combatants in motion at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. A fantastic opportunity for 150,000 spectators to be willingly schooled in auto racing history, the hills of Goodwood connected to the 21st century with future classic vehicles. Fresh off a victory at the 24-Hour of Le Mans, the Audi R18 Tdi was driven by Audi Team Joust driver Marco Werner. A British touring car-fitted Chevrolet Cruze as well as GT3 class sports cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the all-new McLaren MP4-12C brought into prospective over 100 years of power and glory. In amongst all the motoring history, automobiles transcending the timeline included the Audi Ur-quattro S1, Porsche 917/30, Jaguar XJR9 le mans prototype and a Hennessey Venom GT supercar.

Beyond the beauty of the race cars themselves, the most attractive quality for the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the reuniting of the world’s most successful motorsport drivers with vehicles having provided a significant role in defining their careers. This year, the spectacle of cars and drivers side-by-side has never been stronger as Indy car, Formula 1, sports car, rally car and motorcycle racing. Awaking the hills on the Friday kicking off the three-day event, past racing greats such as Formula 1 World champion Emerson Fittipadi, three-time open wheel champion Bobby Rahal and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser began navigating the Goodwood hill, a 1.16-mile rising 300 feet to a finishing summit. While there were some timed runs with certain cars, it could be forgivable that most vehicles were more paraded up Goodwood‘s track.

With internal combustion engines powering most of the cars of yesterday and today, 1963 Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones revved-up something completely different. Called the Lotus 56, Jones piloted a 1968 jet turbine powered Indy car designed to go after a Brickyard victory. An aerodynamic wedge-shaped vehicle, the Lotus 56 was a revision to a 1967 vehicle Parnelli Jones almost guided to a win at the Indy 500. As the race’s sanctioning body outlawed turbine-powered cars in 1969, the Lotus 56 retired winless in competition. Shown off at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the car was brought back to life projecting its unusual automotive sound to the crowd.

As an assortment of modern race vehicles rolled at the English motoring festival, current motorsport stars presented themselves to the crowds through the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the show. Recent Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon, Formula 1 driver for Red Bull Racing Mark Webber and Mercedes GP’s Nico Rosberg were among a few names at Goodwood. IZOD INDYCAR Series point’s leader for Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Dario Franchitti showed some respect to some older racing machines than his regular Dallara-Honda. Driving a Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo II, Franchitti also received a second chance to pilot the 1965 Lotus 38. First rear-engined vehicle to win at the Indianapolis 500 in the hands of the legendary Jimmy Clark, Franchitti first connected to his fellow Scottish driver Lotus 38 last year in a photo-op at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Other active racers at Goodwood Festival of Speed included the McLaren Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Trusted with a variety of McLaren cars, the pair drove the 6-time winning 1980s McLaren MP4/1, the 2008 driver championship-winning MP4/23 car and the McLaren MP4-12C supercar. The Ferrari, Lotus-Renault GP and Red Bull Racing Formula 1 cars would also take to the Goodwood hill.

Having formally announced his retirement during mid-June, 81 year-old British driving ace Sir Sterling Moss gave the Goodwood crowd a show of motoring greatness. Well-regarded as the best Formula 1 driver never to win a world championship, Moss appeared to have exempted the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. On the two days he was attended the event, Sterling Moss took the wheel of the 1961 Ferguson Project 99 (a car Moss declared his favourite Formula 1 car). For those wondering, yes the Ferguson name on the Formula 1 car was connected to the farm tractor company. In fact, the all-wheel drive open wheel racer was built as a showcase for the gearboxes employed on the tractors. Driven by Sterling Moss to victory in the 1961 International Gold Cup, non-championship Formula 1 held at Oulton Park, England racing in wet conditions. The victory is recorded as the last win by a front-engined Formula 1 car and the only victory by a four-wheel drive. Timed on the Goodwood hill, Moss negotiated the classic Ferguson Project 99 through the circuit in 1 minute, 42.6 seconds. While Sterling Moss was 6th fastest in the machine, the Ferguson Project 99 was wheeled to a best in category time of 1 minute and 2.3 seconds on Saturday in the hands of Stuart Rolt. Stuart Rolt is the son of the car co-developer and Formula 1 driver Tony Rolt.

Apart from the moving motorsport history lesson, many automotive companies provided traditional static displays. Showing off their latest products, Jaguar exhibited their CX-75 supercar while Ferrari brought the upcoming FF grand tourer to the public show. Displaying some modified performance with a hybrid powertrain, Honda allowed viewers to witness the Mugen-prepared CR-Z sports car.

After three days, the fortunate motoring-adoring crowds left having sampled a feast of dynamic automotive and motorcycle racing history. A 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed is an event words would fail to fully-encompass.

Information source: The Goodwood Estate Company Limited, Ferrari, Honda UK, Jaguar
Photo source: Ferrari, INDYCAR, Jaguar

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“The greatest crumpet collector of all time.” That’s how the great Henry N. Manney III described the Jaguar E-Type. And who can really disagree with him? But, for Jaguar, the question became, ‘How can we make the E-Type better?’ The answer was the same tried and true response since cars first came to be: Make it lighter. Make it slipperier. Add horsepower.

Say hello to the Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Low Drag Coupe.

Although it started out as a road car, the Jaguar E-Type was a common sight at racing tracks soon after its debut at the 1961 Geneva Motorshow. Not very surprising, really, since the engine and chassis design derived from the triple Le Mans winning D-Type. Since the E-Type was a road car, and economics played more of a part than for a racecar, the costs of production were kept low by fitting the E-Type with an all steel body. Fine for a production car, but this, naturally, proved to be a big handicap when it came to racing against such heavy hitters like the Ferrari 250 GTO, Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato and Shelby Cobra. All of these competitors used featherweight aluminum bodies.

By switching over to an aluminum body and engine block knocked 440 pounds from the all-up weight of a steel bodied E-Type.

One of the most successful and notable of these early racing E-Types was Roy Salvadori and Graham Hill driven, John Coombs prepared example campaigned in 1961 and 1962. The notable accomplishments of Salvadori and Hill in the steel E-Type ignited interest inside Jaguar’s moribund competition department by the end of 1962. The factory determined to build a proper competition version, and John Coombs was invited to the factory to have his successful Salvadori/Hill machine serve as the prototype.

To comply with homologation rules the body could be modified but not the chassis, so they kept the steel monocoque. A new body was fabricated completely from aluminum and looked virtually identical to the production road car. To enhance the aerodynamics, a separate hardtop roof was added with a small vent at the rear. Later cars were bodied with full fastback coupe bodies that were even more aero- effective.

Beneath the lightweight shell, the all-new competition E-Type included such upgrades as an aluminum cylinder block instead of the cast-iron block from the road cars. The up-rated 3.8-liter engine was fitted with Lucas fuel injection, which bumped the output to well over 300 horsepower. All of this newfound power was delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed, close-ratio box.

The Factory merely called their new racer the “Lightweight E-Type.” Jaguar's new racecar was handed over to privateer entrants, a few received factory support. The chosen few included John Coombs (of course) as well as American Briggs Cunningham, who prepared three cars for a full-blown onslaught on Le Mans.

One of the first go-rounds for the Lightweight E-Type was the 1963 Sebring 12 Hours. Two cars placed seventh and eighth overall. That was good enough for finished first and second in their class, but the Jags were trumped by three Ferrari 250 GTOs that raced in the under 3-liter class.

Cunningham’s run at Le Mans that year was fairly abysmal. The high-speed Circuit de la Sarthe traditionally was a good track for Jaguars, so hopes for a good result were high. The special Jags were competitive in practice but the race was a disaster. Two of the three E-Types were out before the 40th lap and the surviving example finished ninth overall, second in class behind a Shelby Cobra. On top of that, all the smaller-engine Ferrari 250 GTOs were significantly quicker.

By now, the general consensus up and down various paddocks was that the Lightweight E-Type were “too little, too late” where major events were concerned. Soon, Jaguar had lost interest in the project. Ultimately, only 12 examples of the Lightweight E-Type were constructed.

Source: SpeedTV

Pictures: Ultimate Car Page

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3. The Electric Cat: Jaguar C-X75 Concept Supercar

Last September, Jaguar showed off its C-X75 concept at the Paris Auto Show. The car was a conceptual vision of what a future range-topping Jaguar supercar would look like. The 75 moniker was meant to celebrate Jaguar’s 75-year anniversary. The C-X75 has a flowing design, with a few cues shared with the XJ220. We loved it, clearly took it as a one-off concept.

The real kicker was the car’s powertrain; a plug-in hybrid combination, but one that utilizes turbines instead of gas engines. Two 96 horsepower turbines powered the electric motors, which were placed at each wheel. Each electric unit made 195-horsepower and a stunning 1,187 pound feet of torque. That was good for a 0-62 mph run of 3.4 seconds.

Now, as part of Jaguar’s ambitious plans to expand the lineup and move upmarket, the company has greenlighted the C-X75 Concept for production.

The project is being done in partnership with British racing company Williams F1, who will provide engineering expertise. The concept’s use of turbines has been ditched in order to bring the car onto the market in a reasonable time. Instead of turbine power, the C-X75 will utilize a turbocharged four-cylinder working in concert with two electric motors.

Jaguar hasn’t given up on turbines though, however. The company is reportedly still working on micro-turbines and its parent company, Tata, has taken a stake in the company developing them, Bladon Jets.

To save weight, the C-X75 will have a carbon fiber structure. The production C-X75′s onboard lithium ion battery pack should be good for an all-electric range of 31 miles. 0-60 mph comes for the production car will arrive in less than 3 seconds and the car will be good for a top speed of over 200 mph.

Jaguar’s styling director Ian Callum says the styling will be a standout too: “We were always determined that the Jaguar C-X75 would be as striking on the road as it was in concept form….this will be the finest looking and most innovative Jaguar ever produced. Even in the world of supercars, we can still produce the most beautiful.”

The C-X75 does set a new standard for elegance and luxury in the supercar segment. The project will reportedly create 100 jobs and will be brought to market in a normal development time frame, which is about four to five years.

A limited unit run of 250 cars will be produced, with a price tag in the £700,000-900,000 euros (about $1.149-$1.288 million USD based on current exchange rates) depending on your local market and tax rates.

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Jaguar has been a success story as of late. Just after Ford sold the company to India’s Tata Group, sales of the new XF mid-size sedan took off. The redesigned XJ followed and helped continue the brand’s momentum.

Jaguar isn’t content to rest on its laurels however, and is already readying a mid-cycle enhancement for the XF, and has pushed the performance envelope further with models like the XKR-S at the Geneva Motor Show. What’s next for the brand? The website PistonHeads has reported on the latest plans for the brand.

While Jaguar is successful with its current lineup, it is aiming for a larger presence in the global luxury market. That means expanding the lineup. While the X-Type failed, Jaguar has reportedly approved a successor that will take the BMW 3-Series head on.

No credible global luxury player can compete successfully without a competitor to the high-volume 3-Series. Before new model lineups are introduced however, the company is focused on increasing volumes with current models by addressing some issues.

In Europe, diesels account for 70% of the market, leaving the XF severely hampered. A new four-cylinder diesel model is on the way to help expand sales. A wagon model (“estate”) XF was also introduced in the European market as wagons account for a high proportion of sales. In China, a high-growth market for luxury vehicles, a six-cylinder XJ model is slated for introduction in order to reduce import taxes. For a six-cylinders, import taxes are half of what a V-8 model demands.

In the United States, all-wheel drive systems are a must for luxury cars sold in snowy climates. The company is working to bring this to the lineup in order to increase sales to this market as well. For enthusiasts the biggest news is the possibility of an XFR-S, bringing a 550 horsepower V-8 to Jaguar’s fastest performance sedan.

Also being considered in other comments by Jaguar’s leadership is a new Jaguar crossover based on the Land Rover Evoque. Jaguar is without a crossover model, leaving Land Rover, which is under the same roof, to do that duty. Overall, addressing these key areas in the model lineup will help Jaguar’s growth significantly going forward until new models arrive.

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The current-generation XK was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2005, as a 2006 model. For years, since the original XK8 launched in 1996, the XKR performance variant has remained as the top dog in Jaguar’s performance portfolio.

It might seem like the XK is nearing its time for a replacement, but it has a few years left in its model run. That is evidenced by Jaguar’s continued investment in the car with a new high-performance model, the XKR-S. With a few updates, the XK is well-positioned to continue. The XKR-S helps the XK remain a relevant and competent entry in the performance segment.

This year will mark the 50th Anniversary of the iconic E-Type. This year Jaguar is commemorating the occasion by hosting a celebration at the Restaurant Hotel du Parc des Eaux Vives in Geneva where the original car was launched.

Fittingly then, Jaguar is using the show to debut its XKR-S, a car that still shows hints of the E-Type, proving the enduring influence of its design. The XKR-S utilizes the XKR’s 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, but turns up the dial on performance. The result? 550 horsepower, 502 pound feet of torque, a top speed of 186 mph and a 0-60 mph run that takes just 4.2 seconds.

Other than that, we only have two images to check out. That paint color is decidedly unlike Jaguars we are used to, so it does stand out. Also apparent in the images is that the car has a redesigned front fascia, along with updated headlights and taillights that include LEDs. The updated lighting is likely part of a freshening that the standard car will be receiving as well. More detailed specifications and photography of the XKR-S is set to drop when the show kicks off next week.

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Jaguar has experienced a strong product renaissance over the past few years, fueled by strong products. Under Ford’s ownership, the brand pursued a strategy developing retro-styled products based on Ford mechanicals.

That plan didn’t work out too well and Jaguar switched course, developing products with a modern design philosophy such as the XF and XJ sedan. Stunning and every bit what Jaguar should be, these models have emerged as serious competitors in the marketplace. However, the brand is hampered with a lineup of just three models – to become more of a force in the industry, more are needed.

A competitor to the Porsche Boxster has been rumored for years, as well as a top-level supercar. Tata Group Chief Executive Officer Ratan Tata wants Jaguar to develop these vehicles. But what about more core volume products? One likely on the way is a crossover.

Whether the decision is right or not depends where Tata Group wants Jaguar wants to be positioned – as an upscale brand more in the vein of Bentley or against competitors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While the XJ has gone upmarket, Jaguar is supposedly looking to introduce a smaller sedan model to slot in below the XF.

That would lead to a more mainstream luxury brand approach. Every significant competitor has a crossover and this leaves Jaguar without a piece of a very important model segment. The decision appears to have already been made: Jaguar’s Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hallmark commented to Autocar: “We need a crossover and we need to stop being a saloon-based company,”

Possibilities for easy entry into the market exist, such as developing a platform-mate to the recently-introduced Land Rover Evoque crossover. The Evoque would appear to be a good basis for a Jaguar model, despite being on the smaller side. It could also test the waters for future development of a larger model. Love them or hate them, crossovers are an important segment of the market. Entrance into the segment, along with a smaller sedan below the XF and a new sportscar, are key elements to growing sales in the United States and abroad.

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With the doors officially opening to the public of the Paris Motor Show this Sunday, some automakers have held off until the last minute to deal their ace design for the event. Intending to garner the acclaim of ‘saving the best for last’, Jaguar chose the Paris show’s first press day to unveil their radical electric performance car concept called the C-X75.

The C-X75 name understandably pays homage to the 75 years of the Jaguar brand, an accomplishment for which the British luxury brand has not been shy about advertising nor should be ashamed to pride. Jaguar has already produced limited edition XJ and XKR cars to commemorate their momentous anniversary, the C-X75 is the masterpiece to their celebration.

Since undergoing a takeover by India’s Tata Motors, Jaguar’s design studio has received the benefits of a revived motivation focused more a luxury car future. The Jaguar C-X75 concept continues on the path of styling reinvention moulded in advanced aluminum construction. A closed-cockpit design placing the cabin ahead of the powerplant, aerospace-inspired smooth contours are defeated only by side ducts and pronounced fender flaring. At 182.95 inches long and 79.52 inches wide, the C-X75 covers less of the road surface than the current Jaguar XK.

Though forward-thinking, some aspects of the Jaguar C-X75 are undeniably heritage-based touches. Firstly, the headlamp lens design screams the spirit of the C-Type and D-Type race cars while the same case can be made for the front fender flares. Hints to Jaguar’s XJ220 supercar are explicitly-telegraphed through the body lines of the C-X75 relating to the British company’s last great supercar.

As the interior casts a very luminescent entry thanks to the reflective surfaces and large windshield, the C-X75 is a clean, no nonsense design. The Jaguar C-X75′s steering wheel, instruments and pedals all place the driver in firm control of the vehicle. Speaking about firm, the two seats inside the C-X75 are fixed in position like a race car. High-resolution touch-screens provides the drive with all the interaction needed with the concept supercar which includes the center console-based Jaguar Co-Pilot display.

Employing an all-electric powertrain, four electric motors are divided to spin each tire and wheel providing all-wheel drive. Collected together, the series of electric motors moves this concept supercar with 778 horsepower. Impressive horsepower, the anatomy of an electric motor breeds prompt and consistent torque delivery. On the Jaguar C-X75, torque production backing the electric-powered supercar totals 1,180 foot-pounds.

Running off a lithium-ion battery pack, the Jaguar C-X75 achieves a distance of 68 miles before depletion. Realizing the distance on battery capacity provides a quite unusably short trip, Jaguar has conceived in a range extender making the C-X75 definitely not a conventional electric like the Tesla Roadster or Nissan Leaf. Pushing the maximum distance of the Jaguar C-X75 for up to 560 miles, the method for how this extra range is especially unique out-of-box thinking for a 21^st century automobile.

Also unlike the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid design which uses a gasoline internal combustion engine supplying standard mechanical movement to a vehicle, Jaguar’s C-X75 converts the energy of gasoline into electricity to thereby replenish the battery pack. Similar to the working of modern diesel-electric locomotives, the Jaguar C-X75 supercar concept essentially remains an all-electric vehicle as two small gas-powered turbines generate 140 kilowatts. A 60 liter (15.85 gallon) fuel tank carries the gas for the range extender turbines. Doing the math, the total distance the Jaguar C-X75 estimated fuel economy translates to around 41.1 miles per gallon.

Amounting to less than 3,000 pounds, the small aluminum supercar and 778 horsepower has a date with some stellar on-track performance numbers. Accelerating from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds and hustling through the quarter-mile in a shocking 10.3 seconds, the Jaguar C-X75′s electric propulsion goes on to push to a 205 miles per hour top speed.

Like every concept car brought to the reality of an auto show floor, we remain uncertain how much the Jaguar C-X75 is casting a light to the possible future of road-going vehicles.

Information and photo source: Jaguar Cars

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The exclusive golf course grounds of Pebble Beach are opened up to allow 4,000-6,000 pound classic and future classic automobiles to weigh on 18th fairway of the carefully-manicured playing field. The 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance celebrates the automobile on the third August Sunday under the California sunlight. Uniting 175 of the most prestigious antique vehicles from around the world since 1960, this year’s event again gave the crowd a feast of automotive glamour.

With show proceeding at Pebble Beach running from the Wednesday prior to the Concours d’Elegance award presentation, the days consists of a classic car parade called the Tour d’Elegance, an automotive collectible show and a car auction. Through the five days, this is the one time of the year to experience a near non-stop bombardment of 60 to 80 year metal and chrome. As well as showing off nostalgia, an exciting look into some vehicles of the near future was provided by Infiniti including a look at their new Infiniti Performance Line.

Included in this year’s display docket were commemorations to several automotive anniversaries. The 75th year of Jaguar as well as the 100th year of the Alfa Romeo nameplate received honours. In the celebration of the Alfa Romeo centennial several rare, living examples of the Italian company’s past were brought to Pebble Beach. One such example of these masterpieces was the 1938 Gran Premio Tipo 158 “Alfetta” race car developed by than Alfa Romeo supporter Enzo Ferrari.

Speaking about Ferrari, one of their creations was also given special credit in the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Recognizing the 50 anniversary of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, a special class award was gifted to the best example presented in the show. Other commemorative class awards given out through this year’s show also included one for the best vintage Indy car honouring the 100th year of the Indianapolis 500 and one for the best prewar American motorcycle.

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance traditionally started as a showcase for pre-World War 2 motoring excellence, 1920s Duesenberg and 1930 Bugatti cars were present attractions. Since then, the car show and event has initiated many steps to incorporate contemporary classics. In 1997, the Pebble Beach grounds were opened up to vintage-based hot rods providing those vehicles their own category to be judged. In this year’s Pebble Beach show, the hot rod trophy went to the 1950 Eddie Miller Streamliner.

For overall Best in Show honours in 2010, the award nominees consisted of four vehicles. With the competition coming down to a 1929 Bentley Speed Six Park Ward Open Two Seater, 1930 Duesenberg J Graber Cabriolet, 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster and a 1939 Delage D8 120 Henri Chapron Cabriolet, the 1933 Delage Roadster took the top trophy.

While this mass celebration of automotive history at Pebble Beach is opening up to the multiple faucets of motoring tastes, the event seems to have an easier time attracting vehicles than the general automotive admiring crowd. A downside for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a price of admission starting at $150, when purchased in advance of the show. With families typically attending auto shows, the Concours ticket price has certainly averted what could otherwise be a weekend outing. Perhaps on a plus side, adult automotive enthusiasts may not hear parents telling their kids to “look and not touch” on a consist basis. For the higher-rolling car fan, a $500 Club d’Elegance allows you executive privilege. VIP badges, commemorative gifts, buffet meals and even special restroom areas are provided to Club d’Elegance members. In respect to the high admission price, it should be noted that the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has contributed over $13 million dollars to their affiliated charities benefiting the United Way as well as the Boys and Girls Club.

With the main judging of the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d”Elegance wrapped, the cars return to their respected temperature-controlled garages around the world.

Information Credit: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Photo Credit: Copyright © 2010 by Kimball Studios/Courtesy of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

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