We've covered the Jaguar XJL before, but this time we try out a new 2012 XJL Supersport. The trim comes with tons of additional features, including power reclining rear seats, black leather headliner and gloss trim. Despite all the niceties, the XJL Supersport might be a little too opulent for its own good, according to Cars.com Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder.
The holidays are upon us, and we've decided to spotlight the year's best and worst in the car world over the next 12 days. We're looking at automakers that wowed us, along with those that earned our collective ire.
We begin with the vastly overlooked key fob.
Now in its third model year, the 2012 Jaguar XJ adds more comfort and sport package trims to its already long list of available configurations. Base prices also increase for 2012.
A new options package is the Sport and Speed Pack. Performance enhancements include an aerodynamic splitter underneath the front bumper and a rear lip spoiler — minor stuff, but Jaguar says it was enough for it to change the speed limiter’s top speed from 155 mph to 174 mph for the trim package. A black mesh finish to the grille and lower intake, red-painted brake calipers and special 20-inch wheels are also added to the exterior. The package is available on the XJ Supersport and the XJ Supercharged trims.
DJH, from Springfield, Ill., is certainly a fan of his new 2011 Jaguar XJL . In fact, no German carmaker even comes close to what you get for the price of the Jag, says DJH. The XJL is a long-wheelbase variant of the XJ sedan; this reader thinks the added space offers great rear legroom. Cars.com senior editor David Thomas contemplated working from a recent loaner's rear seats, too.
Continue reading below to find out what DJH thinks of his XJL. Once you’re done, you can share your review with us here.
As I sat surrounded in the ridiculously awesome opulence of the new Jaguar XJL SuperSport, I was a bit confounded by its center display screen and this little button below it.
It sat next to a button for the stereo power and hazard lights.
So, what would a button with two chairs facing each other control? Would a hologram of the music screen pop up between the driver and front passenger? Did it switch the sound settings to be more attuned for either seat?
Jaguar is recalling 6,085 of its 2010 XK and 2010 XF models over potential long-term problems with the power-steering system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The power-assist steering pipes were not assembled with the correct amount of corrosion protection. Over time, corrosion may lead to pin-holing of the pipe, which could allow power-steering fluids to seep out and cause a loss of power-assisted steering. The loss of power steering may make the car more difficult to maneuver, resulting in an accident. The power-steering fluid can also ignite, causing a vehicle fire. Both vehicles were also recalled in July over potential problems with the fuel system.
Jaguar dealers will replace the power-steering fluid pipes with parts that meet corrosion specifications. The recall will begin on or before April 11. To find out more information, call Jaguar at 800-452-4827 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236.
Jaguar is recalling 6,475 2010-11 XJ sedans over potentially defective windshield wipers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In the affected vehicles, the windshield wipers were not properly installed or synchronized. In some vehicles, the wipers could lose synchronization and eventually clash against each other, resulting in one or more wipers detaching from the vehicle.
Jaguar will begin notifying owners Dec. 13. Dealers will inspect the vehicle and repair the securing nut to correct the torque specification if necessary.
For more info, owners can contact Jaguar at 800-452-4827 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hot line at 888-327-4236.
Jaguar has experienced a recent reawakening when it comes to modern design, first with the XK and XF and now with the totally redesigned XJ. In this video, Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder tests the 2011 Jaguar XJL, the long-wheelbase model. Like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the XJL is more of a livery vehicle than a driver’s car; however, it toes the line between the two extremes better than the Mercedes. See how the improved XJL fares in this video.
2011|Jaguar|XJ
It’s been more than two years since Ford sold off its Land Rover and Jaguar unit to Indian conglomerate Tata Motors. So far, the new parent couldn’t be happier.
In fact, you could say Tata – which just posted a net profit in the latest quarter compared to a net loss a year earlier – owes a lot of its current success to these two relatively small luxury carmakers.
Jaguar and Land Rover sales are soaring high – up 18% in the U.S. – with production up 59% globally in the latest quarter.
Much of Jaguar’s and Land Rover’s current success has to do with new models either completely or partially developed by Ford Motor Co. Ford’s leadership laid the groundwork for the designs of the popular Jaguar XK, XF and XJ. The same person that designed many popular Lincoln concepts at Ford, including the Lincoln Continental and Navicross, was also responsible for Land Rover’s LRX Concept, which is now going on sale nearly unaltered as the Range Rover Evoque.
Jaguar and, to a lesser extent, Land Rover have been on a roll lately. Sales for Jaguar/Land Rover are up 46% for the year, and a lot of that growth has been at Jaguar, whose reengineered and redesigned 2010-11 XJ saw sales climb 608% in July and was the brand's best-selling model, usurping the XF.
Now, Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata (owner of Jaguar and Land Rover since 2008) says, in a press release, he's considering widening Jaguar’s lineup by adding an all-new entry-level sedan, a new roadster and a station wagon.
Jaguar's current roadster — the XK, which starts at $82,150 — is obviously pricey. Jaguar could design something smaller and more nimble. The wagon could either be a body-style extension of the XJ or XF, or it could end up being its own model entirely, akin to the Volvo XC70 or recent hatchback-like touring cars from BMW and Porsche — the 550 Gran Turismo and Panamera, respectively.
The entry-level sedan is an interesting proposal. With the demise of the X-Type, Jaguar hasn’t offered a model for less than around $50,000. A model in the $35,000-$45,000 range could allow the company to compete better with best-sellers from Audi, BMW and Lexus. However, the X-Type is widely regarded as one of the biggest flops in recent luxury car history. Execution of the new model would be very important to a new model's success.
Over at Land Rover, Tata says there will be a revamp and refresh of the entire lineup, starting with the all-new two-door Evoque (pictured above). No more information about specific model upgrades or timetables was given.
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