Cars.com Podcast: 2010 Nissan 370Z and 2011 Jaguar XKR

 
This week we talk sports packages, high-tech performance options, levels of luxury and throw in a little open-air driving — and that’s just in discussing two models that recently came through our test fleet. Editors Joe Wiesenfelder, David Thomas and Mike Hanley discuss the 2010 Nissan 370Z coupe and the refreshed 2011 Jaguar XKR convertible. Find out what makes these two stand out and what we didn’t like about both.

Download the podcast via iTunes
Download the podcast via MP3

2010|Nissan|370Z

2011|Jaguar|XK

Cars.com Reviews the 2011 Jaguar XKR

The 2011 model year is the fifth for this generation of the Jaguar XKR, the convertible/coupe has aged remarkably well, according to Cars.com editor Mike Hanley,. Despite its exterior looks, there are some undesirable elements in the cabin such as a slow navigation system, which are unbefitting a car with a price tag of more than $100,000. Is the Jag’s age and imperfect interior enough to detract from its excellent powertrain and handling? Read Hanley’s full review and watch our video review to find out.

2011 Jaguar XKR

2011|Jaguar|XKR

Jaguar and Land Rover Riding High Under Tata

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, Land Rover May Expand Lineup

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.

Recall Alert: 2010 Jaguar XF, 2010-11 XK

Jaguar is recalling 5,048 of its 2010-11 XK and 2010 XF models with the 5.0-liter V-8 over potential problems with the fuel system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

On those vehicles, when the car is turned on, the fuel pump may not fully function because of a software error. This can cause an inadequate supply of fuel to reach the engine, causing it to cut out with little to no warning and potentially lead to an accident. 

Jaguar dealers will install new software into the affected vehicles free of charge. The recall begins on or before Aug. 30. To find out more, call Jaguar’s hot line at 800-452-4827 or NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.

Jaguar Launches Free Maintenance Program for 2011

Jaguar does not want consumers avoiding its cars because of high maintenance costs, and in order to dispel that (completely fair) notion, it will introduce “Jaguar Platinum Coverage.”

The new program offers a five-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty, free scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance. It will also include free replacement of parts for basic wear and tear, including oil changes, filters, brake pads, brake discs, brake fluids and wiper blade inserts. That's a big difference from Jaguar’s last free maintenance program where owners were asked to pay for replacement parts. Jaguar killed the program in 2006, presumably because customers didn’t like paying for new brake pads and wiper blades.

The new program will start with the 2011 XJ sedan, which is slated to hit dealerships in May. The XF sedan and XK coupe will follow suit when the 2011 models debut in June, according to the automaker.

Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Jaguar XK

The 2010 Jaguar XK offers performance for people who like to drive and luxury for people who like to ride. Slap the two together and you have a vehicle that some might refer to as a “dream car.” Well, keep dreaming. In the meantime, Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley got to tool around in the XK; read his full review to live vicariously for a bit.

2010 Jaguar XK Review

2010 Jaguar XK Video

You’re going to expect a whole lot of car for $90,000. The 2010 Jaguar XK convertible tries its hardest, according to Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley. From a sleek look that drags your eyes to the car to exceptional performance to a high-end interior, this convertible has a lot of ways to make you drool. Find out from Hanley if it warrants the sky-high price tag.

2010 Jaguar XKR and XFR: First Drive

You know you're not living in ordinary times when an automaker touts the gas mileage of its new 510-hp, supercharged V-8, but that's what Jaguar did when it visited the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill., with a 2010 XKR coupe and convertible and XFR sport sedan in tow. The event was designed to showcase these models’ performance capabilities to potential customers, but Jaguar let us lowly auto journalists drive both cars, too. The early judgment on the new supercharged V-8? It’s an enthralling blend of power and refinement.

Jaguar Announces Pricing on 2010 XF, XK

The 2010 model year sees the addition of a high-performance model for the XF lineup, the XF-R, which was introduced just last year. There are also significant price hikes on all other XFs and XKs. All 2010 models go on sale during the summer of 2009.

The 2010 XF lineup includes the XF Luxury, Premium and XF-R, including a total of three engine options, two of which are brand new. The 2010 XF has a starting price of $51,150, which is a $1,950 price hike over last year’s starting price. Jaguar says the hike is due to a new acoustically laminated windshield and brake-assist safety system.

The new 385-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 comes standard on the Premium, and a supercharged version of the same engine powers the XF-R. The XF Premium starts at $56,150, and the supercharged XF-R starts at $79,150.