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May 24 2002

F type on hold.

JAGUAR has confirmed its F-Type, has been put on hold while the company evaluates where it wants to position the model. They have  refunded the deposits paid by potential buyers and according to reports, Jaguar has accelerated plans to overhaul the XK8 sports car.

 

 

 


May 10 2002

New XJ8 for 2003.

x350bluf.jpg (71772 bytes)Recently spotted on road-test in the English countryside was this example of the new XJ8 - X350 model for 2003. 

The bootlid and rear lights give it the familiar look of the X and S-Types, but the slim C-pillars echo the lines of the original 1968 XJ6, with a rounded screen, arched quarter-lights and a delicate curve to the roof. The front of the car also takes its styling character from some of the firm's past models. The curves in the bonnet trace the upper line of the headlamps, and there's the famous XJ grille.x350blur.jpg (73122 bytes)

Under the traditional exterior lurks some innovative technology. The car will be fitted with the latest development of Jaguar's CATS computer-aided suspension, which adapts to the driver's style and the road conditions. A new aluminium body will make it lighter and faster than the outgoing XJ8. The car will be shown at the Paris Motor Show in September and will be fitted with the current model's 3.2 and 4.0-litre engines, together with the 4.2-litre from the S-Type R. A diesel is also planned, while Ford's Premier Auto Group is said to be developing an aluminium V12, to be shared with the Range Rover. A 4WD version may appear, too.

Photos © Auto Express


April 10 2002

Jaguar announces expanded 2002 Trans-Am Series Contingency Award Program.

Jaguar North America today announced it will expand its popular Trans-Am Series contingency award program. In addition to continuing last year's pole award, the 2001 manufacturers' champion will also add a cash payment to competitors driving Jaguar XKR-bodied cars finishing in first, second and third place in each race. "There's a growing number of Jaguar XKR racers in the series, and this sponsorship recognizes those competitors campaigning individually, and waving the company banner throughout the season," said Sue Callaway, vice president and general manager, Jaguar North America. "The Series mandates a new narrow-bodied vehicle, and this provides a visual connection between our production Jaguar XKR and the racecar on the track." The Jaguar Contingency Award Program will reward Jaguar drivers $5,000 for a win, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for a third-place finish. Jaguar also will continue to support the Jaguar Pole Award program, which is open to all Trans-Am competitors. The Pole Award is given to the fastest qualifier in each of the 12 Trans-Am Series races in the form of a key. At the end of the season, one lucky key holder will have an opportunity to start the engine of a Jaguar XKR sports coupe, and drive away with a two-year lease. Paul Gentilozzi of Rocketsports Racing contributed the lion's share of points to win the 2001 manufacturers' title for  Jaguar and also clinched the drivers' championship award. Gentilozzi, a three-time Trans-Am champion, has set his sights on a fourth championship for 2002. Building on last year's successes, Rocketsports Racing will also provide track support to Johnny Miller (second place in the 2001 drivers' championship) and Tomy Drissi (former Rookie of the Year). Mike Lewis, American Spirit Racing, will also return this season in his AmeriSuites Jaguar using the new narrow-body design. The Trans-Am Series is the premier form of professional closed-roof performance coupe and sedan road racing in North America. After 37 years, it is also the longest-running road racing series in North America. The Series runs many of its races in conjunction with the CART FedEx Series, and the American Le Mans Series. The first race of the season will kick off with the Johnson Controls 100 on the streets of Long Beach, Calif., April 14, 2002.


January 5 2002

400 bhp S type R launched

An all-new supercharged 4.2-liter V8, 400 horsepower S-TYPE R and a new five-speed manual transmission for the 3.0-liter V6 model spearhead the launch of an extended and refined S-TYPE range. All models feature a completely redesigned interior with optional touch-screen display and an enhanced occupant safety system.

A new six-speed ZF automatic transmission, available across the range complements the refined power delivery of the revised Jaguar 3.0-liter V6 developing 240 bhp and larger capacity 4.2-liter V8 engines in both normally aspirated 300 bhp and supercharged 400 bhp forms. The new front suspension and extensively revised rear suspension deliver outstanding ride comfort with poised, agile handling, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition.

S-TYPE's launch in 1999 marked the beginning of a major product-led transformation for Jaguar. Following the launch, the company's worldwide sales doubled in just over a year and S-TYPE sales to date have exceeded 135,000 cars.

"S-TYPE has been Jaguar's fastest selling model in history and we are determined to keep buyers just as enthusiastic in the future. The changes to the latest generation of S-TYPE will continue to provide buyers with the most stylish design but enhance the driving experience through significant changes under the skin. The S-TYPE R firmly demonstrates our passion for fast, dynamic vehicles that give as much pleasure to drive as they do to own," said Mike O'Driscoll, president, Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North America.

Leading the radically revised S-TYPE line-up is Jaguar's most powerful sedan yet, the formidable S-TYPE R. Its hard-charging abilities are delivered with the full complement of luxury, comfort, and style that Jaguar is known for.

With 400 horsepower on tap, Jaguar's new 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine propels the S-TYPE R from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and then on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. What's more, the engine's broad torque band and the new, six-speed automatic ZF transmission ensures equally rewarding response and flexibility in everyday driving conditions.

"The S-TYPE R has a dual personality, in line with Jaguar's philosophy for our ultra high performance flagship vehicles. The new car is refined and comfortable - but when stirred, it becomes a true performance machine, satisfying the demands of the driving enthusiast. Power is instantly available, without ever being intimidating or overly demanding of the driver," said Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity

To match the powerful engine and advanced transmission, the S-TYPE R is equipped with sports suspension, race-engineered Brembo brakes and the latest generation of Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), to optimize ride and handling. Now enhanced for improved driving ability and comfort, particularly during cornering and braking maneuvers, CATS uses uprated springs for increased roll-stiffness and electronically controlled, two-stage adaptive dampers for ride refinement. CATS now automatically switches the rear dampers slightly ahead of the front pair at low speed to reduce transient understeer for improved agility and turn-in performance. At high speed, the system automatically switches the front dampers ahead of the rears to increase transient understeer for enhanced stability.

The car's luxurious, sports-style interior features leather-trimmed R Performance steering wheel and sports seats, which are 16-way adjustable, with memory on the driver's seat. The new-look S-TYPE fascia and door casings are finished in distinctive, grey-stained birds-eye maple trim.

Exterior design cues clearly signal the spirited character of the S-TYPE R. They include a rear spoiler for high-speed handling, exclusive (18 x 8 inch) 'Zeus' alloy wheels (18 x 9.5 inch on the rear), xenon headlights and a bright-finish mesh front grille with color keyed surround.

Reflecting the ultra-high performance of the S-TYPE R, it carries the same distinctive red R logo that will be featured on the nose cone of the new Jaguar R3 Formula One racing car for the 2002 season. First seen on the R Coupe Concept at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, the R badge will be incorporated onto all future Jaguar R Performance derivatives and options.   The S-TYPE R is priced from £47,400.

The entry-level, 2.5-litre V6 model costing just £24,950 is fitted with Jaguar's new AJ-V6 engine, which develops 201 bhp, and will have a standard-equipment list that includes side curtain airbags, climate control, wood trim, leather gearknob, electrically-adjustable front seats, 60:40 folding rear seats, electronic parking brake, automatic headlamp activation, dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control and ABS, 16-inch Helios alloy wheels and a four-speaker sound system. It is also offered in SE specification (from £28,900) which includes the new six-speed ZF automatic transmission, leather seats with electric adjustment, a wood 'n' leather steering wheel with stereo controls, metallic paint, front foglamps, auto-dimming rear view and door mirrors, and Spirit 16-inch alloy wheels.

The 3.0-litre V6 (from £31,400 for the SE) and enlarged 4.2-litre V8 engines have not escaped the revisions; both feature improved three-stage variable-geometry induction and continuously variable cam-phasing systems for quicker engine response and enhanced refinement. Although the output of the 3.0-litre V6 remains unchanged at 240 bhp, the 4.2 V8 (from £36,000 for the SE) has been enlarged from 4.0 litres and had its power increased by 19 bhp to a round 300 bhp; torque is up by 8 per cent, yet fuel economy and emissions are improved.

The Sport specification will also be continued, but will be available only with the 2.5 V6 and 3.0 V6 engines (£27,450 and £29,950 respectively). These versions have a colour-coded exterior with dechromed detailing plus leather sports seats with electric adjustment, a leather sports steering wheel, maple veneer trim, sports suspension with uprated springs and dampers and 17-inch Herakles alloy wheels. The five-speed Getrag manual gearbox is standard, but the six-speed ZF auto is an option, as are 18-inch alloy wheels.

Jaguar has addressed the criticisms that were made of the car's cabin, and its emphasis is on establishing the S-Type as a more traditional alternative to the more youthful, sporty and lower priced X-Type. Sales of the S have faltered since the launch of the X-Type, and Jaguar has recognised the need to differentiate more clearly between the two ranges.


4 January 2002

Jaguar Racing unveiled its’ 2002 challenger, the Jaguar R3

The Jaguar Racing team today unveiled its’ 2002 challenger, the Jaguar R3, opposite its’ factory in Milton Keynes (UK). Building on lessons learned in 2000 (with R1) and 2001 (with R2), this season’s challenger is a more adventurous design than either of its predecessors. R3 was designed by Chief Designer John Russell and Chief Aerodynamicist Mark Handford and their teams, under the overall direction of Technical Director Steve Nichols.

Announced alongside the Jaguar R3 is a new technical partnership with Castrol. Castrol is increasing its involvement in Formula One by becoming partner to Jaguar Racing in an agreement that includes the supply of engine oil, transmission fluids as well as dedicated technical support to the team at races and tests. In addition to lubricants, Castrol will also draw on the technical resources of its parent company, BP, to provide Jaguar Racing with associated fuels. The partnership with Jaguar Racing forms part of a wider business co-operation deal between Castrol and the Premier Automotive Group (the Ford Motor Company business group responsible for Jaguar, Aston Martin, Volvo, Land Rover and Lincoln). Under the agreement, Castrol will become the preferred lubricants supplier to Land Rover, Volvo and Jaguar cars worldwide.

“The Jaguar R3 has been conceived with the aim of achieving outstanding aerodynamic efficiency,” explains Niki Lauda, Jaguar Racing’s Team Principal. “We have not compromised the more traditional race-car attributes of low weight, low centre of gravity and good torsional stiffness. Its distinctive high-nose shape is the result of considerable wind tunnel research and the innovative use of laminates and construction methods. Aerodynamically, R3 will generate more downforce than R2 and exhibit improved sensitivity characteristics. And, as soon as we get our new wind tunnel going from next month, we will be able to begin a programme that will see us improving throughout the year,” added Niki. “I'm confident we've made a real step forward with R3 and in a few days time, our drivers Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa will take R3 to the track in Barcelona for what promises to be a very exciting day for the team.”

"This year, our target has been simple: to make the car go as fast as possible,” says Steve Nichols. “That sounds obvious, and it is, but what I mean is that we've been more adventurous in our design philosophy this time. I guess we've concentrated on aerodynamics because we feel we were a little behind the game, aerodynamically, in 2001. Do not misunderstand me: we have some very good aero people at Jaguar Racing, but they have been hindered by the fact that our wind tunnel has been located in California all this time. Now that we have taken steps to rectify that situation, our whole operation will become easier and on par with how our competition operates.”

As is self-evident, the R3 looks dramatically different from its predecessors. But at its core, R2 had significant strengths so the slate has not been wiped completely clean. "By comparison, R2 was arguably overly robust in some areas," recalls John Russell. "Therefore, with R3 we have been able to focus on reducing weight and improving aerodynamic performance, while building on the already proven qualities of the suspension, engine and transmission."

Cosworth Racing, the most successful engine builder in Formula One history, will continue to develop the CR-3 V10 engine that powered the Jaguar R2 last season. Nick Hayes, Managing Director at Cosworth Racing takes up the engine story: “I’m confident that, with the right development, the Cosworth CR-3 V10 engine will make significant further gains in 2002," says Hayes. "For example, the block and heads incorporate new design features, and we will introduce further modifications throughout the coming season. We are looking to improve not only ultimate power but also power-curve width, driveability and packaging. Indeed, despite the fact that CR-3 is an evolution of CR-2, we have nonetheless significantly lowered its centre of gravity without having had to resort to a wider V-angle or compromise its excellent packaging qualities. I would also like to mention Castrol at this point. Clearly, a good lubricant is vital to ensuring maximum efficiency of the many fast-moving parts inside an engine such as CR-3 - and, with a view to ensuring the very highest quality in this area, Jaguar Racing and Cosworth Racing have formed a very strong technical partnership with Castrol for 2002 and beyond. Castrol has the knowledge and expertise to make a major contribution to the development of the Jaguar Racing programme. They also have the experience of working alongside the world’s leading race teams. We are very pleased with progress to date, and are confident of more improvements in the very near future.”

Castrol’s technical partnership with Jaguar Racing builds on their position as a leading lubricants supplier to Formula One. “We have a long and successful history of racing with Jaguar,” said Stuart Smith, Technology Vice President for Castrol Lubricants. “This includes wins at both Le Mans and Daytona in the late 80’s in the World Sportscar series. We are proud to once again be associated with one of the world’s most distinguished racing marques”.

“We are very excited at the prospect of having Castrol as our partner,” said Niki Lauda, “Lubricants are a vital component for the car and can have a major influence on performance. As leaders in their field, we are delighted that Castrol will be able to bring their superior knowledge and technical expertise to our team.”

The Jaguar R3 is planned to run for the first time at the Circuit de Cataluyna in Barcelona on Tuesday 8th January 2002.


2001 News

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