Showing posts with label jaguar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jaguar. Show all posts

Friday, May 20, 2016

Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar is well known for making ultra-luxury premium sedans like the XJ and sportscars like the F-Type but when they decided that they will make their own sport utility vehicle, we all thought that it's going to be a Land Rover in Jaguar's clothing, but we are sort of wrong with this one...

2017 Jaguar F-Pace

Called the F-Pace, Jaguar's first ever crossover utility vehicle marks a new chapter in its lifetime and whenever this crossover is up against the likes of the Macan or the X3 or the GLC or the Q5 or even its stablemate, the Range Rover Evoque, it will be the F-Pace, as Jaguar states.

2017 Jaguar F-Pace


On the contrary, the F-Pace is not a Land Rover in Jaguar overalls because it uses the same underbelly as Jaguar's latest saloons, the XE and the new XF, so you may expect this to behave like a sportscar but you have to do better than that because despite its sports saloon underpinnings, the F-Pace isn't as sharp as either the XE or the new XF but as a crossover utility vehicle, the all-capable F-Pace sure is as witty as quick-shooting a sawed-off shotgun at different sides. However, don't get too jumpy because even if the F-Pace behaves like a sportscar because of its F-Type-inspired characteristics, cases of understeering is likely, probably due to its 4WD drivetrain (even if its recalibrated to allow most of the power goes to the rear wheels) and its electric power steering.

Back when these things stuffed onto the F-Type sportscar, my observation that I was going to think that the 4WD and power steering would degrade the F-Type's character but no. If drivers managed to get things right, the 4WD and power steering wouldn't be a problem to the F-Type and here in the F-Pace, the right timing will show how much fun this crossover would do, despite its weight. When you opt in for the high-end S with the 3.0 litre V6 380PS Supercharged Petrol engine, best not to overdo it or else you'll mess it up. Same thing goes for the 3.0L V6 diesel engine because even if it has a higher torque output than the petrol engine, there's no hiding from the clattering the engine gets.

It may have a great noise for a V6 engine but for everyday use, you can either go for the 2.0L turbodiesel engine with 180PS of power. It maybe short on power but I'm not highly sure that its efficiency maybe the key to make the F-Pace a practical crossover for business and leisure because with all that ruckus going on, it's hard to determine how fuel efficient this small Ingenium diesel is, especially with the claimed combined mileage of 4.9l/100km when a 6-speed manual is equipped.

Oh yeah, while most models do come with a hefty 8-speed automatic gearbox, the 2.0L diesel variant is the only variant to come standard with a 6-speed manual.

2017 Jaguar F-Pace interior

The F-Pace may have some Jaguar charm on the design department, but it's surprisingly technologically advanced and practical. There's some room in the back that can fit your leisurely stuff on your next day off. It even comes with an array of gadgets in partial terms of safety and convenience, including the brand new Activity Key, which allows the wearer to open the car when made contact and it's surprisingly durable, meaning you can take out in all sorts of outdoor activities. Who would have thought that Jaguar made some kind of wearable tech for discerning owners of the F-Pace crossover?

2017 Jaguar F-Pace
The Jaguar F-Pace starts at 34,170 Pounds and while this is as costly as the German-made luxury crossovers, the F-Pace shows how much handy capable Jaguar's first crossover can do. Its capabilities as a multirole is fairly unorthodox for a Jaguar of this magnitude but the F-Pace is surely ready to rise up from the challenge, no matter the odds.

Available colors: Polaris White, Ebony Black, Glacier White, Ultimate Black, Ammonite Grey, Dark Sapphire Blue, British Racing Green, Quartzite, Italian Racing Red, Odyssey Red, Rhodium Silver, Tempest Grey, Storm Grey, and Ingot.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover

Monday, December 14, 2015

Second-Generation Jaguar XF

Once served as the replacement for the lackluster S-Type, the Jaguar XF was designed to take on the likes of BMW's 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, and the Audi A6, and for this all-new second-generation model, the new Jaguar XF promises to be quite a seducing take on the premium midsize saloon craze while delivering its intimidating character that Jaguar promises to be "Good to be Bad".

2016 Jaguar XF

Looks more promising, isn't it? For this new model, it looks like an enlarged version of its baby brother, the recently-launched XE, but while the XE is made to intimidate the smaller luxury cars in its caliber, the new XF is made to bewilder its rivals in terms of style and performance. One look at the XF and you can't tell how seducing this new model is and then, the interior...

2016 Jaguar XF interior

Well, it somewhat resembles to the inside of the XE but the XF's well-lavished interior really brings the shame on uniformal interiors of today's German saloons, although the JLR-trademark rotating shift knob remains quite an annoyance for some car enthusiasts. Despite being shorter than the previous model, the wheelbase is surprisingly longer, meaning it's well spacious in the back as well. Although the interior of the new XF is well-tailored in its own right, perhaps there's one missing in terms of evaluating it and I have a clever way. First get a girl with red hair to be seating in the front passenger seat and then do a fake out make out on her. You know what I'm saying?

2016 Jaguar XF

Anyway, time for the performance side and thanks to extensive use of aluminum, the new XF is surprisingly 190kg lighter than the previous model, and because it is lighter, you will be surprise how the new XF performs. In terms of comfort, it's as warm as a music box playing a beautiful song, but when you let it all out, its dynamic character can intimidate its opposition like a wild jackal hunting down its prey. If this new XF sticks to its "Good to be Bad" motto, then this is worth the try to scare the Germans into fruition.

Engine choices include a healthy dose of a 2.0L GTDi, 3.0L Supercharged V6, 2.0 diesel, and a 3.0 diesel engine. Most of these engines are Euro 6 compliant. The most powerful in the lineup is the 3.0L Supercharged V6 on the XF-S. This engine produces 381PS of power and 450Nm of torque. In rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive alike, it will do 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds, which sounds reasonably quick for a sports saloon. Depending on the model, the transmission can either be a six-speed or an eight-speed automatic gearbox respectively.

2016 Jaguar XF
Even though the new XF is as intimidating as Jaguars can get, it's surprisingly technological as well. It comes with All Surface Progress Control, HUD Display with laser technology, virtual instrument display similar to Audis of today have, InControl services, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and of course, an available Meridian Sound System.

The new XF starts from 32,300 to 49,945 GBP and while this sounds like a lot for a luxury car of that size, the new XF promises to be quite a worthy contender in the premium midsize saloon stakes and with everything loaded in its latest regeneration, the new XF is a well-proven starting point for Jaguar and in the future, we can expect great things to come in the new XF, including a more high-performance model coming soon. In the meantime, let's see how far and how exciting the new XF goes and it takes some modern ways to convince anyone to get their hands on it.
Available Colors: Ebony Black, Polaris White, Ammonite Grey, Aurora Red, British Racing Green, Dark Sapphire, Glacier White, Italian Racing Red, Odyssey Red, Quartzite, Rhodium Silver, Ultimate Black.Black Berry, Storm Grey, Tempest Grey, Celestial Black, and Ingot.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Forza Motorsport 6: Tale of two Jags

A few moments ago, I went to the Top Gear Test Track to compare between the Jaguar F-Type Coupe R and the BMW M4 just to find out which of the car is best and to my amazement, the F-Type Coupe R, with its supercharged V8 engine, outsmart the turbocharged BMW M4 like how Britain won the Battle of Britain.



Now, I'm in one part of Great Britain. Specifically, Silverstone, and I'm still in the F-Type Coupe R to see how much fun this V8-powered sportscar is on its home turf. However, I'm not sending this F-Type back home just for fun, I sent it home because I want to compare this to another Jaguar offered in-game and that particular Jag in question is a hardcore version of the XKR-S, undoubtedly one of the best Jags I have ever driven in my Forza life.



The GT version of Jaguar's high-performance XKR-S coupe represents the pinnacle of Jaguar's ultimate grand tourer and it has became a hardcore, track-focused version of the said model.

In the North American market, only 30 units are made. The GT features enhanced aerodynamic components and suspension development for better downforce and handling. It is the first Jaguar to use carbon ceramic brakes.

Like the base XKR-S, it comes with the 5.0L V8 petrol Supercharged AJ-V8 GEN III R engine producing 550PS of power and 680Nm of torque. It will do 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 186mph.

Upon driving the XKR-S GT, it takes an expert-level driver to master the harsh dynamics due to the sheer power and torque its V8 delivers and when it rains down on the track, you need to be pretty certain because one slip and you're gone. It takes determination and guts to tame this British bulldog right up to its noses.

Both the F-Type Coupe R and the XKR-S GT really are the cream of the crop from Jaguar but what differs these two really is hard to explain why because while the F-Type Coupe is more of a grand tourer fit for leisurely purposes only rich gentlemen would do, the XKR-S GT nullifies its gentlemanly manner in the pursuit of being a track-ready screamer. Sure, the F-Type R is lighter than the XKR-S GT but because the XKR-S GT features track-focused essentials, seems that it can munch through every corner it sees but either way, they can be tricky to get to their best behavior even when wet.

To find out, I compare these two Jags on a head to head comparo round Silverstone for some wet laps. Fastest time wins so here goes...



After spending the day with a wet lap round Silverstone, I have the results. The XKRS-GT did it in 2:45.597 while the F-Type Coupe R did it in 2:44.804, which means the F-Type Coupe R has been proven to be the ultimate Jaguar at this moment in time.



Oh yes, it's good to be bad.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Forza Motorsport 6: Comparing the M4 to the F-Type





In Top Gear's 2014 original video, The Perfect Road Trip 2, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond went to Mugello for their second day of their Italian road trip to Capri and while in Mugello, Clarkson picked the BMW M4 Coupe while Richard Hammond gone for the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, a car that he didn't like. When challenged to overtake The Stig while driving a Fiat 500 Abarth, things get very personal as they are doing everything they got to overtake The Stig. After many laps later, Hammond crashed his Jag while Clarkson drove his way to overtaking The Stig and he did.

Since we don't have a Mugello here, it might be best to compare these two machines at the Top Gear Test Track to see which is of these machines lived up to the boys' attempts during their so-called perfect road trip.

First, let's talk about the M4. At first glance, this is essentially a two-door version of the M3, what it used to be called the M3 Coupe but now BMW called it the M4 because they want to make it different. Style-wise, it can be bothersome not just the Austin Gelb metallic paintjob, which is hideous for a Bimmer. There's so much elevation on its hood and its door mirrors look a bit fuzzy.

In terms of driving, it's also bothersome because the new M4 is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine which produces more power than the old M3 and with better fuel consumption than the old M3's V8 engine but there is a gap that you can't feel it until it does. Also, it comes with electric power steering and whatever you do, don't put the M4 to the maximum settings because it's like a switch that switches on or off the oversteering. If you get it right, the M4 is very easy to handle and much serious on-track. Despite its flaws, the M4 is a well-suited and well-catered sportscar that vies to lap quicker lap times thanks to its extensive use of lightweight materials and with its perfect weight distribution, it feels well-balanced.

Now, let's talk about the Jaguar F-Type Coupe R. Although this is the best sportscar Jaguar has ever created since the XKR-S, there are some problematic demerits to consider. You know the supercharged V8's exhaust notes? Sounds artificial because some techies wanted to sound like that. On the interior, it looks more of a contrast from its exterior design. What's even more problematic is its pricing because when lavishly equipped with optional extras, the pricing is somewhat supercar-ish than what this car is. Despite its flaws, the F-Type Coupe R is no Jaguar for the gentlemen because it's a fun car that you can slip around in a cloud of tire smoke. Because the V8's more powerful than the BMW M4, getting through the straight is an easy job for this Jag. Be wary though that even though it has more power than the Bimmer, handling the F-Type is like trying to take on a song from the School Idol Festival...in HARD or EXPERT difficulty. One slip-up equals a major pileup of mess. Watch out for it.

So, with everything sorted out, let's find out which of these two is the quickest round the Top Gear Track and see if which car should have been the ideal car that overtook the Stig back in Mugello...and get vandalized at the end.


Now, I have the results of this test. The BMW M4 did it in 1:24.889 while the F-Type Coupe R did it in 1:22.422, meaning that the F-Type could have overtook The Stig if Richard Hammond didn't crashed it. Hmph...

So, with the F-Type done my test, looks like it wants some more but what kind of test will I give it to the Jag? You'll find out soon...

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Jaguar XE

In the dawn of the new millennium, Jaguar wanted to create a saloon to rival against the C-Class, the A4, and the 3-Series, with the X-Type, but sadly the X-Type never made the cut because of its Ford-derived chassis, front-wheel drive, and its lackluster character, making it the reason why they would never compete in a class like this but now, Jaguar decided to have another go in this segment with their latest vehicle, the XE.

2016 Jaguar XE

Here it is and by the looks of it, it looks more stylish and tasteful as its big brothers, the XF and the XJ, but you might imagine that the XE is going to have the similar recipe for disaster as the X-Type but no. That's because the new XE comes with a lightweight aluminum monocoque that makes it lighter and more stiffer than any other saloons from Germany. It is the first to use JLR's brand new platform which we are looking forward to their future lineup of cars, all in the name of cost-effective measures. Combine with a new platform, space-age aluminum bodywork, and its rear-wheel drive and what you get is a saloon that likes to lay a finger against Germany's finest.

The XE is the most important car in the Jaguar range because it is the first to introduce the new "Ingenium" engine range suitable for the XE to deliver a healthy balance of performance and efficiency. There's a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel engine with two different configurations; the first that can achieve 75MPG on the combined cycle and the latter is the more powerful one with 180PS of power. Apart from the Ingenium range, you can get a 2.0L turbo petrol engine or the more powerful 3.0L Supercharged V6 engine derived from the F-Type.

2016 Jaguar XE

The 3.0L V6 supercharged engine, available on the S variant produces 340PS of power and 450Nm of torque. 0-60mph takes about 4.9 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 155mph. This version is mated with an improved 8-speed automatic gearbox which sounds like a much but if you want to have a more enjoyable drive should go for the lesser models, basically the one with the Ingenium engines in it because of its newly-developed 6-speed manual gearbox which shifts greatly and accurately without the drama.

Now, let's talk about handling and this is where the XE starts to come unraveled because for the first time in the Jaguar, an electric power steering is implemented and when you engage to its sportiest setting, you'll be having a hard time giving this car a good thrashing but when you get things right, the XE feels more accessible and planted to the road like sliding through jellied eels. Think about this, when you try to draw a string on your bow, you are trying to break the silence and things get a little more surprising as you come across the right path.

2016 Jaguar XE interior

The XE really gets on the right path unlike the X-Type from the last decade and while this is still essentially a good car to drive, despite the implementation of its electric power steering, which became a thrill-killing curse to all cars of today, and it feels more civilized on the road. On the inside, it has everything what a good saloon car should do when he's done with his office affairs and it's nicer to live with.

2016 Jaguar XE

The new XE starts at around 29,775 Pounds and that costs a lot than its German competitors but if there's one thing to like about the XE that is on par against its German rivals, it's not about the style and the performance. It's about the importance of being an all-important Jag on the lineup and by proving that this is the future for Jaguar, it's been sealed and we can expect great things to come from the XE and the rest of the Jaguar lineup.

Available colors: Ebony Black Solid, Polaris White Solid, Ammonite Grey Metallic, Bluefire Metallic, British Racing Green Metallic, Dark Sapphire Metallic, Glacier White Metallic, Italian Racing Red Metallic, Odyssey Red Metallic, Osmium Blue Metallic, Quartzite Metallic, Rhodium Silver Metallic, Ultimate Black Metallic, Black Cherry Premium, Celestial Black Premium, Ingot Premium, Storm Grey Metallic, and Tempest Grey Premium.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover Limited

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #06: Ford Capri

barnfind_2

The sixth barn find in question was the Europe-made Ford Capri, and this is new to us in the world of Forza. It's located somewhere in the East Valley part of Montellino and after numerous attempts to scavenge the barn find in question, I have discovered that it's over 700 yards near the Montellino Car Meet or two miles from the Montellino Horizon Hub.



After finding it, I managed to take some time off to refresh my perspective and several minutes later, I got a notification saying that the Ford Capri is fully restored so I rushed to the nearest Horizon Hub to claim it.

capri

In America, we have the Mustang but in Australia, they have the Falcon, and in Europe, they have this. The Ford Capri. This is the first-generation Capri but not just that, this is the one with the 3098cc Essex V6 engine on it while mated with a 4-speed manual gearbox. It's based on the Cortina and built in three European plants somewhere in UK, Belgium, and Germany. Originally it was supposed to be called the Colt but Mitsubishi has rights for the Colt name.

This RS3100 model, the one with the 3.1L Essex V6 engine, uses a double-barrel Weber carburettor and power output is 150PS. Although this is a limited-edition model with only 250 units made for homologation purposes, it still found use in the world of touring car racing.

Well, now with the legendary Mk.I Ford Capri under my hands, looks like work isn't done yet because Barn Find number seven is on my sights. Find out in my later posts as me and my Capri are venturing through the seventh barn find.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #05: Jaguar XK120

During my progress at the hot hatch championship where me and my Renault Clio RS 200 EDC are taking part of, I've received a barn find rumor about an abandoned Jaguar hidden somewhere in the Northern part of Italy's San Giovanni.

barnfind_1

As I ventured through North San Giovanni, I have discovered that the barn find in question is located over 300 yards near the North San Giovanni speed trap or 2.7 miles from the Montellino Horizon Hub. I'm on my way to retrieve the legendary XK120.



Well, I know what happens next. After retrieval, wait until a notification is flashed on the screen saying that the barn find I found was restored. After that, I rushed to the nearest Horizon hub to claim it.

xk120

Before the big aces like the F40, the McLaren F1, and the Bugatti Veyron were born, this Jag was the original ace of aces. Why? This post-war Jag hailed as the world's fastest car when it was launched in 1948. Top speed is 120 mph (193 km/h) of top speed, which in 1948, hailed as the fastest car in the world courtesy of its 3.4L DOHC Straight-6 engine that generates 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) @ 5000 rpm of power.

This model is the SE and this XK120 features wire wheels, increased power, stiffer suspension and dual exhaust system. Therefore, the SE model produces 180 bhp (134 kW; 182 PS) or the one I have comes with the improved 3.4L engine that churns out 210 bhp (157 kW; 213 PS) of power.

I got the chance to drive this legendary Jaguar because to me, the XK120 is a worthy ancestor to the world's fastest cars including the Ferrari F40, the McLaren F1, and of course, the Bugatti Veyron. Make sure you treat this legend with the respect it deserves when you had one, got it? Anyway, like I was saying...

WHAT?! Another barn find? There's still more of it all over Europe? Well, to make things worse, I've received two barn find rumors earlier! There's so many classics that need to be rescued but let's scramble for later to find some barn finds. Although I'm still in a championship and my Clio needs me, it might be best to focus with the search ops for the barn finds while worrying with the championship progress later.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Forza Horizon 2: Good To Be Bad

ftype

The Jaguar F-Type Coupe is one of the most highly anticipated cars of 2014 and it's definitely one of the must-haves if we got the cash to roll in one of these. The top-of-the-line model, the F-Type R Coupe has the same supercharged 5.0L V8 engine from the XKR-S and it's a growler to drive on the city streets and on the open roads. We really wish we want one of those but thanks to the Mobil 1 Car Pack on Forza Horizon 2, we now have the chance to drive Jaguar's latest sportscar that puts the XKR-S to shame and I shall now demonstrate by driving the F-Type R Coupe on its special monthly events made specifically for this car and it takes place somewhere in Nice.



ftype_1

So, the F-Type Coupe. What's my experience upon driving one in Forza Horizon 2? For me, not only I felt happy upon driving it but I've never felt so alive to be behind the wheel of Jaguar's latest sportscar famed for its "Good To Be Bad" tagline. I mean come on, you saw one in the ads a few months ago, right? Anyway, the F-Type R Coupe is definitely one of the most enjoyable cars I can drive on Forza Horizon 2 and judging by that snarling noise from its supercharged V8 engine, it sounds oh so sinister indeed. I could just spend all day listening to that noise from its Active Sport Exhaust. It never gets old so easily.

ftype_2

So, what about handling? Well, because this is a V8-powered growler, the F-Type R Coupe is too dynamic and even a slight mistake can cost you so you need to be more focused while handling the F-Type because of its massive torque that causes too much wheelspin at the start if you don't get the launch right. You need to work on your timing to get this car off smoothly but getting off is utter irrelevance because the dynamic character is not suitable for a novice. If you're brave enough to master the F-Type R Coupe, this shouldn't be a problem and when you're not racing, you can pull some amazing tricks on the open space like for example, the Aerodrome.

ftype_3

In my evaluation, the Jaguar F-Type Coupe is a British sports car worth enjoyable to drive on Forza Horizon 2 when it comes to its snarl, its power, its performance, and the way this car enjoys in the Horizon Festival. With this car, you know that it feels "Good to be Bad" in Forza Horizon 2 and when other people noticed your ride, even at Car Meets, they'll know that you are more of a bad guy in the Southern European landscape. I really love to drive this Jaguar more than I can ever have in this game.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Forza Motorsport 5: 2012 Jaguar XKR-S at the Top Gear Test Track

xkrsxkrs (2)xkrs (3)

For my free time, I decided to give Jaguar's ultimate version of the XK coupe, the XKR-S, for a spin round the famous Top Gear Test Track in Dunsfold, Surrey, UK. Although, my skills are not enough to match the lap time Stig set from this car on this track, it's still fun to experience the outer limits of Jaguar's finest sports coupe that is capable enough to reach over 300kph. It may not be as fast as any other Italian exotics but the XKR-S really turned a gentleman's club into a half-decent supercar bulging all in the right places.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Jaguar F-Type Coupe

Last year, Jaguar heralded the return to its sportscar roots by launching the F-Type, the modern-day reincarnation of the legendary E-Type and even in its convertible offering, it feels really good to drive in all seasons. Roof or no roof, the British sports car of the modern age truly appeals us all.

2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe

Now, they've launched a hardtop coupe version and by the looks of it, the coupe look of the F-Type looks striking to look at and be warned though because this F-Type Coupe can be a cruel mistress if you misbehave it like a Brainiac putting things in the microwave.

So, why is it a little too late to put a coupe version even though the F-Type was introduced as an open-top version only...much to the annoyance of Porsche when the convertible Boxster came first and the coupe Cayman came last? It's still a mystery for now but judging by the stats, the F-Type Coupe weighs somewhat 20kg less than the convertible version because in the convertible version, it takes some stiffening needs to keep it rigid but in this, it's all in the foundation of a sportscar.

In general, I love a good proper British sportscar. It doesn't matter if we got wet in the rain while driving in the British open roads or got frozen in the winter, it's part of what the Brits do because they got used to the ever-changing weather and we are free to do what we want on the road ahead no matter when we got under the weather. I just remember about the Lotus Elise because when it rains, I have to keep going because when I just stop and waste time closing the roof, the rain stopped. How annoying was that?

The F-Type Coupe may not have a proper attributes that a good British sportscar should but by the time you're driving one, it still has the same masterpiece as the original open-top F-Type version and overall, this car can unlearn German or Italian in a split-second. You can forget about the Porsche 911 or the Maserati GranTurismo or the BMW M6 or the Audi TT. This is what you get for being GOOD at being BAD. Get it? Good to be bad! Hey, remind you of any?

2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe

This top-of-the-line version is the R model. It features the same 5.0 Litre V8 Supercharged engine that you'll get from the XKR-S or the XFR-S or the XFR-S Sportbrake. It's the most powerful engine Jaguar has ever made and it produces 550PS of power output and 680Nm of torque output. It does 0-60 in under four seconds and top speed electronically limited to 186mph, about the same as the less powerful V8 convertible version. That's all math but if you wish it was a bit exciting, don't fret because if you don't like the R version because it's too much power, you can have a supercharged V6 engine which, in the S model, produces 380PS of power, 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and 171mph of vmax. Even though it's slower than the V8 model, the V6 model of the F-Type is one of the best sounding engines you can hear and with the sports exhaust system...time to open up the windows, folks!

2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe

In the handling department, the F-Type Coupe, like the original convertible version, is a really mad car to drive and because this car has a lot of torque, its dynamic driving character can really throw you off the curve if you're not alert so expert driving level is recommended to master the F-Type Coupe especially if you're in the fastest version with the supercharged V8 engine in it. I wouldn't bother though because for a car as dynamic as the highest difficulty setting faced in a video game, it can be a cruel mistress so it takes time to practice until you get used to its cruel behavior of its handling. Not only it's mad at the handling department but it can be somewhat less crude on normal roads and with the turning radius of 35.8ft...it's not bad to turn this car whether you're coming home or park.

2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe interior

The F-Type Coupe from Jaguar is a drool-worthy masterpiece that is too awesome to be ignored and with the introductory price of 51,250 Pounds, it's more affordable than the convertible version so it's a smart buy if you're looking for something sporty and classy but it's too much for a car like this. Despite the high price, the F-Type Coupe balances its sportscar agility and luxury car comforts all rolled up into one and if you have one of those in your car collection, you are worthy of it. This car is worthy of being one of the best cars launched in 2014 and if you have one, you can lick your boring life goodbye.

Available colors: Ebony Black, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Rhodium Silver Metallic, Lunar Grey Metallic, Stratus Grey Metallic, Indigo Blue Metallic, Ultimate Black Metallic, Satellite Grey Metallic, British Racing Green Metallic, Italian Racing Red Metallic, Firesand Metallic, and Black Amethyst Metallic.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Gran Turismo 6: The Jaguar XKR-S and the Nissan GT-R

For several years, Jaguar had a long reputation of making comfortable, good-looking saloons only the posh would salivate for but for this Jaguar I tried on Gran Turismo 6, speed is the focus of the game.



This must be the new Jaguar XKR-S, the most powerful production sports car Jaguar has ever made. First of all, the aluminum quad-cam 5.0L AJ-V8 supercharged engine has been recalibrated to produce 542HP of power and 501.2ft-lb of torque. Yummy...

It can do 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of over 300kph, making this the only Jaguar that has been permitted to the elite club of 300kph sportscar. As a matter of fact, that's almost as near as what most Ferraris do, meaning that's on the edge of Ferrari territory.

Then, there's the exhaust note and because of its supercharged V8 engine, it sounds like an American muscle car. So lairy, so crazy, and overall...Oh dear! I like a European V8 sportscar!





Despite sounding like a muscle car, the XKR-S still behaves like a sportscar because of its hard suspension, adaptive dynamics, and the active differential which is programmed to alter slip ratios, differential torque distribution, and intervention levels, letting drivers push this car to the absolute limits. It's all science and maths but still the Jaguar XKR-S is no GCSE or some physics lessons. It feels like it puts the fizz into physics and this car that Jaguar does what nitro does for glycerin.

No wonder some Brainiacs could recite the promo video of the car. Ahem..."This isn't about image. This design is driven by geometry and physics". Oh Benedict Cumberbatch....





To make sure people don't mistake the S for the ordinary XKR, it comes with a carbon rear spoiler, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather that looks like carbon fiber, sports seats, blue ambient lighting, and some added aerodynamics. What annoys me is the red brake calipers because it looks inappropriate for a Jag like this. Aside from the added aerodynamics, the XKR-S looks a bit of a show-off to me. It can be a sportscar but it feels so overrated to me.





I know, I love driving this Jaguar just a bit longer but when it gets too much for me, the XKR-S seems a bit more of an overrated rather than an underrated when it comes to being a show-off car. You can enjoy it a little longer but not at all because there are times you're going to fed up with this car unless if its necessary. Even though it's still overrated, I'm still liking to the XKR-S grit because this is still the Jag I love to drive on Gran Turismo 6.



With the XKR-S, it seems that Jaguar has sacrificed most of its subtlety and good looks in the pursuit of speed but if it's speed, I wonder, how come you're not interested over...the Nissan GT-R?



For years, the flagship of Nissan, the GT-R, had gone through several revisions to make it into the completed piece you see now. Legend has it that this Japanese supercar can outrun numerous sportscars even those that are five times the price such as the Lexus LFA, the Mercedes SLS, or the Ferrari 458. With the GT-R scored numerous awards and the recognition of being the perfect machine, its success prompted Nissan to begin development on the next generation platform but its high hopes can't be contained in the middle of a race.



Sure, I might tell you about how it's made on the hermetically-sealed factory and all of the components are heated to the same temperature before assembly so they're in the same state of thermal expansion and how the tires are filled with nitrogen because it's more stable than air and how it went round the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 20 seconds but I'm not gonna do that even though I just did.



What I'm gonna do here is doing drag race at a quarter mile straight of the Ascari Race Resort. Anyone familiar with what I just did to these two should better sit comfortably because what I did is simple. Even though the XKR-S has a few more power than the GT-R, the GT-R not only leave the XKR-S to dust, it demolished it.



There is this weird theory about how did the GT-R managed to get off the line quickly and probably because of the Launch Control feature, a feature in a form of a computer that sorts everything out for you so when you plant your foot out, it sets off in a perfect line. Clever but unintelligentable for a Brainiac who wishes to use it. Some say, a Brainiac would have a launch control by himself.



But still, it's a great car. I'm still loving this Japanese supercar a lot. The double-clutch gearbox works seamlessly, the VR38DETT engine is not an engine, it's just like putting ammonal in a gas cooker and then explodes when introduced to a toy robot holding a blow torch, the turning's not so bad, and overall, when you want to let loose in this car, the grip is mind-boggling.



It really is the perfect blend of technological and mechanical engineering. It truly is the best of both worlds and for Brainiacs playing GT6, it's still worth a white-knuckle ride if they're looking for thrills out of this car that always defy the laws of physics.





Despite everything, the GT-R still behaves like a proper saloon. Quiet and comfortable but not at all because it makes the noise that most racing machines produce but they're subdued in the background.



It's hard to fault this car because while the XKR-S was just a brogue that was converted into a training shoe, the GT-R was designed to be a training shoe in the first place for a much less. The GT-R is the ultimate instrument of speed while the XKR-S left me question why would Jaguar want to mimic the hardcore progress that Aston Martin has not to mention they have their own testing facility at the Nurburgring.

Still, with the GT-R, you'll get the impression that this car is very clever but a bit serious. If you have one of these, go out and see if NISSAN's ultimate masterpiece still has the potential to rack up the points!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

New Jaguar XJR

The Maserati Quattroporte, the Aston Martin Rapide S, and the facelifted Porsche Panamera aren't the only ones classified as a four-door supercar despite having powerful engines planted on their four-door saloons for businessmen who aren't businessmen at all. In fact, there's another 4-door supercar in the making and this time...what could this be?

2014 Jaguar XJR
At first glance, it looks like a Jaguar XJ, the car Jeremy Clarkson drove in the race against The Creator, The Lord God Almighty, and he won just before the sun rises. Except now, the XJ is getting more aggressive than ever and this time...they dropped a supercharged V8 engine that powered the XKR-S under the bonnet. They named it...XJR.

Yes, the XJR is back and for this new model, I was referring that it can be a potential threat to high-performance flagship saloons especially the upcoming S63 AMG but this is just one of the things that make you go hmmm. Think of the new XJR as the...how can I say this? Oh yeah! Some Brainiac reference! Either the Celebrity Electric Shock or Celebrity Day Job Electrocution but still both of them best sums it up when it comes to the flagship saloon now turned a potential 4-door supercar. Think Tina Turner and her Bunsen Burner meets Diana Ross and her chain reaction. When you put them both and will they fizz or bang? Glow or blow? Fizzle or flash? Either way, this can be a serious threat to its rivals...or is it?

2014 Jaguar XJR interior

Rally up the Brainiacs because there's something more for the gentleman's country club now turned a Brainiac lab for the insane experiments. The V8 engine that powered the XKR-S Coupe delivers 550PS of power and 680Nm of torque. 680Nm of torque...that's 10Nm less than the Ferrari F12 but it's fairly close. With such torque, I wonder, it's more than enough to put a stick of dynamite at the turkey's bum or at the center of the kebab. Yummy.

Then there's the noise that doesn't sound like a supercar but it sounds like an old-fashioned American muscle car. That muscle car-esque vocals really feels like you're a Brainiac piloting a NASCAR in the streets of London and then making a mess at the Wales Millenium Centre, which is near the fictional Torchwood Three HQ which was blown up from the Children of Earth arc. Love it though but I'm afraid there are some demerits out there.

First of all, in the normal XJ, it feels like a gentleman's club. Very classy, very subtle, and very sophisticated. The sooner you had a chauffeur, the sooner you became a lazy man at the back of the car. For the XJR, how can I describe it? Oh wait! I know! Brainiac's Celebrity Electric Shock. It's like you invite a well-loved, well-payed A-list celebrity and then you start to electrocute him or her from remote control soft to TASER GUN INTENSE. The XJR really is TASER GUN INTENSE because when it gets through, your client succumbs, yelling their messages of surrender. I can imagine what it feels like when Vanessa Feltz survived through Level 5 of the electric shock...about the same as a cattle prod.

The 0-60mph time is 4.4 seconds and flat-out it would do about 174mph, that's better than those high-powered German saloons because of their limited set to 155mph. That's seem to be a total advantage for the XJR but there's another disadvantage for the new model...the pricing. It starts at 92,370 British Pounds Sterling, which seems to be less expensive than the XJ SUPERSPORT LWB model even though it packs more power than that but that's more than the rest of the normal premium saloons. Also, it's available exclusively in SWB so that's a big wuss but who cares?

This car doesn't bother with all the demerits because that new XJR is just so stunning to drive at. It's quite civilized on normal roads, more fun in open roads, more head turning than a woman's cleavage from either the buns or the breasts, and best of all, you can enjoy this car all day long until your ribs got relocated to the back. One thing you don't want for the XJR, as a chauffeur's car, is to get a celebrity to the back because by the time you're going bonkers with it...well I said it many times...your client will end up feeling like being electrocuted.

This new model...is HOT STUFF.

Available Colors: Polaris White, Ebony, Rhodium Silver Metallic, Lunar Grey Metallic, Stratus Grey Metallic, Ultimate Black Metallic, Cashmere Metallic, Satellite Grey Metallic, Carnelian Red Metallic, British Racing Green Metallic, Black Amethyst Metallic, and Italian Racing Red Metallic.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover