Second-generation Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Like its saloon equivalent, the all-new Jaguar XF Sportbrake promises to be quite a worthy contender with everything at its disposal such as style, performance, and technology, not to mention the added space for a luxury wagon of this size that is ideal for their next weekend trips at the great outdoors.

2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Billed as an ideal competitor against the likes of wagon versions of BMW's 5-Series, Audi's A6, or even the Mercedes E-Class, the new XF Sportbrake offers the same aspects as its saloon equivalent, only with the added space at the back so you'll have plenty of reasons to enjoy it.

Although it has the same styling as the saloon version, the Sportbrake's sideline has the ideal expression of "I'm sexy and you know it" and that's a plus for Jaguar there. With the witty combination of the XE-styled nose, F-Type-styled rear lamps, and the wagon body, this new Sportbrake really is an improvement compared to the old XF Sportbrake of yesteryears and who can blame them but the designers themselves just to show everyone what they're capable of.

While the inside functions the same as its saloon equivalent from the air conditioning, the touch-screen sat nav, everything, the Sportbrake offers more practicality than its German rivals apart from the 555-litre boot space. There's this hands-free gesture control feature that allows drivers to use gestures to operate not just the tailgate but also the sunroof as well. Scary but amazing by Jaguar standards. Apart from the gesture control that will surprise most owners, the new Sportbrake comes with the Intelligent Tailgate that can be adjusted in an event of height restrictions, a versatile 40:20:40 split-fold set-up on the rear seats, and so much more. This wagon is all about being prepared to be extra prepared because you never know when you are having a big day.

Just like the saloon variant, the new XF Sportbrake is lighter than the previous model because of extensive use of aluminium, and thanks to their reworked dynamics as applied on the saloon such as adaptive damping, front double wishbone and rear Integral Link suspension systems, the result is a wagon that handles like a sportscar, even though the electric power steering is a bruising experience.

What's even more amazing in the new Sportbrake is its intelligent AWD system with the added, wait for it, Intelligent Driveline Dynamics that comes with Dynamic Stability Control and torque vectoring. Torque vectoring! That means the new Sportbrake's AWD system can behave like the Ford Focus RS. Wait, this all-wheel drive is reminiscent of the ones as applied on the F-Type and the F-Pace crossover so it shouldn't be a problem to get intoxicated over its clever and amazing all-wheel drive system that can adapt through driving conditions with ease as well as the way you drive this thing.

Choice of engines? Well, the XF Sportbrake is offered with a wide variety of engines such as the highly-recommended Ingenium engine range that balances efficiency and performance at the same pace, and the 3.0L V6 diesel engine, which is the most powerful engine offered in the Sportbrake, with 300PS of power and 700Nm of torque. With so much torque, it has a towing capacity of up to 2,000kg. That V6 diesel sounds raunchy and nice but the Ingenium engines are a best best because they're very light and well-balanced.

As for safety, the Sportbrake, like the saloon equivalent, comes with a wide array of driver assist features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Reverse Traffic Detection, and of course, Park Assist. With features like these, nothing says being prepared than having a Sportbrake that is prepared for almost everything.

Price? The new Sportbrake starts at 34,910 GBP, which is two grand more than the saloon equivalent but that prices rather well to the competition. To sum this thing up; the new Sportbrake may be slightly expensive than the saloon variant and it doesn't have the F-Type sourced V6 petrol that the saloon has but with a wide array of safety tech, relatively superior handling, and a healthy engine lineup, the new Sportbrake shows the Germans what they're capable of and that kind of perfection would not go unnoticed.

Source: Jaguar Land Rover

Forza Horizon 3: Baby Jag born again

By the time you laid your hands on the Jaguar XE on Forza Horizon 3's Duracell Car Pack, you might start asking how in the name of all things bright and beautiful is this baby Jaguar doing here even though it comes with the similar supercharged V6 engine as the F-Pace you tried out moments ago. To explain what I'm on about, let's investigate what's it all about the rebirth of the baby Jag.



When Jaguar once made the X-Type in the last decade, they wanted to make a car that can compete against the BMW 3-Series but because of its Ford-derived platform and front-wheel drive, it was a disaster and they killed it. Fast forward to this decade and Jaguar's back in making a 3-Series rival in the form of the new XE. Launched in 2015, it was the first Jaguar to use a brand new platform that will be used in upcoming models for cost-saving measures. With this, the aluminum bodywork, and rear-wheel drive, the XE is the most important car in the Jaguar range. For the time being, the top-of-the-line model comes with the 3.0L Supercharged V6 engine derived from the F-Type. With the 8-speed automatic gearbox present, it produces 340PS of power and 450Nm of torque. 0-60mph takes about 4.9 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 155mph.



As you'd expect, the Jaguar XE is no X-Type on the contrary and because this car is surprisingly lighter than the Germans, it was no surprise that the XE handles like a Jag and despite having problems with that electric power steering in terms of handling sharply, you can really get hooked on this baby Jag as long as you want and because this is Horizon, you have endless possibilities to do with the XE as I shall now demonstrate.





See what I did to the XE? I've experiment with this car using a supercharged V8 because I just heard that Jaguar are doing some kind of experiment to inject their supercharged V8 engine for their limited-edition XE reserved for the privileged few so I reckon I can do the same thing...sorta. Apart from that, my test subject car is donning a special kind of design I made just for this. What? Don't know this face? That's Aikatsu Stars' Mahiru, now donning her sister's S4 uniform after claiming her sister's spot and become her successor. Anyway, long story short but this is the kind of thing I'm reflecting on this case study and with the test subject XE in question armed with the supercharged V8 and four-wheel drive, along with the very cute design to lure them to its trap, looks like its ready to spin its wheels and have a shot at it. Oh, and better get your headphones ready because I'm sure you're going to love it.



Man that noise is so cool, makes me want to listen to it over and over again but anyway, while the electric power steering upsets the 4WD setup on my test subject, unless you master limited-slip differential knowledge, it's a clear reminder that this kind of experiment with its howling V8 engine powering all four wheels is the kind of simulation that I expect from the folks from Jaguar and because it's ready to unleash their kind of XE to the public, nothing like simulating the future by creating one and looks like I'm looking forward to it.

In the meantime, let's look back at the XE. In its stock form, it wasn't so bad to drive but with the little creativity, just imagine how much untapped potential you can come up with that baby Jag and if you get used to your creation, you're going to get hooked with it over and over until it needs refining. The more you know and that's how you do with your new Jaguar XE in the Land Down Under only here on FH3.

Forza Horizon 3: [Censored] to [Censored]...sorta

Sorry about the title but it's a clear reference from the latest Grand Tour episode titled [Censored] to [Censored] where the boys compare three British SUVs and going on their German-Austria road trip from Wank, Kissing, Petting, the Austrian village with the curse word on it, and all the way to Nuremberg. We saw the Jaguar F-Pace, the Range Rover, and the Bentley Bentayga into action and if I was just wondering if I can do the same comparison right here Down Under on Forza Horizon 3.







I already tried three of British SUVs in the past and I am already familiar with the way they behave for me because while the F-Pace excels in its handling capabilities because this is the lightest of the three, the Bentayga is the all-powerful heavyweight that shows its inner tyranny in the house of cards, and the Range Rover is all about offroad capabilities unlike any other, even though I found out that it's the heaviest of the three British-made SUVs.

Since this is Australia, it's impossible to recreate the comparison on the said Grand Tour episode but I found a piece of Grand Tour somewhere Down Under and that was called "Grand Tour Sprint", so famously called because it has the words "Grand Tour" on it and that remind anyone of the car show the former Top Gear trio were on it. Special, isn't it? And that gave me the ideal time to put these three British SUVs to the test round the Grand Tour Sprint because...it's like conducting science experiments with test subjects, only this time in cars.







To ensure a fair-playing field, I've stripped most of their upgrades to their respective tuning files so they can pick them up later after this experiment. Oh, and I also stripped off the special designs that I made because...I don't know why but this is science and no fancy accessories are allowed during the conduction of such a scientific process.

Now it's time to find out which of these three British SUVs is the best and no, there won't be any underwear, pets, sunglasses, and canned beans involved in the making of this experiment. No way. It's time to settle things once and for all and see which SUV is the best. Remember, no shortcuts because this is cheating just like what happened in the Grand Tour episode.

And so, the boxing bell has rung...



At the end of their Grand Tour sprint, I have the times;

F-Pace: 2:52.139
Range Rover: 2:41.862
Bentayga: 2:37.457

Here's the point; the F-Pace, because of its supercharged 3.0L V6 engine that produces less than the other two heavyweights, is the slowest of the three while the Bentayga, due to its tyrannical power output for a 12-cylinder SUV, is the fastest of the three, and in the end...hmmm...James May is absolutely useless.

So, the Bentayga is the fastest of the three and it's very hard to say what the dopey old idiot was doing behind the wheel because while it looks heavy inside and out, it's surprisingly fast and handles like a grand tourer, well just about. I assured that the Bentayga behaves like the good old Continental GT with the added muscle to upset the Range Rover in the race of luxury SUVs and in a straight-line performance, it would easily beat both the Jag and the Range Rover by a wide margin of reach but what could possibly go wrong with the Bentayga anyway?

Anyway, enough talk right now and time to close the case, proving that the ultra-expensive Bentley Bentayga is the best of the three SUVs and this Grand Tour episode really needs a rewrite.

FH3 Blizzard Mountain: A Jaguar SUV? Really?!

Look closely on this pic because at first glance, it does look like a typical Jaguar to you but when I uncover the whole picture, you won't believe what kind of Jaguar is this because this is just more than being your basic Jaguar that you took it on the city centers sunrise to sunset.





Surprised? Betcha didn't know that Jaguar made an SUV for the very first time, questioning every single car enthusiasts thinking that the company that owns both Jaguar and Land Rover realized that these two have gone off the deep end and thus resulted to this; the first ever Jaguar F-Pace, and it's available on Forza Horizon 3's Logitech G Car Pack. But first, I need to go to the Blizzard Mountain to assess this SUV for a more knowledgeable manner.



So, the main question is why did Jaguar made an SUV even though only Land Rovers do so? Is this a conspiracy, I dare say? Or are they just trying to reinvent the lineup to get back on the Germans for reigning the luxury car race? Although the questions remained unanswered until further notice, the F-Pace from Jaguar was carved from the remnants of the C-X17 Concept as seen on the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, Another important example of a concept car turned reality for the motoring public, although a small price to pay to make a vision a reality for all.

Contrary to belief that the F-Pace is basically a Range Rover Evoque in Jaguar's clothing but in reality, it uses the same underbelly as Jaguar's latest saloons in the range such as the XE and the new XF. In general, this crossover behaves like a sport saloon on the road while still delivers SUV credentials that makes it go anywhere, well just about, and it was made for the upperclassmen who goes for important meetings on workdays and then going for some leisure stuff on weekends and holidays such as going for golf, hunting, camping, or anything outdoorsy stuff people with SUVs do most of the time. Didn't they mentioned that Jaguar made a special wristband for owners to act as a carkey to access this car? Pretty clever, huh? Makes conventional car keys obsolete in the near future, I dare say.

For now, the most powerful in the range is the one with the 3.0L Supercharged V6 engine that produces 380PS of power output, almost two hundred less than the Range Rover, but make no mistake that even though the power output is somewhat lacking, it's surprisingly lighter than the Range Rover, making it very sporty to handle through the bends no SUV couldn't imagine of due to the laws of physics.



This Jaguar really puts the sport back to the sports utility vehicle because not only it looks good to look at, it's surprisingly agile and sharp. It behaves like a rear-wheel drive car as I noticed and the more I get used to this Jag, the more promising it deserves. I can really take back about the deep end part and get used to this crossover that handles like a sports saloon while delivering the SUV ruggedness it does, well just about.

Even though I don't see the F-Pace to be a proper offroader as compared to the more expensive Range Rover, I want to treat it rough to see how good as this Jag gets and since I'm in Blizzard Mountain, there are plenty of reasons to play rough with this Jaguar SUV.





Quite a fitting take on such a snowy weather but sorry, you have to see that because a hint of Yokai Watch's Blizzaria on the design is what I've ordered to do it on the F-Pace and being Blizzaria, extreme icy conditions may follow shortly. Get it? Gotta love this supernatural cutie, though, but anyway, with the F-Pace all prepped up for snow duty, time to treat it rough to see how much it can do not just as an SUV but as a Jaguar.



That was the roughest take on the first ever SUV from Jaguar even though no one's pleased with its "childish" special Blizzaria design on it but I can safe to say that the Jaguar F-Pace earned the seal of approval it deserves. Although it may not be as powerful as a Range Rover but its lightweight bodywork can really cut it like a bread knife on the silver platter and its superiority complex really outshines the German crossovers awesomely.

It maybe an SUV but it still has the "art of performance" Jaguar deserves and I am very proud of what this crossover done for me.

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

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

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.

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...

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

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #06: Ford Capri

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.



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.

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.



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.



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.

Forza Horizon 2: Good To Be Bad

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.





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.



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.



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.

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

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.

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