Jaguar XKR 75 to make its debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

An exclusive XKR – the XKR 75 – will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 2.

• XKR 75 to celebrate Jaguar’s 75th anniversary
• Only 75 will be produced making it one of the most exclusive and exciting XKR’s
• Higher performance than standard XKR – 0-60 seconds time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 174mph
• Power and torque increased to 530PS and 655Nm respectively
• Upgraded handling and suspension package for increased precision and agility
• Sports exhaust with improved acoustics to match performance

Jaguar Land Rover’s new CEO, Dr Ralf Speth, initiated the challenge to the Jaguar engineering team to construct an XKR to celebrate Jaguar’s 75th anniversary, which would deliver a combination of enhanced performance, superb chassis and steering control and grip levels to inspire the driving enthusiast to explore the true potential of the XKR’s capabilities.

Mike O’Driscoll, managing director, Jaguar Cars, said “”The XKR 75 will provide owners with exclusivity, excitement and a hint of Jaguar’s great heritage. This is a fitting way to celebrate the sporting credentials of the XK marque in the 75th year of the Jaguar name”, he continued.

Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 530PS and 655Nm respectively for the XKR 75, to deliver truly outstanding performance. While the limited edition model’s top speed is electronically limited to 174mph (280km/h), the XKR 75’s 0—60mph (100km/h) acceleration time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 510 PS XKR.

Using the rigid lightweight aluminium architecture of the XK as a solid foundation, the increased power of the XKR 75 is matched by an agile, dynamic chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.

The Jaguar XKR 75 features revised suspension and handling for increased precision and agility in addition to the performance enhancements. To ensure the XKR 75 remains stable at high speeds, a revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR’s computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

And with an improved acoustics package for the semi-active sports exhaust, the XKR 75 produces a pulse-racing growl to match its performance.  The car’s driver-focussed character, however, has not been achieved at the expense of the Jaguar traditional values of refinement and comfort.    “We conceived the XR 75 as a sports car with a duality of character that makes it perfectly suited to driving across Europe to the Nurburgring, completing some very fast laps, and then driving home again, added Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity.
The XKR 75 features a new Stratus Grey finish. Red brake callipers contrast the eye-catching 20-inch gloss Vortex forged lightweight alloys with a dark technical finish and diamond turn. Customers will have the option to apply a unique body graphic that runs from the front bumper to the rear haunches.  The XKR 75’s interior completes the driver-focussed performance environment finished in Charcoal with ivory stitch, piano black finish to facia and centre console and a Jet suedecloth headlining.

THE XKR 75 AT A GLANCE

The unique features of the exclusive new XKR 75 include:

• Increased performance through detailed engine and transmission recalibration
• • Power increased to 530PS (compared to 510 PS on XKR)
  • Torque increased to 655Nm (compared to 625Nm on XKR)
  • Upgraded torque converter to handle the increased torque
• Upgraded suspension systems for increased precision and agility
  • Increased spring and damper rates (front springs 28 per cent stiffer, rear springs 32 per cent stiffer)
  • New fully-machined aluminium front and revised rear suspension upright for increased camber stiffness (increased by 25 per cent)
  • Re-tuned Adaptive Dynamics damper control software
  • Reduced ride height (15mm front and 10mm rear)
• Aerodynamic body pack with body coloured finish to front splitter, side sills extensions and rear diffuser, and body coloured larger rear spoiler and rear trunk lid finisher
• Sports exhaust with improved performance and acoustics – system has new crossover pipe and larger exhaust outlets
• New Stratus Grey exterior paint with optional graphics pack
• Red brake callipers and 20” Vortex forged lightweight alloy wheels, diamond turned with dark grey finish
• XKR performance interior in Charcoal and Ivory stitch leather, with Jet suedecloth headlining and XKR 75 tread plate
• Active front lighting
• Final calibration was done in partnership with the RSR engineering team which has been collaborating with Jaguar on the 2010 motorsport programme.

Production of the XKR 75 will be limited to just 75 vehicles and will be available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands and Belgium. It will be available to order from July 2010 in the UK priced from £85,500 OTR. Customer deliveries will commence during October.

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Jaguar XKR 75 to make its debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

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The Lancia Delta was first shown in Frankfurt Motor Show in 1979, going on to dominated the World Rally Championship in the 1980s and 1990s. Lancia offered road-going versions of it’s pedigree rallying competition cars, these becoming the Lancia Delta HF4WD and HF Integrale. When launched the HF Integrale was capable of 0 to 62 mph in just 6.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 133 mph, whilst offering a stylish and practical five door hatchback with great handing during day-to-day driving.

The surveys result isn’t much of a revelation to hot hatch enthusiasts but the renowned Lancia had to fight off some stiff competition in a category of cars that have produced some extraordinary vehicles throughout the years. The Lancia was the obvious winner of the survey, taking 14.3% of the 3,500 votes – almost double the percentage of the second placed Peugeot 205 GTI. None of the cars in the top ten are still in production with the newest car in the list being the last-generation Honda Civic Type R.

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 It’s certainly not uncommon to find a two or three year old car for half its original price, and it’s a fact that a brand-new motor depreciates the most in its first three years of ownership – its value actually drops dramatically the second it leaves the showroom! So, why else should you buy used from a site such as Motors? Well, there’s the idea of increased choice, and improved reliability. Sure a brand new motor is shiny and appears to be problem free, but the majority of car troubles that users experience arise in the first few years of ownership. When buying second-hand you get the chance to ask the owner about the vehicle’s motor history, as well as taking it for a test drive, and what’s more, the seller may well have modified the car and added expensive extras, such as stereo systems, or higher quality alloys. So, why not scour the Internet for your dream car at a snip of it’s original price, head over to somewhere like www.motors.co.uk and start browsing around, who knows, you might find yourself a bargain within minutes. And if you, there’s no pressure, and no pushy showroom dealers around. Simply make the decision in your own time.

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Manufactured to the stringent specifications of the original component you can be guaranteed maximum performance and economy. In line with Beadles mission to continually exceed customer’s expectations they will source parts (if still available) for any Land Rover of any age.

Not sure what you are looking for? The experienced parts team can provide advice and recommendation on any Land Rover parts & accessories. Not only do they aim to respond to enquiries within 4 hours but guarantee they will be able to identify and supply what you are looking for. 

The approved Land Rover dealer also sells accessories such as body graphics and alloys to personalise your Land Rover and everything from body coloured door handles, mirror caps, to tailgate handles, mud flaps, tow bars and dog guards.

You’ll also find experienced parts staff and an on-site parts warehouse at their dealership in Sidcup, Kent, where staff will be happy to fit accessories at any time – not just when the vehicle is new.

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With a vast range of stock to choose ranging from Volkswagen Mini moneyboxes to Interior Lights and an easy to use ‘look up’ system, locating and buying VW parts could not be easier! There is even a dedicated Customer Service Team on standby should you require assistance or information on any particular part prior to you purchasing.

The Look Up guide is useful should you have the product number you require for your car, but should you not have this to hand you can also locate the part via the vehicle type which is then split into categories such as; In Car Entertainment and Number Plates so it really is that easy locating the part you need for your vehicle.

With a tab condensing all products for your desired vehicle into one it is a quick reference spot if you are in a hurry and with straight forward methods of payment available such as Pay Point you can buy with the added security of knowing where your money is going.

A full and honest refund and cancellation procedure is available on the site so you are clear of your rights when ordering and buying the product so there really is no better way of buying the parts you need for your beloved VW.

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However, the problem is that compressed air as traditionally used in tyres will leak out over time, which is why you will find your tyre pressures need topping up periodically. Clearly, this is a disadvantage at any time, but in the driving wind, rain and snow of winter monitoring tyre pressures and inflating as required becomes a real chore.

Using nitrogen to inflate your tyres can help to maintain the correct pressures for up to 10 times longer than when using compressed air. When looking to make sure your tyres always have maximum grip for winter conditions, this can be a benefit as there is less chance tyres will be under-inflated and so less chance of problems should you forget to check them.

What’s more, independent figures from Michelin state that under inflation by just 10%, equivalent to just 3psi on a tyre inflated to 30psi, can lead to a potential loss of tyre life of 13% and a 2% increase in fuel consumption. Using nitrogen inflation will help to avoid these problems, saving around £50 a year for an average car.

Importantly, nitrogen inflation is now available across the country at national, regional and local tyre fitting companies, meaning that it is easy to top up without having to go long distances. Inflating tyres with nitrogen now will help to ensure a safer and more economical winter.

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The consortium aims to develop four prototypes of the vehicle by February 2011, ideally leading to scaling up and building a manufacturing facility with the ultimate goal of making this affordable, fun and environmentally-friendly car widely available on the open market.

The T.27 EV will be designed to be manufactured in a way that minimises the use of materials and keeps the vehicle’s carbon as low as possible, known as the iStream process.  Gordon Murray, inventor of iStream, has been refining the technology since 1999 and recruited former colleagues from his time at F1. Production is supposedly very efficient and flexible which means that the manufacturing plant can be designed to be 20% of the size of a conventional factory, leading to a possible 80% reduction in capital investment.

T.25

The T.25 by Gordon Murray Design is a petrol powered 3-seater and used a similar approach to that planned for the T.27.  The T.25 received considerable market interest and provides confidence that the T.27’s goals are 100% achievable. T.27 will also set new standards in environmental sustainability. High level life cycle analysis taken from T.25 data predicts life-cycle emissions 63% less than the average car and for the T.27 life-cycle, emissions 27% less than the nearest EV rival.  These levels are partly due to the iStream® manufacturing approach, as rival compact city car EVs do not simultaneously address all of the factors that the T.27 does and the combination of attributes addresses a substantial market opportunity.

More photos available from Car Magazine

A spokesperson for Murray commented on the vehicle and said: “The T.27 will be the world’s most efficient car because it uses an entirely fresh approach to design and accepts no compromise in safety, performance, range, space, weight, rolling resistance and ride quality whilst adopting the iStream methodology for manufacture”.

Gordon Murray Design Limited is based in Surrey, UK and aims to be the world leader in automotive design and offers complete in-house capability for design, prototyping and development.
www.gordonmurraydesign.com

Zytek, also based in the UK, has designed and integrated electric drive systems for a wide range of European and US vehicle manufacturers and is currently building high performance electric drivetrains up to 70kW and 300Nm for cars, buses and light commercial vehicles.  
www.zytekgroup.co.uk

The Technology Strategy Board is a business-led executive non-departmental public body established by the British government.  Its purpose is to promote and support research into, and development and exploitation of, technology and innovation for the benefit of UK businesses.
www.innovateuk.org

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The car can transport four people on saddle like seats and features a forward leaning windscreen, described as the “double bubble” roof. The body is made up of a very light carbon fibre structure and access is via the reverse opening doors. Instead of a steering wheel, handlebars are used to free up interior space for the occupants and no pedals are used to control the vehicle. As well as four occupants, the BB1 has a 160 litre capacity boot, ensuring that luggage can still be transported comfortable and is accessible through an innovative tailgate design.

The BB1 is a technology driven car, incorporating rear view cameras on either side, colour multi-function display and audio system, full LED headlights and by plugging in a smart phone into the cars USB port enables telephone, navigation and mp3 functionality.

Performance wise, it can reach 0 to 19mph in 2.8 seconds and 19 to 37 mph in a remarkable four seconds, with a top speed of approximately 65mph. Power for the vehicle is provided by two lithium-ion battery packs supplying energy to the respective electric motors located under the right and left-hand rear seats, with a comfortable range of seventy five miles.

The BB1 will be available to view in the flesh in London in Covent Garden on the 7th and 9th November and more information is available on Peugeot’s BB1 website.

Photos of Peugeot’s BB1 Electric Car

Peugeot BB1 Electric Car Video

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The four-wheel car has tilting wheels and moving fenders that enable it to lean by up to 17 degrees inspired by motorbikes and glider aircraft. Special sensors calculate the best tilt for negotiating a corner. Instead of a steering wheel, it has airplane-style controls. The Land Glider’s driver sits front and center behind a suitably futuristic instrument cluster and a steering wheel that looks like twin joysticks.   The cocoon-like cabin and a body is designed to look like it is protected with armour aiming to give motorists a sense of security whilst driving.

To quote from Nissan’s own Press Release:

• The Land Glider has a potential to become a new means of transportation in urban areas; its linear acceleration and the narrow body, which only an ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight EV can achieve, will help reduce traffic congestion and promote effective use of parking space.
• Shift of the centre of gravity by leaning provides a new, exciting sense of driving and a powerful, crisp ride.

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More about the Land Glider on AutoCar and the Land Glider entry on the Wikipedia.

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The extension brings the total cost to the government to £400m, enabling the discounted sale of up to 400,000 new cars.  The original budget for the scrappage scheme (providing a £2,000 discount to buyers of new cars when they scrap one over ten years old) is due to expire shortly having resulted in 227,750 new car orders as a result but has now been extended to February 2010.

The Government will also extend the benefits to van and light commercial vehicle owners with vehicles over eight years old (February 28, 2002 Y registration or earlier, or 51 plate vehicles) rather than the current 10-year requirement

“Our car scrappage scheme has been so successful the money is running out,” stated Lord Mandelson. “The industry has asked that the scheme be topped up. Conference, we cannot do everything but that does not mean doing nothing. So today I am extending our popular car scrappage scheme with extra money for an additional 100,000 cars and vans.”

Industry sceptics are however critical of how little of the UK scrappage fund has gone to UK car manufacturers, estimating that £320m will ultimately go aboard to countries such as South Korea, India, France, Spain, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, China, the Czech Republic, Italy and Japan.  Approximately 86% of the vehicles purchased under the scheme have been manufacturered abroad.  Nearly £20m of the fund has gone to the Korean Hyundai / Kia group which has no manufacturing, design or engineering base in the UK.  The Indian-made Hyundai i10 city car overtook the Vauxhall Corsa (made in Spain) to become the third best-seller in Britain.

However, UK manufacturers and dealers are ultimately grateful for the Government scrappage scheme. Nissan has had to hire to re-hire 350 manufacturing staff on temporary contracts and Paul Willcox, managing director of Nissan UK said of the extension: “We believe the extended scheme will continue to have a positive impact and are happy to see that the Government has placed the car industry at the top of the economic agenda, where it belongs.”

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