William Maley

We have to admit Jaguar pulled off quite the stunt with the 2016 XF. Driving across London's Canary Wharf on two 784-foot long wires is no small feat, but it highlights some of the big changes made to second-generation model which Jaguar has divulged today. First off is the XF's body. Jaguar says the body is now 75 percent aluminum which means a drop of 132 pounds on the rear-drive model and 265 pounds on the all-wheel drive model. Aside from the obvious improvements to performance and fuel economy, Jaguar also promises an increase torsional stiffness and weight-distribution. When Jaguar released teaser shots of the XF last week, we couldn't make any headway on the exterior aside from saying that it looked similar to the current model. Well it seems that hunch was right on the money. Jaguar's design team left the basic shape the same and made minor changes with a wider grille, slimmer headlights, new taillights, and slightly smaller length (about 0.3 inches). Inside is very much XE with both models sharing a similar dashboard layout and the availability of either of a 8 or 10.2 inch screen with the automaker's new InTouch infotainment system. No matter which screen you have, it will be paired with a 12.3 inch screen in the instrument cluster and an increase of interior space. Jaguar is still keeping a fair bit of information under wraps but did reveal that it will have the choice of two supercharged 3.0L V6s with 340 and 380 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, with all-wheel drive - a new torque on-demand design, with a chain-drive transfer case instead of gear-drive - as an option. An eight-speed automatic comes as standard. Jaguar says the XF will go sale this fall. We'll have more information and live shots when the XF makes it debut at the New York Auto Show next week. Source: Jaguar Press Release is on Page 2 All-New 2016 Jaguar XF Revealed in Dramatic 'High-Wire' Journey Official global reveal of the all-new 2016 Jaguar XF marked by a three minute, 787ft 'high wire' journey across London's Canary Wharf Second generation XF redesigned to deliver better proportions, more interior space and a coupe-like profile New aluminum-intensive architecture contributes to a weight savings of 132lbs on RWD models and 265lbs on AWD models With the redesign of the XF, the entire Jaguar line-up now features aluminum-intensive construction Elegant, progressive design provides additional rear head room, knee room, and leg room Launching with a 340hp supercharged V6, as well as a 380hp supercharged V6 All-new Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system available with 10.2-inch touchscreen and reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster All-new full LED headlights available Front Double-wishbone and Rear Integral Link suspension deliver exceptional ride comfort, handling and refinement Torque on-demand all-wheel drive system (AWD) with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics available All-new XF to make a public display debut in NYC ahead of its auto show debut on March 31-April 1 at iconic Flatiron location Full technical and range specifications will be released on April 1 On sale Fall 2015 (MAHWAH, NJ) - March 24, 2015 - The all-new 2016 Jaguar XF has been revealed through a dramatic 'high-wire' water crossing in the heart of the London business district. Expert British stunt man Jim Dowdell, veteran of Hollywood movies including Bond, Bourne and Indiana Jones, drove the all-new Jaguar XF 787ft (240 meters) across a high-wire to highlight the lightweight aluminum-intensive architecture featured on the vehicle. The feat took place high over the Royal Dock in London's Canary Wharf. "Over my 35 years in the industry I've driven Jaguar vehicles on many Hollywood movie sets. However, the biggest test for me on this stunt was the unpredictability of the elements. Potential oscillation in the high-wires from wind speeds meant it added a real challenge. The wires are only 34mm in diameter so the journey required absolute precision, balance and control" said, Jim Dowdell, expert stuntman. Meteorological experts and structural engineers were on hand to determine precise drive conditions, based on comprehensive crosswind analysis. As a contingency, Jim Dowdell was rigged up with abseil equipment, a cherry picker crane was on hand and a RIB safety speedboat waited on the banks. Footage of the drive can be viewed at jaguarusa.com/NewXF. The all-new Jaguar XF brings a blend of refinement, dynamics and design to the segment. It will make a public display debut in the Flatiron District of New York City (23rd and Broadway) on March 31 at 11 AM EST and will be available for public viewing through April 1 until 7 PM EST. Full technical and range specifications of the 16MY XF will be released on April 1 when the newest Jaguar model makes its global motor show debut at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. With its outstanding interior space, the dynamic, coupe-like design of the Jaguar XF is formed around the Jaguar aluminum-intensive architecture and delivers the outstanding proportions, elegant surfaces and pure lines which define Jaguar cars. The cabin utilizes a seamless blend of contemporary luxury materials and finishes, traditional Jaguar craftsmanship and all-new technology with available features such as the new Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro™ premium infotainment system1 and a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster. "In creating the all-new Jaguar XF, as a design team we have been driven by discipline, the discipline of simplicity. Every exterior line on the XF has a clear purpose - nothing is superfluous. Achieving that simplicity takes time and requires great determination; it's all too easy to add lines to a car, but much harder to add character by leaving lines out. "Inside too, we have been driven by the desire to ensure the cabin of the Jaguar XF is as comforting as it is comfortable. New technology, including our new 10.2-inch touchscreen, is combined carefully with materials that cosset and reassure. The all-new Jaguar XF has a clear sense of calm and strength, both outside and inside - and I'm proud of my team for delivering that," said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar The sleek exterior and luxurious interior of the original XF made it a desirable, aspirational vehicle. The all-new XF retains these core attributes but uses the new Jaguar advanced aluminum-intensive architecture to elevate them to a completely new level. Featuring 75 percent aluminum, the architecture enables weight savings of 132lbs on RWD models and 265lbs on AWD models and an increase in torsional stiffness. The architecture also delivers dramatic improvements in packaging and proportions, essential to Jaguar design. Though 0.3in (7mm) shorter and 0.1in (3mm) lower than the car it replaces, the 116.5in (2,960mm) wheelbase of the all-new Jaguar XF is 2in (51mm) longer, delivering more rear leg room, knee room and head room. Two 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engines will be offered in the first model year featuring 340hp/332lb. ft. and 380hp/332lb. ft. ratings. Both engines are matched exclusively to eight-speed automatic transmissions. The light, stiff body structure is also fundamental to the superb vehicle dynamics of the all-new XF. The sophisticated front double wishbone and rear Integral Link suspension, combined with near-50:50 weight distribution, delivers the ideal balance between agility, comfort and refinement. Incorporating all of the learning from the Jaguar F-TYPE and the Jaguar XE, the meticulously-tuned Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system2 provides the XF with excellent steering feel and response. Advanced passive damper technology delivers exceptional ride comfort as standard, but for additional control the optional Adaptive Dynamics system2 determines the optimum damper settings for the driving conditions. When fitted, Jaguar Configurable Dynamics, first developed for the Jaguar F-TYPE, provides the ultimate in control and enables the driver to individually tailor settings of the suspension, steering, engine and eight-speed automatic transmission 2. For select markets, such as the US, which demand all-wheel drive (AWD), Jaguar has engineered a new torque on-demand system. The transfer case uses a chain drive instead of gears and is light, quiet and efficient. Capability is also enhanced by the advanced control system first used in the Jaguar F-TYPE AWD: Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD). This system delivers rear-drive handling with the performance and traction benefits of AWD 2. Also standard on the all-new XF is All-Surface Progress Control system, developed for low-speed driving in adverse conditions. This system is designed to automatically manage the brakes and the throttle to deliver additional traction, enabling the car to pull away smoothly in low-grip situations; the driver only has to steer 2. Infotainment and connectivity is the most advanced Jaguar has ever offered from the all-new Jaguar InControl® Touch™ system1 featuring an 8-inch touchscreen or the optional InControl Touch Pro™ with a 10.2-inch touchscreen to InControl Apps™ and InControl Remote™. To handle large amounts of data, the optional Jaguar InControl Touch Pro features a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a solid-state drive, a quad-core processor, and runs on an ultra-fast Ethernet connection - a next-generation network offering exceptional data transfer rates. Combined, they deliver incredible graphics, fast response times and truly exceptional performance. Complementing InControl Touch Pro is an available reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster. Jaguar Land Rover pioneered this technology with the Range Rover and is now bringing it to the sedan segment. The all-new Jaguar XF offers a wide range of available advanced driver assistance systems, including full-LED headlights and Laser Heads-Up Display 2. The all-new aluminum-intensive 2016 Jaguar XF will be manufactured at the Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich Plant alongside the all-aluminum Jaguar F-TYPE and Jaguar XJ.

Car Magazine has some new intel on the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class, expected to go on sale in 2016. They report the next-generation model will use the MRA (modular rear-wheel drive architecture) which currently underpins the current S-Class. The next E-Class will also use much more aluminum which Car reports cuts around 70 to 150 kg (about 154 to 330 lbs) from the total weight. But the big story is a return of the inline-six. The report says Mercedes-Benz is going with this design due to how inexpensive they are to build and how closely they are related to Mercedes' family of four-cylinders. The first inline-six is expected to be a twin-turbo 2.9L diesel six with 313 horsepower. Other gas, diesel, and hybrid powertrains are expected to follow from there. The model lineup is expected to stay the same with a sedan, coupe, cabriolet, wagon, and the CLS sedan and shooting brake. Source: Car Magazine

It has been quite awhile since we did an interactive review (two years). But I thought it was time to bring it back. You might have questions for a particular vehicle and I can do my best to answer them. It also gives you guys a preview of what will be coming round the car review docket. So let us begin with this week's test vehicle - the 2015 Fiat 500L Easy. This is the biggest model in the Fiat lineup (until the Fiat 500X hits dealers), which really isn't saying a lot. I haven't spent a lot time driving the 500L since it came yesterday because I was feeling a bit sick. But I did spend some time poking around 500L and can give some thoughts. Not quite sure about the 500L's looks. I think some of this is due to the red paint and the standard wheels on the Easy model. I would go for the Trekking model as it swaps wheels and adds some body cladding to make it slightly better to look at. The interior feels very spacious thanks to the large amount of glass used on the 500L. Feels very airy. Chrysler's UConnect system is present and quite easy to use. Unlike other Chrysler models, the 500L uses a 6-inch screen. I find it quite easy to use and look at a glance. I do want to smack the designer who decided to put the HVAC controls way down in the center stack - they're hard to reach and glance at. The back seat mostly earns positive marks. Fiat raised the seats to allow passengers a better view, and legroom is quite excellent. The downside is headroom. My 5'8" frame was touching the roof liner, so taller passengers will have to crick their head if they want to feel comfortable. This is due to my tester being equipped with a panoramic sunroof. Base price of the 500L Easy is $20,545. My tester rings in $26,895 thanks to two options. A six-speed automatic for $1,350 and the Easy Collection 4 package which includes UConnect, sunroof, Beats audio system, dual-zone climate control, and other features for $4,100. I'll be updating this throughout the week with more impressions and answers to your questions.

Are you one of those people who wishes the Range Rover Sport offered a bit more power, but don't feel like spending the extra cash to get into the Supercharged 5.0L V8 model? Well Land Rover has some good news for you then. Next week at the New York Auto Show, the automaker will show a limited edition Sport named the HST. The HST takes the standard Supercharged 3.0L V6 and increases power from 340 to 380 horsepower. Land Rover quotes a 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds. More details about the engine will be revealed at the show. "The HST extends our Range Rover Sport line-up giving customers even greater choice. Sitting between the existing 340hp Range Rover Sport 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and the 550hp supercharged variant, it delivers enhanced V6 performance to go with the renowned comfort and refinement of the Range Rover Sport," said David Mitchell, Vehicle Program Director for the Range Rover Sport. Outside, the Range Rover Sport HST stands out with blacked-out lights at both ends, gloss black trim, a new lower bumper, Santorini Black paint on the roof, and a HST-specific spoiler. Inside treatments include two-tone Oxford Leather and Ebony trim on the door panels and center console. Land Rover says the HST will go on sale next month with pricing to be announced at New York. Source: Land Rover Press Release is on Page 2 Land Rover Announces New 380hp Range Rover Sport HST Limited Edition New 2016 Range Rover Sport HST Limited Edition makes its global debut at the 2015 New York International Auto Show Exclusive 380hp 3.0L supercharged V6 engine delivers extra 40hp to enhance Range Rover Sport performance line-up Features dynamic exterior design and unique interior trim Range of updates announced for 2016 Range Rover Sport including new standard features and diesel engine options Full details and pricing for the 2016 Range Rover Sport line-up will be announced late Spring (MAHWAH, NJ) - March 23, 2015 - Land Rover will present the new 2016 Range Rover Sport HST Limited Edition at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. The HST enhances the high performance Range Rover Sport driving experience thanks to its upgraded 380hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine, unique chassis settings and bespoke design features. David Mitchell, Vehicle Program Director Range Rover Sport, said, "The HST extends our Range Rover Sport line-up giving customers even greater choice. Sitting between the existing 340hp Range Rover Sport 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and the 550hp supercharged variant, it delivers enhanced V6 performance to go with the renowned comfort and refinement of the Range Rover Sport." Additional updates to the 2016 Model Year Range Rover Sport line-up will also be showcased in New York, including the availability of a new Hands-Free Gesture Tailgate and the introduction of Automatic Access Height. New Range Rover Sport HST Limited Edition The bold new Range Rover Sport HST Limited Edition is identified by its unique exterior design and interior enhancements, which give the luxury SUV a distinctive and dynamic appearance. A striking black theme is the hallmark of the exterior design. The HST is fitted with darkened front and rear lamps, which feature non-reflective surrounds and combine with a Santorini Black contrast roof and a new spoiler to give the luxury SUV a defined profile. The distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels on the HST feature an exclusive dark satin grey finish helping to highlight the upgraded brakes, which are identified by red brake calipers. The hood and front fender vents, grille and fog lamp bezels all feature a Gloss Black finish, echoed by the 'Range Rover' lettering on the edge of the hood and tailgate. Sculpted body-colored lower door panels and additional vent detailing on the bumpers are also fitted. Similar to other Dynamic Range Rover Sport variants, the HST wears a red Sport badge at the rear, complemented by unique HST badging on the front fender vents. Power comes from its exclusive 380hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine, enhanced to provide an extra 40hp. Unique chassis settings deliver a focused driving experience and sharper responses, without compromising the vehicle's trademark comfort and refinement. Changes to the suspension reduce body roll and deliver enhanced agility, while the upgraded brakes deliver confidence-inspiring performance. The HST is available with a single speed transfer case with a Torsen Center differential, reflecting its high performance capabilities. Land Rover engineers have devised a unique Terrain Response® set-up for the vehicle. It features a Dynamic Mode, which optimizes the suspension, Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and other electronic systems to suit on-road driving. This feature provides more controlled electronic damping and a more responsive throttle pedal, while enhancing gearshifts and steering response to match the change in vehicle character. Inside, the HST comes with eye-catching seats trimmed in luxurious Oxford Leather. In combination with a contrast dashboard, all-Ebony door trims and center console and standard Ebony headlining, they create a unique environment. HST badging on the dashboard, carpet mats and the TFT instrument panel highlight the luxury model's high performance focus. The sporty cues extend to Noble-plated paddle shift levers on the steering wheel and distinctive bright 'Sports' pedals, while the aluminum interior trim features a textured 'Sports' finish. Range Rover Sport HST Limited Edition pricing and availability will be announced later this year.