William Maley

I thought so too, especially considering the next-generation 7-Series is just around the corner. But reportedly, when Hyundai was testing the next-gen Genesis, they used the 5-Series as a benchmark.

When we last checked in on General Motors' Ignition Switch Compensation Fund, almost 300 claims were filed by families due because they were effected by the ignition switch problem. Now according to the Detroit Free Press, some of the claimants are starting to see settlements. The Detroit Free Press reports that Compensation Fund Administrator, Kenneth Feinberg has approved nineteen claims made by families who said the ignition switch caused the death of a loved one. This up from the thirteen deaths that General Motors and federal safety regulators have identified. Feinberg has also approved four claims of those who were seriously injured and eight claims of those who were slightly injured by the ignition switch problem. Source: Detroit Free Press William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

You'll pick it back up again after no more than 3 stalls. The only manuals I ever have difficulty with are Honda 4-cylinders... I'm just not used to the lack of torque. Also... the Jetta TDI was probably a good car to learn on because of the huge amounts of low end torque and therefor less propensity to stall... I also feel that the GM 6-speed manual paired with the 1.4T in the Sonic and Cruze are excellent units as well. LOL. This is true about Hondas. I still stall my TSX once a while. But by God, the Honda stick actions are the best in business. Nothing comes close. After driving the new Accord Sport, I feel the action is better than what Porsche currently makes. I really want to drive the Accord Sport with the 6MT. I was talking with someone who had one for a week and said he really enjoyed it.

Give it some time. I think next Equus design is still under wraps.

At first glance, a new set of spy photos shows what appears to be a Hyundai Genesis sedan that has been stretched. But according to Automobile Magazine, what we are looking at is the next-generation Equus flagship. The mule appears to be riding on a longer wheelbase. This is hinted by a large piece of sheetmetal riveted behind the rear doors. Also giving some credence that we're looking at the next Equus. Driving along with the mule was a BMW 7-Series. Not much is known about the next-generation Equus, but Automobile Magazine speculates that the model will share the Genesis' platform and come with the option of all-wheel drive. As for when we'll see the model, 2016 or 2017 seems very likely. Source: Automobile Magazine View full article

For the past few years as an automotive writer, I've been keeping something quiet from a lot people. Some, including some of the members of this site know this secret. It's something that I have been slightly embarrassed by for the position that I have and know that it has kept some doors shut. I can't fully work a manual transmission. (Please put down the pitchforks and torches. Thank you.) It's not like I have never attempted to learn how to use a manual transmission before. The first time I ever drove a manual transmission in my friend Adam's 1991 Isuzu Stylus sedan. We drove around in a parking lot with me learning how to disengage the clutch and listen to the engine as a way to tell when to upshift. A year or two later, my dad and I took my younger brother's 1998 Subaru Legacy Wagon to do the same. For the most part, I was feeling ok with driving a manual transmission vehicle, even when I stalled it every few moments. But that all changed when I decided to take the Legacy out for a quick spin at night and only made it to end of our street because. I stalled the vehicle when leaving a stop and it wouldn't start back up. This made me felt that I had broken it. So I had to make that long walk of shame back to the house and call for a tow truck. It was determined that I didn't break the vehicle. Instead the alternator was found to be cause as it wasn't generating enough power. But even with that, I had made the decision to swear off learning and driving a manual transmission vehicle. Now admitting something like this out in public only would invite criticism and sarcasm. Just telling this to my family only got me mocked and ridiculed. But what I didn't say was my thought about the whole experience. While I did feel like I made some end-roads and knew that more doors would open if I understood how to work a manual, I also knew with the proclamation that I made about never driving, let alone learning; I had given up too easily. This was only made more apparent when I had to turn down a vehicle because it had a manual transmission last year. But this year, I made a promise to myself. I would get over the proclamation that I had made and once for all learn to drive a manual. But how was I going to do it? I vowed never to learn on my brother's vehicle since I thought that would only bring me bad luck. I also didn't want to use one of the vehicles that I review since I was worried that I would cause some sort of damage. I found myself in a tough spot. But unbeknownst to me, lady luck had a surprise in store for me. Last month, I was getting ready to swap review vehicles. Taking the place of the vehicle I had drove for the past week was a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. I wanted to see how the diesel model stacked up to both the Chevrolet Cruze Turbodiesel and Jetta Hybrid I had driven last year. After signing the paperwork and trading keys, I found myself going through the paperwork of the Jetta TDI to familiarize myself of what I would be driving around for the week. But as I was reading through the window sticker, a chill ran down my spine. I thought that I was getting one that was equipped with the six-speed DSG gearbox. But the window sticker said it was equipped with a six-speed manual. I went outside to look at the vehicle and to my horror, it was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Now I had three options with the Jetta TDI: Leave it in the driveway for the week Call the company and ask if they can pick it up since I cannot drive a stick Take the plunge and learn once and for all to drive a manual The first option was out of the question since Volkswagen gave me the vehicle to drive for a week. In return, I supposed to write something about my experience. Writing about how the Jetta TDI just sat there for a week didn't seem like the most appealing story. Option two was also a non-starter since I knew that I would be met with grief and sarcasm. So that left option three. At first I was very hesitant to the idea since I was worried about damaging the vehicle, i.e. worst case scenario. But somehow I was able to have some common sense enter my thoughts and calm me down to a point. "You have learned how to release the clutch pedal and the 1-2 shift. You're well ahead of those who don't even know how even to how to work the transmission. Just keep practicing and expanding your range, and you'll be able to open doors," I found myself saying. So I made the decision to keep the Jetta TDI and learn for once and for all to drive a manual. When I made this announcement at dinner, it was surprise to everyone. Even I couldn't believe what came out of my mouth when I said that I plan to keep the vehicle and learn to drive a manual transmission. After dinner, my dad and I climbed into the Jetta and made our way to the high school parking lot, a place that was big enough for me to practice. Once we arrived to the parking lot, we began with the basics; getting the vehicle to move on its own by letting off the clutch pedal. This was a tricky proposition for me since I knew that I couldn't release the pedal to fast or else the vehicle would stall. So began a marathon of stalling and keeping the Jetta running by hitting the clutch pedal if I thought the car would stall. But then something hit me. I began to not pay attention to the rev counter and started to listen to the engine note as my signal of when to get back on or keep removing my foot off the clutch. Once I figured this out, I started to let my foot my off at the right point that the vehicle wouldn't stall and it moved under its own power. We did this a few times before moving onto the next item; the transition from clutch to gas. This was a tricky thing for me before as I was either too slow or fast on the transition. Also the foot work was going to be a problem as I would have to coordinate my left and right legs to get going. Again, it took a few times and some stalling before my feet were working somewhat together and moving along at a somewhat reasonable rate. Once I had the practiced the basics and felt somewhat comfortable, we headed back home. I felt nervous as I piloted the Jetta TDI, worried that I would stall the vehicle and possibly cause an accident. But I didn't. As I pulled into the driveway and parked the Jetta, I breathed a heavy sigh of relief. I had drove the Jetta TDI and not damaged the vehicle, or anyone else around me. I considered it a great success. As the week went on, I would take some time to drive around in the Jetta TDI. Not only to practice, but to also make me feel not as nervous when driving with a manual transmission. Despite stalling the vehicle once in a while, I was beginning to feel more comfortable. I was also coming to a realization. In a way. the manual transmission is the last control a person has over the car. The feeling of doing something to move the car; being a part of the machinery. Before, a person felt more in control with a vehicle due to mechanical steering, the accelerator pulling a cable, and a number of other items. But with the advent of technology and the desire to improve efficiency, the driver was slowly removed out of the picture. In a way, the manual transmission is the last bastion for a driver. When the Volkswagen Jetta TDI was picked up, I was both happy and elated. Happy that I was finally able to feel a little bit more comfortable with driving a manual transmission. Elated that the Jetta TDI and I had survived with no damage. I thought to myself as the Jetta drove away, I wonder what vehicle I could ask for next with a manual transmission. Disclaimer: Volkswagen Provided the Jetta TDI, Insurance, and One Tank of Diesel William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

If you have your heart set on getting a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette, you'll be waiting a bit for the chance. General Motors announced today that it has issued two stop-sale notices that cover 2,800 2015 model year Corvettes. About 2,000 Corvettes have a potential problem with the driver's side airbag which may have been not properly attached and could separate in a crash. Another 800 Corvettes sitting on dealer lots may have only have one parking brake cable attached and not two. This causes the parking brake not to be as effective as it should be. Now GM hasn't said if it will go ahead and issue a recall for these two problems. We'll keep you updated if they do. Source: General Motors, Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 In an effort to deal with quality issues quickly and completely, General Motors has told Chevrolet dealers to stop delivery of approximately 2,000 2015 Corvettes to fix the driver's airbag GM also has temporarily stopped shipment of the cars from the plant in Bowling Green, Ky. The cars are being inspected for a suspect part that attaches the air bag to the steering wheel. Separately, another 800 Corvettes -- most of them at dealerships -- are on hold because they may have been built with only one of the rear parking brake cables fully seated and engaged. The part must be inspected to assure the parking brake is operating on both brake drums. View full article

Time for a pop quiz everyone. Your question: What was the first luxury crossover that was offered with a hybrid powertrain? Time is up! The answer is the Lexus RX. The first hybrid RX was introduced back 2004 and has gone through a number of revisions up to the model seen here; the 2014 Lexus RX 450h. Is it worth the almost $7,000 more over the standard RX 350 to save some gas? Like the last RX I drove last year, the RX 450h has gotten some design tweaks. The most noticeable change is up front with the addition of the spindle grille and new headlights. Like the previous RX, I found myself wondering if the spindle grille works on the RX. After a week, I found myself saying no. The RX 450h comes with Lexus' Hybrid Drive system which pairs a 3.5L DOHC V6 and three electric motors on all-wheel drive models. Front-wheel drive models feature two. This produces a total output of 295 horsepower. The powertrain provided adequate power no matter the situation, putting it in the midpack of luxury crossovers when talking about crossovers. There are four different drive modes available in the RX. First is Eco which increases throttle resistance and reduces power from the climate control system to improve efficiency. I ran this mode for most of the week and didn't noticed that the throttle had more resistance whenever I put my foot down. Next is Sport which tweaks the throttle to make it a bit ore lively. I drove with this mode briefly, but I couldn't tell any difference in the throttle when it was in this mode or normal. EV mode is next which allows the vehicle to run on electric power alone. I found this to be more of a gimmick than an actual feature as it only let me drive a limited distance and below 25. Wrapping up the modes is Normal which offers a nice balance between Eco and Sport. The transmission is a CVT and for the most part, the transmission does its job well. You don't notice it's a CVT till you put your foot to the floor and CVT groan makes an appearance. Keep your foot off the floor and CVT keeps to itself. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 30 City/28 Highway/29 Combined. My week in the RX hybrid netted me 26.9 MPG. Somewhat disappointing as I had the vehicle in Eco mode for most of the week. As for the RX 450h's ride, I was confused. I was expecting a comfortable and smooth riding crossover. But instead, I got a firm riding crossover. The ride was a bit bouncy and I could feel most bumps. As I wrote in my notes, 'I think Lexus' ride engineers mixed up the suspension settings for the RX 350 F-Sport and RX 450h'. The steering also felt a bit off. It wasn't too light or heavy, but felt like there was a lot of resistance when I was turning the wheel. After spending a week with the RX 450h and reading through my notes, I can say that you are better off passing on the RX 450h. The added cost for the hybrid does give you slightly better fuel economy, but offers a worse ride and steering than the standard RX. You're better off sticking with the regular RX 350. Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the RX 450h, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Lexus Model: RX Trim: 450h Engine: 3.5L DOHC 24-valve with VVT-i, Three 650V Electric Motors Driveline: CVT, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 245 @ 6,000 (3.5L V6), 155 @ 0 (Front Electric Motor), 67 @ 0 (Rear Electric Motor), 295 (Total Output) Torque @ RPM: 234 @ 4,800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 30/28/29 Curb Weight: 4,520 lbs Location of Manufacture: Cambridge, Ontario Base Price: $47,810 As Tested Price: $55,550 (Includes $910.00 Destination Charge) Options: Premium Package - $3,060 Navigation System w/Voice Command - $2,275 Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound - $995 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Ferrari's long standing chairman Luca di Montezemolo announced today that he will step down from the company on October 13th. Taking his place for the time being will be Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne. Montezemolo has a long and storied career at Fiat and Ferrari. He started at Fiat before moving to the prancing horse in 1973. There he became Enzo Ferrari's assistant. A year later, he was named head of the Scuderia (racing division) the following year. Montezemolo worked hard and helped the team reach great success. Because of his efforts with Scuderia, he was name head of Fiat's racing activities. In 1991, Montezemolo was named chairman of Ferrari. However, Montezemolo and Marchionne have been clashing over a number of issues. The two biggest issues are Ferrari's F1 team not claiming a championship since 2008 (or a win this year), and where the brand stands under FCA. "Ferrari will have an important role to play within the FCA Group in the upcoming flotation on Wall Street. This will open up a new and different phase which I feel should be spearheaded by the CEO of the Group." said Montezemolo in a statement. "Luca and I were appointed to the Fiat Board of Directors on the very same day back in 2003. One year later, he became Chairman and I became CEO. We worked side by side, sharing concerns, difficulties and successes. As Chairman of Ferrari, he drove the company to a new level of technological and organizational excellence which also brought with it outstanding financial results. Luca and I have discussed the future of Ferrari at length. And our mutual desire to see Ferrari achieve its true potential on the track has led to misunderstandings which became clearly visible over the last weekend. I want to thank Luca for all he has done for Fiat, for Ferrari and for me personally," said Marchionne. Source: Ferrari William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Montezemolo quits Ferrari, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne to become new Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has announced his intention to resign as Chairman of Ferrari with effect from October 13th following completion of Ferrari's celebration of 60 years in America. Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne, will take over as Chairman of Ferrari. Since 1991, Ferrari achieved significant results under Montezemolo's chairmanship in terms of both financial performance and its standing in the world of racing. Under his leadership, Ferrari boasted a world-class team and numerous record-setting achievements. "On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to thank Luca for all he has done for both Fiat and Ferrari", said Fiat Chairman, John Elkann. He held several key positions with the Group, including serving as Chairman of Fiat from 2004 to 2010, and we shared many challenging but also rewarding moments. Luca leaves us with my most sincere and heartfelt wishes for his future professional endeavors and the hope, I am certain shared by us both, that Ferrari will return to victory very soon." "Luca and I were appointed to the Fiat Board of Directors on the very same day back in 2003", said Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne. "One year later, he became Chairman and I became CEO. We worked side by side, sharing concerns, difficulties and successes. As Chairman of Ferrari, he drove the company to a new level of technological and organizational excellence which also brought with it outstanding financial results. Luca and I have discussed the future of Ferrari at length. And our mutual desire to see Ferrari achieve its true potential on the track has led to misunderstandings which became clearly visible over the last weekend. I want to thank Luca for all he has done for Fiat, for Ferrari and for me personally." Statement from Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo "Ferrari will have an important role to play within the FCA Group in the upcoming flotation on Wall Street. This will open up a new and different phase which I feel should be spearheaded by the CEO of the Group. This is the end of an era and so I have decided to leave my position as Chairman after almost 23 marvellous and unforgettable years in addition to those spent at Enzo Ferrari's side in the 1970s. My thanks, first and foremost, to the exceptional Ferrari women and men from the factory, the offices, the race tracks and the markets across the world. They were the real architects of the company's spectacular growth, its many unforgettable victories and its transformation into one of the world's strongest brands. A warm farewell and my thanks also to all of our technical and commercial partners, our dealers across the globe and, most particularly, the clients and collectors whose passion I so wholeheartedly share. But my thoughts go also to our fans who have always supported us with great enthusiasm especially through the Scuderia's most difficult moments. Ferrari is the most wonderful company in the world. It has been a great privilege and honour to have been its leader. I devoted all of my enthusiasm and commitment to it over the years. Together with my family, it was, and continues to be, the most important thing in my life. I wish the shareholders, particularly Piero Ferrari who has always been by my side, and everyone in the Company the many more years of success that Ferrari deserves." Maranello, 10th September 2014. Turin, 10 September 2014 View full article

Dodge has opened up the order books for dealers on the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat today. But not every dealer will have the chance to order one though. Automotive News reports that Dodge will base dealer allocation of Hellcats based on how many Dodge vehicles a dealer has sold within the past 180 days. That includes everything from the Dart to the Viper. A second allocation of Hellcats will follow in December and be be distributed based on the previous 90 days worth of sales. “You sell a lot of Darts for me, Journeys for me, Durangos for me, I’m going to give you the rights to this one, too, because this is a halo of the brand,” said Dodge brand head Tim Kuniskis. If you are one of the lucky dealers to get a Hellcat, Dodge will be watching you closely. The brand plans on measuring the days-on-lot for the model to determine how many more Hellcats it gets. The longer a Hellcat sits on a dealer lot, the fewer Hellcats a dealer will get. Kuniskis said that he doesn't have an issue with dealers marking up the vehicle, but warns that it might hurt them when getting vehicles in the future. “If you want to market-adjust the car, that’s your right. But if your days-on-lot goes above what the other guys that are selling them at MSRP is, they will end up earning the allocation because their days-on-lot will be lower. They’re turning the inventory. Some dealers are going to have heartburn with that," said Kuniskis. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Yep.. First up I believe is a 2L four-cylinder diesel.

I feel that I need to bring up a piece I wrote back almost three years ago - Afterthoughts: Cadillac ATS & The Perception Game Cadillac I think is on the right track. They're building vehicles that are desirable, and the last thing I think they should do is drop the price. Offering more features is a good start, but dropping the price should be the "IF ALL ELSE FAILS, RESORT TO THIS" plan. Also I think going back to your roots is a good idea... If they can pull it off. I argued that Cadillac should focus on what makes their vehicles special and not talk about the 'Green Hell'.

I disagree for the most part. Yes the RX 350 F-Sport was a disapointment. But the GS 350 F-Sport was amazing to drive. Do I wish for a little bit more oomph? Sure. But everywhere else from the steering, suspension, and looks was excellent. I just drove a IS 350 F-Sport a few weeks back and was even more impressed with it. Review is coming soon.

Jaguar hasn't released those details. I don't think we'll see that till next year or so.

I think more of Land Rover's money.. Jaguar Land Rover is actually the bright spot for Tata at the moment. The sales of both brands is keeping Tata in the good, because the brand is slipping in sales.

The long wait is almost over as Jaguar finally unveiled the new 2016 XE, its threat to the likes hreat to the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. You can tell the XE is very much a Jaguar in its design. The front end is adorned with the rectangular grille, angled headlights, and long hood that are seen on the XF. The side profile features a sloping roofline and fender vents. The short rear end and wheels pushed to the far corners help give the XE a athletic pose. Jaguar says the XE's body has a drag coefficient of 0.26 cd. The XE's interior looks to be taking some ideas from the F-Type. The gauge cluster features two analog gauges sit on either side of a color screen. Jaguar's new InControl infotainment system sits prominently in the center stack, while a rotary shift knob handles gear selection. Jaguar has only released information on one engine for the XE. The supercharged 3.0L V6 which powers a number of Jaguar vehicles produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This is paired to a eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is standard on the XE S model and can hit 60 MPH in 5.5 seconds. Expect more information on other engines to come later on. The XE will ride on a a largely aluminum chassis with a double-wishbone front suspension. Steering will come in the form of a electric-power system, a first for the automaker. Now time for the bad news. We won't see the XE till 2016 as a 2017 model. So we'll be waiting a while for Jaguar's entrant in the compact luxury battle. Source: Jaguar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 WORLD PREMIER OF JAGUAR XE AT LONDON'S EARLS COURT First showing of the performance-orientated Jaguar XE S The Jaguar XE S features a 340hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph1 Front engine, longitudinal rear wheel drive layout, with capability of accepting all-wheel drive Highly aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd Intuitive new InControl™ infotainment system will be available Intelligent Active Driver Assistance technologies to support the driver The XE will launch in the UK in 2015 and U.S. in 2016 (MAHWAH, N.J.) – September 8, 2014 - The Jaguar XE has been revealed to the world at an event held at Earl's Court, London. A true driver's car, the Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports sedan thanks to its advanced lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior, and outstanding ride and handling. The XE goes on sale in 2015 in the UK and in 2016 in the U.S. The high-performance S model will be at the top of the line-up. The Jaguar XE S provides responsiveness and refinement from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Generating 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, this engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift controls. Accelerating to 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, the XE S has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph1. The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from the new JLR modular vehicle architecture. The long wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined, coupe-like profile. The S model's large front air intakes, chrome side vents, discreet rear spoiler and optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels reinforce its' performance potential. The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes, combined with traditional Jaguar craftsmanship make this an interior without compare. The Jaguar XE will be the first Jaguar to be equipped with electric power steering. This system is tuned to provide responsiveness and excellent feel, and offers improved efficiency over hydraulic systems. The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is manufactured at an all-new facility at the Jaguar Land Rover Solihull plant. Part of a $2.5 billion USD (£1.5bn GBP) investment, this highly flexible, manufacturing site will create 1,700 jobs. The XE completes the Jaguar sedan range sitting below the XF and XJ models. Compelling designThe Jaguar XE was developed in parallel with the new modular architecture. The architecture unlocks design possibilities that did not exist before because the core dimensions were determined by design and engineering working together from the very beginning, under a philosophy of 'anything we can imagine, we can create. This makes it possible to realize perfect proportions: short front overhang, longer rear overhang and dynamic, cab-rearward stance. The architecture also enables the XE to feature both a low, sporty driving position and a sleek, coupe-like profile. The strongly-sculpted hood creates a taut, muscular appearance. The rising waistline adds to the sense of movement, while the form of the rear quarters takes inspiration from the F-TYPE Coupe. The signature J-Blade running lights are a recognizable Jaguar design element. In the rear lights, a horizontal line intersecting a circle is a powerful styling feature inherited from the iconic E-Type. Jaguar has a rich history of producing stunning, aerodynamically-efficient cars. The new Jaguar XE continues the tradition of uncompromised form and function: its streamlined shape has a low drag coefficient of 0.26. This achievement is the result of 1,200 computational fluid dynamics simulations and million hours of processor time. "Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE positioning as a serious driver's car. The cab-rearward proportions and tight packaging achieve that and give the XE the appearance of movement even when it's standing still. It bears a strong family resemblance to the F-TYPE and will stand apart in the crowd." – Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design The spacious cabin cocoons front seat passengers with a deep center console which creates a cockpit-like feel. The F-TYPE-style dials and the cluster needle sweep on start-up further emphasize the sports sedan attributes of the Jaguar XE. Front and rear seat occupants enjoy generous amounts of head and legroom – the XE proves that sleek, streamlined styling and interior space need not be mutually exclusive; fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching give the cabin a bespoke quality. The choice of gloss black, textured aluminum, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the luxurious, hand-crafted feel. Available ambient lighting in a range of up to 10 colors adds to the sense of occasion. Aluminum-intensive unibodyJaguar is highly experienced in the use of aluminum construction. The expertise in working with this lightweight material has culminated in the revolutionary body structure of the new Jaguar XE. It is the first model designed around an all-new modular architecture. Much of the aluminum is high-strength, 6000-series alloy. The body sides are a perfect example: these complex pressings are formed in one piece, and what would once have been 1.5mm gauge sheet has been reduced to just 1.1mm. Sustainability is a big part of the Jaguar aluminum story. Recycling this highly valuable material delivers impressive savings in overall CO2 emissions and the new XE uses RC 5754 – an aluminum alloy made predominantly from recycled material. Future models will also use RC 5754 and this breakthrough will help Jaguar towards its goal of using 75 percent recycled material by 2020. The use of recycled aluminum reduces demand for primary aluminum, saving energy. Riveting and bonding the lightweight body structure of the Jaguar XE consumes less energy than traditional spot welding. The XE also contains 101lbs. of recycled plastics and renewable materials, further reducing its environmental impact. "The XE is as strong and light as it could possibly be thanks to exhaustive analysis and by bringing the latest engineering techniques to bear on its design. It has been challenging to accomplish but the XE structure is absolutely at the cutting edge of what is achievable today." – Dr. Mark White, Chief Technical Specialist, Jaguar; Body Complete ChassisThe new Jaguar XE features a sophisticated double wishbone front suspension. The aluminum front spindles are light and stiff – forged from cast blanks using a patented production process while the rear suspension features an integral link system. This system delivers lateral and longitudinal stiffness for precise handling and a supple ride. Aluminum has been used extensively in the suspension, minimizing weight. Offering incredible tuning possibilities and greater efficiency than traditional hydraulic systems, electric power steering (EPAS) will be standard on the XE. Powertrain For customers demanding ultimate performance and an exhilarating engine note from idle right up to the redline there's the Jaguar XE S, which shares its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with the acclaimed F-TYPE.Direct injection and fully variable valve timing optimize power and torque throughout the rev range. The 90 degree cylinder bank angle provides space for the twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger, a balancer shaft ensures the engine runs smoothly. Developing 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the V6 provides the Jaguar XE S with exceptional performance: 0-60 mph takes just 4.9 seconds, and top speed is electronically-limited to 155 mph. The Jaguar XE will receive the new family of Ingenium engines. This advanced in-house modular design began from a clean sheet and will be manufactured at the new JLR Engine Manufacturing Center in the UK. Proven over 2 million miles of real-world testing, Ingenium is the future of the low-CO2 powertrain strategy at Jaguar and is engineered to deliver fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. The Jaguar XE will be offered with a lighter version of the ZF 8-speed automatic used in the rest of the Jaguar range: this benchmark eight-speed transmission is controlled using the Jaguar rotary shifter. Active Safety and Driver Assistance features The new light and stiff body structure of the Jaguar XE has been engineered to meet demanding legislative and consumer crash test requirements. Complementing the outstanding levels of protection it offers is a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed to help and support the driver. The Jaguar XE will be equipped with All Surface Progress Control (ASPC)2. This all-new system, developed with the input of decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, works like a low-speed cruise control. Functioning between 2 mph and 19 mph, ASPC is designed to precisely control the brake system and powertrain to deliver optimum traction in slippery conditions. Projecting high-contrast color images onto the windshield, the optional laser heads-up display (HUD) technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions. Jaguar is one of the first manufacturers in the segment to use stereo camera technology. When fitted, this sensor is the 'eyes' of the optional autonomous emergency braking system for the Jaguar XE, providing measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead, and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision. The stereo camera also performs traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning functions as part of the autonomous emergency braking system package. The XE also offers systems such as adaptive cruise control, closing vehicle sensing, blind spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular parking, and reverse traffic detection2. All-new infotainment systemThe all-new Jaguar InControl® infotainment system offered on the XE provides the latest technologies to connect the car, driver and the outside world. At its heart is an eight-inch touchscreen featuring a clear, intuitive interface and fast response times3. InControl Touch® supports Bluetooth®, audio streaming and USB connectivity. The Jaguar XE can be fitted with an SD card-based navigation system which allows easy upgrades of map data and voice control using plain speech gives access to any level of the system, without navigating through menus, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road3. Smartphones are changing the way people interact with the world around them so the new Jaguar XE ensures that drivers can stay connected. With a subscribed data plan, the Jaguar XE functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling multiple devices to connect to the internet. Jaguar InControl Remote® functionality allows users of iOS® and Android™ smartphones to connect to the car remotely to control car functions. These include seven-day timed pre-setting of the vehicle's climate control system, locking or unlocking the doors, or starting the engine. Jaguar InControl Apps® allows users to seamlessly access smartphone apps through the vehicle's touchscreen3. The new Jaguar XE will be available with Meridian™ audio systems. These superb systems are the latest product of the long-standing partnership between Jaguar and British audio experts Meridian. Unique algorithms guarantee the best possible sound reproduction and tailor the experience to the interior's acoustics. Detail of the Jaguar XE U.S. model line will be announced when the car is launched in 2016. View full article