William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 26, 2013 We've seen the pictures and learned about the powertrain, now GM is spilling the beans on the new 2014 Cadillac CTS tonight. Design of the new CTS is a further refinement of Cadillac's Art & Science design language that has been soldering on for decade now. The front end features a grille that is reminiscent of the Ciel concept, strips of LED lights running along the outer edge of headlights, and long, low hood. The side profile has character lines the run all the way that start at the front bumper and continue unbroken to the rear. Dimensionally, the new CTS is about five inches longer, has a one inch longer wheelbase, and is lower by about 0.8 inch than the outgoing model. More impressive is that the base CTS has a curb weight of just 3,616 lbs; that's only 250 lbs lighter than the outgoing model. V6 models weigh only 175 heavier. This weight loss is due in part to the extensive use of aluminum in the CTS. The model features aluminum doors, front bumper beam, rear suspension cradle, and aluminum brake calipers. Other weight saving tricks include varying the thickness of the B-pillar sheetmetal and removing bits of metal in between the spot wells. Inside the CTS, Cadillac is stepping up the levels of customization. No fewer than eight different color schemes will be available, with trim featuring real wood, real aluminum or real carbon fiber. All of that trim can be swapped by dealer if you're getting tired of the trim you currently have. All CTS models will have Cadillac User Experience (CUE) as standard equipment. Power for the CTS comes in three different engine choices: 2.0L Turbo-Four: 272 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque 3.6L DI V6: 321 horsepower, 275 pound-feet 3.6L TT V6: 420 horsepower, 430 pound-feet The 2.0T gets a six-speed automatic and the two V6s get an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available for the 2.0T and 3.6L V6 (which gets trades its eight-speed for a six-speed). The 3.6 TT V6 gets a special trim level called Vsport. Vsport will feature eighteen-inch wheels, quicker steering ratio, Brembo brakes front and rear, a Track mode for the transmission, heavy-duty cooling system, electronic limited slip differential, and Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control active suspension. The 2014 Cadillac CTS arrives at dealers this fall. Update: We got some live shots from the CTS Reveal. -WM Source: Cadillac 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 2014 Cadillac CTS Elevates to Challenge World's Best - Longer, lower and leaner sedan drives into heart of midsize luxury segment - Lightweight technologies, including aluminum door structures, contribute to lower curb weight and nearly 50/50 weight balance - New Vsport model offers new Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 and brand's first eight-speed automatic transmission NEW YORK – Cadillac today introduced the all-new 2014 CTS sedan, which ascends into the heart of the midsize luxury market with expanded performance, elevated luxury and sophisticated technology. The third-generation CTS sedan is based on the high-performing rear-drive architecture of the award-winning ATS sport sedan, moving Cadillac into the prestigious class of midsize luxury sedans. It will be the segment's lightest car, enabling the most agile driving dynamics in the class. A range of power-dense powertrains underpin its performance, including the all-new Cadillac Twin-Turbo engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Production of the 2014 CTS begins this fall in Lansing, Mich. "The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan delivers crafted design, thrilling performance and sophisticated technology," said Bob Ferguson, vice president, Global Cadillac. "The car that has always been Cadillac's centerpiece stretches figuratively and literally to challenge the world's best." A longer, lower and more athletic-looking proportion is introduced on Cadillac's landmark sedan and evolves the brand's Art & Science design philosophy. While growing five inches (127 mm) in length, including a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase, the roofline and cowl – the base of the windshield – are about an inch lower, dimensions that complement the longer exterior to accentuate the car's lean aesthetic. "With Cadillac growing globally, driven by rising product credibility, the new CTS elevates the brand to a new level," said Ferguson. While stretched in overall length and wheelbase, the all-new CTS sedan has a lower curb weight than the preceding model and weighs about 200 pounds (90 kg) less than the BMW 528i. Lightweight features, including Cadillac's first aluminum door structures, contribute to the lower weight and a nearly 50/50 weight balance. And for the first time on CTS, Magnetic Ride Control, Cadillac's real-time damping system, is available on base models. Cadillac's shield grille and signature vertical lighting elements – including LED front signature lighting detail – evolve on the CTS. The grille is wider, with a more detailed texture, while the headlamps flow up with the hood line, incorporating crystalline LED light guides for a technologically advanced appearance with more uniform illumination. Active grille shutters are included on some models, improving aerodynamic performance on the highway to enhance fuel efficiency. Inside, a roomier, driver-centric cockpit interior with integrated technology and hand-crafted appointments complements the exterior elements and supports the CTS sedan's driving experience. Eight available interior environments are offered, each trimmed with authentic wood, carbon fiber or aluminum. Leather seating is available, including available full semi-aniline leather, with hand-crafted, cut-and-sewn executions. CTS Performance The new Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission combination leads the CTS sedan's powertrain lineup in the new CTS Vsport. It is the first twin-turbocharged engine ever offered by Cadillac and is the brand's first eight-speed automatic. The CTS Vsport also features: - 18-inch aluminum wheels with Pirelli summer-only performance tires (19-inch wheels with all-season tires are available) - A quicker steering ratio - Brembo disc brakes with aluminum calipers and high-performance brake pads, - Heavy-duty track cooling package - Driver-selectable track mode with specific steering rate and Magnetic Ride Control calibrations for greater track performance - Electronic limited-slip differential that enhances capability on the track – including optimal acceleration out of turns. The Cadillac Twin-Turbo is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 430 lb.-ft. of torque (583 Nm), making it the most power-dense six-cylinder engine in the segment. A pair of smaller turbochargers helps provide more immediate power on demand, with approximately 90 percent of peak torque available from 3,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. That gives the engine a broad torque curve that customers will feel as strong, willing power in almost all driving conditions – and helps the CTS sedan reach 60 mph in an estimated 4.6 seconds. The 2014 CTS is also available with a naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6 rated at an estimated 321 horsepower and also matched with the new paddle-shift eight-speed automatic in rear-wheel-drive models (or six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive; and a 2.0L turbocharged engine rated at an estimated 272 horsepower and paired with a six-speed automatic. Cadillac's new, paddle-shift eight-speed offers efficiency and performance advantages over a six-speed transmission, including 1.5-percent greater fuel economy. Excellent power-to-weight ratios and racetrack-honed suspension geometries established with the development of the ATS enabled engineers to advance CTS's performance with greater feelings of feedback, control and response. The comparatively low curb weight helps make the most of the driving experience by allowing the use of lighter-weight chassis components, which reduces unsprung weight to enable more precise handling without compromising ride quality. The CTS sedan's low mass and optimal brake sizes are expected to give it braking performance that is among the best in the segment, with standard Brembo brakes. Suspension and driver control highlights also include: - Multi-link MacPherson strut suspension with a double-pivot design - Five-link independent rear suspension - Available all-wheel-drive - Premium electric, variable-assist power steering gear from ZF Steering Systems - Available Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping system - Choice of 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum wheels. A number of aluminum components are used with the suspension system, while the rear suspension is mostly steel. That helps offset the weight of the engine and transmission at the front of the vehicle, helping the CTS deliver its near-perfect weight balance and contributing to less noise and vibration. CTS technology and safety The CTS sedan seamlessly blends comfort, convenience and safety technologies with the interior's hand-crafted appointments and flowing design. Active safety features provide alerts and intervene when necessary to help avoid crashes. At the core of the car's intuitive technologies is CUE, Cadillac's infotainment system that uses smartphone- and tablet-influenced controls and commands to access information and entertainment data. An eight-inch, high-resolution color touch screen with haptic feedback allows users to swipe and drag preferences. Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition is standard with CUE, along with USB and SD card ports. An available 12.3-inch high-resolution, configurable LCD instrument cluster display complements the CUE display and supports the active safety features. It offers drivers four layouts – from basic to performance-oriented – each delivering bold, crisp graphics tailored to the level of vehicle information desired. A full-color, configurable head-up display is also available. CTS technologies also include: - Cadillac's first 20-way adjustable front seats - Motorized cup holder lid in the center console - Heated and cooled (ventilated) front seats and heated steering wheel - Electronically locking glove box - Electronic park brake - Adaptive remote start feature that also activates the climate control system - Standard Bose eleven-speaker sound system and available Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system with 13 speakers. The new CTS sedan is the first Cadillac to offer Automatic Parking Assist, which enables the car to park itself in parallel spaces. It uses ultrasonic sensors to locate a suitable space and maneuver the car into the space, with the driver only required to engage reverse and apply the accelerator and brake pedals. Ultrasonic rear park assist is standard. Ultrasonic sensors, as well as radar and cameras, support the CTS's advanced safety features to help prevent crashes. Among the most sophisticated is Front and Rear Automatic Braking, which relies on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary. A Driver Awareness Package includes Cadillac's patented Safety Alert Seat technology. It uses vibrating pulses in the driver's seat to alert the driver to an imminent collision or to vehicles in the car's blind spot. The seat vibrates on the left or right side, or both sides simultaneously, depending on the direction of the risk. GM's first application of automatic safety belt tightening is offered in the new CTS. It automatically takes slack out of the safety belts when buckled and offers real-time, active adjustments during driving to ensure optimal tension and comfort. Additional available safety features include: - Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control - Panic Brake Assist - Forward Collision Alert - Automatic Collision Preparation (with brake prefill) - Lane Departure Warning - Side Blind Zone Alert - Rear Cross Traffic Alert - Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines - Adaptive Forward Lighting - Active pedestrian protection system (in global regions where required). The new CTS sedan also features 10 standard air bags, including front-passenger dual-stage low-risk deployment, which makes the most of the air bag trajectory and inflation rate based on the occupant's size, position and severity of the crash. Additionally, OnStar is standard for one year. It can use GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of a crash. OnStar service also includes myCadillac and OnStar myCadillac mobile apps, which offer vehicle information, controls and OnStar services via the customer's iPhone or Android smart phone. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 26, 2013 Honda has unveiled the refreshed 2014 Odyssey before the start of the New York Auto Show. The big news about the Odyssey is the introduction of an onboard vacuum system. Standard on the the Odyssey Touring Elite trim, the HondaVac is comprised of an electric motor, replaceable filter, canister bag, and vacuum attachments that are located in the rear cargo bulkhead. The system, developed jointly with ShopVac, can also run up to eight minutes when the Odyssey is turned off. Aside from the new vacuum, the 2014 Odyssey has some minor changes. Outside, there is a new aluminum hood and fenders to pair with the revised front fascia and darker headlights. Honda has also made structural changes to make the vehicle safer in case of an accident. Stepping inside, there is a revised center stack, new trim pieces, push-button start, and HondaLink's cloud-based infotainment options. The 2014 Odyssey arrives at dealers this summer. Source: Honda 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 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite® Makes World Debut in New York with Host of Safety Upgrades and Innovations Including HondaVAC™, the First In-Car Vacuum The segment's benchmark minivan cleans up with bevy of safety improvements, sleek new styling and intuitive, family-friendly technologies NEW YORK The 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite® is making its debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), setting the new 'ultimate family vehicle' standard. Thoroughly refreshed for 2014, the Odyssey Touring Elite® provides core safety upgrades, sharpened exterior styling and a revised interior with a host of new features and technologies designed to make the segment's benchmark minivan even better. Demonstrating trademark Honda innovation, the 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite® will also mark the debut of HondaVAC™, the first-ever in-vehicle vacuum system. Available exclusively in the Odyssey Touring Elite® trim, the all-new HondaVAC™ system is part of a thorough refresh of the Honda Odyssey for the 2014 model year, adding to its already class-leading fuel economy ratings and unmatched safety ratings. The 2014 Odyssey will go on sale at Honda dealerships nationwide this summer. "The Odyssey is already the leader in its segment, and for 2014, Honda has made the modern family hauler even better," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations at American Honda. "Honda is once again showcasing its reputation for innovation with HondaVAC, and its ability to provide true value to our customers." The 2014 Honda Odyssey brings an array of improvements to Honda's minivan, including structural upgrades expected to help it achieve top marks in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) stringent new small-overlap frontal crash test, which is part of IIHS's new TOP SAFETY PICK+ protocol. The refreshed Odyssey Touring Elite® will also come equipped with advanced Honda driver assistive and visibility technologies such as an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The 2014 Odyssey features sleeker, more sophisticated exterior styling with a new, more deeply sculpted aluminum hood, new aluminum front fenders, a new bolder twin-bar grille, and a revised lower front fascia with integrated chrome-trimmed fog lights. New two-tone mirror housings, darker-finish projector-beam headlight housings, LED taillight bars and new badging add to the 2014 Odyssey's premium look. Inside the 2014 Odyssey, new finishes brighten the cabin and an all-new center stack showcases a host of new features. Additional standard technology on the Odyssey Touring Elite® brings new levels of ease and connectivity to owners, including keyless Smart Entry with Push Button Start, HD Radio®, an SMS text messaging function, and HondaLink™ featuring Aha™ Mobile interface. HondaLink™, which debuted on the 2013 Honda Accord, enables Odyssey owners to connect quickly and easily to a wealth of cloud-based content. The free HondaLink™ smartphone app uses the owner's favorite online content to create live, personalized radio stations, allowing drivers to put away their phones and hear updates and news feeds from Facebook and Twitter, as well as check out restaurant reviews or find the closest coffee shop. Standard on the 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite®, the all-new HondaVAC™ was developed in conjunction with industry-leader Shop-Vac®, and is composed of a powerful vacuum, replaceable filter and canister bag, with nozzle accessories neatly integrated into a dedicated space on the driver's side bulkhead of the rear cargo area. HondaVAC™ makes quick cleanups a snap no matter the location, offering powerful cleaning suction and an integrated hose and cleaning attachments that reach into every corner of the Odyssey's cabin. The HondaVAC™ system's powerful electric motor never needs an outlet or recharging, can operate continuously when the engine is running, and will continue to operate for up to eight minutes when the vehicle is turned off for additional family duties. Already one of the most lauded vehicles in its segment, the current 2013 Odyssey has earned IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK and NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score crash safety ratings. The Honda Odyssey is an AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Award winner, an ALG Residual Value award winner, recipient of the Best Family Cars of 2012 designation from both Parents Magazine/Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, and a Best Cars for Families award winner from U.S. News and World Report. The Odyssey represents Honda's robust product development capabilities in North America with its design, engineering and assembly all taking place in the U.S., using domestically and globally sourced parts. Currently, 95 percent of all Hondas sold in the U.S., are built in North America. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 26, 2013 Last week, Jaguar released a teaser shot and some information about the new 2014 XJR. At the time, Jaguar said the XJR would have a 5.0L supercharged V8 engine, "bespoke chassis" and some aerodynamic work. Today, Jaguar has spilled the beans on the XJR. Power comes from the 5.0L supercharged V8 that's under the XKR-S and upcoming XFR-S, making 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. All of that power goes through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. 60 MPH comes up in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 174 MPH. A stop-start system is standard. Under the skin are a set of newly tuned dampers and stiffer spring rates, along with an electronically controlled differential to make sure the power reaches the road and not in a cloud of smoke. Jaguar has also tweaked the steering to improve feel and overall feedback. Outside, the XJR wears a new front air splitter, special rocker sills, and a unique front spoiler and hood vents. A set of twenty-inch forged alloy wheels and glossy black mesh front grille with chrome trim finish the aggressive look off. Inside, Jaguar has fitted a Jet Black suede headliner and a set of R-exclusive black leather sport seats with ivory, tan or red inserts and contrast stitching. The 2014 XJR starts at $116,895 for the short-wheelbase model and $119,895 for the long-wheel base model. 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 2014 Jaguar XJR Unveiled At The New York Auto Show Tuesday, March 26, 2013 2014 MSRP Pricing XJR Standard Wheelbase $116,000 XJR Long Wheelbase $119,000 At a Glance - The 2014 Jaguar XJR is a 550 horsepower sports sedan which combines supercar performance with the opulence and comfort of British luxury - Every XJ is constructed on an all-aluminum body structure, and assembled using aerospace derived aluminum bonding and riveting techniques - With a 5-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 550hp and 502 lb/ft of torque, the XJR is capable of sprinting from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) and accelerate on to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h)2 - An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission features bespoke performance tuning for the XJR and enables forceful acceleration while maintaining a composed character when driving conditions are more reserved - Functional aerodynamic improvements are provided by a new front air splitter, aerodynamic rocker sills, an additional rear spoiler, and hood vents - Development testing was done at many challenging locations, including the Nurburgring circuit in Germany, where Jaguar maintains a Test Center - Performance tuned springs and continuously variable dampers - Electronic Active Differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems have been calibrated to match the handling characteristics of the XJR, allowing the driver to fully explore the performance envelope - 20-inch forged alloy wheels, shod with low-profile performance tires, enhance grip and lend the car a dynamic, muscular stance - Exclusive Sport Seats - Available in Standard and Long Wheelbase versions "The new XJR epitomizes the three pillars of technology, performance and seductive design which the Jaguar brand stands for in the twenty-first century, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury sedan." -Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar (MAHWAH, N.J.) - March 26, 2013- The XJR returns to the Jaguar model line as the quintessential Jaguar flagship sports sedan, offering British luxury with extraordinary sporting performance. The XJR incorporates bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments to create the most sporting member of the XJ sedan family. "This XJR is the flagship XJ and I'm delighted we've got it back into the range. This is a premium luxury supercar that also has an extremely purposeful look to it. This car will surprise, there's no doubt about it." - Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Powertrain Spirited performance is provided by a 5-liter supercharged V8 engine that provides 550hp and 502 lb/ft of torque. Functional aerodynamic components including a front air splitter, functional hood vents, and quad tailpipes also add to the car's purposeful demeanor. Combined with an eight-speed transmission that extends the performance characteristics of the car, the XJR is capable of accelerating from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h).2 This all-aluminum V8 engine delivers exhilarating performance and efficiency thanks to technologies such as spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminum block is stiffened with cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power. The engine breathes through aluminum four-valve cylinder heads, and the intake is pressurized by a Roots-type twin vortex supercharger. Two air to liquid intercoolers, which feature their own water-cooling circuit, reduce the temperature of the intake charge to optimize power and efficiency. Maximizing the benefit of the engine calibration is the eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission system brings out the sporting nature of the XJR while still maintaining the car's composure in town and in low-speed driving environments. When operating in automatic mode, the transmission can detect the manner in which the car is being driven by monitoring acceleration, braking, cornering forces, throttle application, brake pedal activity, road load, and kick down request. On detecting a more enthusiastic driving style, the transmission will automatically make the gearshifts more aggressively and move the upshift point to a higher RPM. Steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles allow manual gear selection. Corner Recognition senses when the car is negotiating a curve, and the transmission will hold the correct gear for the exit. The transmission will also recognize when the car is performing a series of overtaking maneuvers requiring rapid changes in throttle position and, rather than change up, remain in a lower gear ready for the next demand for acceleration. The Jaguar Intelligent Stop/Start system is standard. This system automatically reduces idling by stopping the engine when the car comes to a stop with brake pedal depressed. When the brake pedal is released, the system will restart the engine in less time than it takes for the driver's foot to move from the brake pedal to the accelerator. A twin solenoid system which features separate actuation of starter gear engagement and drive motor actuation, it allows for 'change of mind' functionality, bringing the engine back up to speed even during its run-down phase if, for instance, the car is coming to a halt at an intersection and the driver sees an opportunity to join the traffic flow. Dynamics "The XJR offers greater steering precision, higher levels of control and enhanced high speed stability, with the trade-off in refinement being very small. The increase in power and torque give this car truly effortless, seamless performance." -Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar The suspension system has been extensively tuned on both road and track, using the legendary Nürburgring circuit in Germany, the high-speed Rockingham circuit in England, and the winding roads of England and Wales. Tuned dampers and spring rates maximize the sporting handling capabilities of the car while providing the signature ride comfort expected of a Jaguar. Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics actively controls vertical body movement, roll, and pitch rates through the use of continuously variable dampers. The system monitors driver inputs and the road conditions, adjusting damper rates in response up to 500 times a second. The driver's selection of Dynamic Mode calibrates the damping rates to the firmer end of the available range. The Jaguar active electronically controlled differential can apply full locking torque almost instantaneously when necessary, and has been calibrated to utilize the high levels of grip and power. Working in parallel with the differential, the 'Trac DSC' setting of the Dynamic Stability Control system now offers the enthusiastic driver more opportunity to explore the outer edges of the handling envelope. The steering hydraulics and calibration have also been engineered to enhance steering feel, response and feedback under all driving conditions. In order to achieve the maximum benefit from the suspension, the XJR has new lightweight, forged 20-inch alloy wheels. The tires were specifically developed for Jaguar in conjunction with Pirelli. They are 265/35-20 and 295/30-20 front/rear and have been specified to deliver optimal cornering grip, traction and stability over a wide range of speed and performance parameters. The Jaguar High Performance Braking System offers an unmatched combination of power, stability and fine modulation. The 15" (380mm) front and 14.8" (376mm) rear discs are internally ventilated. Design "The Design Team wanted to create a graphic link to the performance credentials of this car, as well as delivering the optimal balance of aerodynamic down force front and rear. Hence the chrome-rimmed intakes on the front bumper have become an 'R' model 'signature element', acting as a visual reference to the car's twin superchargers, while the front aero splitters are complemented by the rear spoiler. We really dialed up the visual content on the XJR, compared to its predecessors; it's where our customers now expect it to be." -Wayne Burgess, Studio Director, Jaguar Design The appearance of the XJR has been modified with functional aerodynamic enhancements. The side rocker sills, unique to the XJR, serve to create a sharp break-off point between the bodywork and the road surface in order to keep the airflow attached to the car's sides for as long as possible. Rear lift is also reduced through the fitment of a trunk lid-mounted lip spoiler to manage the airflow off the top rear surface of the car, while hood vents aid in aerodynamics and engine cooling. XJR customers can choose from an extensive exterior color palette including: Polaris White, Ebony, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Lunar Grey, Rhodium Silver, Cashmere, Caviar, Carnelian Red, British Racing Green and Italian Racing Red. The car's dynamic intent is underlined by the palette of materials used on the interior. Jet Black leather trim is available with a choice of either Ivory, London Tan or Red Zone inserts on the seat facings or simply Red Zone or London Tan contrast stitching. The seats themselves are embossed with the 'R' logo. Jet Black suede cloth headlining is standard. Interior veneers are available in either Carbon Fiber or Piano Black. The five-spoke, lightweight forged alloy wheels provide the XJR with a purposeful, broad shouldered stance and come as standard in either Sparkle silver or Technical grey finishes. The assertive appearance of the XJR is further enhanced with a gloss black front grille and lower intake mesh, with chrome surrounds. "The XJR is the sporting pinnacle of the XJ range. This car has been dynamically set-up from the outset to deliver stunning performance, while still retaining the luxury and comfort common to the entire XJ range." -Andrew Dobson, Chief Program Engineer, Jaguar XJR An 825 watt, 18-speaker surround-sound system from British audio experts Meridian™ is standard. Recognized by audiophiles as a leader in audio reproduction, Meridian has developed a proprietary Trifield™ System that places every occupant at the center of their own perfectly focused surround-sound arena. XJR Technical Specification* Engine: 5.0-liter V8 supercharged Capacity (cc): 5000 Bore/Stroke (mm): 92.5/93 Peak Power (HP @ rpm): 550 @ 6500 Peak Torque (lb/ft @ rpm): 502 @ 2500-5500 Transmission: Eight-speed ZF automatic 0-60mph (secs)2: 4.4 0-100km/h (secs)2: 4.6 Top Speed (mph | km/h)2: 174 | 280 (electronically limited) Fuel Economy (US EPA)3: 15 City, 23 Hwy, 18 Combined *Manufacturer's estimates View full article