#Jaguar E-Pace Is An Attractive Luxury Offering [Auto Styling News]

The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace is a lot of things. It's an attractive vehicle, a luxury car, a Mini-Ute, and a production car that resembles a Concept. But don't make the mistake of thinking it's an electric car.

Many people will make that mistake, unfortunately, but Jaguar is leaving that for it's I-Pace vehicle. This small, beautifully wrought Mini-Ute (a small SUV) is, however, a worthy effort. And it will likely be a success for the company. Though it's not without its flaws.

Coming in at just 173 inches (the I-Pace is 184 inches long) this cute little bundle of engineering is a true entry-level luxury offering, starting at just $38,000.

It's curves up front remind one easily of a Porsche, but the similarities end there. The curves are definitely attractive, especially on the side, which provide the high doors of an SUV and the rakish rear window seen in many others of its size (the Mercedes GLA and its cousin the Infiniti QX30 have similar roof shades in the rear. As does the Nissan Rogue, Subaru Impreza, and... the Honda Fit.)

The front air intakes are huge, and while some my compare them to the Porsche as well, they add a uniqueness to the front fascia that is undeniably attractive.

The rear side view is very "butch" and masculine, if one may still say that these days. The C-Pillars are a bit large and thick, and the back window seems too small, both of which may be problems for visibility, but this is a common complaint for all Mini-Utes. Great back-up cameras will alleviate this problem.

The tail lights are exceedingly attractive, and uniquely beautiful. One cannot mistake them for any other make of car, and that's something rare in today's styling choices. They are similar to other models in the Jag line-up, but that's totally fine. They distinguish the car immediately and give it credibility.

The interior is stunning, as one expects from a Jaguar. Fit and finish inside, not to mention a properly working drivetrain under the hood, will make or break this car among luxury enthusiasts.

But from the looks alone, there's no doubt that the car will be successful in the marketplace - even a crowded one, filled with Mini-Utes already. It will be a stunner on the road, and in driveways, and that's part of the draw for its target audience.

Photos: Jaguar USA

#Jaguar I-PACE Concept Set For Production In 2018 [Auto Styling News]

Jaguar has been known for over 80 years as a maker of sports cars, but they're hoping that with the introduction of the 2018 I-PACE, they will be taking a big, bold step into the future as an electric vehicle manufacturer.

The I-PACE Concept is a technologically advanced, five-seater sports car. And it's actually slated for production for the 2018 model year. It’s as daringly designed and innovative as the cars that put Jaguar on the map, with technology that enhances our customers’ lives. It sets a template for others to follow, just as we have always done.

Transportation will change more in the next decade than it has in the past 50 years, and the I-PACE proves that they're ready.

Based on the same architecture as the new F-Pace premium SUV, incorporates new technology to create an electric performance package that, according to Jaguar, accelerates to 60 mph in just 4 seconds with the power of a 90-kWh battery that has an estimated range of 220 miles (EPAe) before recharging, which can be done at public charging stations in less than two hours, claims the company.

Yes, it's a performance car, a family car and an all-wheel-drive SUV all in one. Its "groundbreaking design, true Jaguar performance and competitive range and charging times will make it the first real electric alternative to a traditional premium SUV," crows Jag.

The design of the sheet metal is just as stunning as the design of the electric motors. The vehicle occupies less road space than conventional mid-size SUVs yet offers more room for passengers and luggage than models in the segment above. And optimized aerodynamics deliver a low drag coefficient of just 0.29 and inspired new design features that embody the vehicle’s power and performance.

The exterior in some ways is similar to other SUVs, but in others, a radical departure. Like the "hard edge" direction of Cadillac and of recent Lexus models, there are a lot of angles to take in at first glance.

But the effect isn't jarring, but is rather stirring. The large front fender haunches, the flat rear and he lower door creases all have a unifying effect, despite their novelty. The large intake chutes and cats-eye headlamps could be from any luxury car, but the now-familiar Jaguar corporate grille assures us that this is, indeed, a Jag. The shortened hood itself is stunning, as well, and that, along with the stubby rear-end, give it a smart and aggressive look.

More branding occurs in the rear, with a leaping Jaguar and Jag-style lamps that assure us what brand this really is. But some may see the rear as too generic, resembling a Japanese car if one squints.

That said, it's hard to view this car from almost any angle and not see that it will be a success, even apart from the revolutionary tech that runs it, which will also give the Tesla cars runs for their money. And if this thing is even close to being reasonably priced, it could be a smash hit.

[Photos: Jaguar.com]

New #Jaguar F-PACE Keeps Pace With Costlier Rivals [Auto Styling News]

Jaguar enters the Mini-Luxury SUV category with the F-PACE in June, and it's pretty stunning.  The F-PACE, visually inspired by the Jaguar F-TYPE, is billed by the British automaker as a performance SUV with the DNA of a sports car. And it sure looks the part.

The proportions of the F-PACE support a low drag coefficient of 0.37. Completing its assertive stance, the ‘teardrop’ shape is emphasized by a very pleasing roofline. Optional LED headlamps feature Jaguar J-Blade LED daytime running lights that look appropriately aggressive.

Its grille is also borrowed from the F-TYPE, which is either hit or miss, depending on whether you think it steals from Volvo too much. (And I tend to think it does.)

Buyers will get an extensive choice of lightweight, aerodynamically efficient alloy wheels, as large as 22” in diameter.

The vehicle will be offered in base, "Premium" and "Prestige" lines, running from about $41,000 to $49,000, competitive with BMW X4 (which it more than resembles) as well as the Porsche Cayenne and the new Maserati Levante.

The F-PACE, like the new XE (which tends to borrow the look of a Lexus and other luxury brands he way that earlier KIAs stole from automakers, including Jaguar) had better be gold for the brand, because with under 15,000 units sold annually, they need a winner - and fast!

The good news? With great looks and reasonable pricing, the F-PACE seems on pace to be a winner for Jaguar.

2016 #Jaguar XF Gets Nicer Curves [Auto Styling News]

The Jaguar XF was never an ugly duckling by any stretch. But it's clearly outgrown a bit of an early, somewhat awkward phase to become a true beauty.

This is the second generation of the car, which was totally new in 2009, and had a mild refreshing in 2011. Previous exteriors for the XF (2009-2011) actually looked far more generic and arguably less beautiful than this iteration. Or to be blunt, if you squinted at the '09 model, you might have seen bits and pieces of other cars, cobbled together. And it was jarring. Have a look:

The 2009 XF - or is it a Lexus? Or a Volvo? Or a BMW?

It had a clearly Volvo-like grille, seemingly had borrowed 1990s-era rounded Chrysler parts bin headlights, had a side that overly-resembled a Lexus, and even sported a BMW-style "Hofmeister kink" rear-quarter window. These companies must have been VERY flattered by all the imitation.

Much like the early KIAs and Hyundais, this first edition of the model seemed so unsure of itself, that it looked like it had stolen visual cues from other cars. Yes, it's odd comparing Jags to these "lesser" vehicles, but since Jaguar left England, it's looked like the dog's breakfast; this model in particular. And it's a well-deserved criticism.

Thankfully, this 2016 model actually seems far more evolved, and has a bit of its own DNA now, and its identity crisis seems like it's over.

The headlights - which were refreshed in 2011 - look even less bulgy, less round, and over all, more beautiful and sleeker. They are available in an all-LED version featuring daytime running lights. I like the new lower bumper work on the front as well, which looks racy.

The front section extends forward, as if the Jaguar is about to pounce. With the grille jutting out in this way, it gives the entire car a distinctive feel.

The grille itself is more upright, and wider than before, which is far more elegant and erases any comparison with the Volvo's grille. To add this feature, the entire grille and headlamp area of the hood is clearly and visibly chopped off from the rest of the hood in a separate piece of sheet metal. (This shows up more in white and lighter colors, it seems. Darker colors, like this examples here, don't reflect it as much.)

Some reviewers have noted that in an accident, that piece, if it alone is damaged, would be far cheaper to replace. But if you can afford the $57k to $65k price tag of the regular or Premium edition of the XF, then perhaps that's not as much of an issue as if you were forced to pay $2,000 to replace the bumper of a Hyundai.

The side seems much less of a Lexus-thief than before, and a bit more rounded, especially at the rear, which is a hint at tradition. The leaping Jag - missing from some earlier models, to the consternation of longtime Jag buyers - is good to see as a fixture on this XF, as it was before.

The wheelbase has actually been stretched in  this model, giving it more interior room, though the entire car is shorter by less than an inch. That interior, it goes without saying, is sumptuous, with wood and leather galore, great leg-room (thanks to that wheelbase stretch) and many technical bells and whistles - though perhaps too many as pricey "add-on" packages. $300 for an in-car Wi-Fi package is certainly affordable, but when Chevy is offering it for free in a $25k car, it's hard to see why it's an add-on HERE.

The BMW hat tip on the side window also is thankfully gone, with a luscious curved rear panel window in its place, assuring us that yes,  this is a Jaguar. The side vent behind the front wheel is more elegant, and smaller, metallic, and completely horizontal, replacing the earlier one, which was paint-colored, clunky and entirely vertical.

The rear features a dual exhaust, gorgeous lamps and the leaping Jaguar, which adds character and tradition. Though one must say that the overall design looks a bit Toyota-like. A rounder rear window would go a long way towards making this a more traditional Jaguar look, from behind at least.

Overall, the XF has grown up, and has grown into a personality of its own, rather than imitating others. That's a good sign for those who are longtime admirers of the prancing Jag, and may even convince more of them to plunk down 57-65 large for a true luxury car.

Jaguar video of the 2013 F-Type Shows One Sexy Tiger!

Jaguar has released official video of the 2013 F-Type. The curves and sexiness of the vehicle are unmistakably Jag.

Some may question the "J" in the headlamps as a bit "Audi," but they are definitely unique. Less controversial will by the tail lights, which are thin and sexy.

What do you think? Sex on Wheels, or Misfire?

Ian Callum walks us through the 2012 Jaguars

Jaguar design chief Ian Callum describes the concepts going into the 2012 Jaguar fleet. The initial impressions I had of the newer designs - that they seemed to have raided Chrysler's parts bin for the circa-1996 headlamps and the 2003 Lexus for its overall shape - have vanished in these newer iterations. (Well, mostly vanished.)

These are quite beautiful cars, but some would say they lack distinctiveness and could be more "Jaguar-like" and evocative of earlier cars.

 There's always 2013.