JAGUAR XJ DRIVES TO THE COLDEST TOWN ON EARTH

Two standard Jaguar XJ All-Wheel Drives have returned successfully from a 2000-mile round trip journey to the coldest city on earth.

On December 19th, thermometers in Dawson City recorded -49ºC (-56F), reportedly making the gold-rush town in Canada's Yukon Territory the coldest town on the planet - so cold in fact that if you threw a cup of hot water in the air, it instantly turned into a mini blizzard, freezing before it hit the ground.

Perhaps the greatest North American drive in the depths of winter, the aim of the journey was to drive from the Yukon capital Whitehorse (1800 miles north of Vancouver, BC) to a point of perpetual sunset in the shortest daylight week of the year.

The cars employed for the epic adventure were a pair of Jaguar's recently launched AWD models, powered by the new 340PS 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine.

Jaguar Global Brand Director Adrian Hallmark said: "The cars excelled in conditions way beyond limits likely to be experienced even by owners in North America and cold weather climates such as Russia. Deep snow, sheet ice, gravel and rutted frozen mud were underfoot the whole way. With this capability our XF and XJ saloons are perfect for the North American winter."

The XJ AWD's adventure has been captured in a film released today to coincide with the opening of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. View Below.

The film follows the expedition into the Arctic Circle. Starting at Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon and an important point of the Alaska Highway, the cars followed the mighty Yukon River north to Dawson City, scene of the gold rush in the 1890's. Dawson is located at the bottom end of the Dempster Highway, domain of the Ice Road Truckers, which runs past the Arctic Circle to the town of Inuvik in the Northwest Territories.

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Jaguar invited three world-renowned drivers - Martin Brundle, Christian Danner and Justin Bell - to put both F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S prototype models through their paces in the cold and challenging conditions of the UK's Snetterton 300 circuit, as well as the surrounding Norfolk roads.

Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum has been named one of TopGear magazine's Men of the Year 2012, selected by its awards judging panel for "designing beautiful cars, again and again". The accolade adds to Callum's international success this year, following the worldwide acclaim for his design of the new Jaguar F-TYPE two-seater sports car, revealed at the Paris motor show in September.

In its pen-profile of Callum's achievements, published in the current issue, TopGear says: "The genius of Jaguar director of design Ian Callum isn't just in the classically exact proportions of his cars, it's in the way they continue to intrigue and inspire long after the initial novelty has worn off.

"In 2012 the erudite Scotsman…cemented his iconic status with the F-TYPE, ironically as classic a Jaguar as there's been since Callum arrived there 12 years ago. Who else could have penned such a worthy successor to the E-Type."

Commenting on his selection, Callum said: "It's an honour to be singled out by TopGear as one of their 'men of the year,' the magazine is respected internationally for its insight and its enthusiasm for all aspects of cars and motoring. However, it is with the benefit of having such a great team around me that we have been able to deliver the cars and designs that define Jaguar today, so they, too, deserve recognition for what we are achieving together."

Since the introduction of the Aston Martin DB7, Ian Callum has been acknowledged as one of the world's foremost design talents. Born in Dumfries, Scotland, Ian attended a course in Industrial Design at Glasgow School of Art which was followed by a two-year course in Automobile Design at the Royal College of Art.

His performance at the RCA persuaded Ford to recruit him immediately and from 1978 he spent 12 years working in the company's design studios in Britain, Japan, the United States, Australia and Germany. He was then appointed Design Manager responsible for the Ghia Design Studio inTurinbefore he returned to theUKto join TWR inOxfordas Chief Designer in 1990.

During his time with Ford Ian Callum worked on the Ford RS200 and the Escort Cosworth.

While he was with Ghia in Turin he played a major role in the Via design Concept as well as the development of the Ghia Zig and Zag compact 2-seater sports car and mini van vehicles.

Since his return to the UK in 1990 Ian Callum has worked on TWR programmes for GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, together with projects for Aston Martin (DB7 and Vanquish), Ford (Puma), Volvo (C70), Nissan (R390 Le Mans) and, ultimately, Aston Martin DB9.

Ian joined Jaguar in 1999 but continued to manage Aston Martin Design, developing the DB9 as well as directing Jaguar Design where he and his team created, amongst others, the R-Coupe, RD-6, C-X75 & C-X16 Concepts. Heralding an exciting new era for the brand, each of his cars takes the design theme further and continues to reinforce Jaguar as a creator of cars which represent innovative, seductive performance. The first of the new models was the current XK, followed by the XF and XJ. Representing the latest in Jaguar design is the exciting all-new two-seater sports car, the F-TYPE.

Ian continues to lead a team of highly talented designers at the Jaguar Design Studios in Coventry and has been acknowledged as one of the world's foremost design talents. Ian has received five honorary doctorates from universities around the world as well as being honoured as a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) from the Royal Society of Art (RSA).

TopGear's list of the year's most influential men - and women - also includes Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, who is praised for his investment in Jaguar Land Rover, and Sir Chris Hoy, Britain's most successful track cyclist who is a Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador.

Two significant new Jaguars have made their debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The XFR-S saloon made its global debut at the Show. Unveiled by Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars, the XFR-S is the fastest, most powerful and agile sports saloon Jaguar has ever built.

Developed by Jaguar Land Rover's specialist ETO division, the XFR-S features bespoke powertrain, chassis and body enhancements that enable it to push the performance boundaries. With 550PS from its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine driving through an eight-speed Quickshift transmission, the XFR-S is capable of reaching 60mph in just 4.4-seconds before going on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph.

On unveiling the car Adrian Hallmark commented:"Sporting character is evident in all Jaguar saloons. In the XFR-S that character has been amplified, the result being a truly engaging car with a combination of technical innovation, assertive design and staggering performance that will satisfy the most demanding of drivers."

Making its North American debut at the show was the F-TYPE - Jaguar's all-new two-seater sports car. Seen for the first time with special-order Firesand paintwork and equipped with optional 'Design' and both exterior and interior 'black' packs, this individual F-TYPE - a V6 S model - demonstrates the range of personalisation options that are available for customers.

The F-TYPE 'Design' pack features body-coloured side sill extensions, front aero splitter and a gloss black colour-keyed rear valance (V6 models only).

The exterior 'Black' pack is available with Firesand, Ultimate Black, Polaris White, Italian Racing Red, Rhodium Silver and Satellite Grey body colours and adds gloss black finishes to items including the front grille surround, side power vents and roll hoops (additions vary depending on the F-TYPE derivative).

The interior 'Black' pack adds a flat-bottomed Sports steering wheel with black trim finisher, gloss black vent surrounds, gloss black door switch surrounds and gloss black instrument cluster dial rings.

Purr-fect.

The XFR-S - the fastest, most powerful and agile sports saloon Jaguar has ever built - has made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar, said:"Sporting character is evident in all Jaguar saloons. In the XFR-S that character has been amplified, the result being a truly engaging car with a combination of technical innovation, assertive design and staggering performance that will satisfy the most demanding of drivers."

Fast facts

• The XFR-S is Jaguar's fastest, most powerful and agile sports saloon ever
• The XFR-S builds on the already acclaimed XFR to create an even more focused product
• Power and torque of the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 have been increased to 550PS and 680Nm - up 40PS and 55Nm over the XFR, and with no impact on fuel consumption or emissions
• The XFR-S will sprint from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h)
• An eight-speed transmission with 'Quickshift' functionality enables optimal acceleration throughout the speed and rev ranges
• Comprehensive front and rear suspension upgrades maximise response with lateral stiffness up by 30%
• Electronic active differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems have also been recalibrated to enhance handling characteristics
• New, wider, 20-inch 'Varuna' forged alloy wheels are shod with bespoke tyres to maximise grip
• Aerodynamic changes, with extensive use of carbon fibre construction, reduce lift by 68% and give the car an assertive appearance
• Exclusive interior materials include carbon leather and contrasting highlight micro-piping and stitching

Summary

The second model in Jaguar's ultra-high performance R-S range, the XFR-S joins its XKR-S sibling in the exclusive 300km/h club and is a vivid expression of Jaguar's longstanding and legendary sports saloon lineage.

The XFR-S incorporates engineering features from both the XKR-S and the all-new F-TYPE two-seater sports car to create the most driver-focused, agile and responsive iteration of Jaguar's award-winning XF saloon range. The XFR-S has been developed by Jaguar Land Rover's specialist ETO division - its bespoke powertrain, chassis and body enhancements enabling it to push the performance boundaries.

Electrifying performance is provided by the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine which now boasts 550PS and 680Nm - up 40PS and 55Nm respectively over its XFR installation. The increases have been achieved through revisions to the engine management system and optimisation of the flow of air both into and out of the engine.

Fitted with an eight-speed transmission incorporating Jaguar's 'Quickshift' technology (developed for the F-TYPE), the increase in engine output allows the XFR-S to accelerate to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h).

Airflow has been carefully managed in order to both allow the engine to operate at peak efficiency and let the car cleave the air cleanly and safely. The resulting body changes have created a distinctively assertive appearance, beginning with the deeper front bumper with its larger lower air intakes, vertical vanes and carbon fibre front splitter.

Deeper sills and unique 'aero-blades' ensure a clean passage of air along the side of the car and on to the deeper rear bumper sides while a carbon fibre rear diffuser between the signature quad tailpipes extends underneath the rear of the XFR-S to reduce lift. It is aided in this by a bootlid mounted spoiler, two designs being available. Overall lift is reduced by 68%.

The unique 20-inch lightweight forged alloy 'Varuna' wheels are wider front and rear and are shod with specially developed Pirelli rubber, giving the XFR-S a more muscular stance and increasing its grip and stability. Allied to this are extensive suspension revisions which serve to increase lateral suspension stiffness by 30% for greater steering precision and responsiveness.

Revisions to both spring rates and the adaptive damper tune increase the feeling of connectivity with the road surface, providing confidence-inspiring handling and a supple, controlled ride. Recalibrated active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control settings allow the enthusiastic driver to make the most of the huge potential of the XFR-S.

The car's intent is underlined by the technical palette of materials used on the interior. This includes carbon leather on the seat bolsters and arm rests and a Dark Aluminium fascia, both of which are exclusive to the R-S range. Providing a further unique touch are a choice of contrasting colour stitching and micro-piping which can be matched to the exterior paint scheme.

"In developing the XFR-S the engineering challenge was to extend the considerable dynamic abilities common to the entire XF range. The bespoke chassis, powertrain and body enhancements meet that challenge and give the XFR-S its focused performance edge."

Andrew Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer, Jaguar XF.

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Purr-fect.

The Jaguar Car Club of Victoria will be hosting its annual Concours and Display Day this Sunday, November 25, on the oval, at Wesley College, 620 High Street Road, Glen Waverley.

We will be there with a stall and a selection from the Purr-fect Gift Shop including Zymol Car Care and Moto-Lita Hand Crafted Steering Wheels. We have also given the Zymol treatment to 2 of our vehicles that we will bring along so that you can see the results for yourself. Entry will be $10 for individuals and $15 for families, opening times are 10 am to 3pm.

The club will mark this 50th milestone special anniversary with an extensive display of Jaguars including a specially prepared timeline of some of the most significant and meticulously prepared models released during the clubs 50 years ranging from 1962 to 2012. These will include some of the most highly recognizable and desirable models ever produced and rarely seen in any single gathering. Other models will also be on display, which will give visitors the opportunity to see some of the finest examples of this marque spanning over 75 years of Jaguar’s production. This will include pre-war SS vehicles to the latest super sleek and highly advanced aluminium-bodied XK super cars.

More than 250 Jaguars will be on display as well as the select entries taking part in the prestigious Concours d’Elegance where cars are judged for outright authenticity and original condition, and the d’état Class that are judged for pride of ownership.

Some of the cars that will be judged or displayed are unique throughout the world and only survive today because of Australia’s kinder weather conditions, and because of the determination and hard work of their respective owners to restore these beautiful classic Jaguars to as near as possible original condition.

For those who enjoy the modern cars, the latest XF’s, XJ’s & XK’s will also be displayed.

Other British car clubs will be invited to display their marques and models in the attractive surroundings.

The Jaguar Car Club of Victoria is Australia’s oldest and largest Jaguar club with more than 700 members from around metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria. The club has eight model registers including the SS, MkIV, XKs; MkVs; the E-Types; the XJs, MkV11–Mk10s; Mk1 & Mk11, S-Types and the Modern Classics.

It also has eight country and provincial registers covering most parts of the State from Sunraysia to Gippsland.

If you are in the area make sure you pop in and say hi, we would love to have a chat.

Jaguar Car Club Victoria

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(Coventry, UK) - November 19, 2012 - Jaguar Land Rover will draw the world's attention to all things British with the debut of three exciting new luxury models in the U.S. at the 2012 Los Angeles International Automobile Show, November 28 - December 9.

"This year's Los Angeles Auto show is one of the most significant U.S. shows in years for Jaguar Land Rover as we introduce three breakthrough new products," said Jaguar Land Rover North America President, Andy Goss. "Jaguar Land Rover is making major strides to grow the business with highly targeted new products. The new Jaguar F-TYPE, Jaguar XFR-S and all new Range Rover will all make a major impact, specifically in the United States, which will be the world's largest market for all three vehicles."

Making its global debut at the show will be the XFR-S model, the fastest and most powerful saloon Jaguar has ever produced. This is the second model in the ultra-high performance R-S range, with just 200 saloons being offered for the U.S. market - making it one of the most exclusive Jaguar models ever.

Making its U.S. Auto Show Debut in Los Angeles is the all-new 2013 Range Rover. The world's first SUV with a lightweight all-aluminum body, the new Range Rover takes the capabilities of the marque's flagship to a new level, with greater luxury and refinement. The US specification vehicle with the naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 will be approximately 380kgs lighter than the outgoing equivalent. This new aluminum platform delivers significant enhancements in performance and agility, along with an improvement in fuel economy and reduction in CO2 emissions. The new Range Rover goes on sale in December, 2012.

Making its U.S. Auto Show Debut in Los Angeles is the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE, for the first time shown in Black Pack performance trim. An all-new two-seat soft-top convertible sports car built on a front-engine, lightweight aluminum architecture with rear-wheel drive, Jaguar has engineered the F-TYPE to be a true high-performance sports car. The Jaguar F-TYPE combines low vehicle weight, high power and superb aerodynamics to achieve a pure sports car experience, yet with Jaguar elegance and luxury.

The F-TYPE goes on sale in early summer, 2013. Purr-fect.

The all-new F-TYPE, driven by Jaguar Academy of Sports Ambassador Jessica Ennis, made its UK dynamic debut in front of a crowd of 500,000 people at this year's Lord Mayor's Show in London.

With a stunning display of old and new, the F-TYPE made its way along the procession accompanied by two E-Types and got a great reception as it passed by the grandstands.

Jess commented, "It was great being part of the Lord Mayors Show today in the Jaguar F-TYPE. I was amazed how many people turned out to watch the procession.".

Bringing up the rear were two of the most famous E-Types ever built, Chassis No. 4 and No. 24, which were restored by Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth and showed the strong historic links existing between the two models.

In 2011 Jaguar Cars marked the end of the 50th anniversary year of its iconic E-Type in the Lord Mayor's Show with a display of everything that Jaguar is. This year Jaguar celebrated the launching of the all-new F-TYPE with the car making its first public appearance in the UK after being unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

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Coventry: Jaguar Land Rover PLC has today reported its second quarter results for the 2012/2013 fiscal year (Q2 FY13) as £431m profit before tax, a 100% increase on the same period in the last financial year (2011/2012 fiscal year £216m).

The positive result in the second quarter reflects a 29% increase in retail sales volumes (84,749 vehicles in total) globally. The company has generated revenues of over £3.2bn (an increase of £373m).

Commenting on the results, JLR Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ralf Speth said: "Jaguar Land Rover has delivered another quarter of positive results against a challenging economic backdrop. We continue to see strong sales across all of our key markets"

"Jaguar Land Rover will continue to invest in its products, plants and will drive further growth by spending in the region of £2bn across the financial year."

Dr Speth continues."In the third quarter, we will see the first customer deliveries of the all-new Range Rover along with the introduction of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake and all-wheel drive versions of the Jaguar XJ and XF."

Jaguar Land Rover has created over 8,000 new jobs in the last two years to support its ambitious investment and growth plans. This includes 1,100 new jobs at Castle Bromwich; 1,000 new manufacturing posts at the Solihull plant; 1,000 jobs at Halewood and 1,000 engineers.

Jaguar Land Rover moved to three shifts at both its Halewood and Solihull plants during the first half of the financial year to support the increased demand for its products globally.

Jaguar Land Rover invests more in research and development than anyone else in the UK automotive sector and is in the top 10 across all sectors of the British economy.

Topline notes:

Jaguar Land Rover has ambitious plans for sustainable growth and profitability.

Jaguar Land Rover employs 25 000 people and sells vehicles in 170 countries around the world. (80% of business is exported)

Jaguar Land Rover is building a state of the art advanced engine facility at i54 South Staffordshire Business Park investing £355m and creating 750 new jobs. Construction commenced on 20th June 2012 and is ongoing.

Jaguar Land Rover makes a significant contribution to the UK economy contributing £7bn GVA in the last financial year.

One of the UK's largest exporters by value (£8.2bn in 2011) and generates in the region of 85% of its revenue from exports.

12 months to 31 March 2012, JLR generated PBT of £1.5bn with revenues of £13.5bn

JLR is working on plans to extend its global production footprint, particularly in Brazil, India and China.

Jaguar Land Rover is the only UK automotive company to be rated Platinum in the Business in the Community Corporate Social Responsibility Index 2012.

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