Mahindra had put in dubs earlier in the race – but pulled out for what reason we don’t know. Yet, with the support of Apollo they decided that they have a much better chance at winning.

Presentations will be made to union leaders and John Hutton, Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise ,by the prospective buyers this week. Other contenders for the two carmakers which employ 15,000 people in the Midlands, include Indian industrial conglomerate Tata and private equity group One Equity. A key part of the negotiations is thought to involve the use of intellectual property and Ford’s continuing involvement.

One source said: “The intellectual property issue is important because Ford does not want the money it has invested in these companies being transferred outside to compete against it in other markets. “But at the same time a bidder wants full use of what it is buying.”

The presentations to Mr. Hutton have come about at the instigation of Ford, which is keen to retain its good links with the Government. Because of union fears over the record of private equity in business and Ford’s desire to maintain a positive image in the UK – where it is the biggest selling car brand – the Indian bidders are more likely to win.

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!

Under the hood of every XJ, a surging V8 throbs. In standard trim, the engine is a 4.2-liter aluminum V8 developing 300 horsepower with cam phasing to boost throttle response and reduce emissions. And this torque-rich power addresses the road with ardor.

Gear changes are accomplished via a 6-speed ZF transmission, matched to the car´s power curve to deliver smooth, precise shifts. In the R version, one of Jaguar´s most powerful production engines, a supercharger is added, increasing output to 400 horsepower and enabling the car to accelerate from 0-60 in 5 seconds.

XJ´s remarkable system of occupant protection helps reassure any driver. Pretensioned 3-point safety belts serve all seating positions, and energy absorbent seats help guard front passengers. Adaptive Restraint Technology deploys driver and passenger airbags according to numerous factors including occupant position, weight and safety belt use, and side curtain airbags drop from above doors to help shield occupants.

Traction control varies power to wheels to limit slip. Four-channel anti-lock brakes, largest in the XJR and Super V8, stop the car with confidence and¾in demanding conditions¾team with Dynamic Stability Control to vary braking force at each wheel to help manage grip. Individual tire pressure is continuously monitored, even the spare. Emergency Brake Assist measures brake pedal activation in emergencies and initiates full braking effect. And built into the car´s aluminum body are crumple zones and a rigid safety cell. Comforting, all in all.

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!

Jaguar claimed a 25 percent increase in body stiffness over the XJS. Jaguar’s first V8 engine went under the hood, a 4.0-liter aluminum unit with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.

Also new was the 5-speed automatic transmission, from the German ZF company. In its novel console-mounted “J-gate,” a 2-plane shift quadrant permitted manual gear selection when the lever was moved to the left-side slot. Dual front airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were standard, along with speed-sensitive power steering.

The 17-inch wheels held Z-rated tires.The convertible has a fully lined power soft top with glass window and electric defroster. Both models had Automatic Stability Control, which throttled back engine power to maintain traction during low-grip conditions.

Full traction control, which also applied brakes as needed, was part of an optional All-Weather Package that included heated seats and headlamp washers. The only other options were a trunk-mounted 6-disc CD player, premium 240-watt Harman-Kardon audio system, custom paint, and chrome wheels.[ConsumerGuide]

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!

All models have a 4.2-liter V8. The XJ8, XJ8 L, and Vanden Plas have 300 hp. The supercharged XJR and Super V8 have 400. A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard, as are front side airbags and curtain side airbags.

All models also have a load-leveling suspension with automatic-adjusting shock absorbers. The XJR has a firmer suspension than other models and unique styling cues. Vanden Plas and Super V8 versions have a more luxurious interior treatment.

A DVD entertainment system with a video screen in the back of each front headrest is standard on Super V8, available on XJR. Optional are adaptive cruise control, four-zone automatic climate control, heated front and rear seats, and a navigation system.

The Super V8 Portfolio is the first Jaguar sedan priced over $100,000. Portfolio has unique trim, additional leather and wood appointments, and two-passenger rear seating divided by a center console.

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!

The all-new Jaguar XK is the first of a new generation of cars that reflects the best of everything that Jaguar is associated with.  From gorgeous, contemporary design to renowned craftsmanship and quality, alongside the latest driver, focused technologies, and of course exhilarating performance.

Light and agile, the all-new Jaguar XK accelerates faster, stops quicker than the previous generation, steel-bodied XK8 and has exceptional dynamic abilities, as Jaguar’s Chief Engineer Mike Cross, explains: ‘The XK may be the epitome of sporting elegance but it is also a true driver’s car in which we have managed to combine a very special balance of superb driving dynamics and comfort.

Traditional Jaguar craftsmanship elements have been retained on the all-new Jaguar XK, but it’s the use of aerospace technologies that have resulted in the most technically advanced Jaguar production car ever created.  One of the key elements of the all-new Jaguar XK is the use of latest technologies including Jaguar’s industry-leading aluminum body structures and rivet bonding techniques, both recently introduced in the construction of Jaguar’s full-size XJ sedan. Both techniques make the XJ sedan significantly lighter and stronger than its competitors, which benefits handling and fuel economy.

Jaguar design director Ian Callum describes the XK as having ‘clean lines, a purposeful stance and exquisite proportions’.  ‘The fundamental values of Jaguar design do not change,’ explains Callum. ‘We took influences from our heritage and evolved them to produce a car that is beautiful, visually fast yet undeniably modern, just as Sir William Lyon’s (Jaguar founder) own designs were in their day.’

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!

The new S-TYPE also introduces a significantly improved interior, adding to the feel of contemporary luxury. A redesigned instrument pack emphasises the S-TYPE’s sporty character as well as presenting more information more clearly, and there is now a greater choice of colour and trim options. S-TYPE Sport and S-TYPE R models now have as standard a sporty aluminium facia finish. This style was made famous in Jaguar sports cars, such as the 1961 E-TYPE, but this is the first time that S-TYPE customers have been able to choose an interior without wood trim. Like the exterior, the new interior sees further improvements in material and build quality. Sporting luxury is the key-note here, in a cabin infused with Jaguar quality, from the cleverly engineered, driver-orientated ergonomics to the satisfying feel of the controls and trim. The new S-TYPE also offers an even broader catalogue of comfort and convenience features, from new wheel styles to advanced cruise control and parking aid options.

The range of petrol engines and transmissions is unchanged, but will be extended by the addition of an all-new diesel option in the middle of 2004. Petrol engine choices begin with Jaguar’s refined and efficient all-aluminium 2.5 and 3.0 litre V6s and also include both naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of the 4.2 litre V8 – the most powerful series production engine Jaguar has ever made. It is a range that offers everything, from the efficiency of the 2.5 litre V6, with its class-leading 201bhp (DIN) power output, 29.6mpg combined economy and low 229g/km CO2 rating, to the 155mph (and just 5.3sec from 0-60mph) performance of the supercharged 400bhp (DIN) S-TYPE R. Both versions of the 4.2 V8 are combined with Jaguar’s six-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard. Both V6s are available with either the six-speed automatic or a five-speed Getrag manual gearbox.

The new S-TYPE enhances Jaguar’s reputation for sporting character in a luxury saloon car. In 2002 the S-TYPE gained all-new front suspension and extensively revised rear suspension. The refined and sporty layout continues into the new S-TYPE, with a modified suspension including low friction ball joints and re-tuned dampers, providing improved ride and dynamics. Across the range the new S-TYPE features Servotronic variable-ratio power steering, powerful brakes with ABS anti-lock and Emergency Brake Assist, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control, all as standard equipment.

With the same underpinnings as its immediate predecessor, the new S-TYPE continues to deliver the outstandingly supple ride, taut body control and agile handling that are defining characteristics of Jaguar’s sporting chassis dynamics. Sports suspension with uprated springs and dampers is available as an option, as are 18-inch alloy wheels on all versions of the new S-TYPE.

“The suspension revisions to the new S-TYPE are subtle but significant making the car even more refined and comfortable. The steering is very connected, linear and positive. The driving dynamics overall are a combination of stability and sporting agility, which makes the S-TYPE very satisfying to drive.” Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar Cars.

The S-TYPE introduced the Electronic Parking Brake – an industry first in the executive segment – and that is now standard across all of the new S-TYPE range. Jaguar’s acclaimed Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), with electronically adjustable dampers for maximum control and comfort, is standard on the R model and optional on others.

A comprehensive armoury of safety features, from a strong bodyshell, through Electronic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control, to Jaguar’s innovative Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) is standard across the range. The new S-TYPE’s Category 1 Thatcham-approved security systems, including items such as automatic drive-away locking, are equally comprehensive. Together, the new S-TYPE’s safety and security features ensure very competitive insurance groupings.

The new S-TYPE holds further attractions for the rational buyer who expects strong value even from a luxury marque. From entry level to the top of the range, the Jaguar S-TYPE offers competitive pricing, in spite of richer standard feature specifications and extensive use of advanced technologies. It has competitive CO2 ratings, with the accompanying tax advantages for company car users, and strong residual values, making it attractive to user-chooser company car drivers who appreciate low whole-life costs as well as style. But crucially, while making so many gains, the new S-TYPE retains its unique and powerful Jaguar personality – a combination of bold, distinctive styling, sporting dynamics, outstanding comfort and refinement, and unrivalled emotional resonance. So the most captivating S-TYPE ever is also the most complete.

Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!