We’ve just received a tip from JaguarMania that Jaguars 256hp 3.5L petrol V8 is expected to power a new entry level XK. Additional reports from Le Moniteur Automobile also confirm this and both suggest the 3.5L engine has been specially tuned for the XK as has the cars exhaust system in an effort to deliver sportier performance. Don’t expect to see 3.5L XKs everywhere as they’re only intended for select European markets such as Germany, Portugal, Austria, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The 3.5L XK should reach 62mph in around 7 seconds and prices are said to start around 75,000 euros, which is about 10,000 euros less than the standard 4.2L XK.

Source: JaguarMania, Le Moniteur Automobile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI2DB-e5jHA

Lotus is about to change everyone’s thinking when it comes to plugin electric vehicles. The APX Lotus concept shown at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show will go into production in the not to distant future under the ZAP-X brand. It’s an all-wheel-drive all-electric crossover with an extremely lightweight aluminum chassis. It’ll go from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and all 644 horses are delivered by in-hub electric motors. Even more amazing is the new advanced battery management system that delivers a 350-mile range, and only takes 10 minutes to recharge! Above is a recent video of the ZAP-X from the floor of the NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

A Breckland based sports car manufacturer will attempt to drive from Norwich to Monaco on one tank of bio-diesel fuel in an incredible motoring first. Continue Reading »
“1000 Green Miles” - One tank of bio-diesel - One journey…. Norwich to Monaco….

“Off road, the domain it has ruled for nearly 60 years, the Defender is now more mind-meltingly able than ever. This is a car that will tackle a 45-degree slope going forwards or backwards. It will wade through water half a metre deep without modification and traverse a 35-degree hill. Its approach and departure angles are both an astounding 47 degrees” Autocar - Full Review

According to a recent AutoWeek report, TVRs new U.S. backers are pulling out all stops to make sure production is successfully restarted and cars are readied for new markets such as the U.S. A network of 45 U.S. dealers are said to be gearing up for the Sagaris, which will be the first new TVR model to reach U.S. shores since the 1980s. TVR bodies will still be manufactured in England but final assembly could be outsourced to Bertone in Italy. U.S. spec Sagaris will be powered by a British Speed-Six Ricardo 4.0L inline-six engine delivering 400hp and the rumored 600hp Typhoon is also in the pipeline, but at this point enthusiasts will most likely take a wait and see approach as the last few months have been full of speculation. The U.S. spec Sagaris is due to start production in 2008 and there are also plans to start a U.S. racing series.

Source: AutoWeek

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCP9Nl398eI

On March 28, 269 MINIs gathered in Blackpool, England to set a new Guinness World Record for the “longest MINI convoy in the world”, breaking a record that was previously set by 195 cars from the Vancouver MINI club in 2004. The YouTube video above is a photo collage from the event. Looks like great fun!

 

The Jaguar XJ has picked up the award for the ‘Best Large Executive Car’ at the Auto Express Used Car Honours 2007, announced today in the Auto Express weekly magazine. Continue Reading »
Jaguar XJ voted Best Large Executive Car at the AutoExpress Used Car Honours 2007

 

Lotus Cars USA, Inc. is pleased to announce the 35th Anniversary commemorative edition type 72D. This exclusive Collectible Edition model memorializes one of the finest Formula 1 designs of all time — the Lotus 72. It was in this vehicle that the legendary Emerson Fittipaldi proved unstoppable, winning five of eleven races in 1972, thus becoming the youngest champion in F1 history. Continue Reading »
Lotus introduces limited Elise 72D at New York Auto Show

 

Bentleys Continental GT and Flying Spur are both scheduled for a facelift in the near future and luckily for Bentley enthusiasts Auto.cz has snapped the Flying Spur while out testing. Previous reports suggest the GT and Flying Spur will receive slightly modified exteriors and revised interiors. The photo top doesn’t show much, but jump over to Auto.cz for better photos and an interior spy pic too.

“The power from the 210bhp engine is exhilarating in a car weighing just over half a ton but it’s the torque delivery that really wows. Want to overtake in sixth gear at 40mph with something like 1,500rpm indicated? No problem. This is not driving as passive experience: the aural assault is phenomenal, from the wind noise, the engine induction, the transmission tunnel by your left elbow, the exhaust by your right thigh. The air crackles and fizzes with the car’s energy” Telegraph - Full Review