Automotive Einstein

The styling of the 2011 Jaguar XJ doesn’t excite me, but I also don’t find it offensive. Get behind the wheel, though, and the XJ elicits strong emotions. The 470-hp supercharged V-8 is so smooth and so authoritative. As usual, though, Jaguar’s expertise in chassis tuning is what really shines. Steering and handling are confident while the ride is comfortable. Surrounded by a band of lovely dark wood, the cabin combines old-school luxury with modern style. Even with the dark cloud of Jaguar reliability hanging around, it’s easy to understand why someone would own this dynamic hero.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Jaguar XJ – Automobile Magazine

Here’s one reason not to judge a book by its cover: the outgoing Jaguar XJ8. You look at it and think, “It’s a hundred years old.”

Photo Gallery: 2011 Jaguar XJ – Jaguar Luxury Sedan Review – Automobile Magazine

With 510 hp on tap and a top end of 155 mph, Jaguar’s XKR is certainly quick. But buyers hankering for a faster pussycat will love what the automaker has in store for 2011.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Jaguar XKR Speed Pack – 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars – Automobile Magazine

The auto industry may be coming off its worst year in recent memory, but you’d never know it from driving a crop of dozens of new cars, as we just did during our annual All-Stars competition. The level of excellence was high, and the competition was keen – so much so that thirty-nine cars received votes for the ten All-Star spots. In the end, though, our balloting produced a list of true standouts that span a wide range of the automotive spectrum.

Photo Gallery: 2010 Automobile All Stars – Our 10 Favorite New Cars – Automobile Magazine

Only a Jaguar could do this to us. What other car could sweep us off our collective feet with its power, comfort, and elegance, then malfunction repeatedly, and yet remain so beguiling as to make us feel sorry when it leaves? It’s not the story we wanted – nor expected – to tell, but it is indeed the bittersweet tale of our Four Seasons Jaguar XF Supercharged.

Photo Gallery: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged – Long Term Wrap-Up Review – Automobile Magazine

Having just spent the week on vacation, I arrived at Detroit Metro airport to find the new 2010 Jaguar XKR Coupe waiting for me. How lucky we are. The car looks amazing from all angles and is attractive to a wide range of people. I got two compliments on the car before I even got out of the parking lot. The rear hatch area is surprisingly spacious, easily accommodating three pieces of luggage: one large bag and two carry-on pieces. Once inside the car, you can see the new “JaguarDrive Selector” that was adopted from the XF for 2010. As you would expect from Jaguar, the front seats are very comfortable and offer electric bolster adjustments that can be operated by a button on the interior door panel. Although rear seats exist, they are much too small for an adult to fit comfortably.

Judging by the new-model intros from European carmakers, you’d think the bubble economy was still going strong. At Mercedes-Benz, AMG has been developing a new supercar and a new E63; BMW’s M division has laid its hands on the X5 and the X6; Porsche is rolling out the Panamera; and Alfa Romeo has priced its 8C roadster at a cool $300K. It’s sort of a collective, “What, me worry?” spoken with a (mostly German) accent.

Photo Gallery: New Cars for 2010: Europe – 2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG – Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: New Cars for 2010: Europe – 2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG – Automobile Magazine