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According to this month's C&D, the engines in the production XF will start with the Duratec 35 rather than Volvo's 3.2, the midrange 4.2 will probably carry over with perhaps a small bump in power, and the R version will get a new 5.0L V8 with 500hp.
I saw that photoshop quite awhile ago. That's NOTHING like the final product.
How do I know? Recently, spy shots were released of the XF on the dreaded AutoSpies.com. It looks very close to the concept, which is a great thing. This car will be very hot, very new, and will definitely take Jaguar into the twenty-first century-- if the XK hasn't already.
A link to the article with the spyshots:
http://www.autospies.com/news/Never-seen-before-spy-Photos-is-this-the-CLS-killer-from-BMW-16043/
For some reason, the poster thought it was the new BMW CS. I could quite easily see that it was the XF. I'm very excited, because the car might end up in our garage, if the S-Class hybrid doesn't beat it to the market.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
The engine in Ford products thus far seems to range from 250-260hp. I would guess that after the Jag makeover, it will produce at least 275. While it most likely won't be as fast as the 535i, it should at least be very competitive with the rest of the V6 mid-lux class.
My daughter recently had to give up her S4 Cab to by a Q7 due to having a child. Through the process of her buying the Q7, I had the chance to have the S4 for about a month until we sold it. Boy what a blast. I see why you proudly stand firm on the S variants of the Audi's. So I don't think at all that car is short on luxury and sport, but factoring in the Porsche and to lesser extent the AMG-equipped Benz CLK, and it makes for a tough choice.
HOWEVER, this is one of those rare cars that is technically in a class all to itself. It's more substantial than the M3 Convertible but is not in step with the M6 in price and to a lesser extent, performance, although it holds its own.
Esf, you should know that with me owning a W12 and an S8, I hold Audi cars to be very great machines of wonder. I love their quirkiness right along with their sophistication and innovation.
First, the on and off again deal regarding the Yamaha-sourced 4.4L V8's to subplant the 4.2L. Then Ford said that engine was to expensive to pass the cost on to the consumer. Now there is word that the 4.2L will get direct injection to step more in line with horsepower and emissions.
Then there is the deal with the V6 and high-output V8 models. The 3.2L is said to be in short supply(and it really is not all that powerful and not as smooth as the top German engines), making the Duratec the likely source intially. They should definetely not miss the ball with dropping at least 300hp in the base V-6 model, matching BMW, trumping MB and Audi.
The R, OTOH, is supposed to get the same treatment as the upcoming XKR-R, develping at least 500-bhp from the race-sourced 5.0L V8.
I surely hope this is the direction that our "personal coupe" maker is taking. Don't introduce us the stunning CX-F and drop the ball on performance and powertrain. Handling should not be a problem as this car is newly introduced to the Nurburgring too.
I agree that using Volvo's 3.2 in its normally aspirated form would be a bad choice. They would be replacing an ancient 235hp 3.0L V6 with a new 235hp 3.2L inline. That wouldn't go over too well. The new turbocharged 3.2T version that is supposed to slot in the middle of the S80 lineup though would have enough power for Jag duty.
As for the amount of power they are able to wring out of the Duratec 35, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. It's still too new to know what its capabilities are. The Jagified S-type 3.0L only made 14hp more than the Lincoln Zephyr version, but I think there was only so much that could be done with that engine.
It also sounds like even with 300hp they wouldn't be able to trump Audi for long, as apparently a 300hp 3.0T FSI is in the works.
Here's a link to a Russian blog site:
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Yeah I've been following this one too. The new 3.0T or 3.2T(which ever story you believe and read) is supposed to churn out something around the 300-310 range, thanks to a low-output(5 psi) turbocharger from the same people that supply AMG with the turbos for the V12's. And with the switch, Audi says that the engine will increase mileage by 2 miles City and 4/hwy depending on transmission choices(the DSG will get better mileage than the manual-equipped cars) because of better fuel mapping from new technology with Audi/VW direct injection and VVT systems.
This engine is supposed to be ready with the mid-life freshening of the A6 and the release of the new A4. But then you hear that the A5 will be coming to our shore with the 3.2L FSI V-6 rated at 261-hp, thanks to the 1MM bore to the engine. It now is truly a 3.2L engine, which up until now really was a 3.1L. So I don't now what to believe.
Notice the location of the exhaust.
Overall, though, I'm good with this... gives the impression of a flying wing. Very swooping appearance, and futuristic, too.
TagMan
The $130-200K sub-exotic class is blowing up in a big way. In a few years the choices will range from the Aston Vantage, R8, BMW Z9, Acura NSX, Lexus GT, 911, Gallardo, F430, a possible Lotus Esprit, and now whatever Mercedes ends up calling this (unfortunately "HWA" doesn't have the same ring to it as AMG or McLaren, so I hope that stays off the name).
Do you have any links on that 3.2 turbo? Where can I find info on that?
Most likely.
The fact that the Audi R8 is so humbly priced and is mentioned with the likes of the Gallardo and a future MB HWG is a testament of how competitive Audi has become.
The problem with the future ulta-lux sport segment is that incremental improvements in performance becomes harder and harder to accomplish the faster cars can go. And what happens to road accident statistis when future mainstream sports cars have the same performance as a current high end Ferarri and Lambo?
Once you reach the 3 to 4 second range of 60mph performance then the marginal improvements in this segments will sooner or later become incrementally insignificant. Maybe that day has already arrived with the new Audi R8. Paying a 6 figure amount of extra $$ for the incremental performance of a Gallardo seems kind of silly IMO. At the other end of the spectrum it is far easier to improve an i4 engine's performance more substantially than a V12/W12s.
Similarily BMW significantly understates the potential of its twin turbo i6 engines in order to differentiate the power of its V8s(BMW 550i) and its new generation M3.
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'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Might I have posted this query already? Anyway, my humble Acura TL will shortly be in need of a new pair of sneakers, I shant miss the Bridgestone Turanza EL42s... From TireRack reviews/tests of UHP AS tires, I'm looking at:
Continental ContiExtremeContacts
Kuhmo Ecsta ASX
Pirelli PZero Nero M & S
Brigdestone RE960 Pole Position
Do any of y'all have any experience/opinions with any of the above sneaks? The Contis review highly and some posters here at Edmunds have also given them a recommend, yet they are outperformed in assorted TireRack tests by the others. The Kuhmos seem like they may be quite the deal (although the Contis are just a few scheckles more...).
Any thoughts?
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
But all said, I can't remember the exact versions of the tires, only that they were supposed to be the best at that time. So my feedback is not as specific as you probably need.
TagMan
I wore out the original Firestones on my car, then went with Michelin Pilots (for a pretty penny) & now these. The Michelins were great, but the Kuhmos seem close enough for me.
I don't think this is the HWA car. This is supposed to be a near $100K car.
The HWA car will be a supercar with a super price tag.
TagMan
I wore out the original Firestones that came on my car (good wear & grip, but noisy toward the end), then a set of Michelin Pilot All-Seasons (expensive, but nice -- squealed on corners), then these -- excellent grip, quiet (both on corners & straight-line), cheap & wear fine.
I've got 111K miles on my car, so I'll probably replace two of the Kuhmos (didn't rotate them as much as I should have) with a pair of the same before I sell it, sometime in the next year.
Excellent performers. By the way, Continentals were the BMW "haus" tires for these vehicles.
I will be putting on a new set within a few weeks.
My road bike has also been outfitted with Continentals. (Continental Gatorskins)
"Continental is the number one tire manufacturer in Germany, number 2 in Europe and number 4 worldwide." (This from their website)
When it was time to replace them, I went with the Michelin Pilot Sport 2's as they are time and time again right there with the Pirelli tires in terms of performance, but has that resolute Michelin quietness that is so desired along with a great wear rating. It's been at least 10 months of drivng on these and they still have at least 95% of the tread life left. That's pretty good as I put about 100 miles on the car a week.
However, I must say that Bridgestone builds one heck of a tire also. I haven't read much on the new Pole Position tires, but the RE0 50A tires were pretty darn good, having being put on some of the best sports cars and sedans. I probably would've went these but they don't make them in the size needed for my Audi. If your money is not Michelin long, then the Bridgestones should suffice very well.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
If it did, I would not pass go.. I would go straight to Honda dealer and buy one.
TagMan
I don't believe anyone here said that. If so, I must have missed it.
As for me, our family will likely have the following combination of cars in the future:
1. Primary SUV = Mercedes GL (hopefully diesel)
2. Primary Sports Car = Porsche Carrera S Cabriolet
3. Secondary SUV/CUV = Smaller diesel or hybrid-powered SUV/CUV (which brand depends upon market availability)
4. HELC (currently '05 XJ Vanden Plas, but will definately change that in the future, or eliminate owning a HELC vehicle altogether)
So, I don't see myself choosing the CR-V over a Mercedes, as you put it. Unfortunately, there will not be a diesel CR-V anytime soon, which is too bad. BTW, the CR-V has replaced the Ford Explorer as the nations #1 selling SUV. It's a great little vehicle for the money, IMO.
TagMan
Please don't twist my point. :surprise: :confuse:
(Ummmm On a second thought, I would do the same as Houidini1 and Tagman. If the CR-V looks better :shades:)
Jose
The HWA car will be a supercar with a super price tag.
From Automotive News: "Mercedes-Benz will turn to a new partner to build its next super sports car. Mercedes has commissioned HWA AG, a spin-off of its AMG performance arm, to develop and produce the car. It will compete with Audi's new premium sports car, the R8".
If that picture was of M-B's R8 fighter, HWA are the ones doing it.
BTW, interesting point on possibly eliminating HELC altogether in your personal roster. I agree that HELC as a vehicle category is increasingly out of step with how the rest of the industry is developing . . . the value to cost ratio is increasingly out of step with what else is out there. Sometimes I can't help wonder if HELC's have high price tags just because they conjure up memories of a time when cars were expensive.
That's a big "IF".
Based on a blurb I had read and Automotive News, I was under the impression that HWA would be building a "supercar", but the info that accompanied the photo suggested that MB is wanting to keep the price of the car in the photo closer to $100K+ ($100K-$125K).
My impression of "supercar" pricing is higher than that, so that makes me think that the $100K+ car in the pic is not the same as the HWA car that will be forthcoming.
But, perhaps your suggestion is right, though, and they might be the same car. It certainly makes sense, particularly given the price point of the R8.!!
And, whatever the final car is to be, I definately also hope they don't call it HWA, but a small badge wouldn't matter at the end of the day... the car itself will be what matters most of all.
TagMan
Absolutely, the HELC becomes less significant to my roster, in part due to the fact that the GL is nice enough to do double duty beyond just the SUV... it is also a nice way to ride with another couple or some friends.
The HELC would just be wasted dollars for its limited use and need, at least in my situation.
TagMan
I don't think I would replace my LX with a CRV any time soon but I certainly might replace my Acura RL with one if it had a nice diesel engine.
Yes, I would probably feel weird driving a CRV, but hey, it would be worth it to screw the terrorists out of oil money don't you think? It would darn sure make me feel good!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Corolla and Sienna are surely next on Toyota's hit list, but I think Toyota has it's hands full, making enough batteries to fulfill Prius demand.
As has been widely reported, Toyota is beyond bullish on Hybrids and the future of Toyota. By 2010, I'd expect another couple of models to sprout Hybrid power.
Highlander Hybrid has been quite successful, as it sucessfully increases economy and power equally. I wouldn't expect a Hybrid van to have added power. Thge '07 Sienna is the most powerful on the market.
DrFill
We aren't soon going to see a Sienna hybrid until Toyota can develop lighter and more fuel efficient lithium ion batteries. Toyota has delayed their hybrid efforts in order to focus on fixing up their quality problems:
Toyota Corp., worried over the safety of lithium-ion battery technology, has decided not to use that technology for the initial versions of its next-generation Prius gasoline-electric hybrid car, whose launch was scheduled for the autumn of 2008, according to individuals familiar with Toyota's product plans.
The move, those individuals said, is aimed chiefly at dealing with potential problems with the application in the redesigned Prius of lithium-ion batteries, a new technology that packs more electricity in the same space and weight than the nickel-metal hydride batteries used in nearly all hybrid vehicles sold today. Toyota had hoped the new battery technology would allow its engineers to halve the size of the current hybrid propulsion system that uses the nickel-metal hydride batteries, thereby making the hybrid substantially cheaper and more fuel efficient.
The lithium-ion battery technology that was under consideration is based on lithium cobalt oxide and has shown a tendency to overheat and catch fire, a problem that has bedeviled computer makers using lithium-ion batteries made by Japan's Sony Corp. and others.
The delay also comes in response to the recent rise in product recalls and other quality gaffes in new Toyota vehicles, the individuals who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
They said the decision was made ultimately by Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe, who has voiced concern about Toyota's vehicle quality -- what he has repeatedly called the auto maker's "lifeline."
People familiar with GM's product plans said GM had all but given up its hopes to beat Toyota to market with a gasoline-electric hybrid with a lithium-ion battery pack. GM, those people said, has been aiming at launching a Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid by the autumn of 2009. "This is a big break" for GM, one of those people said.
A Toyota spokesman said, "we always try to launch a product in a most timely fashion as possible."
The move is part of Mr. Watanabe's effort to slow down the pace of product development in order to shore up vehicle quality. Last year, he told The Wall Street Journal that after a review, the company concluded that engineers in some cases might have rushed out products without conducting enough quality checks. He said he intended to boost the number of those quality checks and would hire more engineers to do so.
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TagMan
This could very well be the one I'm going to get for myself. The wife can have its 7-passenger big brother, the GL. I would be fine with this little SUV when the 911 isn't the best choice to drive.
And also this little blurb:
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TagMan
Toyota has released a lot of new product over the last two years, plus production expansion, has taken it's toll, but Toyota knows product drives sales, and Hybrids are hot.
New Highlander, Sequioa and Tundra are priorities for now.
In '09, the Hybrid scuttlebutt will pick up with a redesigned Prius, and Next Corolla getting one by mid-gen.
DrFill
1. The LI battery delay.
2. Handling the demand for the current Prius, and the necessary components.
3. An overall slowdown in order to get the quality back on track, which has been slipping recently.
TagMan
I think someone will jump to Lithium before Toyota, but Toyota will take it's time and make sure Lithium is right before implementing it.
Toyota will be alright.
DrFill
I think we can both agree that Toyota is doing the right thing to make sure the LI battery situation is totally good before going to market with it.
And... it's true that Toyota has suffered some quality setbacks recently, and a little time to "catch their breath" would be a good thing. I applaud them for admitting the reality of their situation and deliberately taking the time to slow down and correct it.
TagMan
Toyota execs are actually listening to Toyota USA Sales. Figuring out where their bread is buttered. :surprise:
DrFill
It's a good thing to be driven to be reliable from internal sources, IMO.
TagMan
Not a difficult contest. Beating the X3 in the looks department. The X5 has it all over the X3 in styling.
That MB does look pretty nice.
It really is an attractive little SUV, IMO. The style is absolutely stellar. With a nice selection of powerplants, I expect it to be a huge hit.
For me, it can't come soon enough. I'd buy it today.
TagMan
Is it? I'm not sure I like its very upright, truckish proportions, and that mammoth C-pillar will likely lead to the same visibility problems as the FJ Cruiser.
Without any reference points it is hard to tell about the size. Sometimes these small SUVs are just too small looking.
I have never liked the ML that much because to me, from certain angles, the rear looks sort of droopy. Sort of like a dog with its tail tucked between its legs. I don't see that with the GLK.
Thanks for posting the pics.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460