Want to be protected in style? Then get ready to safely arrive at any destination in the Jaguar XJ Sentinel Armored Car.

Designed for executives and heads of state, this special XJ car features high strength steels and includes Kevlar backing. It also has an armored inner cell, and “substantial under floor grenade protection.” Thanks to all these security additions, the Sentinel has a ballistic protection rating of B7. If car bombs are your enemy’s form of attack, you’ll be happy to know the car can withstand a “close proximity” blast from 33 lbs of TNT.

As one would expect, the armor adds weight. Sentinel tips the scales at 7,275 lbs, which is 3,144 lbs more than the standard XJ.

Performance, of course, suffers as the run from 0-to-60 in 9.7 seconds and the top speed is limited to 121 mph. This is despite the fact that power is provided by a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

According to Mike O’Driscoll, Jaguar’s Managing Director, “The XJ Sentinel is the ultimate armored luxury limousine. It offers governments, security organizations and private individuals, the highest level of security, with advanced design, refined performance and a beautifully-crafted cabin. The XJ Sentinel will be the vehicle of choice for the most discerning.”

Source: WCF

Much like competitor Porsche, Jaguar has taken on a sedan design to combat Panamera. The XJ keeps a traditional Jaguar front end with larger grill and that famous angry cat logo. The rear end slips down like a giant crashing wave, breaking only for the slanted back window and allowing ample trunk space to fit golf clubs, priceless works of art, and whatever else people with money put in their trunks.

Two wheelbases (XJ and XJL) and three engines (5.0-liter V-8s or supercharged, 385/470/510 hp respectively) are available from your local Jaguar Dealer. Base price ranges from $72,500 to $115,000, so get out that AMEX Black card. The XJ’s drivetrains are shared with Jaguar’s XF. Because aluminum is aluminum the XJ is relatively light. The naturally aspirated short-wheelbase model checks in at 4045 pounds.

Inside, 2011′s XJ looks more like a shuttle from Star Trek The Next Generation – a huge touchscreen navigational and entertainment system is available at your fingertips. Secondary controls as well as instrument panel buttons are thumb-ready on your steering wheel. All-leather interior reminds you exactly why paying over $100,000 for an automobile isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Source: Jalopnik

The XJ220 was based off a Jaguar concept from 1988. It quickly became legend as one of the most expensive and stylish sports cars ever built. At around $580,000 starting price, the multi-billionaire owner could enjoy a V6 that takes you upwards of 200 miles per hour. It barely sold.

You see, XJ220 was the victim of hype and over-ambitious press. Jaguar originally promoted this supercar with an all wheel drive V12, capable of hitting over 220 miles per hour (hence the “220″ in its name). Instead, you ended up with a a car that could just about reach 200, but only contained that 6-cyl and rear wheel drive.

This particular XJ was last seen in Beirut six years after being sold to a customer by the Jaguar Dealer in Dubai. Now it sits wasting away in the dry desert air. A tragic end to the odd story of one of Jaguar’s biggest blunders.

Source: Jalopnik

When you find a dozen old school Jaguar E-Types in a garage what’s your first reaction? Well, that may be a loaded question, since the owner of these 12 classic Jaguars almost junked them all. But after thinking about it for two seconds he realized the mother load that was stumbled upon. You see, all 12 Jags E-Types are in need of intense restoration. Basically, they’ll be a fantastic project for one, or twelve, auto enthusiasts…or a complete nightmare no one will ever wake from!

According to Jalopnik, The seller claims that they will only be sold as a lot…The starting bid is $200,000, and the listing was posted under the category “Jaguar: X-Type.” Which both makes perfect sense (E-types were sold as XK-Es in some markets, including ours) and no sense at all.

So…who wants to make out life long dreams come true and buy this auto blog a dozen Jaguar E-Types?

The Source: Jalopnik

Tata Motors, who own both brands, have yet to build a luxury Jag hybrid. This loan will finance the development of hybrid drivetrains, along with more energy-efficient vehicle bodies.

One of the best directions Jaguar can go is taking their mini sports roadster, the XE concept – they could feature an extended-range hybrid powertrain, as well as a small three-cylinder gasoline engine. Jag is also working on hybrid electric versions of its new XJ sedan.

With Jaguar Land Rover consolidating its powertrains in recent years, the two automakers would certainly share any production-ready hybrid system for use on both Jaguar and Land Rover models. Likewise, research on more efficient bodywork would benefit both brands and could see improved fuel efficiency for the total lineup, as well as reduced construction costs.

Read more: MotorTrend

Via Worldcarfans – JAGUAR TO UNVEIL THE FASTEST XK EVER AT GENEVA SHOW

Jaguar will unveil the latest dramatic evolution of its supercharged XKR coupe at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This XKR delivers a significantly raised maximum speed – up to 174mph from 155mph – and bold styling changes that create an evocative and unique supercharged Jaguar.

The XKR Coupe unveiled at Geneva showcases two new optional performance and styling packs – Speed Pack and Black Pack – that are introduced to the XK range at 2011 Model Year. Jaguar customers have the option to personalise their vehicle to create a car that offers even greater performance without compromising the refinement and luxury for which every Jaguar is renowned.

By raising the XKR’s maximum speed the new car has extended its sporting credentials taking it even further into supercar performance territory.

Russ Varney, Chief Programme Engineer, XK Series, explains the philosophy behind the uprated XKR: “With 510PS and 625Nm of torque, the XKR has immense reserves of power and acceleration which impress everyone who experience it. The car has always had the potential to reach speeds far beyond its original electronically limited maximum and many of our customers have expressed an interest in a car that can safely be driven faster where conditions permit. The new Speed Pack allows them to release some of that potential and give them control of the fastest Jaguar XK we’ve made to date.”

The XKR Coupe featured at the Geneva Show on 4th March 2010 pairs both the optional Speed and Black Packs to create the bold new model, which also sports optional Piano Black veneers on the dashboard and red brake callipers.

The XKR Speed Pack

The XKR Coupe with new optional Speed Pack allows customers to further strengthen their XKR’s already impressive breadth of capability, by extending the car’s top speed from 155mph (250km/h) to an electronically limited 174mph (280km/h) thanks to a unique engine and transmission recalibration.

To ensure the XKR with Speed Pack remains stable at high speeds, the coupe uses a revised front aerodynamic splitter and larger rear spoiler to provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR’s computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

Every XKR with the Speed Pack will come with body-coloured side sills and rear diffuser, and a chrome finish to the window surrounds, upper and lower mesh grilles, side Power Vents and boot lid finisher. Red brake callipers with a Jaguar ‘R’ logo sit inside 20-inch Kasuga alloy wheels.

Customers who order the XKR Coupe with the Speed Pack will be offered a paint palette that is part of the Jaguar Designers’ Choice programme – a range of colours that have been specifically chosen to compliment the performance potential of the car. Seven colours are available on Speed Pack models – Ultimate Black, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Kyanite Blue and Spectrum Blue.

The XKR Speed and Black Pack

For customers looking to create a real statement with their Speed Pack XKR Coupe, the new optional Black Pack allows them to own a bold and purposeful Jaguar with undeniable visual impact thanks to menacing gloss black wheels and exterior detailing.

Available only with the Speed Pack, XKRs fitted with the Black Pack have a paint palette selected from colours that Jaguar’s Design team believe to be ideal for creating a coupe with immediate exclusivity. The Black Pack models will be available in Ultimate Black, Polaris White or Salsa Red and boast eye-catching 20-inch gloss black Kalimnos alloy wheels. Further gloss black finishing is applied to the window surrounds and front grilles. Red painted brake callipers contrast strongly with the black alloy wheels, while body coloured front and rear spoilers and boot lid finisher round out the package. Customers also have the option to apply a sweeping ‘XKR’ side body graphic that runs along the door sills.

Jaguar’s Design Director, Ian Callum, says the new Black Pack is a fitting addition to the XKR: “While Jaguars are about beauty, they are also about speed and power. With the optional Black Pack you can now add a sense of drama and severity to that performance.”

In addition to the Black Pack’s exterior changes, the Jaguar Designers’ Choice programme has also selected a range of interior trims that support the visual impact of the car. All XKRs with the Black Pack will be trimmed with Charcoal leather hides that can be personalised with a range of colour stitching and grain. Three interior finishes and veneers for the fascia and door trims are also available – Dark Oak, Dark Mesh Aluminium and Piano Black.

Other enhancements for 11MY

To underline the XKR’s sporting credentials at 11MY red brake callipers become standard on all XKR Coupe and Convertible models.

A tyre repair Instant Mobility System (IMS) becomes standard on all XK and XKR models. This frees up the 30-litre wheel well, which is now carpeted and can hold a specially designed and tailored XK accessory suitcase, substantially increasing the versatility of the car.

In the UK, retail pricing of the XK range starts at £61,955 for the 5.0 n/a V8 petrol. The Speed Pack costs £3,500 and the Speed and Black Pack costs £4,000. Both are available on XKR Coupe only. For more information go to www.jaguar.co.uk.

Two things you don’t normally hear together – “Hybrid” and “Jet Engine” – well friends, it looks like Jaguar is going to change that. As it goes, Jag is looking to produce a hybrid luxury sports car, which will use a small jet turbine engine to power its electric motor. We know, it sounds like something an Austin Powers villain would create – but the British government is taking this proposal seriously…and giving up $24 million to the car maker for development.

Jaguar is joining with British gas turbine manufacturer Bladon Jets and electric motor manufacturer SR Drives for this creation. This is not the first time Jag has wanted to combine cars & jets – subsidiary U.K. Rover built the first gas turbine-powered car in 1950, the Jet-1. That two-seater was capable of 88 mph (Great Scott!) at an amazing 50,000 rpm.

During the year Jaguar will also celebrate 75 of making some of the world’s greatest automobiles – and delivering concepts to shows like Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival in the UK; the Concours D’Elegance at Pebble Beach in the US and at the Mille Miglia classic in Italy.

Source: GayCarFans | Wired