FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

In January this year, the 2012 Jaguar XF facelift was launched in Malaysia. It is available in three variants: the XF 3.0 V6 priced at RM 488,888, the XF 3.0 V6 diesel S at RM 509,888, and the XFR 5.0 V8 Supercharged at RM 888,888 (OTR excluding road tax and insurance). Despite the new face and interior upgrades, the pricing remained the same.

For folks that want a performance oriented version of the Jaguar XF? The Jaguar XFR will be one of your great choices. This new British luxury muscle sedan is made to rival against commendable models like Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V. With a luxuriously made interior and balanced handling, Jaguar XFR is one of the top super saloons available in the market.

Jaguar XFR sheds a brawny look when compared to other previous models. One of the aspects that differentiate Jaguar XFR from other models is an aggressive looking front outlook along with larger air intake; 20 inches alloy wheels which cover huge cross-drilled rotors as well as full ridges, well-designed hood exhausts or vents, and the unobtrusive rear spoiler. Inside, the XFR has some parts made of dark wood, has special dials, comfortable yet heavily reinforced sports seats which are still elegant and classy. Not only does XFR boast a strong façade but also a powerful mechanical interior like its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine which is able to drive out a good 510 horsepower and a maximum of 461 lb ft torque. These alone are enough to hurtle Jaguar XFR from 0-60 mph (close to 0-100km/h) in just 4.7 seconds. Its powerful V8 engine is secured well to a six speed ZF automatic transmission which allows XFR to quickly but smoothly shift. Paddle shifts also allow manual control giving the XFR an edge over other models. The XFR is also equipped with a smart system called active differential system which has the ability to apportion the supplied power to the wheels giving an optimize traction as well as the ability to detect wheel slippage. Fuel- wise, the XFR is evaluated with 21 mpg on highways and 15 mpg in the cities.

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The above is the report from J.D. Power and Associates – 2011 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The statistics is work based on Problem per 100 Vehicles in North America.

Based on the reliability survey ranks Mini last and it is not surprising us that Porsche is more reliable than Toyota. Frankly, the real Porsche is really solid and durable on the road even with regular track day.

Automakers that above Industry average standards in US are like Infiniti (luxury brand of Nissan in US), Saab, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Buick, Acura (luxury brand of Honda in US), Toyota, Porsche, Jaguar, Lexus and Lincoln.

Automakers that below industry average standards in US are like Smart, Chevrolet, Volvo, Subaru, Kia, Audi, BMW, Scion (slightly economical brand of Toyota), Ram, Mazda, Nissan, GMC, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Chrysler, Dodge, Land Rover, Jeep and MINI.

Cars that below industry average standards that did not surprise us are like BMW, Chevrolet, Land Rover and Kia. But we are doubtful that why Volkswagen and Volvo are under that category. Maybe FastMotoring shall conduct one survey in Malaysia to share with our valued readers.

Jaguar will launch the new Jaguar XKR-S at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1, 2011. With a higher output supercharged V8 engine, revised suspension, and a new aerodynamically-driven design, the Jaguar XKR-S expresses the company’s long held duality of purpose: GT luxury with incredible performance.

The XKR-S is a bold and exciting new model for Jaguar, said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s new Global Brand Director. We expect to attract both loyal and new Jaguar driving enthusiasts who still want the comfort, opulence and class only a Jaguar can offer, combined with inspirational performance.

The Jaguar XKR-S produces 550 hp with 502 lb/ft of torque, offers a top speed of 186mph (300km/h), and can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds. Full details, images and video of the Jaguar XKR-S will be released at the Geneva Motor Show press day on March 1, 2011.

Photo Gallery: Jaguar XKR-S

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Every year journalist all over the world gather to test-drives and choose their favourite World Car of the Year (WCOTY). The 2010 World Car of the Year Nominees list is out. And the Nominees for the Overall World Car of the Year: 2010 are,

• Audi Q5
• BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
• BMW X1
• BMW Z4
• Buick LaCrosse / Allure
• Cadillac SRX
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Citro«n C3 Picasso
• Honda Insight
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• Hyundai i20
• Infiniti QX
• Jaguar XJ
• Kia Cerato Koup / Forte
• Kia Sorento
• Kia Soul
• Lexus HS250h
• Lexus RX
• Mazda3
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan 370Z / 370Z Roadster
• Nissan Cube
• Nissan Patrol
• Peugeot 3008
• Porsche Boxster / Cayman
• Porsche Panamera
• Renault Sc©nic
• Subaru Legacy / Outback
• Toyota Prius

The voting and test-drive process will take place from now until the April 1, 2010 for the annoucement of All World Car award winners at New York International Auto Show.

For more info, you may refer the official World Car of the Year 2010 awards website.