Jaguar XJ-L, Evoque on James Bond 007 Skyfall Set [Video]‎

Supercar spotter Shmee150 has turned into a spy video maker, since he says he accidentally spotted a long wheelbase version of the Jaguar XJ on the set of the next James Bond movie. The filming was taking place in London and there were also a few Range Rover Evoques there, which we’re inclined to believe had something to do with the making of the new 007 movie.

Oh, and the black Range Rover you see at 1:33 is supposed to be driverless. There’s a gig on top of the car where the actual driver sits, and the actors sit in the back, so when the camera is on you get to thinking there is no driver.

Skyfall will mark Daniel Craig’s third sitting as James Bond. The plot of the 23rd Bond film that’s to be released in October is still very much a secret. All we know right now is that James Bond's loyalty to M is challenged over secrets from her past. Oh, and Naomie Harris will play the bond girl, which saddens us as Gemma Arterton fans.

Source: Auto Evolution

Jaguar XJ L Review: AutoExpress

British luxury flagship gets a refresh for 2012 – but is it still better to drive than be driven in? 

 Rating:

It's one of the most stylish luxury cars on sale right now – and one that owners would sooner drive themselves, rather than let the chauffeur take charge. But where the Jaguar XJ is concerned, is it better to be in the front or back?

To find out, we tested the 2012 model year XJ L – a subtly updated long-wheelbase version, which gets an enhanced interior and some more luxurious options aimed at improving comfort.

Costing £3,005 more than the standard saloon, the XJ L adds an extra 125mm to the wheelbase for even more rear legroom, so you can really stretch out. The extra length fortunately doesn’t detract from the XJ’s stylish design, and neither does it affect the driving experience, as our extended test drive from London to the Orkney Islands revealed.

As you’d imagine with a car of this type, the XJ L made light work of the motorway sections of our 1,340-mile round trip. Even at speed, hardly any road, engine or wind noise enters the cabin, allowing you to really appreciate the clarity of the superb 1200w Bowers & Wilkins stereo, which is standard on the Portfolio model driven here. It also has ventilated massage front seats, which really take the sting out of long driving stints.

Where the XJ L excels, though, is on a twisty A-road. Thanks to wonderfully precise steering, strong grip and agility that belies its size, this is one luxury limo than can also do a good impression of a sports car.

This sensation is enhanced by the wraparound cockpit, the ability to take control of the slick automatic gearbox with steering-wheel mounted paddles and the way the all-digital instrument dials turn red when you put the car into Dynamic mode.

The XJ L is available with a range of powerful engines, including a supercharged V8 with more than 500bhp. However, it’s the 3.0-litre diesel that makes the most sense.

With sufficient grunt for effortless overtaking – something that proved vital on the busy single-carriageway roads of the Scottish Highlands – and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 40.1mpg, it offers a perfect blend of performance and economy.

But while the XJ L feels brilliant from the driver’s seat, it’s not quite a class leader when it comes to the all-important rear seats. Of course, there is acres of legroom and the seats are extremely comfortable – even more so thanks to the addition of a new option package that includes electric recline, lumbar adjustment and the massage functions. However, the sloping roof limits headroom a little and the sporty suspension means the XJ L feels a bit fidgety on rougher surfaces compared to the totally unflappable Mercedes S-Class. And while the modern interior is beautifully made, it still doesn’t feel quite as special or as expensive as an Audi A8’s.

However, if you’re going to be spending most of your time in the front seat, none of this really matters. The XJ L is the limousine for those who prefer to have a steering wheel, rather than a newspaper, in their hands.

Source: Auto Express UK

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Jaguar XJL - The nicest ride I have ever driven

The 2011 Jaguar XJL sedan

2011 Jaguar XJL Supercharged

I consider myself a pretty practical person. While quality is very important to me, I’ve never been one of those individuals that had to have material items for the sake of status.

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Over the years folks often ask me if I could afford any of the vehicles I test drive, what would I buy. I always provide a “practical” response, based on what type of vehicle they happened to be interested in.

Everyone always seemed shocked that I never named a high-end luxury model that had a list price starting in the six figure range.

Even if I had Bill Gate’s bank account, I’ve don’t think I could justify paying more money for a vehicle than I did for my house.

Of course, living on the salary of a mild mannered reporter has played a key role in keeping those urges in check.

But things change.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and I feel the need to start taking care of my own wants and desires.

Maybe it’s just the car.

Whatever the reason, if I had the bucks, I would definitely invest in this week’s test vehicle — the Jaguar XJL Supercharged.

Yes, it is expensive.

But out of the more than 5,000 vehicles I have driven during my tenure as an auto writer, it is one of the nicest rides I have ever driven.

Yes, the XJ is a very aspirational vehicle that draws a lot of attention.

All week long I’ve had people pull into the parking lot at the paper and stop to take photos of the car. A few have even asked if I would unlock the doors so they could sit in it.

While you do feel like the Cat Daddy driving down the road, I’m more impressed with what this car will do, rather than how it looks.

Powered by Jaguar’s new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, the XJ is available in six variants.

The base XJ and XJL features the naturally aspirated version, delivering 385 horsepower and 380 lbs.-ft. torque.

A twin vortex supercharger ups performance for the XJ Supercharged and XJL Supercharged to 470 horsepower (424 lbs.-ft. torque).

If that’s not enough power, performance for the XJ Supersport and XJL Supersport is boosted to 510 horsepower (461 lbs.-ft. torque).

If you’re wondering about the “L” designation, that’s Jaguar’s terminology for its long-wheelbase models that add five additional inches of rear seat legroom, making for one of the most comfortable back seats on the road.

And in terms of luxury, the XJ is at the top of the charts.

The only thing that’s not included is a chauffeur.

But this is where I’m torn, it’s so fun to drive, why would you want one?

As I mentioned earlier, quality is important to me. While elegant, luxurious and loaded with the latest technology, it is very apparent that a lot of attention to detail was put into every aspect of this vehicle. The engineering and craftsmanship is outstanding and the proof is evident once you push the start button, engage the transmission selector and hit the road.

I highly recommend this car.

Neal White has been covering the automotive industry for more than 20 years and is affiliated with the Texas Auto Writers Association.

MODEL:2011 Jaguar XJ
5-seat luxury sedan
Rear-wheel drive

Trim packages:XJ, XJ Supercharged, XJ Supersport
Regular- and long-wheelbase

PRICE RANGE:$75,000-$120,000

ENGINE:5.0-L V-8
(385 hp/380 torque)
(470 hp/424 torque) SC
(510 hp/461 torque) SS

TRANSMISSION:6-speed auto w/paddle shift

EPA: 16/15/15 mpg city, 23/21/21 mpg highway (XJ/SC/SS)

FUEL: Premium unleaded

TRACTION CONTROL:Dynamic stability control, cornering brake control, understeer control, electronic traction control, engine drag torque control

BRAKES: ABS

LENGTH: 201.7/206.6 inches*

WHEELBASE: 119.4/124.3 inches *

WIDTH: 83.2 inches

HEIGHT: 57 inches

WEIGHT: 4045-4323 lbs.

TRACK: 64.1/63.1
(front/rear)

FUEL TANK: 21.7 gallons

TIRES: 19-, or 20-inch
Regular- and long-wheelbase