With the most up-to-date XK design release, Jaguar faces some stiff competition from other European brands and will have to see off high top quality competitors from both Mercedes Benz and BMW if it’s to make a real impression. It’s tuned cousin the XK-R has previously won the sports car of the year award but how does the base model fare?

From first glance, the new shape XK is a beautiful machine but it doesn’t really look that “Jaguar” anymore, it seems more like a copycat Aston Martin, which isn’t the worst point in the globe but what about staying original? The curves lengthwise are extraordinary and the look is good from a 45 degree angle however from the immediate front, the Jaguar takes on the appearance of a basking shark with that low centered mouth-like front grill. It’s a matter of personal taste of course but many folk favor the look of the older models it would seem.

However we all know that the outside styling is only a small part of what makes a car a good results or failure and I’m happy to article that the interior has been done in typical clean Jaguar style. There is plastic, of course, but the a healthy amount of chrome and the expertise of the jaguars ergonomic team has created a real sense of style. The seats hug you nicely but aren’t overbearing like in some of the higher range BMW models for example.

However it’s when you turn the key that the beast comes alive, all of the XK’s come with a 5.0 liter V8 engine in three grades of tuning. The base model coupe produces 385 BHP and 380 Lb of Torque for a 0-60 time of 5.3 Seconds. definitely no slouch on the tarmac! The two supercharged models give stats from another globe, with 510 and 580 BHP respectively. The distinctive throaty Jaguar roar is also still present and as much of a satisfaction to digest as ever. The fuel consumption is actually rather good for a 5 liter engine standing at 22 MPG form the XK convertible whilst on the highway and the midrange acceleration is a particular feature of the engine set up. The tank capacity of 16.6 gallons or 72 liters must keep all 1700 Kilo’s of Jag on the road for a while. The Handling, as with most European models, is superb and although I’ve certainly not been a fan of the paddle shit style automatic gearboxes the XK’s is almost often spot on in conditions of delivering energy in clean concentrated bursts. There is a little understeer on the non supercharged model though, to be honest this only comes into play on the track on tight corners so I doubt this will be of any issue for the road. One could perhaps upgrade the tires, the 2,752mm wheelbase is easily catered for.

The safety record of the Jaguar is good and the model comes not only with effect protection bars but the most up-to-date in airbag and safety features. GPS tracking is standard and as often with Jaguar the common sense practical aspects have been cleanly rolled into a grand touring bundle.

Overall, the XK is a perfectly formed item of engineering and other than a few styling alternatives on the front grill and the slight propensity for understeer whilst under extreme pressure, is the market leader in its class. A good alternative for the $90,500 starting price of the convertible.

Join host Ross Rapoport as he reviews the 2011 Jaguar XJL Supersport, the L referring to the long wheelbase version and the “supersport” classification warranted by its impressive performance.  True to its heritage, the XJL lives up to Jaguar’s old sales slogan of “Grace, Space, Pace”.

The XJ first hit roads in 1968 and has been evolving ever since. For 2011, Jaguar took a risk with the re-design of the XJL’s rear styling. While the car remains distinctly Jaguar, the modern style updates are a nice change.  On the inside, both the driver and the passengers will be riding in style and comfort.

Performance-wise, the XJL Supersport is a beast with a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and a  5-liter V8 that produces 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque.  With the supercharger, max torque can be achieved at a mere 2,500 rpm.  Considering the output of the XJL, the fuel economy averages of 15 city and 21 highway can be considered decent to good for a vehicle of this type.

As Ross mentioned in the review, sticker shock might hit prospective buyers when they see a starting price of $113,200 (as-tested price of $114,075). But, when considering its competitors (the the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series), the XJL’s performance and price are unmatched.

The intriguing 2010 Jaguar XF, with its sleek, distinguished lines, robust engine, and highly customizable options, sets it apart from other luxury competitors.

Our host Jessi Lang road-tested the XF-Premium, which comes with a 5-Liter V8 engine with 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic with JaguarDrive selector, which uses a rotary knob for gear changes. Gas mileage is what you would expect in such a high-performance vehicle, you’ll be looking at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Handling is firm and confident, acceleration is quick and speedier than you would hope for in any comparable sports sedan, and the suspension is even-tempered. You’ll have no trouble swiftly and firmly navigating the corners, or coming to a quick stop with solidly responsive brakes.

The interior features a rich wood trim and plush leather seating, a very elegant complement to its sensuous exterior stylings and thankfully can be found in all XF trims as standard. In addition, the navigation system and center console options are top-of-the-line and retain a fully cutting-edge aesthetic that Jaguar is known for.

The base XF starts off at $51,000 and our test car, the XF Premium with the Porfolio package, which includes 20″ wheels, power-seating, heated steering wheels, ebony wood trim interior, and a power rear windowshade, came in at $62,900.

Overall, the Jaguar XF is a force to be reckoned with. With such a sporty look and driving dynamic, all while retaining the necessary luxuriousness, the Jaguar XF may just have the edge on comparable vehicles in the sports sedan class, such as the Mercedes E-Class or the BMW 5-Series.

Jaguar celebrated their 75th anniversary in style at the 2010 LA Auto Show with the debut of the C-X75 Concept Car. For the first time outside of Europe, the C-X75 was presented to the media.  Designer Ian Callum also co-hosted the debut and gave us the key specs of the breathtaking Jaguar C-X75 Concept.

The 205 mph four-wheel drive supercar is capable of running in purely electric (zero tailpipe emissions) mode for 68 miles on a six-hour domestic plug-in charge. The innovative, lightweight micro gas-turbines are also capable of very quickly and efficiently recharging the Lithium-ion batteries, giving the car a theoretical range of 560 miles. Because each wheel is driven by its own electric motor, the C-X75 is four-wheel drive – with all the traction, grip and safety benefits that entails. The C-X75 boasts advanced design features such as a ground-breaking propulsion system, and active aerodynamics allow for an elegantly simple fuselage section that remains stable at very high speeds.

For more LA Auto Show coverage, check out our YouTube Channel:  RoadflyTV