Jaguar XKR-S Convertible Unveiled in Los Angeles

At-A-Glance

• The XKR-S Convertible is the most powerful and fastest open-topped GT Jaguar has ever built.
• Supercharged AJ-V8 GENIII petrol engine produces 550PS (405kW) and 502lb/ft (680Nm) but just 292g/km of CO₂.
• Top speed 186mph (300km/h) and 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds).
• Performance Active exhaust enables higher power and torque and gives the XKR-S its own distinctive soundtrack.
• Lightweight aluminium architecture provides high torsional rigidity, making the XKR-S Convertible the stiffest car in its class.
• Revised front and rear suspension means increased agility, precision and control without sacrificing comfort.
• Uprated Adaptive Dynamics system allows the enthusiastic driver to safely exploit the exhilarating handling.
• Styling changes informed by Computational Fluid Dynamics to reduce lift and maximise aerodynamic stability.
• New front bumper design with wider, lower air intake, carbon fibre splitter and twin side nacelles.
• New sills smooth the horizontal airflow and emphasise the 10mm reduction in ride height.
• Unique rear wing with carbon fibre insert and apron ensure balanced aerodynamics front and rear.
• Convertible roof opens and stows in just 18 seconds.
• Flagship interior features 16-way adjustable Performance seats trimmed in carbon leather.

Jaguar XJ Sport and Speed Packs Launches at Dubai International Motor Show

Jaguar's award-winning flagship XJ saloon - which combines elegance, drama and sporting prowess - is now available with optional Sport and Speed Packs to further emphasise the performance aspect of its character.

With the XJ, Jaguar has created an entirely new template for the luxury performance saloon. The XJ seamlessly blends sporting potential, dynamic driving abilities and luxurious appointments; a class-leading combination that has gathered plaudits worldwide. The Sport and Speed packs further unlock the performance potential of the XJ both aesthetically and dynamically.

The Sport Pack - available throughout the XJ range - comprises a number of exterior and interior design options that clearly underline the assertive side of the car's personality. Externally the appearance of the XJ has been made even more dramatic with the addition of aerodynamically optimised changes to the bodywork and an alloy wheel design specific to the Sport Pack.

The functional aerodynamic changes of the Sport Pack allow supercharged XJ models to be additionally offered with the Speed Pack, which raises the limited top speed from 155mph (250km/h) to 174mph (280km/h).

Design

"The XJ is much more than a limousine. Its power and potential mean it can out-perform many so-called sports cars. The new Sport and Speed Packs allow customers to enhance that sporting dynamism even further and create an XJ that looks as good as it drives."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars

The elegantly integrated design changes that comprise the Sport Pack are not simply cosmetic, they allow Jaguar to offer the Speed Pack option, transforming the supercharged XJ models into the fastest saloons the company has ever built.

The result of extensive research in the wind tunnel and on track, the front of the car gains an aerodynamic splitter beneath the bumper to direct air beneath the car to reduce lift, and at the rear the bootlid lip has been extended to ensure a clean separation of air from the trailing edge of the bodywork. While ensuring optimal stability at high-speed, the Sport Pack maintains the standard XJ's sleek 0.29Cd aerodynamic figure.

These changes have been reinforced with a number of cosmetic additions that clearly distinguish the Sport Pack-equipped cars from other models. The bold Jaguar radiator grille, a key feature in the XJ's assertive face with its strong 'rear view mirror recognition' factor gains a gloss black mesh finish with the same treatment applied to the lower air opening and side vents.

Red painted brake calipers emblazoned with the Jaguar name are mounted behind new 20-inch 'Venom' alloy wheels with a diamond-turned sparkle silver finish to their eye-catching five split-spoke design. Newly designed split twin tailpipes (not available from launch) will leave other drivers in no doubt as to what car has just passed them.

Interior

Reflecting the exterior styling changes and befitting its performance oriented remit, the XJ Sport Pack offers interior changes that give driver and passengers a heightened sense of occasion and an indication of the dynamic abilities available.

The front seats are Jaguar's Performance version, which offer superb support for spirited driving. Trimmed in softgrain leather these offer a huge range of adjustment - including the enlarged side bolsters - to create a perfectly tailored driving position. Active ventilation supplies heated or chilled air as required to each individual front seats. At the driver's feet sit purposeful machined stainless steel pedals engraved with the Jaguar name.

The rear seats have been trimmed to match the front pair and the Sport specification will be offered in two purposeful colourways of Jet over Jet or Jet over Ivory. The eye-catching Piano Black trim that highlights certain touch surfaces in the XJ is contrasted in the Sport specification by subtly applied carbon-fibre highlights.

Performance

"A car capable of 174mph must have certain basic attributes - stability, aerodynamics, prodigious power and as little weight as possible. The XJ is blessed with all these qualities in abundance and with the addition of the Speed Pack it becomes an ever more impressive performance saloon."

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity

The XJ benefits from superb aerodynamics and Jaguar's innovative lightweight aluminium architecture to offer weight savings of up to 150kg over its competitors. This offers tangible benefits in terms of economy, emissions, driving dynamics, agility and, of course, performance.

The Sport Pack is available on nearly all engine variants, including the muscular twin-turbo diesel, market-specific 3.0 V6 petrol and naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre AJ-V8 where it serves to emphasise the sporting character and driver involvement that are core strengths of every XJ model. 

On supercharged AJ-V8 models, the Sport pack can be combined with the Speed Pack, which raises the electronically limited maximum speed from 155mph (250km/h) to 174mph (280km/h).

With such prodigious power already available from the supercharged petrol engines, no increase was necessary to achieve the higher top speed. The only changes necessary were a recalibrated engine management system, reworked software for the innovative virtual instrument display and adjustment to the tyre pressure monitoring system to take into account the heat generated by sustained high-speed motoring.

Jeremy Hicks Joins Jaguar

Jaguar Land Rover has appointed Jeremy Hicks to the position of Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK.

Jeremy's appointment brings the UK organization in line with other global markets and brings each region under the leadership of a single, dual brand, Managing Director.  Jeremy will report directly to Phil Popham, Director, Group Sales Operations, Jaguar Land Rover.  His position is effective from 1 November 2011.

Jeremy brings with him a wealth of automotive marketing and sales experience, having held a number of senior positions in the industry. He began his career with Vauxhall in the UK, performing a range of roles including Sales Operations Director and Sales and Marketing Director for Aftersales. He then spent a short period in Automotive Consultancy before joining VW Group UK, where he carried out a number of senior roles.  In 2005 he took up the position from which he joins Jaguar Land Rover - Managing Director, Audi UK.

Commenting on his appointment, Jeremy said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to lead two iconic brands in their home market. Both Jaguar and Land Rover have their strongest ever product line up and I am very much looking forward to working with the JLR team to achieve continued success in the UK market."

Effective 1 November 2011, Geoff Cousins (presently Managing Director, Jaguar UK) is appointed as Director, Jaguar Global Sponsorships & Partnerships. In this new role Geoff will lead Jaguar's Global efforts in sponsorship, partnerships and alliances in support of the brand strategy, including building on the exciting Jaguar 'Academy of Sport' concept, developed through his tenure in the UK.

Colin Green (presently Managing Director, Land Rover UK) is appointed to the position of Director, Global Dealer Operations. In this new role Colin will have responsibility for long range retail strategy, growth of dealer development and internationalisation of distribution, dealer capability and global sales programmes.

Colin and Geoff's current first line reports in the UK sales organisations will report directly to Jeremy Hicks.

The deadly X-type

For those living in the UK and who may have purchased a Jaguar X-Type, if you did not already receive a letter from the company, you should probably be aware that the company has been busy recalling about 17,600 vehicles in the UK. This is apparently due to the cruise control software that affects X-Type models from 2006 to 2010 with diesel engines.

The recall is based on a glitch discovered in the cruise control software. According to a Jaguar spokeswoman, this is a “potential problem” which seems to suggest that the problem may not have been noticed by many of their customers, and it seems that no accidents or injuries have occurred yet, which is always a good thing.

This glitch affects the cruise control in a way that drivers may find it difficult to disengage the system in a normal manner (usually by pressing a button or stepping on the brakes), and that only by turning off the engine will disengage the cruise control system. Kudos to Jaguar for the recall and looking into the problem before any accidents or deaths occurred.

Jaguar Land Rover Wins Two "Best of Auto Show" Awards From Autoweek Magazine

• Jaguar C-X16 production concept wins Autoweek "Best in Show" Award
• Land Rover DC100 Sport wins Autoweek "Best Concept" Award
• JLR shows industry design and technology leadership winning two key honors at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show
• Show stealing concepts to make their North American debuts at the 2011Los Angeles International Automobile Show, November 15.

Jaguar Land Rover displayed its global product leadership and brand strength by winning two of the most important media awards, fromAutoweek, at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, one for each brand, Jaguar and Land Rover.

Autoweek's editorial team selected the Jaguar C-X16 as its "Best in Show" winner and the Land Rover DC100 Sport as its "Best Concept" at the premier European motor show.

"Winning two of the top media awards in our industry here at the Frankfurt Motor Show is a tremendous achievement for the Jaguar and Land Rover brands, said Frank Klaas, Global Head of Communications, Jaguar Land Rover.  "This recognition from the editors atAutoweekconfirms the strength of design and engineering at Jaguar and Land Rover and the momentum we have at JLR."

Jaguar C-X16

The Jaguar C-X16 is a concept 'One plus One' (2 seat) sports car that explores future performance hybrid options via an innovative supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 375HP (280kW) and 332 lb-ft of torque.  The production concept's seductive looks indicate the next evolution of Jaguar's bold design direction.

"The C-X16 is our compelling vision for a 21^st century Jaguar sports car. It embodies the established Jaguar strengths of sensual design, animal-like agility and inspirational performance and combines these with attributes that set us on a course to create sustainable sports cars of the future."

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars

"Jaguar's Design Director, Ian Callum, has done it again with the Jaguar C-X16 Concept," said Wes Raynal, Editor,Autoweek. "With its long hood and beautiful curves, the C-X16 has unmistakable Jaguar presence. This is Callum's second-straight "Best in Show" award from an International show, as his C-X75 Concept won at the Paris Motor show last year. He's on a roll and we truly love this car."

Land Rover DC100 Sport Concept

The Land Rover DC100 Sport and DC100 are new concepts from Land Rover which investigate the future possibilities of the iconic Defender.  The concepts capture the flexibility, adaptability and configurability that have always been key attributes of Land Rover and continue in today's Defender, but incorporate cutting-edge sustainable, and hi-tech materials. DC100 demonstrates the future of Land Rover capability and versatility. DC100 Sport is an active expression of freedom and adventure.

"These could not be designs from any other company. Defender became a global icon because of the integrity of both its design and engineering. In creating these concepts, we took the functional design cues from the past and reinterpreted them for the 21^st century. These studies represent our thoughts on how we will forge an entirely new generation of Defender models which will prove that design can work in harmony with function."

Gerry McGovern, Design Director, Land Rover

"We debated long and hard about the "Best Concept" award," said Raynal. "We liked the Kia GT, and the Jaguar C-X16, but the DC100 Defender Sport concept came to Frankfurt as a complete surprise and in the end, we decided this was our winner. The DC100 Sport is loaded with a bunch of cool technology, such as a terrain scanner and a sonar-depth sounder for water crossings, just to name a few, and these are things Series I, II and III owners could not conceive of. We hope Land Rover builds it and sends it to the States,"Raynal added.

Jaguar At The Goodwood Revival

Jaguar at the Goodwood Revival, a round up of the weekends highlights, vintage fashion and 50 Years of E-type.

In glorious sunshine, the Goodwood Revival opened on Friday with an array of pre-1966 Jaguars playing a key role, with an estimated 140,000 people visiting over the three day event.

On static display and racing in anger on the challenging Goodwood Motor Circuit, vehicles ranging from the elegant SS100 right up to the rare E-type Lightweight models celebrated Jaguar's sports car heritage in style.

A thrilling practice session took place ahead of the E-type race on Saturday.  Comprising a grid of some 30 examples of the E-type, the session saw a hard-fought battle between the Lightweight shared by Gerhard Berger and Adrian Newey and the E-type (also a Lightweight) of Emanuele Pirro and Desiré Wilson to claim pole.  Despite the substantial value of the E-types taking part the speed was incredible with a time of 1-minute 24-seconds and 102.2 mph being recorded by the pole car.

Tony O'Keefe, Curator at Jaguar Heritage, commented: 'It's been an incredible first day at the Goodwood Revival - a truly unique event and a fitting place to celebrate 50-years of the E-type. I'm grateful for the support shown by private owners in entering their valuable cars in the races as well as putting them on display - Jaguar has a wonderful heritage, kept alive by the enthusiasm and passion of the owners.'

Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover and Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar, visited the Goodwood Revival on Saturday as Jaguar celebrates its sports car heritage as well as 50 years of the E-type.

Taking an enthusiastic interest in the action on track, Dr. Speth was introduced to a number of drivers by Lord March as they prepared to compete in the dedicated E-type race including Jochen Mass and Gerhard Berger.

Dr. Speth commented: 'I feel very fortunate to be here at Goodwood to witness such a celebration of Jaguar's wonderful road and race cars.  To see the E-types racing and the enthusiasm of the crowds was very special indeed. Having just unveiled a vision of Jaguar's future at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the C-X16 production concept, it's a great way to chart a magnificent heritage.'

The dramatic race was won by car 28, an E-type semi-lightweight driven by Jon Minshaw and Martin Stretton.

Some of the rarest and most sought after motor cars in the world mixed with closely fought and highly competitive racing on Sunday at Goodwood as the 14^th Revival meeting drew to a close.

The weekend saw a diverse selection of vintage cars from Jaguar's sporting heritage which forms just one part of the celebrations throughout 2011 to mark the E-type's 50^th anniversary.

Jaguar C-X16 Concept

C-X16 PRODUCTION CONCEPT REDEFINES JAGUAR SPORTS CARS

• C-X16 is a bold statement of Jaguar's future design and technological intent
• A compact, rear-wheel drive, two-seater, with a true sporting character, underpinned by immensely strong aluminium architecture - perfect 50:50 weight distribution
• Powered by an innovative supercharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 380 PS (280 kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque
• Hybrid system controlled by a steering-wheel mounted 'Push to Pass' button boosts output by 70 kW and 235 Nm
• Top speed of 186 mph, 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds and 50-75 mph acceleration in 2.1 seconds with CO2 emissions of 165 g/km

Jaguar has released details of the C-X16 concept ahead of its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Looking firmly to the future, the C-X16 marks a new chapter for Jaguar.  The two-seater concept has inspired new advances in design, in engineering and in vehicle technology to create the most compact and responsive Jaguar in a generation.  A hybrid, the C-X16 combines searing performance with beautifully realised styling.

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars:"The C-X16 embodies the established Jaguar strengths of sensual design, animal-like agility and inspirational performance and combines these with attributes that set us on a course to create sustainable sports cars of the future."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars:"Jaguars have always been dramatically different. With the C-X16 we have moved the current award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance."

Under the muscular clamshell bonnet is a next-generation supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 380 PS (280kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque. Already boasting a high specific power output of 126 PS-per-litre, the performance of the C-X16 is further supplemented by a Formula 1-inspired hybrid boost system with a steering-wheel mounted button for on-demand acceleration.

Integrated into the eight-speed gearbox is a motor generator which draws power from a 1.6kWh battery pack mounted behind the seats for ideal 50:50 weight distribution. Charged through a brake energy regeneration system, the batteries allow the motor to provide an additional 95 PS (70 kW) and173 lb ft (235 Nm).

Mounted in an aluminium chassis structure, the result is 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds, a top speed of 186 mph and acceleration from 50-75 mph of 2.1 seconds. The C-X16 is also able to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph under electric power alone and has CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.

The C-X16 measures 4,445 mm in length, 2,048 mm in width and 1,297 mm in height and has a wheelbase measuring 2,622 mm.  In terms of overall length, the C-X16 is the smallest Jaguar created since 1954 and the XK120.

The C-X16 will be presented at the Jaguar Land Rover press conference in Hall Five at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday September 13 at 09:15 CET.

Live Stream of Jaguar C-X16 reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Jaguar has written the following on their Facebook:


Please join us on Facebook on September 12th 2011, 4pm BST for our exclusive live stream from Frankfurt Motor Show 2011 where we will reveal more about our new C-X16.

RSVP to the event to share that you will be attending!

Don't forget to add any questions you have about the C-X16 in the comments section of the page. We may just be able to have some of them answered at the conference.

Jaguar at Pebble Beach August 2011

Jaguar Cars continued to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the E-type at the Pebble Beach Automotive Weekend with a series of memorable heritage events, featuring an array of significant vehicles representing the past, present and future of the brand.

The weekend culminated at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where Stefan Ziegler's 1960 Jaguar E2A race car received a specially designed trophy by Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar.

Key historic Jaguar E-types on display included:

• 1959 Jaguar E2A, a racing prototype that retired from 1960 Le Mans
• 1961 Jaguar E-type introduced to the world at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show
• 1961 Jaguar E-type introduced to the North American media and public on March 15, 1961 at the New York International Auto Show
• 1963 Jaguar E-type Lightweight Competition Alloy Roadster

Jaguar XF Is Crowned Auto Express Driver Power Car Of The Decade

The Jaguar XF has been announced as Auto Express Driver Power 'Car of the Decade'.

Over a period of 10 years readers of Auto Express have been invited to participate in the Driver Power survey and evaluate the car they own.  The detailed survey encompassed many aspects of vehicle ownership - from reliability to dealer performance, to design, handling and ease of use.

In that time over 300,000 readers participated with hundreds of individual cars being tested. The Jaguar XF emerged as Number One.

Acting Editor of Auto Express, Graham Hope, presented Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover and Andrew Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer, XF, with the Award in front of staff at the Castle Bromwich Factory.

Dr. Speth commented: 'We are humbled by Jaguar owners voting in such a way to rate the XF as the number one car in the UK. It's a tremendous achievement for everyone in Jaguar - from the people here at Castle Bromwich who have been building the car since 2008 to the engineers, the designers and the dealers. I am very proud to receive the award on their behalf.'

Also present to accept the Award was Andy Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer.  Gathered at the presentation were technicians from the Castle Bromwich product line as well as the very first XF ever produced sitting alongside a new XF, fresh off the line.

Graham Hope, Editor of Auto Express, commented: '"Jaguar's XF is a thoroughly deserving winner of our Car of the Decade.  Over the past 10 years, more than 302,000 Auto Express readers have told us what they like and dislike about their cars, and no model has demonstrated such consistent all-round ability as the XF.  It's fantastic to drive and extremely well built - a tribute to the skilled workforce at Castle Bromwich.  I am absolutely delighted that a British-built car has won this award, and fully expect the latest version of the XF, with its new diesel engine, to achieve even more success in the years ahead."

Since 2008 over 37,000 examples of the XF have been sold in the UK.  A relentless programme of engineering improvements have meant that the XF has remained highly competitive in its class.  On September 1 the most efficient XF yet, the new 2.2-litre Diesel model, will go on-sale.  Capable of travelling in excess of 800-miles on a single tank of diesel and emitting 149 g/km of CO2, the XF 2.2 combines economy with the performance, refinement and dynamic ability expected of a modern Jaguar.  Like the rest of the XF range it benefits from a series of aesthetic changes both inside and out to lend it a fresh, elegant new look.

The Porsche Boxster competitor from Jaguar: cx-16

The Jaguar C-X16 production concept will make its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13.

Designed by the same team that produced the Jaguar XJ, XF and XK – headed by Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum – the C-X16 concept is a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology.

As the concept neared completion Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars commented: 'Great Jaguars have always been beautiful, innovative and have looked firmly to the future. The finished C-X16 concept has the potential to do these things while retaining the ability to surprise, to excite and invigorate.'

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars commented: 'Jaguar has set in place bold, ambitious plans for the future.  This production concept demonstrates the depth of design and engineering ability we have within Jaguar to make these plans come to life – I look forward to sharing this latest, exciting step at the Frankfurt Motor Show.'

E-Types take to the track at Nürburgring oldtimer Grand Prix

Marking an incredible half-century since the E-type was launched, Jaguar will take part in the Oldtimer Grand Prix held at the Nürburgring, Germany.  Former Jaguar Chief Test Driver Norman Dewis set off for the event from the Jaguar Heritage Museum in Coventry to take part in one of Europe’s most recognised historic racing festivals.

The Oldtimer Grand Prix runs from August 12 – 14 attracting over 60,000 visitors. Now in its 39^th year, the eventhosts 10 races on the Grand Prix track with 600 driver entries spanning 20 nationalities.  

Jaguar will display some of its most prized E-types includingthe original 1961 Geneva show car and one of the last models to roll off the production line in 1975. A further 34 examples will take part in the penultimate round of the E-type Challenge on the Grand Prix circuit with one 20-minute race taking place on Saturday and Sunday. 

Norman Dewis said: "I raced a D-Type at the Oldtimer Grand Prix in the 1950s. This year is the 15^th time I have been with Jaguar and it's a fantastic event. I'll be kept busy this weekend with some presentations to clubs, commentating and maybe a demonstration run. I just hope the renowned Nürburgring fog stays away."

Jeremy Clarkson explains Jaguar owners

The XE caught on video

Jaguar Academy Of Sports - rising star update

In May 2011, at the prestigious Leander Club, 50 Rising Stars were provided with a Bursary Award from the Jaguar Academy of Sport. Only a few months into the programme and we are already seeing some fantastic achievements.

Prescot born Handball player, Rob Avery, has been selected as first choice goalkeeper for England U19s in the European Open being held in Sweden.

Young Oxfordshire weightlifer, Eddie Chambers, recently competed in an international club competition in Coruna, Spain. Eddie finished 3rd, and achieved a lift of 85 snatch and a personal best of 110 in the clean & jerk. Eddie will be competing next in the British Senior Championships in Lilleshall.

Jenna Derraven, an archer from Cwmbran, South Wales recently competed in Paphos, Cyprus for the 2nd leg of the Junior European Championships. In the qualifications she performed well, but finished with a ranking of 25th place. She was then drawn against a Russian ranked 17 places above her. Jenna performed brilliantly and knocked her out of the competition. The next round was a close match but Jenna was knocked out by an Italian competitor and overall, finished in 9^th place.

16-year-old synchro swimmer, Hannah Green, of Eynsham, Oxfordshire recently competed in the Junior European Synchronised Swimming Championships in Belgrade.  Hannah swam as part of the Great Britain Team finishing 10^th in the Free Team Final, and 9^th in the Combination Team Final. Hannah has been invited to train with the Great Britain Senior Squad at Aldershot in August, before trialing in early September to become part of Senior Squad, from which the athletes to compete at the 2012 Olympics will be selected. A great achievement for such a young athlete!

Jaguar XE concept to reveal at the Frankfurt motorshow

Jaguar is planning to reveal a new concept sportscar at the IAA in Frankfurt next month, so announced a spokesman from Jaguar. They expect that the new concept will be the centerpiece of its show booth. 

The new sportscar will most likely be named the XE and will probably be powered by a single or twin turbo charged V6.

Criketers behind the wheel of the XK

England Test cricketers Andrew Strauss, Jonathan Trott, Steve Finn and Eoin Morgan went back to driving school today to find out who is the best all-rounder behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK. The four cricketers went head to head in a series of automotive challenges specifically designed to test their skills as professional sportsmen.

The event was organised by England Team partners Jaguar and took place at the Jaguar testing track in Gaydon, West Midlands.  Challenges included slalom, breaking at speed and timed manoeuvres testing the player's hand-eye co-ordination, spatial awareness and peripheral vision.

A team of professional drivers awarded the players points for each task. At close of play, the individual with the lowest score was presented with a set of Jaguar 'L' plates for the journey home.

Speaking at the event, England Test Captain, Andrew Strauss said: "Today's been great fun and it's good for the guys to take time out and feel relaxed ahead of the India Test.  It's been a long time since I took my driving test and it definitely wasn't in a Jaguar XK! It's an amazing car to drive, it looks great and handles really well, just a shame our driving skills couldn't match the performance of the car.

"There was clearly some pride at stake; it got more competitive as the day went on.  Having seen Steve Finn in action, there was no question that he fully deserved to drive home with the 'L' plates."

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK said: "It was an entertaining afternoon watching Andrew, Jonathan, Steve and Eoin in a test of a different kind.  Performance is at the heart of the Jaguar brand and today's challenges allowed the cricketers to experience it firsthand in the Jaguar XK range.

"Our partnership, which is part of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, is now in its second year; we're proud to support the England Cricket Team and would like to wish them all the best for the forthcoming Test series against India."  

Last year Jaguar became Official Vehicle Supplier of the England Cricket Team.  The four-year partnership sees England's centrally contracted cricketers drive Jaguar XJ, XF and XK models. Jaguar has also formed a strategic partnership with the ECB's National Performance Centre.  The partnership forms part of the "Jaguar Academy of Sport" which recognises, celebrates and inspires the next generation of British sporting talent and success. 

Jaguar, the focus point at Goodwoord 2011

A memorable Goodwood weekend has drawn to a close with Jaguar remaining the focus of the Festival as 50 years of the E-type are celebrated.

Familiar faces from the world of athletics, motorsport and television joined Jaguar in its celebrations. Friday saw former F1 driver and current BBC commentator Martin Brundle take to the Goodwood Hill in the XJR-9.  On Saturday, American talk show host, avid car enthusiast and collector, Jay Leno, drove the new, 550PS XKR-S as well as the thundering Group 44 E-type race car while on Sunday, British Olympic hopeful and Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador Jessica Ennis took on the Hill as she rode in the XKR-S.

The 28-metre E-type sculpture continued to wow the crowds at the Festival along with the spectacular range of vehicles both in action and on static display.

The event allows spectators incredible access to vehicles and exhibits on display, with enthusiasts of all ages being able to get up close to priceless cars from the past including the beautiful XJ13 as well as from the future, in the form of the C-X75.  

The first 2012 Jaguar XF rolled off the production line

Employees at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant have celebrated producing their newest XF model destined for China, one of the world's most important markets.

The first 12MY Jaguar XF rolled off the production line on Wednesday 29 june and will soon be on a ship bound for a customer in China.

More than 500 employees gathered to celebrate the start of production of the new XF with the Choy Lay Fut Lion Chinese dance troupe.

Grant McPherson, Plant Director at Castle Bromwich, said: "The outstanding quality and efficiency achieved by the manufacturing team has been a key factor in the success of the Jaguar XF since it launched in 2008, so we wanted to mark the production of this first, Chinese, car in a special way.

"The whole team at Castle Bromwich is extremely proud to have played a significant role in making the Jaguar XF such a global success."

The 12MY XF boasts advanced new technologies and fresh styling. Drawing on the latest Jaguar design language applied to the XJ, the new XF features an all-new look to the front end with slim new headlight units set into which are distinctive LED lighting strips sitting either side of a larger, more upright grille.

China is Jaguar Land Rover's third largest market and more than 40,000 vehicles will be sold here this year. Jaguar sales in China are up by 46 per cent (Jaguar - May 2011 compared to 2010).