logo
Motorexpo the world’s largest free automotive event returns to Toronto

Motorexpo the world’s largest free automotive event returns to Toronto

Motorexpo returns to Brookfield Place, in the heart of Toronto’s downtown financial district this week until Friday 29th June. The whole area will be transformed into a free-to-enjoy auto extravaganza.

Produced in partnership with Brookfield Office Properties, attendees to the 2012 Toronto Motorexpo will have the chance to check-out the hottest new automotive trends in a relaxed, business environment and enjoy unparalleled access to vehicles from many of the world’s top automotive makers. Just some of the vehicles on display for visitors to enjoy will be the Aston Martin V8 vantage, Audi A7, the all-new Bentley Continental GT and GTC V8, Hyundai’s Equus and Genesis, the new Infiniti JX, 2012 Jaguar XF, Land Rover’s LR4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition, the All-New Lexus GS, the new Porsche Boxster and the Rolls Royce Ghost, to name just a few.

“We are delighted to be returning to Brookfield Place and look forward to bringing our unique free-to-attend auto show to Toronto once again so that local residents, the downtown business population and all automotive enthusiasts can savor the latest vehicles on the market,” said Motorexpo CEO Graeme Carver.

“Our unrivalled format allows everyone the chance to get up close and personal with the latest vehicles that many of the world’s best manufacturers have to offer, all of which will be positioned throughout the world-class location that is Brookfield Place!”

“On behalf of Brookfield Office Properties, I welcome you to the 2012 Toronto Motorexpo. We are proud to once again display the newest and most dynamic automobiles from around the world to Toronto’s downtown residents, visitors and workforce,” said Brookfield Office Properties’ President and CEO of Canadian Commercial Operations, Jan Sucharda.

“At Brookfield, we strive to present engaging exhibitions and performances within the public spaces at our properties, enhancing the experience for our office tenants and visitors alike. So get ready to experience the best of what the automotive industry has to offer. We hope you enjoy the 2012 Toronto Motorexpo.”

The Toronto Motorexpo is modeled after the successful Canary Wharf London Motorexpo that has taken place annually since 1996. In the last two weeks, the London Motorexpo welcomed more than 400,000 visitors, making it the UK’s largest auto show event. Motorexpo is also a firm fixture on New York’s automotive calendar and is set to return to the World Financial Center in Lower Manhattan, also owned by Brookfield

Jaguar XF is Honest John readers favourite

Jaguar XF is Honest John readers favourite

The Jaguar XF has been recognised as the most popular large executive car by the readers of Honest John.

Taken from data based on the most-read reviews on honestjohn.co.uk it was the XF – Jaguar’s best-selling model – that generated greatest interest among the 1.5 million users over the past 12-months.

‘This is one of the most closely contested of the honestjohn.co.uk awards in 2012 with only a handful of page impressions separating the various reviews,’ said Dan Harrison, Editor, honestjohn.co.uk.

‘The Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series may be newer but the figures show that our users love the Jaguar XF. Its blend of style, class and quality has big appeal among our audience and we have regular emails from XF owners.

He added, ‘The launch of the more economical 2.2 D engine this year has made the XF even more accessible for more buyers and proved to be a real shot in the arm when it came to website traffic with a big increase in interest on the site.’

Capable of achieving 52.3 mpg and travelling over 800-miles on a single tank of diesel, the XF 2.2-litre model launched in September 2011 is the most fuel efficient Jaguar created.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK, commented: ‘Awards based on the public’s opinions and interest are a true reflection of success and I am pleased to be able to add the Honest John Award to the list of the XF’s accolades.

‘The past twelve months have seen a design revitalisation for the XF as well the introduction of the four-cylinder diesel engine. These product developments continue to ensure the XF is a viable option for customers who require an economical car without compromising the quality, luxury and driving dynamics.’

Jaguar launches XJ Sport and Speed Nürburgring taxi service

Jaguar launches XJ Sport and Speed Nürburgring taxi service

There is a new way to experience the Nürburgring now as Jaguar have a new model based in Germany.

The latest addition to Jaguar’s fleet at its Nürburgring Nordschleife engineering test centre is the marque’s very first taxi, albeit one with rather more ability than you may expect from a traditional cab; based on the latest all-aluminium long wheelbase XJ Supersport with Sport and Speed Pack options, Jaguar’s ‘Nürburgring taxi’ boasts 510PS from its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine and a top speed of 174mph, but no fare meter…

Frank Klaas, Global Head of Communications, Jaguar Land Rover gave an insight into this new model:

“We’ve been running a successful Nürburgring driving programme from our Nordschleife engineering test centre now for some time, as it’s the very best place to demonstrate the dynamic abilities of the current Jaguar XF, XJ and XK models.”

“Of these models, we found it’s the XJ Supersport that most often surprises journalists with its speed simply because they perceive it to be a large luxury car. The XJ is both those things, of course, but its aluminium architecture means it’s rigid and lightweight too, which make it a very good car on track. To underline that fact, our engineering team created this special Nürburgring taxi version in which our trained drivers can safely take passengers on very hot laps!”

Finished in non-standard matt grey paint with exterior Sport Pack, the Jaguar Nürburgring taxi is also specified with the Speed Pack – which raises its electronically limited top speed from 155mph to 174mph – but is otherwise mechanically standard. Inside there is, of course, ample room for four, although a few of the XJ’s usual creature comforts have been replaced in order to keep its occupants securely in place during the very quick laps of which it is capable. Gone are the standard leather-trimmed heated and cooled seats, and in their place are four race seats, each equipped with four-point harnesses. A full bespoke roll cage completes the interior changes.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake revealed

Jaguar XF Sportbrake revealed

The new Jaguar XF Sportbrake has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show and promises to be the most versatile Jaguar ever created.

Sharing its underpinnings with the XF saloon, the Sportbrake’s overall length grows by just 5mm, its weight by less 70kg and its chassis structure matches the strength of the conventional XF. These characteristics mean the Sportbrake can closely match the acclaimed handling of the XF saloon yet offers a large and highly practical load space.

Every panel on the XF Sportbrake, from the B-Pillar rearwards, is new. The strong silver signature line running the length of the car is extended while the C-Pillar is finished in gloss black, a trait shared with the XJ saloon. Slim rear light units extend into a strong chrome crossmember that dominates the rear of the car. The result is a car that blends style and function with the rear seat occupants benefitting from 48mm of extra rear headroom.

 

The large, practical tailgate can be specified with power struts, opening to reveal a wide and highly versatile load space. Measuring 550-litres with the rear seats up, the boot is framed by a set of useful cubby compartments.  With the seats folded, the total volume grows to 1,675-litres.

Practical touches are prevalent – and standard equipment – on the XF Sportbrake. Remote fold levers are mounted within the boot area to lower the rear seats – negating the need to stretch into the boot. Powerful LEDs throw a pool of light onto the ground when the boot is open while the tailgate itself features a soft close function, avoiding any requirement for it to be slammed. Set into the boot floor is a panel that splits into three sections to allow smaller loads to be neatly wedged and avoiding a precious or fragile cargo being thrown about. A tray mounted under the boot floor helps protect valuable items.

Beneath the car there are extensive changes to the rear suspension. Self-levelling air suspension aids driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can serve as an accomplished tow vehicle.

Powering the XF Sportbrake will be a range of efficient yet powerful diesel engines in 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre six-cylinder form, each directing drive through the rear wheels via an advanced eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Prices and specifications will be announced nearer the time of the launch of the Sportbrake, set to take place in the third quarter of 2012.

Jaguar XF diesel sets off on 7 day 2,800 mile USA trip

Jaguar XF diesel sets off on 7 day 2,800 mile USA trip

At 13:15 GMT today a Jaguar XF 2.2-litre diesel departed New York City with the aim of arriving in Los Angeles, California in seven days time – a journey spanning over 2,800 miles and 11 states.

With independent UK test drivers David and Alexander Madgwick at the wheel, the British-registered XF will cross a continent in order to evaluate just how frugal the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine can be.

A GPS device will be fitted to the car to allow the project to be interactive – the daily progress of the XF as it travels from coast to coast, its average speed and economy can be tracked at either  Facebook-Jaguar or Twitter (#XFCoast2Coast). Fresh images will also be posted daily.

A strictly standard car, the XF was shipped from Jaguar’s global headquarters in Whitley, Coventry, making it the first diesel Jaguar to enter the USA.

It’s not the first time that the new Jaguar diesel, on sale now, has embarked on a long-distance trip. Earlier this year an XF 2.2 was driven from the factory at Castle Bromwich to Munich – a distance of 816 miles – on a single tank of diesel and achieved an average of 57 mpg.

The project will test the capabilities of the XF – serving as an engineering exercise to determine the maximum efficiency of the car.

Despite being the most fuel efficient Jaguar ever created, the XF 2.2 produces 190 PS and 332 lbs ft of torque, to allow the XF to accelerate from rest to 60mph in just 8.0-seconds before reaching a top speed of 140mph. The XF 2.2 emits just 149 g/km of CO2.

Jaguar XF wins Best Executive Diesel Award for a fourth time

Jaguar XF wins Best Executive Diesel Award for a fourth time

The Jaguar XF has once again won the Best Executive Car category in the Diesel Car Magazine Awards – the fourth time the British-built Jaguar XF has scooped the award.

Commenting on the award, Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel Car Magazine, said: “As a prestige car to please an executive owner, the Jaguar XF has it all.  You get a terrific driving experience in the XF, cosseted in a cabin that is as comfortable as it is clever.”

Judged by the editorial team at Diesel Car Magazine, the award recognises the best mix of comfort, refinement, style, efficiency and performance in each class. The Jaguar XF emerged as a clear winner in the executive category.

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK, commented: “I’m proud that the XF remains as competitive today as it was when it was launched through our programme of improvements to ensure the XF retains its position at the very top of its class.  To win four times is remarkable and testament to our commitment to delivering ever more refined and efficient diesel engines as well as class-leading refinement and customer care.”

The XF has enjoyed sustained popularity in the UK in a highly competitive market segment.  This popularity is set to grow with the introduction of the new, 12MY XF in September equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine promising combined economy of 52.3 mpg while emitting 149 g/km of CO2.