Jaguar’s all-new XJ makes a stunning leap into the future. The XJ has been the company’s luxury flagship for decades. In fact, the original XJ6, which was launched in 1968, was the last car to have inputs from company founder Sir William Lyons himself. And while the previous generation XJ was highly advanced under its aluminum skin, its outward appearance was, at best, a mild evolution of a design that originated several decades previously, which is perhaps the main reason for a sales decline off late. Well, with the new XJ, Jaguar expects buyers to look up and take notice.

Clearly inspired by the well received XF, the XJ has a large mesh grille up front that’s even more aggressive and assertive than that in its lesser sibling. The new XJ also gets an accentuated and very precisely shaped C-pillar to give it a sleek, aerodynamic look. And the rear end is no less dramatic with tail lights that reach far into the rear bodywork.

The construction of the XJ uses the same pioneering aluminum construction (chassis and body) as its predecessor – making the XJ considerably lighter than its main competitors, the Mercedes Benz S Class and BMW 7 series. Combine this light weight with its air suspension, adaptive dynamics and active differential control, and you should be left with an XJ that’s light on its feet as well. Helping to ensure that it is indeed fleet footed are three very capable power units – starting with a twin-turbo 3.0 liter V6 diesel, it also gets different variants of Jaguar’s 5.0 liter V8. The naturally aspirated V8 produces a not inconsiderable 380 horsepower, while its supercharged siblings make 464bhp in standard trim, and a manic 503bhp in Supersport trim.

The XJ appears no less impressive on the inside either, with a cabin that looks cosseting and luxurious in the traditional sense, while being high-tech and new age in equal measure. The instrument cluster features jet fighter inspired virtual instruments, while the center console houses a touch-screen that incorporates dual-view technology, which allows the passenger to view a DVD while the driver views vehicle functions and navigation.

The XJ will hit UK streets in early 2010, and make its way to different parts of the globe thereafter. Following the XK and XF, the new XJ completes Jaguar’s transformation into the future, and it now certainly appears to be a true alternative to its Germanic rivals.

Just over one year after Tata Motors acquired luxury brands, Jaguar Land Rover, from Ford Motor Company for $2.3 billion USD, Ratan Tata opened JLR’s first showroom in India. The company’s flagship showroom is a luxurious and sprawling facility, befitting of the brands, located in Worli, Mumbai. Plans are afoot to establish a dealer network in the other metros through 2009 and 2010.

At the opening, Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, said: “We are extremely pleased and proud to introduce the Jaguar Land Rover brands in the Indian market, and give the discerning Indian customer direct access to these prestigious brands, accompanied by a parts and service network. We hope they will delight customers in India just as they have done in markets the world over.”

The company is offering the Jaguar XF, XFR and XKR (coupe and convertible) models, which feature both the naturally aspirated version of Jaguar’s 5.0 liter V8 producing 380 horsepower in the XF, and the supercharged 5.0 liter in the XFR and XKR, which produces a mammoth 500 horsepower and propels both cars to 100km/h in under 5 seconds. Land Rover, meanwhile, offers its Discovery 3 with a 2.7 liter V6 diesel producing 190 horsepower, and both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models get a 3.6 liter V8 diesel producing 270 horsepower, and a supercharged 4.2 liter V8 petrol developing 390 horsepower. Prices range from a fairly steep Rs. 63 lakhs to a stratospheric 92 lakhs. Nevertheless, Jaguar Land Rover aims to break into the ever growing luxury car market in India, with a view that this region will play a pivotal role in future.

More power for the Grand Vitara
		Maruti Suzuki has given the Grand Vitara a new lease on life by slotting in a more powerful 2.4 liter, 163 horsepower engine, versus a 2.0 liter, 120 horsepower motor thus far. The new engine is a development of the existing 2.0 liter, but makes use of several advanced features to achieve higher efficiency, smoothness and driveability. The all-time four-wheel drive continues to ensure all-terrain ability. It also gets rear discs for better braking, and new 17-inch alloys wheels for a more aggressive stance. The interiors have also been upgraded with a new Multi Information Display. The Grand Vitara 2.4 comes with a price tag of Rs. 17 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the 5-speed manual, and Rs. 18 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the 4-speed automatic.

Tata Nano passes its first European crash tests
Tata Motors recently sent two slightly modified Nano’s to the MIRA test center in the UK for an initial round of EU crash tests. Needless to say, the basic platform has proven worthy once again, as both cars passed with flying colours. The two Nano’s, which were fitted with drivers’ side airbags, and had strengthened front longitudinal structures, as well as additional structures behind the bumper, were subjected to a 56 km/h offset frontal impact test, and a 50 km/h side impact collision. These tests are more severe than the equivalent Indian crash tests. However, these EU norms will be enforced in India as well in the next three years.