[mobike008]

Mod Note : Team-BHP's driving report on both these cars are now online. Please continue the discussion in the following threads:

• Range Rover
• Jaguar F-Type


Sharing this report straight from Paris!

The historic unveiling of the F-type 2-seater roadster brings Jaguar into the convertible space. It is built to compete in the luxury convertible market against the BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK and Porsche Boxster.

The Jaguar F-type was launched at Musée Rodin in Paris, France. This is a very popular museum dedicated to the artistic works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Musée Rodin has art work that includes 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs and 7,000 objet d’art. They receive 700,000 visitors annually.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Mr.Ratan Tata entering the venue. He even looked at me and nodded his head to say “Hello” as I was part of a 5-member Indian contingent. It felt great to be so close to one of India's most respected Industrialists

The event had a musical performance by Lana Del Rey who also happens to be the model for Jaguar's ad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4D1-...ature=youtu.be

One of the songs she sang was written for the F-Type; the lyrics were on the lines of someone wanting to own a sportscar like the Jaguar F-type. I've recorded some videos too, including her song. Will share it on this page upon my return to India.

The car looks fantastic in the flesh. Here is a quick snapshot and pictures:

Approximate Pricing: Between GBP 58,500 - 70,000. This gives enough room for the XFK to create its own space.

The F-type is built using aluminium. It also features an all-aluminium double wishbone front and rear suspension. There are 3 variants; F-Type, F-Type S AND F-Type V8 S. All 3 engines are supercharged petrols.

Engines:

• F-Type 3.0 Liter V6 with 340 BHP
• F-Type S 3.0 Liter V6 with 380 BHP
• F-Type V8 S 5.0 Liter V8 with 495 BHP on tap and 625 Nm of torque!

Gearbox:

• 8-speed closely-stacked ratios on all variants

The F-Type V6 does the 0-100 kph dash in 5.3 seconds and is electronically limited to 260 kph.
The F-Type S does the 0-100 kph dash in 4.8 seconds, while the V8 takes just 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 300 kph.

The F-Type is equipped with a soft-top which can be electronically raised / lowered in 12 seconds flat.

Interesting Facts & Figures; some are from my round table meeting with the Design Director of Jaguar, Mr. Ian Callum

• An active rear spoiler (to reduce lift up to 120 kg).
• We've seen the concept C-X16, which the production F-Type looks similar to. He was inspired tremendously by the Jaguar E-Type. For instance, just look at that tail lamp.
• The F-type was conceived when Tata Motors had taken over Jaguar Land Rover in 2008. The decision to bring this product to market was primarily due to Mr.Ratan Tata.
• Lateral stiffness is 30% greater than any other Jaguar currently on sale.
• Adaptive Dynamics can adjust suspension damper rates up to 500 times / second.
• Jaguar had considered a retractable hard-top as well for the F-Type.
• There is no Jaguar SUV in the pipeline.
• We can expect a Jaguar hybrid sports car in the coming years.
• 5 Biggest markets for the brand are UK, USA, Germany, Russia and China.
• Interestingly, Jaguar sells its cars in 170+ countries while its erstwhile parent Ford sells its products only in 120 countries.

Dr. Ralf Speth (CEO, Jaguar Land Rover), Ian Callum (Design Director, Jaguar), Mr.Ratan Tata, Lana Del Rey, Adrian Hallmark (Global Brand Director) & Mr. Ravi Kanth (Vice Chairman, Tata Motors):


















Officially Released Images from Jaguar:

[mobike008]

The All-New Range Rover Premier at the Paris Motor Show

The 4th generation Range Rover was also unveiled at this show. However, it got completely overshadowed as everyone's focus was on the F-type.

From my interaction with Mr. Gerry McGovern (Design Director, Land Rover):

Facts and Figures

• The design retains the classic Range Rover styling.
• The roof now comes in three contrast colours.
• The 4th gen Range Rover is a massive 420 kg lighter, because it's made entirely of aluminium and is the world's 1st aluminium SUV with a monocoque construction. The body shell is built at the Land Rover Solihull plant in a brand-new facility.
• It is 10% more aerodynamic than before, with a co-efficient drag factor of 0.34.
• Rear seat passengers get 118 mm more legroom.
• 4 engine Options; 5.0L 510 PS V8 Petrol, 5.0L 375 PS V8 Petrol, 4.4L 339 PS Diesel and a new 3.0L 258 PS motor.
• Gerry McGovern had an interesting story to share. During an off-road test, he was seated in the back seat of the new Range Rover. In front of them was a Defender. He could see the Defender's driver bouncing around his seat, trying to overcome the treacherous terrain, while the driver of the Range Rover was practically driving with his fingers....the Range Rover remained absolutely composed.
• 85% of the Range Rover is recyclable. 72% increase in sustainable material usage.
• According to Gerry, every 100 kg saved in vehicle mass saves around 2% fuel consumption.
• The 4th gen Range Rover will go on sale first in the UK & USA in December 2012.
• Next year, a diesel hybrid will be offered. Land Rover says it is targeting CO2 emissions of under 170g/km and average fuel economy of 45 mpg.
• Prices for the new Range Rover start at GBP 71,000

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the International Scene. Thanks for sharing!

[Scorcher]

Some more pics of the Range Rover Autobiography from GTspirit.

That color, pheww!

[v1kram]

Thanks for the coverage.
Looks like the F type rear got inspired from Evoque theme, i'm not complaining, it looks good.
Range Rover - They retained the boxy looks, remains as my favourite SUV.

[himanshugoswami]

Avi , you lucky D O G!!!! awesome start to your report.....please do report on things other than JLR as well!

[acatgain]

The Jaguar F Type Site is Up and running. Find the link below..
https://f-type.jaguar.com/gl/en/#!/home

From the visuals it seems to be a stunning performer and a top notch in aesthetics..

All you SLK's, Porsches' and Z4s.. Beware.. The Pouncing Jag is out of the forests...

[Sameer_Gupta]

The new Jag F-Type looks stunning. Truly Feline looks.
Although some how I am not a fan of these retractable Soft rooftops. Just feel that when you pull up the roof the soft rooftop spoils the looks of the car.

"Jaguar sells its cars in 170+ countries while its erstwhile parent Ford sells its products only in 120 countries" -

[srishiva]

F type looks stunning. Every bit of the exterior and interior is made with amazing details (apple'esque, common British design chiefs ). Beautiful for a sports car.

[jkdas]

The rear with brakes lights/parking on the F type is wow! Thats a new mean look for a rear.

Impressed about the weight reduction/leg room and recyclable info about the RR.

Thanks mobike!

[Motoringlover]

Avi congrats - I am very happy for you. What i am especially interested in a seat of the pants experience in one of those cars. Now that is a report i am eagerly waiting for my good friend.

Thanks - ML

[Rachit.K.Dogra]

The F-Type really looks masculine from the front. The rear probalbly has too sharp creases for my taste but overall the car looks good. I think it can be serious chalanger to the likes of BMW Z4 in India considering the good performance by other Jaguar models.

Ahhh!! What can I say about the rangie. Looks more masculine from the front. Although I would admit probably a hair less elegant than the previous model but more aggressive. I lot of Evoque touches have gone into the interiors as well. I love this car even if a blind man designs it.

[Saarth]

That F-Type is absolutely gorgeous! Even the pricing is good, the top end V8 variant seems to be priced in the same band as the base XK. Can't wait till it hits our shores.

[hyd_traveller]

Avinash, nice start. Lets have many many more technical details & some more photographs of the launch please.

Originally Posted by himanshugoswami

please do report on things other than JLR as well!

Same here, waiting for the details and photographs.

[vnabhi]

Attaboy, Avi----what splendid pics! Did you get a chance to drive any of the Jags or Land Rovers?

Nice to see Ratan Tata there. Do keep posting more and more stuff. Really glued to this thread.