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March 2021 will be the 60th anniversary of the iconic British sportscar – the Jaguar E-Type. To mark the occasion, Jaguar Classic will create six matched pairs of E-types. The E-Type 60 Edition, as each car will be known, will be restored 3.8 E-Types with commemorative detailing and exclusive paint colours.

Each pair of E-type 60 Edition cars pay tribute to two of the oldest and most famous Jaguar E-types of all: ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’, which played pivotal roles in the unveiling of the car at its world debut in Geneva, Switzerland in March 1961.

Jaguar E-Type
Co-founder and Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, Sir William Lyons, introducing the E-Type in 1961.

Debut in Geneva
An Opalescent Gunmetal Grey 3.8-litre Fixed-Head Coupe registered ‘9600 HP’ was one of the first two E-types unveiled to specially-invited guests. Driven ‘flat out’ to Switzerland from Coventry the night before the launch, public relations manager Bob Berry arrived with minutes to spare for demonstration drives.

With an outstanding reaction to the E-Type resulting in overwhelming demand for drives with Berry, legendary Jaguar Test and Development Engineer Norman Dewis was told to ‘drop everything’ and drive a British Racing Green 3.8-litre roadster registered ‘77 RW’ from Coventry to Geneva. He took did the drive across Europe through the night.

Jaguar E-Type
The very first two E-Types made available for public test-drives.

Both cars were also loaned to the media for their road tests, which confirmed the car’s performance, including its 241 km/h top speed. One of the contributors to the high performance was its jet aircraft-inspired lines on a bodywork refined in a wind tunnel.

Built by Jaguar Classic
Every E-type 60 Edition built by the team at Jaguar’s Classic Works facility in England, the largest such facility in the world. There will be an existing 1960s 3.8-litre E-type fully-restored to exclusive 60th anniversary tribute specification.

Each E-type 60 Collection pair will include one Flat Out Grey ‘9600 HP’ coupe and one Drop Everything Green ‘77 RW’ roadster, with unique paint formulations exclusively reserved for these cars. There will be a number of 60th anniversary commemorative design details created in conjunction with Jaguar Design Director Julian Thomson.

Jaguar E-Type

A car that made an impact
Synonymous with the revolutionary zeitgeist of the Swinging Sixties, E-Types were owned by celebrities such as Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Tony Curtis and Britt Ekland. And, thanks to the beauty of its sculptural forms, its functionality and its impact on design, an E-Type became only the third car to join The Museum of Modern Art’s design collection in 1996.

“The Jaguar E-Type is a genuine icon, as sensational today as the moment it was unveiled in 1961. It’s testament to the E-Type’s advanced design and engineering that it can still be enjoyed and admired as passionately almost 60 years on,” said Dan Pink, Director of Jaguar Classic.

“The E-Type 60 Collection is a lasting tribute for E-Type admirers, honouring the car’s legacy and the achievements of the team that created it – many of whom have descendants working for Jaguar Classic today, expertly restoring, maintaining and future-proofing enjoyment for generations to come,” he added.

1963 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe reborn

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Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has introduced the latest limited edition F-PACE, Jaguar’s best-selling performance SUV, with the 2.0-litre, turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine.

Only 20 units in three variants have been imported, with prices ranging from RM436,420.82 to RM485,433.81 (for private-use registration in Peninsular Malaysia; excluding road tax and insurance).

Lightweight Aluminium Architecture
Like the Lightweight Aluminium Architecture Jaguar developed for its models, the Ingenium 4-cylinder engine has all-aluminium construction to keep weight low. With a twin scroll turbocharger, maximum output is 300 ps at 5500 rpm with 400 Nm of torque available between 1500 and 4500 rpm.

Jaguar 2-litre Ingenium engine

Jaguar 2-litre Ingenium engine

The F-PACE, which has all-wheel drive, has a claimed 0 – 100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds and can reach a top speed of 233 km/h (with 22-inch wheels fitted).

The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission has a pendulum damper in the torque converter that absorbs low frequency vibrations. This enables the engine to run more smoothly at lower speeds.

Jaguar F-PACE

Advanced chassis technologies
The chassis also has advanced Jaguar proprietary technologies such as Configurable and Adaptive Dynamics. The Configurable Dynamics, standard on the R-Sport variant, allows drivers to choose Normal or Sports settings for the throttle response, gearbox and steering.

Adaptive Dynamics (only available in the top variants) modifies the damper response to match the different conditions and driving style. It analyses acceleration, cornering, throttle and brake pedal activity to optimise the suspension settings for the best vehicle dynamics and comfort.

Jaguar F-PACE

The three variants offered are the F-PACE Prestige (entry level), R-Sport (Mid-Spec) and R-Sport (Hi-Spec) with 6 colour options. All vehicles distributed by JLRM are compatible with the Malaysian climate, environment and fuel quality as well as meet the Malaysian emission standard. They come with a ‘Jaguar Care’ programme which includes a 5-year warranty, 5 years of free scheduled service and 3 years of roadside assistance.

Click here for other news and articles about Jaguar.

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Very often, you would read about how technology developed for racing cars eventually gets transferred to production models sold to the public. The new technology has been proven in the extreme conditions of racing and before it is used in production models, it is refined and most importantly, tested thoroughly for durability and reliability.

But here’s an example of the reverse taking place – from production model to racing car. Engineers at Panasonic Jaguar Racing have taken a technology used in the Jaguar I-PACE all-electric SUV for their racing cars in the single-seater all-electric championship series.

Panasonic Jaguar Racing Formula E

Traffic Sign Recognition system
The technology is from the Traffic Sign Recognition system (TSR) but the principles are adapted for a very different purpose: to monitor the battery status of the I-TYPE and competitors’ racing cars – automatically and in real time. This data can then be used to determine the optimum energy strategies for the drivers.

TSR uses an advanced stereo camera and image processing software to detect and read road signs, informing drivers of speed limits, temporary speed limits, and no-overtaking restrictions. This information is also used by the Adaptive Speed Limiter system, helping drivers stay within the permissible speed by automatically slowing the vehicle down, if necessary, when entering areas with a lower limit.

Panasonic Jaguar Racing Formula E

Learnings from the system help the engineers understand when to push and when they can afford to ease off – optimising energy management throughout a race. Adopting digital vision systems with image recognition as the enabler for the new energy strategy modelling process delivered a step-change in speed, accuracy and flexibility compared to the tools used previously, and is future-proofed to make even more detailed analyses possible in seasons to come.

Racing to improve vehicles
The technology transfer is one example of advances in Jaguar’s road cars being used to support success on the track. This advantage is complemented by the on-going application of knowledge gained from the extremes of racing to improve vehicles such as the all-electric I-PACE.

One of the most significant benefits to date – underpinned by invaluable learning gained from the I-PACE eTROPHY race series and Formula E – was a software update to the I- which gave customers worldwide up to 20 kms more real-world range from a full charge. This was delivered though further optimisation of battery management, thermal systems, regenerative braking and all-wheel drive torque distribution.

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The on-going collaborative partnership between engineers in Jaguar Racing and those working on core Jaguar vehicle programmes ensures that knowledge, processes and technologies continue to pass from road to track and also vice-versa.

Jaguar unveils first virtual all-electric sportscar for Gran Turismo Sport

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Sime Darby Motors has a wide range of brands in its retail and distribution portfolio for the Malaysian market. These Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Hyundai, BMW, MINI, Motorrad and Volvo. To cater to the needs of corporate clients, the company is having an ‘Unbelievable Deals’ campaign. a corporate programme providing special privileges with very attractive cost of ownership and exceptional benefits.

This campaign is applicable across all the brands to suit different requirements. “This programme is specially curated to reward our loyal customers across Sime Darby Motors Malaysia. As exhilarating as it is rewarding, we aim to offer our customers with irresistible deals whilst ensuring their sales and aftersales needs are cared for by our passionate professionals who are dedicated in providing world-class services that exceed expectations,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD of Retail & Distribution, Malaysia.

Ford showroom
The different brands represented by Sime Darby Motors offer a variety of vehicle types from Ford pick-ups to premium sedans like the Jaguar XF (below)

Jaguar XF

“The automotive industry is moving towards a more digital environment to fit with the needs of our consumers. Our operating units are continuously innovating to find new ways of digitalising the car-buying process; from digital showrooms and door-step test drives to contactless servicing and eventually delivering customers’ cars to their doorsteps. The digital transformation in the automotive industry is certainly opening up new opportunities for us,” he explained.

On the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Gan said the company takes the current situation very seriously. “We stand guided by the government’s policy, with the safety and health of our employees, customers and business partners being our utmost priority,” he explained.

More information on the corporate programme is available at the individual websites of the respective brands.

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For 2020, Jaguar’s F-TYPE gets updates in many areas, with the styling changes being the work of Design Director Julian Thomson, who took over the role after Ian Callum’s departure at the end of June this year. As before, the Jaguar DNA is maintained but with an even more muscular, assertive design.

“Design the most beautiful sportscar, with purity, proportion and presence that’s unmistakably Jaguar: that was the challenge we set ourselves. The new F-TYPE is more dramatic than ever, with even greater clarity of purpose in every line, surface and feature, and embodies true Jaguar design DNA,” said Thomson.

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE

“State-of-the-art technologies together with luxurious materials and finishes deliver beauty with purpose in an interior which will delight driver and passenger alike even before the engine starts and the journey begins. Jaguar has been making sportscars for more than 70 years, and that rich heritage has inspired the team to create something truly extraordinary,” he added.

The design has evolved still further with a focus on even greater purity and discipline to the perfectly-sculpted form. Super-slim pixel LED headlights with subtly updated signature ‘Calligraphy’ J daytime running lights, and sweeping direction indicators, blend into the ‘liquid metal’ surfacing of the new clamshell bonnet. The result is an exaggeration of the car’s visual width, accentuating its assertive stance. The new front bumper and subtly enlarged grille also deliver more visual impact and presence.

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE

The rear haunches enhance the F-TYPE’s inherently dramatic, purposeful form, while the new slender rear lights combine an unmistakable LED chicane signature, inspired by the I-PACE all-electric SUV, with subtle monogram pattern detailing and a fine ‘pinstripe’ beneath.

The interior combines traditional Jaguar craftsmanship with rich, contemporary materials such as Windsor Leather and satin-finish Noble Chrome. Beautiful details include monogram stitch patterns in the seats and door trims, Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests, and subtle ‘Jaguar Est.1935’ markings on the centre console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides.

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE

There’s more driver-focused technology, including a reconfigurable, high-definition, 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display, Touch Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and software-over-the-air functionality so future software updates can be made at the customer’s convenience, without having to visit a dealer. Two Meridian sound systems are available to choose from, both offering enhanced sound reproduction.

Even before the drive begins, the F-TYPE delights the driver with the visual theatre of flush, deployable door handles and deployable air vents. Pressing the start button brings the car to life with its hallmark exhaust flare as purposeful as ever. The distinctive crackle and pop on the overrun synonymous with the F-TYPE, remains.

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE

The V6 option with manual transmission is no longer offered in 2020 and the range of powerful, responsive engines will have only 4 and 8-cylinder options, all matched to 8-speed Quickshift transmissions with full manual control using either the SportShift gear selector or the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

All engines – 300 ps turbocharged 4-cylinder and 450ps or 575 ps V8s – feature active exhaust systems. Customers who choose the supercharged V8s benefit from the new Quiet Start function, which ensures a more subtle, refined sound. The electrically-actuated bypass valves in the rear silencer remain closed until they automatically open up under load. If desired, Quiet Start can be over-ridden by selecting Dynamic Mode or by pressing the switchable exhaust button before starting the engine.

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE

The new 450-ps supercharged V8 has been developed to offer exploitable and rewarding performance, with maximum torque of 580 Nm being generated from just 2500rpm. It is offered with a choice of all-wheel drive and – for purists – rear-wheel drive.

Raising the output of the F-TYPE R supercharged V8 to 575 ps/700 Nm means more exceptional performance is exceptional. All-wheel drive gives all weather stability while retaining inherent tractability and day-to-day usability.

The F-TYPE R’s increased power is matched to a comprehensively uprated chassis with new, wider, 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels in Gloss Black with diamond-turned finish, and new adaptive dampers, springs, anti-roll bars and stiffer rear knuckles and ball joints, delivering even greater agility and responsiveness.

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE

Taking all of the learning accrued from the development of the limited-edition 320 km/h XE SV Project 8, the Quickshift transmissions in both the new F-TYPE R and the 450-ps V8 versions have been carefully recalibrated for a more engaging driving experience. The new F-TYPE R specifically offers even faster, crisper gear changes when the driver chooses gears manually via the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the SportShift gear selector. Both upshifts and downshifts are more immediate and give an even more connected and responsive feel.

Customers also have the choice of the exclusive F-TYPE First Edition. Based on the R-Dynamic models, the First Edition is offered for one model year only. It comes with refinements such as the Exterior Design Pack in contemporary Dorchester Grey and 5-spoke, 20-inch wheels in Gloss Technical Grey with contrast Diamond-Turned finish, complementing the choice of Santorini Black, Eiger Grey or Fuji White paint.

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE

The order books have opened with deliveries to start early next year. In the UK. Prices start at about £54,000 (equivalent to RM293,000) and can go as high as at £97,300 (RM528,000).

Behind The Scenes at Jaguar’s new Design Studio

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In 2013, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the popular Gran Turismo racing simulator, Polyphony Digital invited a number of top carmakers to develop virtual racing cars that could be included in the series. Many companies responded positively and came up with some extraordinary sportscars which were a combination of what’s possible today and what could be possible in future. There were no limitations to the technology and engineering so it was a unique opportunity to go to extremes.

Since 2013 and the launch of the sixth Gran Turismo simulator, over 30 sportscars have appeared from carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Mitsubishi Motors, Mazda, Hyundai and others. All of them have been known as the Vision Gran Turismo cars.

PS4 Vision Gran Turismo cars
Vision Gran Turismo sportscars from Volkswagen (left) and Aston Martin

This month, Jaguar has also joined the program with its first all-electric virtual sportscar – the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe. The futuristic EV will be available for players to download in Gran Turismo Sport for the Sony PlayStation 4 from the end of November. Before then, it will first be driven by competitors in the latest round of Sony’s Gran Turismo World Tour event at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show this weekend.

2019 Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe

Inspired by brand’s racing lineage
Jaguar’s Vision GT Coupe has been designed and developed from the ground up taking inspiration from the brand’s racing lineage. The iconic C-type and D-type influence its fearless futuristic design, while Jaguar’s I-TYPE 4 Formula E and I-PACE eTROPHY racing cars provide the technical foundations for its uncompromising racing performance. Jaguar’s team of designers had complete creative freedom to develop the perfect proportions and beautiful surfaces of this virtual Jaguar of the future.

“This project has been completely led by our young designers and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to create a vehicle steeped in our incredible heritage but pushing the boundaries of future design. The team have done an incredible job in creating something which is clearly identifiable as a Jaguar, inspired – but not constrained – by our iconic past,” said Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director.

2019 Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe

The Vision GT Coupe is crafted from experimental lightweight materials, with the light and stiff monocoque made from carbonfibre composites and advanced aluminium alloys. This focused lightweight construction keeps its weight to just 1,400 kgs with near 50:50 weight distribution. Gamers will have 1,020 ps of power and 1,200 Nm of torque, a 0 – 100 km/h time of less than 2 seconds and perfectly balanced handling,

Dream project for designers
Beautiful shapes and purposeful proportions from three key cars in Jaguar’s racing heritage, the C-type, D-type and E-type, have influenced the form and graphics of the Vision GT Coupe. Radical front fenders are reminiscent of the C-type, the epic plan shape is inspired by the ‘Long Nose’ D-type, and the fast and elegant cabin hints at the Lightweight E-type.

The Vision GT Coupe is the first Jaguar to feature the iconic Leaper on the front grille. Elsewhere, the historic references continue with the twin-charging sockets flanking the rear haunches, inspired by Jaguar’s revolutionary 1968 XJ saloon.

2019 Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe

“This was the dream project for a car designer, creating a futuristic sports car for Gran Turismo means our designs and ideas could be truly limitless. It has to excite future generations and most importantly, look and feel unmistakably Jaguar,” explained Oliver Cattell-Ford, Exterior Designer, Jaguar Advanced Design, said.

Immersive interior design
The interior has been designed to fuse Jaguar’s heritage with its contemporary interior philosophy of progressive luxury, purity, driver focus, and stunningly intricate details, all of which are allowed to breathe through the simplicity of the car’s design.

“We’ve really pushed the limit to imagine how a future Jaguar sports car interior could look. The architecture is visually lightweight, simple, and dramatic; featuring advanced and experimental materials and finishes. Sitting in the stunningly considered cockpit and looking out onto the gracefully long bonnet of the Jaguar Vision GT Coupe – a view that is unmistakably Jaguar – the player will be fully immersed in the action,” said Chris Shaw, Interior Designer, Jaguar Advanced Design.

2019 Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe

This selection of inspired details and inventive, innovative flourishes include hologram technology. The car features an on-board artificial intelligence system affectionately named “KITT-E” – a companion that would operate systems, and interface between the driver and machine to enhance the ‘emotional connection’ with the car. This technology can also display other useful information to the driver in a variety of formats, including three dimensional maps, and essential vehicle data.

The cockpit has been crafted to envelope the driver, creating a racing experience reminiscent of Jaguar’s Le Mans-winning D-types. It also features augmented reality digital side glass for enhanced vision either side of the car; the glass being able to highlight danger and obstacles, therefore increasing driver perception. Complementing this, ahead of the driver is a transparent information cluster, displaying three-dimensional information inspired by iconic Smiths gauges, with rearward vision integrated either side in the screen’s simple wrapped design – all in perfect eye-line of the road ahead.

2019 Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe

Pure Jaguar racing experience
A unique soundscape has also been created to immerse the driver in a pure Jaguar racing experience. Led by the team responsible for the Jaguar I-PACE’s soundtrack, the Vision GT Coupe’s distinctive sound was created using brand new recordings of the 1957 Le Mans podium-finishing ‘603’ Long Nose D-type. Its race-spec 3.8 litre XK engine provides a unique layer, manipulated and woven into a futuristic and distinctive electric soundtrack.

2019 Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe

To offer uncompromising racing performance, albeit virtually, the team called on the same Panasonic Jaguar Racing engineers who lead the design and development of the brand’s I-TYPE 4 Formula E and I-PACE eTROPHY race cars. The car is powered by three powerful, compact motors – one driving both front wheels, the other two driving a rear wheel each – which together produce a combined 1,020 ps and 1,200 Nm. Players will be able to hit a maximum speed of more than 320 km/h but should something go wrong at that extreme speed, well, it’s just a simulation…

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It’s taken 8 years for Marco Diez to realise his reimagined 1963 Jaguar E-Type Coupe, originally a stripped-down racing car that he regards as ‘one of most beautiful automobiles ever made’. On display this weekend at The Quail, a motorsports gathering during Monterey Car Week in California, the car was inspired by the legendary 1963 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe ‘49FXN’.

It was known as project ‘OWL226’ because of its California registration and was designed by Diez who painstakingly recreated the original body and drivetrain while refining the car’s fit, finish and interior.

Marc Diez Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe 2019 (3)

Marc Diez Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe 2019 (3)

Exacting process to have original appearance
Built in collaboration with Fast Cars Ltd. and UK coachbuilders RS Panels, the E-Type Low Drag Coupe was created through an exacting process that strove to replicate the construction and appearance of the original 49FXN as it would have looked when first designed.

The build process was so meticulous that many of the screws were machined specifically for the project, while the interior was built far above and beyond the elegant standards of a Jaguar roadcar of the day.

“Unveiling this car at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering was the culmination of nearly a decade’s work,” said Diez. “This Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe has been a passion project. I believe ‘49FXN’ is the one of most beautiful automobiles ever made, so to take inspiration from that and make it my own is a dream come true.”

Marc Diez Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe 2019 (3)

Marc Diez Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe 2019 (3)

Same powertrain as 1963 model
The Low Drag Coupe also features much of the same running gear as the original including a 3.8-litre straight-six competition engine – this one a modern example by Crosthwaite and Gardiner that produces 380 bhp. The car also features a unique ram-air intake to feed air to the side draft Weber carburettors, just like the original.

Marc Diez Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe 2019 (3)

While the original was a stripped-down racing car, Diez sought to make this car equally as beautiful and tasteful on the inside as it is on the outside. The interior is almost entirely custom-made due to the unique dimensions of the Low Drag when compared to other E-Types. From bespoke gauges, custom seats and a custom roll-bar with integrated headrests to the custom-machined steering wheel and one-off air-conditioning system, the car is a wealth of fine details.

Marc Diez Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe 2019 (3)

With a background in architecture and product design, Diez has curated a collection of refined and timeless automobiles, each with custom designs penned by himself. While each car retains its original spirit and overall character, details have been changed in an effort to reinterpret and aesthetically enhance the cars. ‘OWL226’ is just the first of many automobiles to come out of Diez Concepts.

Marc Diez Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe 2019 (3)

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The Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations-developed XE SV Project 8 has demonstrated its performance capability by setting the fastest Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time for a 4-door production car again: 7 minutes 18.361 seconds.

The Project 8 is also the first vehicle to set an official whole lap record in the Nurburgring’s mid-range production car class, lapping the circuit in 7 minutes 23.164 seconds.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8

2.9 seconds faster than previous benchmark
This new officially-verified time on the 20.6-km lap is 2.9 seconds faster than Project 8’s previous benchmark set in November 2017, and 7 seconds faster than any other 4-door production car has achieved.

Returning to the legendary German circuit in a production-specification 2-seat Track Pack version of Project 8 was development driver Vincent Radermecker. The car’s height-adjustable twin-spring coil-over suspension was set in ‘track’ ride height, with adjustable front splitter and carbonfibre rear aerodynamic wing positioned for maximum downforce and stability.

To maximise performance and steering precision, for the final record runs, the car was fitted with new off-the-shelf ultra-high performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. Tested and chosen by SV engineers for their capability on the track, the road-legal tyres use rubber compounds directly transferred from Michelin’s competition tyres.

The original Nurburgring time set by Jaguar XE SV Project 8 demonstrated the extreme performance envelope of the world’s fastest production sedans, but the SV team is driven by a motorsport mentality and knew Project 8 could go even faster.

600 ps V8 and all-wheel drive
Powered by the most highly tuned 600-ps version of Jaguar’s 5.0-litre Supercharged V8, the all-wheel-drive Project 8 is capable of 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 320 km/h). It features a fully-enclosed flat underbody for enhanced aerodynamics, which is key to its performance.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8

Production of the limited-edition Project 8 will finish this year. There are three distinct 4-door specifications available, with the Touring specification – the ultimate Q-car – limited to 15 units worldwide. Prices start from £149,995 (equivalent to RM770,300) in the UK.

The idea that going for a drive is a pleasurable experience isn’t always true. Much of the time, traffic conditions cause frustration and instead create stress. An unexpected jam due to roadworks or an accident can completely change the cheerful mood of a relaxing Sunday drive. One study suggests that 74% of us admit to feeling stressed or overwhelmed every day.

Understanding that this is not just unhealthy (bad for the heart) but can also have an effect on safety, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is researching new artificial intelligence (AI) technology to understand our state of mind while driving – and adjust cabin settings to improve driver wellbeing.

Monitoring the driver’s mood
The technology uses a driver-facing camera and biometric sensing to monitor and evaluate the driver’s mood and adapt a host of cabin features, including the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, media and ambient lighting. The settings will be altered in response to the driver’s facial expressions to help tackle stress.

The mood-detection system will use the latest AI techniques to continually adapt to nuances in the driver’s facial expressions and implement appropriate settings automatically. In time, the system will learn a driver’s preference and make increasingly tailored adjustments.

Jaguar Land Rover

Personalisation settings could include changing the ambient lighting to calming colours if the system detects the driver is under stress, selecting a favourite playlist if signs of weariness are identified, and lowering the temperature in response to yawning or other signs of tiring.

Rear passengers can benefit too
JLR is also evaluating similar technology for rear passengers, with a camera mounted in the headrest. If the system detects signs of tiredness, it could dim the lights, tint the windows and raise the temperature in the back, to help an occupant get to sleep.

The new mood–detection system is one of a suite of technologies that JLR is exploring as part of its ‘tranquil sanctuary’ vision to improve the driving experience. Designed to create a sanctuary inside each of its luxury vehicles, the company is exploring a wide range of driver and passenger wellbeing features, to ensure occupants are as comfortable as possible whilst ensuring the driver remains mindful, alert and in control.

Jaguar Land Rover

Mood-detection software is the next-generation of Jaguar Land Rover’s existing driver tracking technology. The Driver Condition Monitor, which is capable of detecting if a driver is starting to feel drowsy and will give an early warning to take a break, is already available on all Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

There are many beautiful creations when it comes to the modern era of vehicle manufacturing. With so many great examples from around the globe, it’s easy to get lost in all the stunning madness.

But then, there are a few classics like this particular Jaguar that some would argue is the most beautiful of the all. (more…)

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