Lifestyle: Motoring – Jaguar XE; Lexus; Audi A7
JAGUAR Land Rover is keeping full details of its most important car for decades under wraps until its official launch next month.
Nevertheless, the manufacturer is teasing motorists by drip-feeding them snippets of information about the BMW 3 Series rival, the Jaguar XE.
The latest morsel intended to whet the appetites of buyers concerns the vehicle’s in-car technologies and connectivity.
Never one of undersell its vehicles, JLR’s pledge for the new car is “a smooth, supple ride, exceptionally sharp steering, quiet, luxurious cabin and seamless connectivity” – so, no pressure there then.
It adds: “The new Jaguar XE delivers in all respects and is equipped with a wide range of state-of-the art technologies designed to make every journey an even more enjoyable experience.”
The new XE’s InControl ‘infotainment’ system is designed around an 8-inch touchscreen which is intended to give the driver a clear, intuitive user interface with easily accessible features and functions. Voice control will also be utilised to keep driver distraction to a minimum.
Dr Mike Bell, Jaguar’s Global Connected Car Director, said: “In-car technologies in this ever-more connected and fast-paced world are an integral part of your driving experience. With the all-new XE we’re introducing an entire suite of cutting-edge driver aids and entertainment systems. Designed and developed from scratch, they will ensure that every journey you take is simpler, more relaxing, safer, and effortlessly enjoyable.”
Jaguar’s InControl Remote allows users of iOS and Android smartphones to connect to the car from wherever they are and control a range of vehicle functions. These include seven-day timed pre-setting of the XE’s climate control system, locking or unlocking the doors, or starting the engine.
Drivers and passengers will be able to access smartphone apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen, making it easy to do everything from make a conference call, find a parking space or book a hotel room. The XE also functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling multiple devices to connect to the internet – the vehicle antenna provides the best possible signal.
The sophistication of the infotainment system is matched by an array of advanced driver assistance systems – the laser head-up display (HUD) being an industry-first.
This projects high-contrast colour images onto the car’s windscreen in a head-up style display that provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions.
Designed and engineered in the UK, the aluminium-intensive XE will be the first Jaguar manufactured at JLR’s new purpose-built production facility at the company’s Solihull plant.
The world premiere of the new Jaguar XE will be held in London on September 8.
Lexus aims to shed boring image with RC F
THE new high-performance Lexus RC F V8 coupe is being readied for its UK launch, in a move which the Japanese manufacturer hopes will dispel its rather conservative image.
The brand while offering safe, well-built and well-equipped vehicles for buyers seeking an alternative from the German market leaders has been guilty in the past of failing to set the pulses racing.
However, the new car could change all that.
The RC F will be launched in the UK in two versions: RC F and the RC F Carbon. Both are equipped with the same V8 engine, a new 5.0-litre, 32-valve V8 that is the most powerful Lexus has yet created for a production car. Developed specifically for the RC F and matched to a specially calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission, it is set to deliver more than 450bhp and 520Nm.
Standard performance and handling features on the new model include Brembo brakes, Sachs monotube shocks, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, Lexus Drive Mode Select, active rear spoiler and 19-inch forged alloys.
RC F Carbon models will further benefit from a torque-vectoring differential – a world first for a front engine/rear-wheel drive car – and, using composite technology pioneered in the Lexus LFA, also feature a lightweight carbon roof, bonnet and rear spoiler.
Standard equipment features on RC F include LED headlights with automatic high beam; 10-speaker audio system with DAB radio and Lexus Premium navigation; dual-zone climate control; electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats; high-grade leather upholstery.
Order books are now open for deliveries from January 2015, with on-the-road prices starting at £59,995 for the RC F, rising to £67,995 for the RC F Carbon.
Audi aims to conquer hearts and minds with new A7 Sportback
AUDI’S quest to provide a car for every conceivable customer in the market has seen it produce a diverse collection of vehicles in recent years.
While some have immediately captured the imagination of buyers, others are rather more of an acquired taste.
The A7 is perhaps a case in point.
Its new Sportback range is now available to order in the UK, with on the road prices starting at £45,875. First customer deliveries are expected in late 2014.
Its rather elongated profile gives it a distinctive, if rather gawky appearance, although Audi seems confident in its abilities.
In an attempt to distinguish the car from the rest of the range, Audi has opted to simplify specification levels from SE Executive to S line and Black Edition.
The enhanced S7 and RS 7 models also available priced respectively at £63,375 OTR and £84,480 OTR.
Styling revisions and LED headlights apply across the range, with Matrix LED lights and indicators with sweeping function introduced for the S line, while the Black Edition gets interior decor and infotainment improvements.
The latest EU6-compliant engine range includes a 3.0 TDI, which Audi claims is capable of returning up to 60.1mpg with CO2 output from 122g/km.
