2013 Jaguar XJL Portfolio

Design – A Fine British Style

The already sleek and sloping body of the XJ gets even better thanks to the extra 4.9 inches added to the XJL model. The 2013 Jaguar XJL has a wheelbase of 124.3 inches and overall length of 206.8 inches. The width has also been increased by 5 inches when compared to the shorter XJ.

The design caters to those business men that are looking to make a statement when pulling up to a business meeting, or to an after work social event. The long and lean design comes with a gorgeous roofline, an unique rear pillar and short rear deck. The large and imposing front grille gives character to the car while the elongated LED headlights combine the latest tech with classic design.

Taillights are the most controversial part of the XJL’s design. Three red lines of light represent the scratching of a cat’s claws. Yet compared to the previous model, the new taillights design is fresh and bold. They flow with the body line perfectly and the three LED strips bring color to the rear end. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they get our thumbs up.

Underneath the new design the British engineers have fitted one of the most advanced chassis in the luxury and heavy sedans market. The highly advanced (unique riveting and bonding processes) and of course costly aluminum chassis (with magnesium and other composites) allows Jaguar to have access to lightweight modular platform for models of different sizes. The 2013 Jaguar XJL Portfolio with its 5.0 liter engine weighs in at 4,220 lbs, lower than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 750Li (4310 lbs).

Interior – Luxury Rules Design

While the BMW 7 Series stands out with its combination of high-end luxury and sportiness for the interior design, the Jaguar XJL comes with a full list of amenities to ensure the driver and his or her passengers have a ride filled with luxury and comfort. Wood accents and trim dominate the design of the XJL, while the large center console becomes the pinnacle of the interior design. It takes a bit to get used to the interior design of the Jag, especially after spending most of our time inside BMWs, but we understand the idea of providing the highest level of luxury that it’s possible today without robbing a bank. The fully wrapped in leather interior also comes with heated, cooled and massaging seats that make long rides quite enjoyable. They guarantee you will arrive cool and refreshed after a long drive behind the wheel. The 16-way power front seats are firm and flat, a different approach from BMW’s wrapped-around-the-body seating.

There’s loads of legroom in back, but headroom is limited by the sloping roofline.

Taking a page from high-tech, the Jaguar XJL aims to impress with a gear selector dial rise from the center console upon engine startup.

The flat panel with digital dials in front of the driver lacks usability partly due to a busy user interface design and small characters. The infotainment system, and its touchscreen sometimes, also needs some additional work. The Flash-based system operated via an 8-inch touchscreen needs more than simple tap to respond and the design of the user interface isn’t the simplest of the bunch. The abundance of small buttons makes it even more confusing to navigate through different menus.

The Portfolio package comes with a rear-seat entertainment system and in-headrest eight-inch monitors, wireless headphones and wireless controllers. The mirrored tray tables are a nice gimmick as well. Our tester also had the 825-watt Meridian Audio system which outputs 1,200-watt system. 19-inch Toba five double-spoke alloy wheels with all-season tires are included.

Power – Naturally Aspirated

Our 2013 Jaguar XJL tester came with a 5.0 liter naturally aspirated gasoline, direct injection V8 engine that produces 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Jaguar offers a 510 horsepower version of this engine for its Supercharged models. The transmission of choice is the all-new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previously used six-speed automatic. For this particular model, power was sent to the rear-wheels, but an all-wheel-drive variant is offered as well.

Just like BMW and Mercedes offers in the high-end sedans, the Jaguar XJL takes advantage of various driving modes activated through a push of a button. The Drive Control unit controls the active damping system and self-leveling rear air suspension.

Driving Impressions

Thanks to its acceptable weight and length of 206.6”, the aluminum bodied XJL sprints from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.4 seconds. The V8 engine accelerates smooth without much effort in a quickly and elegant manner. The power is far from raw, but rather just right for this type of vehicle. The naturally-aspirated engine stands out as soon as you plant your foot on the pedal and delivers enough power to push you back in your seat. Could it be more fun with extra power? Without a doubt, but the 385 horsepower engine does a fine job maintaining a balance between performance and fuel consumption.

When compared to the BMW 7 Series, which comes with more ponies and torque in its 750Li variant, the Jaguar’s driving experience is different. There ride is less stiffer and aggressive than the 750Li when both are set in the sportiest driving mode. Again, something that doesn’t surprise us since the two cars are built under a different philosophy. A tough choice between the two, so the buying decision will end up being based on other features, or pricing.

After a few hundred miles in the 2013 Jaguar XJL Portfolio we came to appreciate the nice, quiet and isolated ride. As went through different driving modes, the throttle response and chassis settings varied from subtle to more aggressive, while the power steering received additional road feedback. The red gauges on the display indicate the sharper handling and throttle response.

Cornering Brake Control is another feature of the XJL, a torque-vectored braking system that helps with aggressive and hard cornering. We couldn’t fully experience this feature other than some occasional sprints through some backroads in the flat Midwest. Some body roll is present also, but that doesn’t surprise us when it comes to a vehicle of this size.

As we mentioned earlier, the 5.0 liter V8 385 horsepower engine delivers when it comes to efficiency. In the never ending Chicago traffic, we averaged 18 mpg combined figure.

Should I Buy One?

The 2013 Jaguar XJL Portfolio starts at $81,200, lower than similar offerings from Audi (A8L model) – $84,000, Mercedes-Benz S550 – $95,000, and BMW 750Li – $90,500. If price and luxury are your primarily purchasing points, then the 2013 Jaguar XJL Portfolio is a strong contender. If you’re looking for a bit more refined German engineering, and in some cases a more aggressive and sporty ride, then the other offerings in luxury sedans class are worth a look.

In a way, the XJL has carved a niche for itself and it has its own following based on the its legacy. The design is classy and refined, the aluminum chassis is innovative, but overall the Jaguar XJL lacks some tech features that we’ve come to love in other cars. Hopefully in the next generation, the Jag will also get an adequate infotainment system to close the loop inside the cabin.

SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Limousine (W 205) in a fresh set of shots

2015 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Limousine 

   
                                    



Mercedes-Benz will introduce the high-performance version of its brand new C-Class, the C 63 AMG, next summer. The model is currently being put to test by engineers in various locations worldwide. The latest spy shots come from Europe (Nurburgring circuit in Germany) and the United States (the Death Valley Desert).

The new C 63 AMG will premiere a brand new engine - the 4.0-litre 8-cylinder BITURBO powerplant, which should be offered in several, different output versions depending on the model it powers. For the 205 generation of the C-Class, this newly-developed V8 unit will deliver a staggering 462 hp and offer more fuel economy.

While the standard specification is only a mere 5 hp better than the current 457 hp value, it is expected the twin-turbo engine performs substantially better than the old, naturally-aspirated unit, which does not run very efficiently and also consumes a lot of petrol. The acceleration from a standstill up to 100 km/h should take close to just four seconds. 

We do not have any information on this, but it is possible the new C 63 AMG also gets a special, enhanced performance variant in the form of an S-Model which also comes equipped with the special, sports-oriented AMG 4MATIC traction. Moreover, the overall kerb weight of the car will be lowered by up to 100 kilograms compared to the 204 model series, even though there is more technology than ever before on a C-Class model.

Speculators also indicate Mercedes-AMG could actually return to the old C 55 AMG moniker for the new 205 model series, but this allegation is yet to be officially confirmed or suggested. 

E92 BMW M3

E92 BMW M3

                                         

Chicago-based tuner IND worked with one of their customer to customize an E92 BMW M3. The unique M3 comes with an equally unique color: Atlantis Blue.

Here is how the story began:

“The progression of this Atlantis Metallic (paint code 399) coupe began with a simple phone call regarding painted reflectors. Like many BMW fans, the owner of this M3 was a bit apprehensive about the Atlantis Metallic paint color, and was unsure about his color choice. The order with BMW was fresh and was eligible for cancellation at a moment’s notice. To help our client confirm his color choice, IND sent painted reflectors long before the car was delivered to our client. Once the paint sample was in hand a series of phone calls and even an in-person meeting at BimmerFest West took place, in an effort to string together a general outline for 399’s first iteration. It was clear the owner had a passion for detail and perfection, and knew that he wanted his modifications to standout, but also possess an “OEM plus” feel.”

Next IND decided to give the M3 Coupe a bit more power. The ESS VT2-625 kit was installed and was paired with the Eisenmann Sport Exhaust.

Inside the M3 gets an upgraded look. The newly released Awron gauge with its bright OLED display integrates seamlessly with the sporty interior. n continuation with their goal of seamless integration, Awron even offers the display with a specially machined ESS velocity stack capable of receiving both an IAT and Boost sending unit adapter.

The dashboard gets a badge that identifies the color code of the Atlantis Blue (399). The seats are covered in Alcantara while the door panels gets blue inserts.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series

                                       Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series                                         

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is one of the most extravagant-looking cars in the current AMG lineup. 

The optional front splitters and the touring car-like rear wing, along with the widened wheel arches almost make it look like it's been taken straight from the Deutsche Touringwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) championship.

The stock rims aren't something to be ashamed with either, but if you want to give the car a more street racer look and a less of a motorsport feel you might want to change them for something aftermarket.

The following Black Series owner did just that, switching the stock wheels with a set of PUR RS04 in “modern matte black”. 

               BMW X6M Falcon

AC Schnitzer stepped up shortly after BMW launched it's furious X6M and created a complete package for the Sports Activity Coupe from the Bavarian manufacturer.
As usual ACS created a completely reworked version of the X6M and also gave it a name: the X6 M Falcon. The new, wider body kit consists of front and rear bumpers, a bonnet, a carbon rear wing, side sills and twin sports rear silencer with chromed tail trims.

However, the overall body kit can be purchased individually and not only as a whole. That's what must've happened with the one we're looking at today. Even though it bares the AC Schnitzer Falcon badge, the car looks somehow different. 

The rear carbon wing is missing and so are some other details on the front bumper. Also, the side sills seem to be different from the AC Schnitzer version but that could've been done with some clever carbon fibre foil. The wheels are definitely not ACS Type VIII Racing wheels, as the German tuner suggests for this model and look rather like blacked-out X6M stock wheels.

As if this wasn't enough, the owner decide to throw in some fancy blue LED lights around the bonnet's air intakes, mirror covers and side gills. Now the car looks like a Christmas tree, especially at night.

2013 BMW M5

Practically every automaker has an R or a GT or a V or an S or a Spec-Something-or-Other sexing up its catalog. But nobody commits to the job with the fervor of BMW’s M division GmbH. Granted, the gulf between track and street that opened up years ago means that BMW’s speed shop no longer puts motorsport specials on the road with detuned race engines. But that doesn’t mean new M’s are nothing more than Big Macs with barbecue sauce.
But take the example of the new 560-hp “M TwinPower Turbo” M5—Bimmer-nerd code: F10—that goes on sale in the U.S. late next summer as a 2013 model.

In the F10 M5, you get: a unique engine [see sidebar]; a unique, reinforced and re-ratio’d, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission; and a unique, electronic limited-slip differential with a unique aluminum horse-collar mount for added rigidity. There’s a unique suspension with forged aluminum components and nary a part number shared with any other BMW; a unique variable-ratio steering gear with hydraulic instead of electric boost as in other 5s; unique, iron-and-aluminum brake rotors clamped by unique radial-mount, monoblock front calipers housing six asymmetrically sized pistons per wheel; and a unique front crossmember, stiffened and attached by two additional bolts because somebody thought that was important. A unique rear-suspension cradle is rigidly mounted to the unibody to eliminate the weight and flex of rubber bushings, unique stiffening rods and shear plates underneath serve as extra bracing, and the car runs enough special software to land it on an asteroid.

You may scoff upon learning the M5’s price, expected to fall near $92,000. To that prodigious sum we say: How can BMW possibly sell a couple thousand copies per year so cheaply? What does the dedicated tooling cost, anyway? How much is it to change 10 things about an engine, including the induction system and compression ratio, and then recertify it? It’s a lot of Big Macs. Maybe not as many Big Macs as creating a bespoke V-10, as in the previous E60, but a lot.

The new M5 will assuredly be profitable. But whether it is spectacular or merely great—many people would put a 4300-pound luxury sedan that hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds firmly in the former category—it’s definitely no parts-bin badge job.

The previous V-10 had an 8250-rpm redline. With the M TwinPower Turbo, Elvis pretty much leaves the building at 6000, though the revs go to 7200 rpm, supposedly for track-day lappers who like to hold gears longer—and, we suspect, to uphold the M tradition of making spin-dizzy engines. The tall gearing of the seamlessly proficient seven-speed, with its two overdrive top gears handing off to a 3.15:1 axle ratio, is well matched to the M TwinPower Turbo’s torque curve, or lack of curve, as it were. The torque “peak” of 502 pound-feet is more of a mesa, arriving just off idle at 1500 rpm and not fading until 5750 rpm, ­figures for a gasoline engine that would make even Herr Diesel envious.

If the M5 achieves its stated goal of a 30-percent gain in fuel economy, combined mpg could reach 20 when the EPA gets around to rating it. BMW is also strongly hinting that the U.S. market will again get a manual-transmission option.

Change, like cold gazpacho, always has its haters. Atavists will doubtlessly cry out that M has abandoned them with all this turbo madness. To paraphrase a recent comment on our website: When the M5 got a V-8 for 1998, people said they missed the inline-six. When it got a V-10 for 2004, people longed for the V-8. That is all true, as is the fact that the new M5 remains a delectably sweet reward for personal financial success. And if the next M5 is a diesel-electric hybrid that hits 60 mph in three seconds flat, will we say the same? Maybe, but only if BMW comes up with an even better name than M TwinPower Turbo

Nissan GT-R Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega R35 GT-R                                                                

                            

Performance Specifications

• Horsepower:  2000+ HP
• Quarter Mile:  7.984 @ 186.14MPH *current R35 GTR record
  
• Standing Mile:  233mph *gear limited/done at 1250whp
  
• Standing Half Mile:  214.04mph *current GT-R record
  
• 60-130mph:  2.67 Seconds *current overall record
  
• 30-130mph:  3.63 Seconds *current overall record
  
• 100-150mph:  2.42 Seconds *current overall record
  
• 0-186mph(0-300KPH):  7.98 Seconds *current overall record
  
• 0-60mph:  1.72 Seconds
• 0-100mph:   3.03 Seconds
• 100-200mph:  7.45 Seconds
• 0-200mph:  11.87 Seconds

  

Engine

• Alpha GT-R 4.0L Big Bore Engine – Available Here
• Alpha GT-R CNC Ported Cylinder Heads (w/ Ferrea Valvetrain Component Package) - Available Here
• Alpha Omega GT-R Custom Camshafts

Turbo/Exhaust

• Upgraded AMS Alpha Omega Turbo Kit
• TiAL Q Blow-off Valves
• Full Alpha GT-R Exhaust System (includes Alpha and Alpha spec components)

Fuel

• Alpha GT-R Fuel Rail Kit – Available Here
• Alpha GT-R Omega Spec Fuel System
• ID2000 Injectors (6) - Available Here

Transmission

• Alpha Omega Transmission Upgrade Package (by Shepherd Transmission)

Intake/Intercooler

• Alpha GT-R Intake Manifold – Available Here
• Alpha GT-R CNC Ported Throttle Bodies – Available Here
• Alpha GT-R Omega spec Intercooler System

Engine Management/Electronics

• Syvecs Stand-alone Engine Management System – Available Here

Suspension/Wheels/Tires/Brakes

• Enkei 18” RPF01 Front wheels with M&H 275/45/18 Racemaster Drag radials
• ALPHA Drag Wheel and tire combo in the Rear
• ALPHA Drag Suspension upgrade
• ALPHA Upgraded CCM brake kit front and rear

Interior

• Full 8 point Roll cage with Swing out door bars and removable parachute assembly
• ALPHA Tillet Seats – Available Here
• ALPHA Tillet Seat Brackets – Available Here

Exterior

• ALPHA Carbon fiber 2×2 V-weave Matte Finish Hood – Available Here
• ALPHA Carbon fiber 2×2 Twill weave Matte Finish Roof – Available Here
• ALPHA Carbon fiber 2×2 V-weave Matte Finish Trunk lid - Available Here
• Super sweet Omega spec Vinyl Decals
• APR GTSpec Side Mirrors