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Jaguar XF Black Pack

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos



Jaguars may be known for their elegant use of chrome trim, but for those looking for something a little more low-key, the British automaker has just announced the availability of a new Black Pack for its XF sedan family.

Replacing the chrome around the windows and grille with glossy black trim and the conventional silver wheels with dark gray alloys, the Black Pack is available on the full range of XF and XFR models. It follows the success of a similar package which far exceeded their sales expectations on the XKR sportscar.

Pussy Galore's Helicopter Joins Bond's DB5 in London

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings, Auctions


Back in June we reported on the historic offering of the iconic 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger during RM Auctions' upcoming Automobiles of London sale on Oct. 27. Now another eye-catching Goldfinger vehicle has just joined the lineup: famed Bond Girl Pussy Galore's 1960 Hiller UH -12 E4 helicopter (above). Expected to fetch up to $650,000, the historic aircraft has been completely restored to the highest standards and is in full flying condition. Also up for sale is the 1998 Jaguar XKR driven in the famous ice hotel chase scene by the villain Zao in 2002's Die Another Day. The car, fitted out with some wicked "weapons systems", is currently the property of the Jaguar Heritage Trust and is estimated at up to $55,000.

Mad Men Star John Slattery Pitches for Lincoln Cars

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Actor John Slattery (aka Roger Sterling in AMC's highly acclaimed series Mad Men) is the new star of ads for Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln cars.

In ads that break on television coverage of The Ryder Cup starting October 1, Slattery is shown behind the wheel of the MKX crossover and the MKZ Hybrid uttering ad copy that would be worthy of a Man Men brainstorming session. "If you are going to buy a new luxury car ... shouldn't there be something new about it?" asks Slattery.

The new tagline for Lincoln; "It's not just luxury. It's smarter than that." Ad agency. Team Detroit created the campaign. ("Reach higher" was the old line.)

One of Slattery's cooly delivered lines, during a touch-screen demo in the car, is: "Don't be surprised if you haven't seen technology this intuitive before." Indeed, the final graphic on the screen is not a tagline, but just "Lincoln.com," an invitation for viewers to visit a redesigned Lincoln web site to learn about the technology savvy Lincolns they probably didn't know existed.

Ford is plowing more resources into Lincoln as its only true premium/luxury brand. The company has sold off Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo. At the Paris Auto Show on September 30, Ford CEO Alan Mulally said the company plans to take Lincoln into global markets in four or five years, namely China and the Middle East.

Jaguar Goes Hybrid with C-X75 Concept Car

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos


On Wednesday, the eve of the Paris auto show, Jaguar unveiled a gas-electric hybrid two-seat sports car concept that the automaker says is capable of a top speed of 205 miles per hour, and up to 68 miles of all-electric operation.

The exotic-looking C-X75 concept, so designated in honor of Jaguar's 75th anniversary this year, "explores the outer limits of both performance and sustainability," the company said in a news release.

The vehicle is powered by four 195-horsepower electric motors, one in each wheel. The wheel motors give the vehicle an all-wheel drive system, with torque-vectoring controls to distribute power as needed to each wheel.

Historic Jaguar C-Type to Fetch $3.7 Million in London

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions


A rare 1950s Jaguar C-Type has been added to the lineup at RM Auctions' Automobiles of London event on October 27, where it joins the famed 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger and Thunderball as we reported in June. The 1952 C-Type (above), which was taken to victory at the Golden Gate Nationals, San Francisco, by well-known driver of the period, Masten Gregory, boasts successful racing history and an unbroken chain of ownership.

Eligible for the world's most prestigious events, it is expected to fetch up to $3.7 million. "Specifically designed to win the Le Mans 24 hour race, the legendary C-Type Jaguar is one of the most desirable sports racing cars ever built," notes Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "Powered by a 210bhp, 3,442 cc six-cylinder engine, Jaguar C-Types have an enviable racing heritage from the glory days of 1950s motorsport. The example on offer, XKC-015 is a wonderful illustration and an exciting addition to our London sale."

Book Taj Boston's $6 Million Suite and Put Your Name on the Boston Conservatory's New Theater Building

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos, Charity, Big Givers


Are you a patron of the arts seeking a unique legacy opportunity in Boston? Consider this exclusive offer. A $6 million donation on the weekend of October 15-17, 2010 will allow you to put your name on the new performance complex at The Boston Conservatory, Boston's prestigious independent performing arts college offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in music, dance and musical theater.

Naturally, that's not all - you'll also get private round-trip jet transport for two from anywhere in the world, limo transfers to and from exclusive hotel Taj Boston and two nights accommodations in the Presidential Suite. Amenities include 24-hour butler service and a new Jaguar XS to enjoy during your stay and take with you or garage in Boston with lifetime valet parking at Taj Boston. You'll also enjoy access to the exclusive ribbon cutting and grand opening events, including guided tours of "your" new theater with a VIP reception, tickets to opening night and a post-performance Champagne and dessert reception, lifetime tickets to all Boston Conservatory performances arranged by the Taj concierge staff, a collection of commemorative items including an engraved Christofle sterling silver platter, etched Tiffany Champagne glasses and a magnum of Cristal Champagne Rose and a festive farewell Sunday Champagne Brunch on The Roof at Taj Boston.

Don't care to shell out the full $6 million? There's a less pricey option! How about the $4 million package? You won't get the private jet package or the car, but you can enjoy the naming rights for the Main Stage Theater only as well as two nights in your choice of Luxury Suite or Park View room accommodations, limo transfer to and from all Conservatory events, a welcome amenity of Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, and butler service throughout your stay. You will also enjoy access to the ribbon cutting, opening night, VIP reception and private after-party.

Payment for packages with naming rights will be divided between The Boston Conservatory and Taj Boston. Payment to The Boston Conservatory ($5 million for theater building naming rights or $3 million for the main stage theater auditorium naming rights) will be applied to the Conservatory's capital campaign and used to fund part of the $32 million theater building construction project. Payment to Taj Boston ($1 million) will be used to cover hotel and added expenses, with the remainder applied to the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust formed in 2008 to provide hope and healing to victims of terror, war, natural disasters and other events that disrupt life.

To book the packages, contact Claude Dubois at Taj Boston, 617-536-6700. Naturally, neither package includes taxes or gratuity.

Cars Owned by Ian Fleming and Duchess of York on Offer at Bonhams

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions


A 1962 AC Aceca Coupe (above), once owned by James Bond's creator Ian Fleming, will be offered by Bonhams at its Goodwood Revival sale in Sussex, UK on Sept. 17. One of only six surviving Ford-powered Acecas in the world, the dashing sports car worthy of 007 has attracted a pre-sale estimate of $150,000 – $200,000. The two-seater, which is dark blue with a burgundy leather interior, was purchased by Fleming the year he wrote The Spy Who Loved Me. Also on offer at the auction is a 1988 Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible that belonged to Sarah, Duchess of York, estimated at $30,000 – $38,000, though the highlight is undoubtedly a 1953 Jaguar C-Type, the same make and model that won Le Mans 24-Hours race twice in 1951 and 1953, which could fetch up to $1.5 million. Extensively restored between 1985 and 1991 it's described as "outstandingly usable and potentially extremely competitive." See the gallery for pix.

Homophobic Remarks Force End of Jaguar Sponsorship for Australian Swimmer

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Celebrity Shopping, Sports



Controversy has reared its ugly head Down Under as Jaguar has terminated its sponsorship deal with an Olympic gold-medalist over disparaging remarks made online. The athlete in question, Stephanie Rice, reportedly derided rival South African rugby team the Springboks as "faggots" after their defeat at the hands of the Australian Wallabies, one of whose players she is reportedly romantically involved with.

The remarks were made via popular social media portal Twitter, and were followed by a tearful apology made at a televised press conference. Jaguar Australia, however, evidently felt the triple-gold-medal-winning swimmer was no longer suitable to represent their brand, ending their relationship and forcing Rice to return the Jaguar XF sedan she'd been driving since earlier this year.

Steve McQueen's Jaguar at XKSS Meet in Pebble Beach

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events


Steve McQueen's famous 1957 Jaguar made a rare outing from the Petersen Automotive Museum to take part in a historic gathering of XKSS models (above) at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance the other day. The meet, arranged in celebration of the famed British marque's 75th anniversary, was the very first time the cars have all been together in the same place at once since coming out of the factory. 12 out of the only 16 original surviving Jaguar XKSS's, road-going versions of the D-Type racer all valued at $3 million or more, were in attendance. The cars also participated in a convoy, threading their way through Carmel over the soaring Laureles Grade to the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway. Several of them had to be shipped over from Europe for the event. McQueen affectionately dubbed his car The Green Rat; he paid $5,000 for the Jag in the late '50s and sold it in the '60s, regretting it so much he later bought it back.

Jaguar XJ Sentinel Mixes Security and Luxury

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos



What good is luxury if you're not alive to enjoy it? That very well might be the logic behind the new XJ Sentinel from Jaguar, recently unveiled at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show.

For the Sentinel, Jaguar has outfitted its top-of-the-line XJ luxury sedan with B7-level ballistics protection capable of withstanding barrage from any number of firearms and explosives. Naturally the extra weight (all 7,275 pounds of it) takes a toll on performance, with the burdened 385-horsepower 5-liter V8 taking nearly ten seconds to reach 62 miles per hour from a standstill, but the brakes and suspension have been upgraded to handle the task.

Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Marks Marque's Anniversary at Pebble Beach

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos



A marque as prestigious as Jaguar isn't about to let its landmark anniversary come and go unnoticed, but if the limited-edition XKR 175 wasn't enough to tickle your fancy, feast your eyes on the one-of-a-kind XJ75 Platinum.

Unveiled at Pebble Beach, the XJ75 Platinum features a superchagred 5-liter V8, pearlescent white paint scheme with contracting black grille, pillars and wheels. The interior's been decked out in quilted leather with a 1,200-watt, 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and Bremont has manufactured a special dashboard clock for the special saloon. Unfortunately this remains a concept car at the moment, but that won't stop us from staring.

Jaguar XKR 175 Celebrates at Pebble Beach

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos



Feast your eyes, ladies and gentleman, on the new ultimate Jaguar. Like the XKR 75, the new XKR175 has been made to celebrate the marque's 75th anniversary. But unlike its European counterpart, the XKR175 is destined exclusively for North America.

Based as it is on the existing XKR, the 5-liter superchagred V8 has been boosted to 510 horsepower, the aerodynamics have been enhanced, the wheels upgraded along with the brakes. A special interior treatment is also fitted, with individually-numbered treadplates almost warranting the $104,500 asking price all on their own.

Automotive Elegance at London's Salon Privé

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events


The Salon Privé, Europe's finest and largest dedicated display of supercars, exotics, classics and luxury goods set up English garden party style, graced the lawns of London's famed Hurlingham Club last week. An exclusive selection of luxury goods was on display alongside a seven-category Concours d'Elégance showcasing modern and classic motors. Jaguar made in impressive showing with a special marquee featuring many of the firm's iconic models in its 75-year history. Rolls-Royce exhibited the new Ghost alongside the Phantom and its new bespoke picnic set. Morgan showcased the Aero Supersports, Bentley showed off the new Muslanne, Aston Martin had a Rapide on display and Lotus brought along the Evora. Classic Ferraris, Alfa-Romeos, Bugattis and more rounded out the alluring eye candy to the obvious appreciation of a stylish audience.

Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six LWB up for Auction

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions



It's not every day that the Queen's limousine is offered for sale. That day came a few months ago in the UK, where Her Majesty's 2001 Daimler Majestic V8 went up for sale. Now comes to consignment of Her Majesty's previous vehicle, the 1984 Daimler Double Six Long-Wheelbase Saloon you see here, marking the first time a royal limousine has been offered for sale publicly in the United States.

Built specifically for Her Majesty's use, this Daimler underwent over 2,000 miles of testing to iron out any kinks and was fitted with a series of special features before being delivered to Buckingham Palace, upon which it became the Queen's personal transport. Her Majesty was known to drive it around herself much of the time rather than take a back seat to an official chauffeur, driving herself along with princes and prime ministers around London and to her palaces across the kingdom. After being retired from service, it was returned to Jaguar where it became part of the company's museum.

Jaguar says that this will be the last of its royal limousines offered for sale, offered as it will be at the upcoming RM Auctions event in Monterey, California, during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with pre-sale estimates placing its value between sixty and eighty thousand dollars.

Incredible Louwman Auto Museum Now Open in The Hague

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos


An incredible new auto museum designed by famed architect Michael Graves has opened in The Hague. The Louwman Museum houses over 230 historic cars as well as world's largest collection of automotive art, all assembled by Dutch car importer Evert Louwman, who bought everything from pioneering autos from the late 19th century to race cars, sports cars and luxury limousines. Most of the cars are rare examples and are preserved in their original, often unrestored state, including the second-oldest automobile in the world, a De Dion Bouton & Trépardoux from 1887. There's also James Bond's original 1964 Aston Martin DB5, as well as the eccentric Swan Car from 1910, a hybrid Woods from 1917, the Jaguar D-type 1957 Le Mans winner, an original condition Mercedes-Benz SSK (above), bubble cars, steam cars, electric cars and more.

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