Car Blog

Jaguar  announced the introduction of the 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged, the fourth and newest member of its acclaimed XF lineup. The vehicle, a mid-year release, is powered by a 470 hp version of the 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III engine that debuted at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. The XF Supercharged will go on sale in October 2009, and will be priced starting at $68,000 MSRP.

“The Jaguar XF Supercharged will offer consumers a compelling luxury sedan choice with benchmark handling ability and truly memorable performance,” says Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars. “This new luxury performance XF Supercharged sedan builds on the tremendous momentum Jaguar has achieved by introducing beautiful fast cars such as the XK sports car, the XF and the XKR and XFR models.”

At-A-Glance Highlights

• 5.0-liter Supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III engine with 470hp (a 12% increase over the 4.2-liter 2009MY supercharged XF) and 424 lb/ft of torque

• 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds

• Adaptive Dynamics (the latest in computer controlled continuously variable damping) and Active Differential Control (electronically controlled rear differential) are standard

• Upgraded ventilated disc brakes

• Interior features include: contrast color twin needle stitching on the instrument panel and door top rolls, Jaguar Suedecloth Premium headlining, Rich Oak veneer (unique to XF Supercharged only), 440W Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, HD radio, and heated steering wheel

• Exterior features include: unique 20″ five triple-spoke Selena-style alloy wheels, “Supercharged” badging on rear trunk lid, quad polished exhaust tailpipes, and silver-gray painted brake calipers

Globally launched at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, the XF line has set new standards for the next generation of luxury sports cars. The XF Supercharged expands the already highly acclaimed model line that includes:

• 4.2-liter naturally aspirated XF (300 hp) with a $52,000 MSRP

• 5.0-liter naturally aspirated XF Premium (385 hp) with a $57,000 MSRP

• 5.0-liter supercharged XF Supercharged (470 hp) with a $68,000 MSRP

• 5.0-liter supercharged XFR (510 hp) with a $80,000 MSRP

Source: Jaguar

A new breed of Do-It-Yourself motorists are changing the way their vehicles are being serviced: BIY (Buy-It-Yourself) consumers are saving money on auto repairs and maintenance by purchasing the necessary parts themselves and having their local mechanics do the installations. Using the Internet to find the best prices for the parts and accessories they need, these astute BIY drivers are keeping their cars and trucks running safely and efficiently, extending the life of their vehicles, and saving considerable money.

“It’s a trend that’s really picking up speed,” said Tom West, CEO & President of JC Whitney, the largest direct marketer of name-brand automotive parts and accessories. “It’s no different than a bride buying a diamond online and having her local jeweler set it.”

JCWhitney.com offers over six million easily searchable automotive parts and accessories, including a full range of high quality replacement, performance, and restoration parts for nearly every car, truck, and motorcycle. JC Whitney guarantees the lowest prices, provides extensive customer support, and delivers merchandise to a customer’s doorstep or directly to their mechanic. Shipping is free for most orders over $99.

The savings can be dramatic. The owner of a 2001 Ford Mustang saved almost $70 on a new radiator. A national auto parts store quoted the part at $186.99. JC Whitney offered the exact same part, including shipping, for only $117.04. A Front Oxygen Sensor for a 2002 Chevy Malibu was priced at $139.99 by a national service chain, and JCWhitney.com’s price for the identical name-brand part, delivered to the customer’s doorstep, was only $80.98 – a savings of over 40%.

“For 95 years JC Whitney has been known for its great selection and tremendous value,” added West. “For the BIY customer, we deliver the satisfaction that you’re getting the right part at the best price.”

Source: Whitney Automotive Group

With the Cash for Clunkers bill having been signed into law, Cars.com has launched a guide to help consumers understand how they can take advantage of the new legislation and get a credit for trading in their old car and upgrading to a new, fuel-efficient model.

“Cars.com has all the information shoppers need to determine how they can best take advantage of the Cash for Clunkers bill when making a new-car purchase,” Cars.com Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen said. “We’ve outlined the rules and regulations and provided a number of scenarios to help shoppers through the process.

“Say your 1999 Ford Crown Victoria gets a combined 18 mpg. You have your eye on a new 2009 Ford Taurus, but it only gets 21 mpg, according to EPA ratings. You aren’t eligible for a credit, because if you’re buying a new car (not SUV, truck or minivan), it must get at least 22 mpg,” Olsen said. “However, if you opt for the 2010 Ford Fusion with a four-cylinder engine instead, you’ll get a combined 25 mpg and a $3,500 credit. If you want a $4,500 credit but want to stick with Ford, you could get a manual 2009 Ford Focus (28 mpg combined) or a 2009 Ford Escape (24 mpg) or Escape Hybrid with either four-wheel drive (28 mpg) or front-wheel drive (32 mpg).”

In addition to information about the new Cash for Clunkers law, Cars.com can help shoppers navigate their new-car-purchasing process with tools that make it easy to identify vehicles that meet their needs. Shoppers can take advantage of the site’s Vehicle Recommender, expert and consumer reviews, and new-car inventory search to find the right car and a dealer who has it. Features such as Best Gas Mileage by Vehicle Class make it easy to identify fuel-efficient cars, trucks and SUVs that are ideal for shoppers looking to take advantage of Cash for Clunkers.