2014 Jaguar XJ Review

2014 Jaguar XJ 

Jaguar gave its flagship XJ luxury sedan a complete reboot in 2011, and the revamp has pulled the XJ decidedly out of stodginess and made it essentially a more daring, charismatic alternative to stoic German luxosedans. Now this storied nameplate has a shape that seizes attention and isn't just an interpretation of the past.

Last year, the XJ expanded its appeal with a new V-6 and available all-wheel drive; and now for 2014, a high-performance XJR model rejoins the lineup, for the first time in four model years.

Whereas the former XJ was stuck in an era of doilies and high tea, the current XJ drops the need for caffeine entirely. It starts with a fresh, contemporary design, including a drop-dead gorgeous roofline, a sail-away rear pillar, and runway-model sensibilities, from its embossed grille to its bugle-beaded LED taillamps. The rear-end styling can be polarizing; its tucked-in look can look either understyled or delightfully different, depending on your eye. And the endless rings of brightwork inside could have used some censoring--or an option to tone that down a bit.

2014 Jaguar XJ - Performance and Interior

2014 Jaguar XJ 

At the base level, the 2014 Jaguar XJ now has a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with 340 horsepower. With 0-60 mph times of 5.7 seconds, it's nearly as quick as the supercharged V-8, yet with much better gas mileage (up to 27 mpg on the highway). The long-wheelbase model starts with the 385-hp V-8, which is noticeably better to the ears. Otherwise if you jump for one of the upper models--in XJ Supercharged or XJ Supersport models, you'll step up to supercharged 470-hp or 510-hp supercharged V-8s, respectively (and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds for the XJ Supersport. Most V-8 versions are limited to a top speed of 155 mph, but new Sport and Speed packs with new aero tweaks are allowed to venture up to 174 mph.

Newly slotted into the top of the lineup is the high-performance XJR, which gets the top-output, 550-horsepower supercharged V-8 from the XFR-S, as well as a stiffer suspension, a front aero splitter, subtle rear spoiler, and various upgrades inside. This model can reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and has noticeably sharper powertrain response, with a more rev-happy version of the V-8.

2014 Jaguar XJ - Interior design

Throughout the model line, the engines are mated to eight-speed ZF automatics, and shift quality is quick and smooth (save for too much downshift delay in Drive), with a more performance-oriented shift program in 'S' mode as well as a Dynamic mode that provides sharper shifts and some rev-matching (along with other important changes to the adaptive damping system and stability control). There's also new all-wheel drive with a rear torque bias: it's offered only on the long-wheelbase six-cylinder car, and with a low weight penalty, pits the Jaguar XJ with the long-offered AWD models from Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus. Jaguar however notes that this system is oriented for foul weather, not top performance.

2014 Jaguar XJ - Exterior Design

The XJ feels almost shockingly lean and light from behind the wheel, and if you compare it to other German luxury flagships it weighs several hundred pounds less. With an all-aluminum structure, it builds in a deft handling edge, and with this generation, the long-storied ride isolation of Jaguar is history, replaced by an athletic, taut feel. Factor in the adaptive damping system, however, and the electronics manage to filter out minor road imperfections without spoiling any of the fun. Big ventilated disc brakes with anti-lock, brake drying and good pedal feel match the XJ's crisp new feel, and Z-rated tires of up to 20 inches stick tenaciously.

Inside, the physical closeness of the XJ's interior makes it feel more sporting. The seats are firmer and flatter, with more adjustments and heating and ventilation, but there's less head and leg room in front and, especially, in back. It's tight at the knees on either side of the front console, but leg room is lavish, especially on long-wheelbase cars. There's one significant letdown, though; that's the limited headroom in back, due to a roofline that's just a bit lower than perhaps it should be.

2014 Jaguar XJ - Exterior

Standard safety equipment is respectable, with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control; there's also a blind-spot alert system built into each XJ, and adaptive cruise control is optional. But items like lane-keep systems, head-up displays, and night-vision systems--optional on the German flagship models--aren't anywhere to be seen here.

The 2014 Jaguar XJ, like the competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, spans a wide pricing range, from about $75k up to more than $150k for some versions. If technology is one of the primary means by which you judge a luxury car, you should probably walk away from the XJ. It's missing the sorts of world-first tech options you'll find on those rivals--and its infotainment and navigation systems are upstaged by vehicles costing a small fraction as much. That said, the XJ lineup will wow you in traditional ways, with unparalleled comfort, plush interior appointments, and stunning trims. The supple semi-aniline leather and real wood veneers go a long way; meanwhile heated front and rear seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, and ventilated rear seats are available on most versions. And with Jaguar's service plan paying for everything except gas and tires for the first five years or 50,000 miles, erasing that worry is an added luxury.

Available 2014 Jaguar XJ All Model

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2014 Jaguar F-type Review

2014 Jaguar F-Type Review

The 2014 JaguarF-Type is an all-new model.

Movie remakes and cover songs are tricky business, especially if the original is an iconic and beloved cultural symbol that has stood the test of time. The all-new 2014 Jaguar F-Type faces just such a challenge: This convertible represents the first all-new Jaguar sports car since the legendary E-Type that debuted in 1961 and ceased production in 1974.

Forty years of progress and innovation ensure that the E- and F-Types are worlds apart in performance and technology, but comparisons can't be avoided. Jaguar refuses to call the F-Type a tribute, but there are subtle styling nods to the original, including the rounded side body panels and the circular taillight accents. That said, the E-Type was both a convertible roadster and coupe, but for now the new F-Type is just a convertible.

Given its asking price, the 2014 Jaguar F-Type is in the same league as convertibles like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG. When it comes to measuring performance, this Jaguar can challenge the likes of the Audi R8 and Porsche 911. Although the F-Type might not match the Porsche in every conceivable test, it's equally thrilling to drive, downright gorgeous and a bit less expensive than a comparable 911. And not only is it a worthy sequel to the E-Type, the Jaguar F-Type ranks among our favorite drop-top sports cars for 2014.

Body Styles 2014 Jaguar F-Type

The 2014 Jaguar F-Type is a two-seat fabric-top roadster that is available in base, S and V8 S trims. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, headlight washers, rain-sensing wipers, a deployable rear spoiler and heated side mirrors. Also standard are full power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, leather and suede upholstery, six-way power-adjustable seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, interior ambient lighting, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, and a 10-speaker audio system with CD player, auxiliary audio jack and iPod integration.

2014 Jaguar F-Type exterior

Upgrading to the F-Type S will get you a more powerful V6 engine, 19-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors, gloss black exterior accents, an adaptive suspension system, larger performance brakes, a mechanical limited-slip differential, selectable dynamic driving modes (controls throttle, steering and transmission responses), an active sport exhaust, keyless ignition/entry and color-configurable ambient lighting.

The range-topping F-Type V8 S adds a powerful V8 engine, 20-inch wheels, auto-dimming mirrors, rear parking sensors, high-performance brakes, an electronic active differential, dual-zone automatic climate control, full leather upholstery, 12-way adjustable power seats (with power lumbar) and driver-seat memory functions.

2014 Jaguar F-Type wheels

Bundled options include the Premium 1 and 2 packages for the base and F-Type S, which add the auto-dimming mirrors, 12-way power seats, dual-zone climate control, a wind deflector, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium 3 package for the V8 S adds the above features that aren't already standard. The Vision pack can be added to the Premium packages and includes adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic detection.

The Performance packages for the S and V8 S add sport seats, customizable dynamic modes, high-performance brakes, a sport steering wheel and unique interior treatments. Besides the numerous wheel and body color choices, stand-alone options include a heated windshield, active exhaust control, illuminated door sills, satellite and HD radio, and a premium 14-speaker Meridian audio system.

Safety, Powertrains and Performances 2014 Jaguar F-Type

Safety features for all 2014 Jaguar F-Types include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, seat-mounted side airbags and rollover protection bars. Rear parking sensors are standard on the V8 S model and available on supporting trims. Optionally, front parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, a rear cross-traffic warning system, adaptive headlights and automatic high beams can also be added to all trims.

The base 2014 Jaguar F-Type is powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic with manual shift control sends that power to the rear wheels and is standard across the F-Type lineup. Jaguar estimates the base F-Type will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

Choose the F-Type S and the V6 engine's power output increases to 380 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. This model is expected to reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Interior Design and Special Features 2014 Jaguar F-type

2014 Jaguar F-Type seats

Step into the F-Type's cockpit and there's no mistaking it for anything but a sports car. Even in base trim there are plenty of cues telling you that this car means business, with racy stitching, well-bolstered seats and a hearty passenger "oh shoot" handle flanking the center stack. Yet it's also a Jaguar, which means top-notch materials, comfort and high-tech features. Such finishing touches as central air vents that rise from the dash and an Ignis orange start button and shift paddles (for S models) further increase the cool factor.

At highway speeds, top-down motoring is calm, with buffeting kept to acceptable levels, and if the weather takes a turn, the top can be deployed in only 12 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. Whether the top is up or down, trunk size is notably limited at 6.9 cubic feet. Medium-size suitcases might be a tight squeeze, and the oddly shaped space and awkward liftover further complicates loading.

2014 Jaguar F-Type Interior

Available for 2014 Jaguar F-Type Convertible Model

*price source : http://www.edmunds.com/jaguar/f-type/2014/

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2014 Aston Martin Rapide

Even though it has four doors, the 2014 Rapide S is no exception from what Aston Martin has a longstanding reputation for: turning out some of the world's top grand-touring sports cars.

Far more faithful to sports-car athleticism than to the luxury-sedan hints it may drop, the new Rapide S—replacing the former Rapide in the Aston lineup for 2014—gets a little more performance-focused, without losing any comfort.

The Rapide made its debut about three years ago; yet it’s getting a bit of a relaunch to accommodate the new-generation ‘AM11’ V-12 engine, altogether making 550 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. That's 80 more horsepower than before, most notably, from a new 'AM11' version of Aston's V-12, and it bumps top speed to 190 mph, with 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. EPA fuel economy ratings stand at 13 mpg city, 19 highwa—about typical for this class of vehicle.

Not much changes in the Rapide's overall profile—curvaceous and classic Aston Martin—and that's great. With a larger 'full' grille, the face of the Rapide S is wider, and the lower aero work adapted to suit that. Aston has raised and recontoured the hoodline to meet EU pedestrian impact standards, while also adding a trunklid 'flip' spoiler to aid aerodynamics (top speed is 190 mph).

Those changes drop the engine about 0.75 inch lower—improving its center of mass. And three modes for the Bilstein adaptive damping system now allow a separate Track mode, along with normal and Sport modes—in addition to the Track mode (or full off) for the stability control. And a Sport mode for the powertrain allows a stronger tip in and delayed shift points, and enables an exhaust bypass valve so that the V-12 sings its song a little earlier and more audibly.

Compared to the CLS63 AMG, or the Porsche Panamera Turbo S, there’s less of an edge to the Aston’s powertrain itself, yet the handling and steering is sharper and more communicative and the car feels smaller, leaner, lighter. The Rapide S is wide—really so, at 84 inches—and that tightness may be nervous-making on narrow country lanes or when you need to park this precious beast in a standard-size parking space.

The Rapide is essentially a 2+2, but with four doors; if you plan to have the front seats positioned rearward for a taller driver, don't expect more than a child to be able to fit behind. Entry and exit through the rear doors is far from ideal, and some may need a helping hand. Although rear-seat passengers get their own center-console, and a rear entertainment system is available. The ride is on the firm side, but refinement is excellent, with road noise well damped out; and reasonably good comfort, even on jittery backroad surfaces—a surprise, given the very low-profile tires.

You’ll need to follow the rearview camera when parking—if you don’t always have valets for that sort of thing. Although you have a good view in front and to the side, rearward visibility is restricted through the narrow rear window.

Otherwise, there’s no mother lode of advanced tech features; only enough to enforce that athleticism with a sheen of sophistication. And there are plenty of 'bespoke' opportunities for he or she who orders the car to enhance that any way they want—with special materials, like a Carbon Exterior Pack, available piano black interior trim, or Duotone perforated red-and-black leather, among many, many options.

Our time with the Rapid S has so far been quite limited—with far more time clocked over a couple of drives on European mountain roads than on actual U.S. streets and highways. We plan to update our impressions as soon as we can get a longer drive Stateside. In the meantime, see our First Drive of the 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S.

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2013 Acura ILX Hybrid

2013 Acura ILX Hybrid 

Acura ILX Hybrid Mid-level luxury brands have always had to do a bit of leg work to distance themselves from their more common cousins. Thanks to generation after generation of pervasive badge engineering (much of it from the Big Three), buyers can't be blamed for looking at brands like Buick, Lincoln, Infiniti, Lexus and yes, Acura as tarted up versions of Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Toyota and Honda products.

For much of its lifetime in the automotive landscape, however, Acura has excelled at putting distance between its offerings and that of its parent company thanks to cars with superior driving dynamics, quieter cabins and clean, attractive aesthetics. Yes, outliers and dull spots can be found in the company's recent track record, but by and large, Acura products remain situated well above the Honda rabble.

2013 Acura ILX Hybrid

When the brand announced it was getting serious about the luxury small car game with the ILX, those of us with a set of the company's keys in our past couldn't help but envision an honest successor to the long-dead Integra. Turns out, that wasn't what Acura had in mind. As you've likely heard by now, the ILX is the least premium vehicle to wear the Acura badge in some years, but where the standard car falls flat, the ILX Hybrid may have room to excel.

Hybrid buyers are typically willing to sacrifice some measure of handling, cabin refinement and performance for fuel economy, and that seemingly lends this model a real shot at giving hybrid hardware from Lexus a run for its money.

Acura kept hybrid badging to a minimum with a simple pair of emblems on each fender paired with another on the trunk lid.

2013 Acura ILX Hybrid Trunk Lid

From the outside, the ILX Hybrid hides its Civic roots well enough. That's thanks to an attractive take on Acura's corporate fascia. With the shield grille somewhat tamed and an upkick along the lower valance, the vehicle's nose is fairly attractive. Swept-back projector headlamp arrays pull the eye toward the sedan's side, where a character line wanders from just behind the front wheel well to just north of the taillamps.

Acura also kept hybrid badging to a minimum with a simple pair of emblems on each fender paired with another on the trunk lid. Visually, they're the only indication this is anything other than a standard ILX. Well, those and the tiny 16-inch alloy wheels on our tester. We haven't seen rollers this petite on a luxury car since velour was a regular contestant on option sheets.  The sizable sidewalls on the 205/55 R16 all-season tires certainly don't do anything to make the car look premium, though we don't have any harsh criticism for the split five-spoke wheel design.

From the rear, it's clear Acura designers have finally begun to move back to basics, choosing clean lines and attractive taillamps over an abundance of angles. The look won't stand out in a crowd as particularly attractive or memorable, but it won't send the contents of your stomach scrambling for air, either. Given creations like the ZDX, we're grateful for small mercies.

The cabin is choked with materials that are unbecoming of a vehicle with a price tag over $35k.

2013 Acura ILX Hybrid Cabin

But it's indoors where the ILX Hybrid begins to show its common blood lines. The cabin is choked with materials that are unbecoming of a vehicle with a price tag over $35,000. While the steering wheel, shift knob and handbrake lever receive nice leather and the dash is attractive enough, everything onboard simply feels half a step below the rest of the Acura line – it doesn't feel cheap so much as thoroughly Honda.

The leather seats are comfortable enough, but seem to be wrapped in the same hide found in a top-trim Accord. That's fine for a budget midsizer, but it's more problematic for a sedan with an Acura badge on the nose. The good news is that there's plenty of space inside.

The ILX Hybrid delivers ample head- and legroom for front-seat passengers, and the rear bench serves up 34. 1 inches of rear legroom. That's over an inch more than the comparably priced 2013 Lexus CT 200h hatchback, though the Lexus comes out on top in rear headroom. Still, with 35. 9 inches worth of space for lofty hair, the ILX Hybrid isn't exactly cramped. Where the model does suffer, though, is cargo capacity.

Engineers have trimmed the trunk capacity from 12. 4 cubic feet to 10 cubes to make room for the battery pack, and that number drops even further with the addition of the optional Technology Package.The extra gear cuts trunk space to 9. 8 cubic feet. For comparison's sake, that's nearly five cubic feet less than a pint-sized Nissan Versa.

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2014 Jeep Cherokee SUV

2014 Jeep Cherokee SUV

2014 Jeep Cherokee SUV - topcars-guide

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee marks the return of a classic Jeep nameplate. Previous Jeep Cherokees were no-frills off-road vehicles that provided little more than basic transportation when you got them on the pavement. The 2014 Cherokee is wholly different. It's a small crossover SUV. And while it still has a fair amount of all-terrain ability, this new Jeep is more remarkable for its spacious and attractively furnished cabin, pleasant ride and smooth V6 engine.

Although the 2014 Jeep Cherokee has about the same footprint as the Dodge Dart sedan (with which it shares its basic platform architecture), it feels far roomier on the inside and has one of the most accommodating rear seats of any compact crossover in this price range. The downside is that prioritizing passenger space has resulted in a lower maximum cargo volume: With its rear seats folded, the Jeep has 10-15 fewer cubic feet than most competitors.

It's nice to have that go-almost-anywhere capability when you need it, but the 2014 Jeep Cherokee also comes with some new tech features that you'll probably make use of a lot more often. An 8.4-inch touchscreen interface is available in most models, and there's also an option package that bundles forward collision, lane departure and blind-spot warning systems with automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control and an automated parallel and perpendicular parking system. Indeed, the Cherokee is the first Jeep that will park itself, and it's an unusual feature to see in this class.

However, the small crossover SUV class is loaded with excellent choices. You'll definitely want to look at top sellers like the 2014 Ford Escape and 2014 Honda CR-V, as well as the Mazda CX-5, as all of these crossovers match up well with the Jeep and offer better performance with their four-cylinder engines. If a V6 is a must for you, the similarly sized 2014 Kia Sorento has more cargo room and an available third-row seat. Finally, if you're really interested in going off-road, you'll find that more utilitarian vehicles like Jeep's own Wrangler and the Toyota FJ Cruiser offer more capability on rough terrain. Unquestionably, though, the 2014 Cherokee is the most complete small Jeep we've driven in years, and it's worth a look if you're shopping for a small SUV.

Body Styles, Trim Levels Cherokee

Body Styles 2014 Jeep Cherokee SUV

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a small, five-passenger crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited.

Standard equipment on the Sport includes 17-inch steel wheels and all-season tires; air-conditioning; power accessories; keyless remote entry; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; and a six-speaker audio system with a 5-inch touchscreen interface, USB/iPod integration, an auxiliary audio input and an SD card reader. Options include a Cold Weather Group package with a wiper de-icer and heating for the front seats, steering wheel and mirrors. You can get alloy wheels, a rearview camera, satellite radio and a CD player as stand-alone options.

Powertrains and Performance

Performance Jeep Cherokee SUV

Standard on all 2014 Jeep Cherokees is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 184 hp and 171 pound-feet of torque. Optional on all but the base Sport is a 3.2-liter V6 that makes 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines.

You have your choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with either engine, but Trailhawk models are 4WD only. Jeep offers two different 4WD systems. Standard on four-wheel-drive Sport, Latitude and Limited models is the light-duty Active Drive I 4WD system; it requires no input from the driver and is suitable for driving in wintry conditions. Standard on the Trailhawk and optional on other 4WD Jeep Cherokees is the more deluxe Active Drive II system, which features low-range gearing to give the vehicle extra capability in off-road situations. The Trailhawk also has a locking rear differential to aid progress on rough terrain.

In addition, four-wheel-drive Cherokees feature a Selec-Terrain dial with selectable Auto, Snow, Sport and Sand/Mud modes to optimize traction; the Trailhawk features an additional Rock mode. Hill start assist is standard on all Cherokees, but only the Trailhawk has hill descent control. A tow package is available on all 2014 Jeep Cherokees, and with it included, V6 models have a 4,500-pound towing capacity.

The EPA has released fuel economy ratings for Cherokees with the Active Drive I 4WD system: Four-cylinder models are rated at 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 24 combined, which is slightly below average for this class, while V6 Cherokees with this 4WD system rate 19/27/22: good numbers for a six-cylinder crossover SUV.

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