Jaguar XJ revealed

The waiting is finally over… Jaguar has finally pulled the wraps from its all-new XJ.

These first official pictures reveal the luxury saloon in all its detail –from its distinctive nose, to that incredible tail…

Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, Jaguar promises that the XJ brings a daring new spirit to its line up - with a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and advanced engineering.

Available to order now, prices for the all aluminium machine start at £52,500 - for the standard wheelbase 3.0-litre V6 diesel luxury.

Building on the success of the new XK and XF models, the introduction of the all-new XJ represents a key moment for the Coventry firm.

Positioned as the company's four-door flagship, it marks a mid-way point in the historic firm's reinvention – paving the way for new growth and new competition.

Representing a huge step forward over all that the XJ has offered before, detailing includes a panoramic glass roof as well as dramatic rear lights that arch up and over the boot lid.

Standard- and long-wheelbase models are available from launch, while inside the cabin promises to set new standards for elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provide an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully-crafted leather and veneer surfaces.

Three specification levels are to be offered, including Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio – to allow the customer to tailor the car to suit their tastes.

Beyond this are the Supercharged and the top-of-the-range Supersport, the latter providing the ultimate expression of performance and luxury, with a specification that includes a leather roof-lining, leather seats and special veneers.

All of Jaguar's acclaimed new petrol and diesel engines will be available in the XJ.

Entry level cars will offer a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and there are two petrol power plants to choose between, including a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 and 5.0-litre supercharged V8. Flagship models offer a 470 horsepower version of the supercharged engine.

Fuel economy and emissions are also outstanding, with the diesel-powered XJ returning combined economy figures of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km.

Proven Jaguar dynamic technologies are taken to new levels in the all-new XJ. Features such as air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar.

Inside the car, advanced new technologies have allowed Jaguar's designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a simple car cabin. Stunning, 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instruments complement an innovative, Dual-View technology 8-inch Touch-screen that can project DVD movies or television programmes to the passenger while the driver views vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation.

Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, which is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

Aston Martin Cygnet

From supercars to a supermini! These are the amazing pictures that will have car fans shaking their heads in disbelief. But it really is true...

Aston Martin is building a model that's even smaller than a Ford Fiesta!

Based on the Toyota iQ, the Cygnet is the result of a joint venture with the Japanese giant. Details are scarce at the moment, but the tiniest Aston Martin ever is expected to share the same three-cylinder petrol engine as the iQ, along with its innovative three- plus-one seating arrangement.

It will also boast a Euro NCAP five-star crash safety rating. And with a low-emission, highly economical engine, the Cygnet will help Aston to meet increasingly stringent environmental targets too.
As you can see, the firm has managed to distill all of the design cues from its supercar range into a package measuring only three metres long.

Inside, expect the same attention to detail as you'd get on the DBS, with a leather-clad cabin featuring the very best materials, along with an ECU (Emotion Control Unit) that plugs into the centre console, replacing a traditional key.

However, not just anyone will be able to buy a Cygnet. In order to snap up one of the must-have urban machines, you have to already own an Aston Martin, as the firm is only making them available to existing customers. The company has identified that around 30 per cent of owners have small cars such as the MINI or Smart ForTwo in their garages, using them for short journeys to and from city-based offices. Now Aston is giving them the chance to buy their very own 'luxury commuter'.

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin chief executive, explained more about the Cygnet: "Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this bold step to embark on this special project – made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ.

Peugeot unwraps its Audi TT ‘teaser’

Here's proof that Audi's TT has some serious competition! Following our spy shots in Issue 972, these are the first official pictures of Peugeot's new coupé – the 308 RC Z. 

While the company has kept some details under wraps until the global unveiling at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, it's still clear from the teaser shots that the production car is virtually identical to the concept that debuted at the German expo two years ago. The twin roof bubbles, integrated into the rear window, and head-turning proportions remain intact. So does the aluminium-effect A-pillar, which runs over the doors and down to the rear deck. 

The striking waistline, which steps up at the edge of the doors, is carried over, too. At the back, the look is finished off with neatly detailed tail-lights. In fact, the only big changes are smaller wing mirrors and the addition of a pair of washer jets for the bold headlamps. 

Power for the flagship version will come from the MINI Cooper JCW's 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit. Producing 218bhp, it should propel the car from 0-60mph in less than seven seconds and hit a top speed of around 145mph. However, there will be plenty of other engine choices, including a 150bhp 1.6 petrol turbo and a new, powerful 163bhp 2.0-litre HDi, shared with the revised 407 Coupé. 

Inside, the two-seater cabin is set to be very similar to that of the 308 CC. However, there will be more leather and piano-black trim, plus chrome highlights and unique instruments.

The 308 RC Z is due to reach showrooms in spring 2010, with prices starting at less than £20,000

MINI Cooper MkI (2001)

Few brands, if any, command the loyalty and enthusiasm that the Mini generates in its followers, so relaunching the classic model was a massive undertaking. The job of coming up with a Mini for the 21st century wasn't taken
lightly, and new owner BMW considered a host of designs for its long-awaited comeback – from clever space-saving models in the spirit of the original to retro reworkings of the existing vehicle.

Take one look at the end product and it's clear which approach the firm preferred – and the resulting sales hit shows it got things right. With cute looks, a unique cabin, sharp dynamics and a premium price tag, the MINI was a car without a rival – and an instant success.

The savvy marketing campaign provided a huge list of cosmetic extras which were inspired by classic Mini features. This gave buyers the chance to make a real individual statement by choosing everything from Union Flag roof decals to bigger wheels and upgraded interior trim, just to give their car a personal touch. This approach has been copied by rival firms ever since, but the MINI got there first.

With its zippy engines, powerful Cooper and supercharged Cooper S models, as well as an economical diesel variant, there was a MINI for every occasion – but the newcomer wasn't without compromise. Not only did it look like its famous predecessor, it shared the cosy rear seats and tiny boot.

Innovative aftermarket add-ons such as a clever and affordable all-inclusive servicing package set the MINI apart from its peers and helped to establish the brand's now market-leading residual values.

That explains why even the cheapest, earliest examples will still set you back £3,500 today.

The rebirth wasn't universally popular with diehard Mini fans, but without the incredible showroom success of the 2001 car, models such as the later JCW, Clubman and Cabriolet wouldn't even exist. The Oxford-built hatchback was also responsible for introducing a whole new generation of buyers to the Mini legend, which explains why this machine is the highest-ranked modern car in our rundown.

The greatest ever MINI?

It's 50 not out for Mini! The famous British brand celebrates its golden anniversary this year, and what better way to commemorate the occasion than with a slice of Mini mayhem?

To mark the firm's big year, we've gathered a glittering collection of cars from the past and present. From the incredible rally cars of the Sixties to the latest Clubman and John Cooper Works World Championship 50, they're all here, but which of these golden wonders is our favourite?

Our countdown from 12 to one, reveals all…

 

Jaguar XJ revealed;

The waiting is finally over… Jaguar has finally pulled the wraps from its all-new XJ.

These first official pictures reveal the luxury saloon in all its detail –from its distinctive nose, to that incredible tail…

Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, Jaguar promises that the XJ brings a daring new spirit to its line up - with a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and advanced engineering.

Available to order now, prices for the all aluminium machine start at £52,500 - for the standard wheelbase 3.0-litre V6 diesel luxury.

Building on the success of the new XK and XF models, the introduction of the all-new XJ represents a key moment for the Coventry firm.

Positioned as the company's four-door flagship, it marks a mid-way point in the historic firm's reinvention – paving the way for new growth and new competition.

Representing a huge step forward over all that the XJ has offered before, detailing includes a panoramic glass roof as well as dramatic rear lights that arch up and over the boot lid.

Standard- and long-wheelbase models are available from launch, while inside the cabin promises to set new standards for elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provide an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully-crafted leather and veneer surfaces.

Three specification levels are to be offered, including Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio – to allow the customer to tailor the car to suit their tastes.

Beyond this are the Supercharged and the top-of-the-range Supersport, the latter providing the ultimate expression of performance and luxury, with a specification that includes a leather roof-lining, leather seats and special veneers.

All of Jaguar's acclaimed new petrol and diesel engines will be available in the XJ.

Entry level cars will offer a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and there are two petrol power plants to choose between, including a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 and 5.0-litre supercharged V8. Flagship models offer a 470 horsepower version of the supercharged engine.

Fuel economy and emissions are also outstanding, with the diesel-powered XJ returning combined economy figures of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km.

Proven Jaguar dynamic technologies are taken to new levels in the all-new XJ. Features such as air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar.

Inside the car, advanced new technologies have allowed Jaguar's designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a simple car cabin. Stunning, 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instruments complement an innovative, Dual-View technology 8-inch Touch-screen that can project DVD movies or television programmes to the passenger while the driver views vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation.

Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, which is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

Aston Martin One-77

The covers have finally been pulled away from the Aston Martin One-77! The £1.2m supercar made its world debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, in final complete form, with a full interior and running gear.

Just like the prototype that appeared at the Geneva Motor Show, the final car evolves the classic Aston design themes of a long bonnet, short tail and trademark grille and adds dramatic slashes in the front bumper along with a racing-style diffuser at the rear.

Inside, the cabin also draws on the current range of models, but is curvier and features lots of leather mixed with exposed parts of the chassis – just check out the carbonfibre on the inside of the doors. Under the bonnet lies a 7.3-litre V12 engine, which produces 700hp and weighs 25 per cent less than the 6.0-litre unit. With the whole car weighing in at around 1,500kg, the One-77 is predicted to have a top speed in excess of 200mph, with a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds. All 77 models have already been sold. 

Incidentially, the stunning machine scooped the top prize at the Concorso d'Eleganza event, winning the Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes. Aston Martin chief executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Embodying everything Aston Martin stands for; the One-77 has proven itself as the most desirable automotive art form at its premiere today. We have achieved a new level of design and craftsmanship which has been clearly recognised by the public here in the homeland of design at Villa d'Este."