The Jaguar F-Type Just Got a Lot Cheaper

The Jaguar F-Type Just Got a Lot Cheaper
2016 Honda Civic Coupe Gets Early Reveal in Spy Photos
Jeep Rolls Out Two New Special Editions
Ford Might be Planning a Hotter Focus RS
Top 10 Best Jaguar Sports Cars of All Time
Audi Q7, RS7 Performance and S8 Plus Pricing Announced

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The Jaguar F-Type is getting a cheaper entry-level model in the U.S. for the 2017 model year.

Lowering the introductory price for the luxury sports car, the Jaguar F-Type coupe will start from $62,395 including destination, while the convertible will be priced at $66,395 when they arrive U.S. showrooms starting spring 2016.

The new entry-level model is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 340 horsepower, hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission.

According to the British automaker, "the addition of a new entry price level for 2017 Jaguar F-TYPE builds upon the pricing realignment strategy announced as part of The Next Generation of Jaguar for the 2016 model year in which an improved competitive value position was brought to market through a combination of new entry priced models, increased standard equipment and lower MSRPs that all help the brand target the heart of the luxury market."

SEE ALSO: 2016 Jaguar F-Type Review

Entry models with an automatic transmission will be available while standard features include valet mode, solar attenuating windshield glass, Meridian 770W surround sound audio system, navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, leather and suedecloth finished sport seats and Jaguar InControl Apps.

The 2017 Jaguar F-Type lineup will continue to consist of the F-Type, F-Type S and the range-topping F-Type R. Pricing on the 2017 F-Type S and F-Type R models has not yet been announced.

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2016 Honda Civic Coupe Gets Early Reveal in Spy Photos

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The new Honda Civic Coupe has been spotted testing before its official debut next week at the LA Auto Show.

These shots give us our first look at the production version of the Civic Coupe, which has been toned down quite a bit compared to the Civic Coupe Concept that was shown off at the New York Auto Show. Though it doesn't look as aggressive, the car does retain what looks to be the same electric green exterior color.

According to Honda, the coupe will have "even sportier lines" than the sedan, which can be seen in the sloping roofline. The same engines found in the Civic sedan, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque and a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque will be offered in the coupe.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Honda Civic Touring Review

The new 2016 Civic goes on sale in the U.S. on Nov. 12 and will be sold only in sedan form at launch. The coupe will join the lineup shortly afterwards while a hatchback, Si and Type R model will all join the range sometime in the future.

Check back to AutoGuide.com next week for live photos and details on the Civic Coupe live from the LA Auto Show.

Discuss this story at our 10th Generation Civic Forum

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Jeep Rolls Out Two New Special Editions

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Jeep has revealed two new special edition models that will publicly debut next week at the L.A. Auto Show.

First is the Grand Cherokee SRT Night, a package that outfits the performance-oriented SUV with plenty of gloss back exterior features including the roof, rear spoiler, front grille bezels along with the B and C pillars. The badges and front are finished with satin black. Velvet red, billet silver and granite crystal are the color choices for the new special edition.

Lightweight five-spoke 20-inch wheels, also finished in satin black, are part of the package, and are designed to show off the SRT's Brembo brakes. Inside, black leather is used dotted with silver stitching accents.

The running gear on the SUV goes unchanged with the special edition and still uses a 6.4-liter V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Jeep assembled the Wrangler Backcountry as an ode to winter. It comes with Backcountry decals, unique front and rear powder coated bumpers, 17-inch Rubicon wheels finished in mid-gloss black and a black fuel filler door. Rock rails and a black hard top come as standard equipment on the Backcountry, though side steps and a body-color hardtop are available as options.

Hydro blue, black, bright white and granite crystal are all available colors for the Backcountry, which also gets one exclusive color: Xtreme purple.

Inside, piano black accents, a vinyl-wrapped center console, gray accent stitching, leather seats with black sport mesh and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo system are all included.

Check back to AutoGuide.com for live photos and details on these special editions live from the L.A. Auto Show next week.

Discuss this story at our Jeep Forum

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Ford Might be Planning a Hotter Focus RS

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Rumors of an even hotter version of the already potent Ford Focus RS are circling the internet.

According to Autocar, Ford is considering putting together a special version of the Focus RS that would pack a more potent power-to-weight ratio thanks to pounds being shaved from the car. The car's 345 horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine may also be boosted, though it likely won't be by a large amount.

The use of carbon fiber-reinforced bodywork, aluminum suspension components and lighter brakes are some of the ways that Ford could cut weight from the Focus RS. A stripped out interior and less noise insulation will also help the car lose pounds, with Autocar claiming that the RS may lose up to 220 pounds.

Some of the actual running gear additions may include a new electronically controlled limited-slip differential in the front axle along with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Ford is targeting German hot hatches like the Mercedes-AMG A45 and the Audi RS3, which run from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 and 4.3 seconds respectively. If the even hotter Focus RS does show up, Ford will certainly push to out run both of those cars.

[Source: Autocar]

Discuss this story at our Ford Focus RS Forum

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Top 10 Best Jaguar Sports Cars of All Time

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Jaguar has made some of the fastest, sexiest and most outlandish sports cars in history. And, of course, each offered a distinct British charm. From the original SS 100 to the current F-Type, Jaguar sports cars have had the substance to back up their style. But what is the best of the best from the big cat manufacturer? Some choices are obvious, while others are hidden gems.

Here is AutoGuide.com's ranking of the Top 10 best Jaguar sports cars of all time:

10. Jaguar Mark 1 and Mark 2

Not exactly a pure sports car, the Jaguar Mark 1 and Mark 2 were compact saloons (British for sedans) that had an incredible amount of racing success. Powered by a choice of inline-six engines, it was the 3.4-liter Mark 1 and 3.8-liter Mark 2 cars that were the serious performers.

Names like Roy Salvadori, Bob Jane and, of course, Sir Stirling Moss himself all found success behind the wheel of the Jaguar Mark 1s and 2s.

9. Jaguar XK

Released in 1996, the XK succeeded the XJS as Jaguar's grand touring coupe and convertible. With a sexy body, the XK had the performance to back up its sleek silhouette. Initially only available with a 290-hp 4.0-liter V8, a 370 supercharged version of that V8 would join the XK lineup a few years later.

By the time the second-generation XK was discontinued in 2014, this big Jaguar coupe was available with a 550-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine in the bonkers XK-RS.

8. SS Jaguar 100

As a successor to the SS Jaguar 90, the SS 100 is considered by many as the first real Jaguar sports car ever made. Delivering the performance that the SS 90 was missing, the SS Jaguar 100 initially came with a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine that would later be replaced by a 3.5-liter inline six-cylinder.

With 125 hp, these larger engine cars could break the 100 mph top speed referred to by the vehicle's name.

7. Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar's first true sports car since the E-Type, the F-Type logically continues Jag's sport car tradition by assuming the next letter in the alphabet and adding '-Type'. The two-seat coupe or convertible comes with a choice of supercharged engines, in either six or eight-cylinder form. As well, a manual transmission and all-wheel-drive iterations of the F-Type can now be had.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Jaguar F-Type Review

But enough about performance, just look at that body.

6. Jaguar XJ-S

For two decades, the XJ-S (and later, XJS) would carry the Jaguar performance flame. Available initially as a coupe, the convertible and targa models would eventually join the lineup. Various six and 12-cylinder engines would be offered throughout the years, with a 6.0-liter V12 being the largest, most powerful option offered.

In 1988, a special XJR-S model was created offering more style and performance.

5. Jaguar XK120, XK140 and XK150

As Jaguar's first sports car developed after the Second World War, the 1948 XK120 is still regarded to this day as one of the best-looking cars ever made. Powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine, the XK120 initially made 160 hp but would reach 210 hp by 1954.

In 1954, the XK120 was replaced by the XK140 that offered a series of upgrades including a more powerful base engine. By 1957, the XK150 would be released, the final of the original XK line. It differed greatly from the XK120 and XK140 and could be had with as much as 265 hp.

4. Jaguar XJR-15

Produced from 1990 until 1992, 53 of these Jaguar supercars were made. Basically a Le Mans prototype race car for the road, the XJR-15 came equipped with a mid-mounted 6.0-liter V12 engine making 450 hp.

Weighing just a bit more than 2,300 lbs, the XJR-15 could rocket to 60 mph in under four seconds and achieve just shy of 200 mph in top speed. As exotic and rare as the XJR-15 was, it would be its successor that would really captured the world's attention.

3. Jaguar XKSS

In 1956, Jaguar decided to resign from sports car racing, but it had a bunch of leftover D-Type race car chassis lying around. What to do? The simple solution was to add a few basic modifications, like the addition of a passenger seat, and sell them as road-going cars called the XKSS.

Not many of these cars were ever produced and some never even left the factory due to an unfortunate fire. Survivors today are worth insane amounts of money.

2. Jaguar XJ220

Before the McLaren F1 or the Bugatti Veyron, there was the Jaguar XJ220. Quite possibly the world's first hypercar, the XJ220 was like nothing else on the road. Powered by a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, the XJ220 produced 542 hp and could reach a top speed well more than 200 mph.

But it wasn't just incredible performance that makes the XJ220 such an icon. Its beautiful, sexy shape looks fast even when standing still. Today, more than 20 years later, the XJ220 would still look like it belongs at your local Jaguar new car showroom.

1. Jaguar E-Type

This is a pretty obvious choice for the best Jaguar of all time. Whereas many consider the XK120 to be one of the best-looking cars of all time, the E-Type is thought to be the best-looking car ever created, period.

And its sexy good looks were backed up by its performance. Initially available with a 3.8-liter six-cylinder, the E-Type's engine would expand to 4.2-liters before getting replaced by a 5.3-liter V12 in the E-Type Series 3.

Although all E-Types are great cars, it's the Series 1 that are the most coveted to this day.

Discuss this story on our Jaguar Forum

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Audi Q7, RS7 Performance and S8 Plus Pricing Announced

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Pricing on the Audi Q7, RS7 performance and S8 plus models has been announced for the U.S.

Both the Audi RS7 performance S8 plus models will make their U.S. debut at the upcoming 2015 L.A. Auto Show next week, but Audi has wasted no time to let potential buyers how much they will likely be spending. The 2016 Audi RS7 performance will start from $115,825 including destination, while the S8 plus will be priced at $129,925. Both luxury sedans will go on sale starting next month.

The 2016 Audi RS7 performance is powered by a 4.0-liter TFSI engine with 605 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque with an overboost function that temporarily increases torque to 553 lb-ft. The engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission that allows the RS7 performance to go zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

The 2016 Audi S8 plus is the latest variant of the A8 flagship sedan and is also powered by a 4.0-liter TFSI engine with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. Power output is identical to the RS7 performance, although the S8 goes zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

Going on sale early next year is the 2017 Audi Q7 powered by a 3.0-liter TFSI engine with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Pricing for the new SUV will start from $55,750 for the Premium model while the Premium Plus will be priced at $59,750. At the top of the range is the 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige with an MSRP of $65,250.

Check back with AutoGuide.com next week as we will be sure to check out all of Audi's new models at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show.

Discuss this story on our Audi Forum

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Car Reviews

Thursday, 12 November 2015