It’s not hard to see that the design of this classic Jaguar model from the 1950′s looks a bit different than the Chicago XF of today. Keep in mind that every car gets their start somewhere.  Taking a look at older models brings a bit of nostalgia for those who remember that era and all that comes with it!

We’re taking a look at the 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Royal.  Before it was transformed into a custom model, it participated in six racing events.  The person responsible for working on this classic beauty is Joe Wilhelm.  He chopped the top, made a hand designed grille, and added a windscreen that’s one-piece.  The front lights and bumpers also carry a design that make it look nostalgic.

Under the hood, the engine was rebuilt by an employee of Paxton who wanted to experiment with supercharging.  Hence, the Chicago Jaguar X type of today can be found in supercharged editions that really get your heart pumping!  The 1950′s edition has under 7,000 miles and comes in the beautiful purple hue seen in the photo.  I love it, but certainly a matter of opinion!

Another feature that I noticed when I clicked on an interior shot of the steering wheel and control panels was the material used.  Like the Chicago XF of today, the wheel is made of quality wood, as well as the dashboard and control panel.  Using high quality materials is an area Jaguar felt was important then and now!

Now, picture a 2010 Chicago Jaguar X Type with all of its technology, engine power, and beautifully crafted interior and you realize how far Jags have come over the past 55 years or so.  The 1955 XK 140 is a perfect fit for someone who’s into classic cars and can afford to buy a piece of history!

If you opt for something a bit more “today”, your local dealer will let you test drive a Jaguar and feel the luxury and sophistication for yourself…..Enjoy!

The Chicago Jaguar X Type line up is about to get a bit shaken up.  The new XKR is said to be one fast ride!  Of course, we would expect nothing less out of a Jag.

The Geneva Motor Show, which runs March 4th through the 14th, previews a lot of excellent cars, wagons, SUV’s and the like.  The newest Chicago XK, the XKR, will be one of these.   What makes this sporty car really cool is the Speed Pack that enables the car to fly by.  How fast, might you ask?  The speedometer on this bad boy can reach 174 mph.  WOW!  It is able to get that high due to the reconfiguring of the transmission and engine controls.  Thanks to modern technology allowing our cars to really move!

The Black Pack is an extra add on to the owner who has the Speed Pack, but also wants the interior and exterior of her Chicago Jaguar X Type to look as great as possible.  With this package, alloy wheels that are 20 inches will be put on the XKR.  The black trimming around the front grilles and windows will really make the Chicago XK stand out.  If you want to further add a little something special, the XKR logo can be added to the door sills.  Inside the cabin, the Black Pack gives the Jag leather stitching in a variety of colors.  It also trims the material with charcoal leather hides.  Sounds very luxurious!

Engine wise, the XKR comes with a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 with 510 hp.  The fuel system is a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injected).  This allows the car to obtain its maximum power.  The GDI is starting to show up more and more in various car makes and models.  The XKR does provide an amazing drive.  The 510 HP allows the driver to go from stand still to speeding in a matter of seconds!

The 2011 XKR is sure to be popular once it arrives at your favorite Jaguar dealership.  The Chicago XK line up is fantastic and worth a look now.

It is beautiful, inside and out.  One cool feature is that the top can be ordered in different colors, such as gray, burgundy, green or dark beige.  Most convertibles only come with a standard black canvas.  The Chicago XK Convertible has an aluminum cover that hides the canvas when the top is down, allowing for a clean look.

The cabin also comes with some awesome amenities.  For example, it comes with keyless entry and start, wireless cell phone link, a navigation system, and climate control system.  A great sound system also can be found in the Chicago Jaguar X Type. An Alpine Premium Sound system, that is 525 watts, 8 speakers, will keep the driver cruising to his or her favorite tunes!  SIRIUS radio is also an option in this car.

When I hit the open road I was delighted at what I experienced while driving with the top down.  The XK offers a 5.0L, V8 engine.  This makes a little bit of engine noise, but still, the great power that Jaguar lovers expect.   The Chicago XK can go from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds.   Take advantage of this on open roads (watching out for fellow motorists, of course!!).   Overall, I had a great time driving and would love to do it again soon!

Another feature that can be found on the XK is the Jaguar DriveSelect.  This was first introduced Chicago Jaguar XF. This is a knob that comes out of the center console when the engine comes to life.  It allows the driver to select the gear they want.  This is a modern take on the stick shift concept that was once a big staple of Jag models.

The Chicago Jaguar X Type convertible is a car you should test drive today!

Currently, XK and XJ Jaguar models are made with aluminum and the company who supplies the metal is Novelis.  They have offices in North and South America, Europe and Asia.  They provide aluminum for the auto industry, as well as other transportation, packaging, and construction businesses, to name a few.  They have been chosen as the sole provider for all sheet aluminum to be used in future models.

What other positive effects will using aluminum have for Jaguar cars?   The aluminum will help the car’s aerodynamics and will create a “lighter” vehicle.  The new Jaguars, versus the older, Jaguar used car Chicago, will be safer, since aluminum is a sturdier, reliable metal…..Moreover, since Novelis is also involved in recycling, they will take the scrap metal from Jag’s stamping plants in Europe, and make them into new aluminum sheets that will go into producing new cars.  This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and uses less energy.  It is great that the company is taking steps to help the environment.

Contact your local Chicagoland used Jaguar dealer for more information or to see a new model!

The new Jaguar XKR is an immediately striking Jaguar that can really move.  Able to go 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, a driver can experience the thrill of accelerating in this cat in either coupe or convertible.

The all-aluminum XKR gets fast in a quick way because of its light body weight and an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine that purrs out 510 horsepower.  Though I’ve seen and sat inside a 2009 XKR at a Jaguar dealer in Chicago, I’ve never had the opportunity to drive one.  So I think I’ll wait until one of these arrives at the nearby Chicago Jaguar dealership, and I’ll do my best to get the keys for a half hour.

The only transmission option is a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, which might worry some of you with manual or dual-clutch options on your mind.  But from what I know of previous Jaguars with this set up, I’m pretty sure once you get behind the wheel, you won’t think about having it any other way.

Talking with the people at the Patrick Chicago Jaguar dealership, I learned that the design team at Jaguar has improved the interior considerably.  Door casings now feature saddle-stitched lines and more plush trim.  Plus there will be more interior color options, soft-grain leather and chrome highlights for 2010.

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On the outside, the front takes on a newly designed bumper and a new, closer-to-the-road mesh grille.  Chrome detailing now compliments the side windows, and the car goes with updates in the way of a new rear spoiler and side vents.

On the convertible, the folding roof powers up or down in about 20 seconds at the push of a button. When going top-down, the convertible’s roof retracts wholly into the bodywork behind the rear seats, making sure the sleek style that makes the car a Jaguar remains.  Safety-wise, a hidden roll-over protection system deploys immediately in the event of a roll-over situation.

I usually try to mention the greenness of a car when I write about it.  While the XKR may not be a car for the most adherent environmentalists, it does take steps at reducing CO2 emmissions.  Noteably, the new XKR features an engine designed to reduce internal friction, which in turn increases fuel efficiency and decreased emissions.  Jaguar says all engine bearings were engineered for lower friction.  Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating has been used to reduce friction on the fuel pump tappets and a solid film lubricant has been used to coat the piston skirts.  DLC, if you don’t know (I had to look it up) is the same material used to reduce friction in racecar engines.  The car remains a performance auto, but these efforts are a step in the right direction for helping to create a cleaner environment.