At first glance, it looks like a current A6 with wider fender flares. But, is there more to it than just some fender flares? We happen to think so.
Source: Fast Lane Daily
Source: Motor AuthorityI hate to say “I told you so,” but I did.
With a disaster on its hands, the current administration stepped up to the plate to offer an incentive program, similar to Germany’s, in order to boost the auto sector. Thankfully, it worked.
Now it appears that many are excited that the Cars for Clunkers program has done so well in the U.S., but they are forgetting last year’s “August rush.” This was one of the precursors to last September and October follies.
Source: Usingmyhead.com
For the past six months it has been eventful to watch the annualized sales index hover in between nine to 10 million. Thanks to the Clunker program, there was a last-minute boost in July sales and we have seen August rake in some serious gains.
July stepped up from those ghastly numbers and raised the SAAR to approximately 11.2 million, while August saw a significant jump to just over 14.5 million.
Here is the problem: these numbers are distorted and although the market seems to have an idea that there is a bit of inflation due to the incentive program, there is not a real sense of where the numbers will land. However, some analysts have made approximations.
In a BNET-syndicated Reuters article, Barclays analyst Brian Johnson checked in:
"We expect sales for the remainder of the year to fall well below August results, but believe momentum from the program as well as the stabilization in the economy and improvement in consumer confidence could boost sales above the 9.5 million average seen in the first half," Johnson said.
Source: Flickr
Another point to consider is that now that the CARS program is over and soon-to-be housing incentives will cease shortly, there could be a “veil” protecting the U.S. economy for the short-term. Once the effect from the programs wear off, could the economy begin to slip again?
After all, it does not appear that employers are adding jobs.
According to the latest from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the leading outplacement consulting firm, although August showed the second lowest levels of job cuts for the year, it does not mean that the economy is out of the woods yet.
John Challenger, the chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said in a recent press release, “The next four months will be very telling about the state of the job market. The final four months of the year are typically among the heaviest for downsizing.”
Challenger further insists that this does not necessarily mean 2010 will begin with robust hiring. If anything, it could make employers more cautious with their candidates. Essentially, the king of job cuts is hinting that we could have a slow recovery.
Taking these factors into consideration, it appears that we will see the SAAR data return to the 10 – 11 million range. Unfortunately, the economy is not strong enough to carry auto sales any higher, and without an incentive program, new car sales are going to remain hit relatively hard.
~nz
rp
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Source: about.comOnce you turn your back, its instincts can be unleashed in the blink of an eye.
Source: rp
It is this cunning subtlety that makes these creatures unpredictable. One minute you are playing with pillow soft snowball and the next it is clawing your eyes out mercilessly like a saber tooth tiger.
The same can be said for the new R versions coming out of the big cat brand, Jaguar. There is something magical about the two-faced genetics that make up the new R variants. One moment the XFR is cruising down a meandering path, quiet and taking bumps as though it is on a cloud. The next, its monster 5.0 liter, V8 powerplant is snorting 510-horsepower and tires are chirping from 461 lb-ft of torque.
Source: rp
What makes the new R’s special is that they have accomplished a nearly impossible goal; having multiple personalities. This is where so many others have failed, miserably. An example is the sport saloon Lexus IS-F whose suspension is so taut that it bounces like a Mexican Jumping Bean across a freeway.
Another is a small SUV that tries too hard to be a car. The BMW X3 rides over small crevices with no forgiveness; this reminds you to put its good handling to work by dodging all of the road’s imperfections.
This is how the XKR and XFR outshine the competition. It provides a soft ride – like you would expect from a Jaguar – on rough pavement and isolates the cabin from harshness, yet if you want to get on the track and beat the hell out of it you can. This is unlike a normal Jaguar, which were very common among those stuck-up, rigid types.
It is like putting some Tabasco sauce on your filet mignon. It’s an effective way to spice up a classic cut that has already proven its worth.
Source: rp
After a brief spin, to me the steering is uncomfortably light on both the XKR and XFR; however, it is direct. Think: Mitsubishi Evo-ish. Personally, I would prefer heavier steering as it provides more confidence in the switchbacks. Although this may make the XFR a bit too soft for some drivers on the track, it is not meant to be a Lotus Exige and you have to remind yourself of that. It is a practical five person saloon with a heavier design influence on an extremely comfortable ride.
But, when you are cutting through the corners with limited body roll and hitting triple-digit speeds on the straight that fact may be forgotten.
Taking this into consideration, I would suggest acquiring five track helmets. You know, in case the family wants to go to the track to do a lap. Imagine that, a family drifting through an apex at 100 MPH. Sounds like it would bring any family closer together.
With the new XF and the upcoming XJ, it seems as though the big cat has circled back to the fountain of youth. With some liveliness being pumped into the brand’s image and its motors, this is the most alive the British brand has been in years.
rp
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