Jaguar XJL 2.0 Ti (X351)

 
What is probably the first write-up of a ‘new’ Jaguar here and certainly the most eye-catching new Jaguar at least to my eyes, is the Jaguar XJ. The Jaguar XJ (codenamed X351) is one of the first models to be rolled out by Jaguar since the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover by Tata Motors in 2008 (do check out an earlier write-up ‘The History of Jaguar’). Being a new model as well as being launched by the new owners, the XJ was certainly a car that had to impress its critics and its German competitors.

The new XJ came with a short wheel-base model as well as a long wheel-base model known as the XJL. The XJL, even in Malaysia is a more common sight when compared with its short wheel-base counterpart as it was launched before the shorter sibling. There are a number of engine variants available which include petrol as well as diesel. The smallest being the 2 litre petrol inline 4 turbo-charged up to the biggest which is the 5 litre V8 petrol super-charged. There were two transmission variants available which were the 6-speed automatic for the pre-2012 models and the 8-speed automatic for the post-2012 models.

The older XJ (left) and the newer XJ, more than 30 years apart

Design wise, it was the brainchild of renowned Jaguar designer Ian Callum. It was a totally new design away from all previous XJs with its curves and a swept-back rear. As the previous XJ, the new XJ also had a full aluminium body which kept the weight of the car low even though it was huge in size. The XJ also has an impressive interior which of course kept getting better with the higher specification models.

I personally was given an opportunity to feel this car thanks to a few good friends of mine. The model available to me was the 2014 XJL 2 litre petrol turbo-charged which featured the 8 speed automatic transmission. At first, I was a little sceptical about its power as though it was aluminium bodied, it was still a huge car with a relatively small 2 litre inline 4 engine in it. But after driving it and pushing it a little I had a different opinion almost immediately as it still possessed the roar in it being a Jaguar. All in it was a great car but I did miss one thing, which are its traditional gauges as this models comes with an LCD screen for its gauges. I’ve attached some pics below together with a video for you to have a closer look at it. 

The video

1959 MGA 1600 FHC

The MG Car Company back in the days were always known to have made fine automobiles which included the MG T-series model (I’ve done a write-up on the MG TD 1950), the Y-series models, the MGB as well as the car to be discussed today, the MGA. Somewhere late last year, I did a write up on the MGB of which I also mentioned that I will be doing a write up on the MGA.

Updated Section - Cars for sale

We've updated the 'Cars for sale' page with a few cars. Do check back from time to time for updates.

Bentley Continental GT 6.0

First of all, let me apologise for my inability to update as well as to do new write ups for some time due to my hectic schedule which includes getting myself into several new and interesting ventures including a new business venture. Without wasting time, today I will be reviewing a rather newer car which happens to be a Bentley Continental GT 6.0 (can’t run too much from the British element).

This will be the third Bentley on this site with previous write ups such as the sedan version of the GT, which is the Bentley Continental Flying Spur as well as a slight older one which also happens to be one of my favourites, the Bentley Turbo R. The Continental GT is a car which was first produced in 2003. It just seems like this model came out a few years back due to its rarity and design but in fact it has been around for more than a decade and is still in production. Being the first model to be produced since the acquisition of Bentley by German carmaker Volkswagen, this car was powered by the newly designed 6.0 litre W12 twin turbo engine which was later shared with the sedan Flying Spur models.

Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV Series 1

Well, the New Year is here and I’m hoping that everyone has had a good start as I certainly did. It’s been quite a busy one hence I could not update the blog or have any new write-ups. And so, to get the ball rolling for the year 2015 and away for the usual British and German automobiles, I’ll be doing a write-up on a 1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV Series 1. 

Jaguar E-Type Series I

Well, Christmas is just one day away and as per my word that I would do a few write-ups on some rare and interesting automobiles this month, here is another. I started off this month with an ultra-rare 1926 Rolls-Royce Twenty Tourer and so here is another rare beauty and back to the topic of my beloved Jaguars of course, the Jaguar E-Type. It’s actually been overdue for some time for me to write an article on this car but my initial plan was to write to write about the E-Type Series 1, 2 and 3 in one article but unfortunately I haven’t got any good shots of the Series 2 and the Series 3 yet hence, I’ve decided to just split the articles into the three different ones.