Audi R8 V10 Spyder

The company Sport-Wheels from the city of Hürth, located south of Cologne is under the creative leadership of Christoph Poensgen. Christoph Poensgen has gladly taken on the task of making this wish come true and turning it into a reality. The result is enough to make those with weak constitutions buckle at the knees.

We have given this naturally well-equipped car suitable wheelwork. We have chosen the legendary OZ Ultraleggera HTL and installed 8.5x20 inch wheels with 235/30-20 Conti Sport Contact in the front and 11x20 inch wheels with 305/25-20 in the back. The price of this amazing wheel/tyre combinaton amounts to 4 400 Euros.

To optimise the connection between the vehicle and the asphalt without limiting the driving comfort, we have added a crank angle screw thread of the model 3 HLS4, which costs 7 349 Euros.

A variable plus in power has been made possible by the team from Sport-Wheels: Level 1 is comprised of a change in motor software, increasing the car’s capacity to 565 HP instead of the original 525 HP as well as 560 Nm compared to the previous 530 Nm. Level 1 can be bought for 1 499 Euros

Edo Porsche Cayenne GTS

Edo Porsche Cayenne GTS


The Porsche Cayenne GTS provides the basis for the edo Porsche Cayenne GTS. The figures send a clear message: The engine generates 450 horsepower (331 kW) and a maximum torque of 530 Nm (391 ft-lb) at 3,800 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a scant 6.4 seconds and the top speed is an unbelievable 270 km/h (168 mph). This impressive performance is achieved thanks to new high-flow catalytic converters, performance air filter inserts and a new ECU calibration optimized on the dyno.

The edo Porsche Cayenne GTS is also equipped with a new brake system. Huge six-piston fixed mono-block calipers clamp down on thicker and larger diameter brake rotors as well as upsized pads in the front. Rotor dimensions: 380 x 38 mm (15 x 1.5 inches).

For a matching appearance edo competition offers a sport suspension system adjustable in height, compression and rebound damping. The height adjustment range is TÜV approved. There are 14 settings for compression damping while the rebound damping is continuously variable. The front and rear body height is set individually according to the customer's wishes. Finishing off the look is a new hood featuring power domes and a new lower front skirt with 4 fog lights and mesh inserts.

Ideal road contact of the edo Porsche Cayenne GTS is provided by new 22 inch forged wheels with stainless steel outer rims: 10 x 22 inch with 295/30 ZR22 tires up front and 11 x 22 inch with 295/30 ZR22 in the rear. Custom-painted wheel centers are an option.

As with all edo competition models, we set no limit to our customers' imaginations when it comes to the interior. Color-coded instrument dials, aluminium pedal sets or lavish leather upholstery, individual requests are accommodated and executed with quality.

Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink

Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink


Ford Motor Company, which has dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind contributions for breast cancer education and research for 14 years, announces today that it is doubling its contribution to Susan G. Komen for the Cure each time it sells a 'Warriors in Pink' package for the 2009 Ford Mustang.

"Thanks to the tremendous response from our dealers and customers to the 2008 'Warriors in Pink' Mustang, we knew we needed to continue offering the package, and we're happy to be able to increase our support for the Cure at the same time," said Connie Fontaine, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.

Produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Mustang with Warriors in Pink package was designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure. New upgrades for the 2009 package are featured on the Ford display at the New York International Auto Show.

Available on the Mustang V-6 Premium Coupe and Convertible models, the Warriors in Pink package includes a unique grille and will add a pink ribbon and pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching.

Coupes also can be ordered with the all-new glass roof option. Three body colors will be available: Black, Brilliant Silver and Performance White.

Ford Warriors in Pink

Launched in 2006, the Ford Warriors in Pink campaign recognizes the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer.

Ford's goal in 2008 is to donate more than $1 million for the Cure through these sales of the special Mustangs, Warriors in Pink apparel and other fundraising efforts.

The Warriors in Pink apparel collection for men and women feature important symbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in the commitment to the fight against breast cancer. All apparel is available on www.fordcares.com, and 100 percent of net proceeds are donated to Komen for the Cure.

The limited-edition 2009 Ford Mustang with Warriors in Pink will be available through Ford dealers this summer.

Mustang is one of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time. Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang, and the Mustang is also America's best-selling convertible.

Alpina BMW B6 Cabrio

THE BMW ALPINA B6 CABRIO

Luxurious performance cabriolets are no longer simply the domain of bespoke British and Italian handiwork. ALPINA present the B6 Cabrio - a viable alternative -combining performance and luxury with a high degree of everyday usability500 horsepower, 700 Nm - absurd in an open-topped sports car? Far from it. The V8's beguiling sound and opulent torque entice the driver to glide along in a relaxed fashion, any and all red-line orgies far afield, much like cruising on a Harley Davidson. This provides the time to drink in the top-down melànge of breezes, scents and sounds. Leather, wood and matchless ergonomics caress the inhabitants, immediately creating a sense of comfort and well-being

The acceleration suggests a super-sports car: 100 kph from a standing start is reached in 4.9 seconds, with speeds in excess of 300kph less than a minute away - the only short interruptions undertaken by the 6-speed ZF automatic's smooth upshifts. This noble Gran Tourismo is just as good at communicating the sound of its sonorous V8 directly into the cockpit, whether top down, or with just the rear windscreen lowered

Driving a BMW ALPINA is an adventure in intense comfort, yet we don't define comfort as the absence of any feedback through the chassis, as many would have it. Comfort defines itself to us in a completely different manner. The steering needs to be exact, but light on its feet at the same time. The seats need to be firm, with good lateral support. Dampers and springs must nip languid suspension swells in the bud. The tyres will accept great cornering, braking and acceleration forces, without sidewalls that are too stiff and without being too heavy in general. For these reasons, we at ALPINA simply don't like Run-Flat tyres

The staggered tyres, as always from MICHELIN, are generously dimensioned: 255/35 ZR20 front and 285/30 ZR20 rear, and mounted on large 20" ALPINA DYNAMIC wheels. In spite of the low aspect ratios, a special tyre configuration makes them capable of high levels of comfort, this coupled with handling that turns every long drive into a joy ride. For those who are lovers of the 20-spoke design on ALPINA's CLASSIC wheel, there is the optional 19" wheel and tyre package

Light retouching of the Cabrio's front and rear lend a sense of sophistication. Harmoniously integrated into the rear diffuser, the four exhaust pipes are at once elegant and powerful.

We're sure that we've assembled everything in an orderly fashion on the BMW ALPINA B6, with "everything" really defined as driving pleasure - and those who enjoy themselves live happily, no?

A bit of patience is in order, those who order now can chase the sun early next Summer

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Seat

Artega GT

Artega GT


The idea for developing the Artega GT can be considered the "dream order" for a highly motivated team: to develop an extraordinary sports car with entirely unique special accents quasi as calling card of the internationally successful electronics supplier paragon AG. The Artega concept was to establish a totally new brand, and the team's commission was short and to the point: driven by enthusiasm for sporty cars, demonstrate total competence for automotive development. A mission whose realisation called for what turned out to be four major development focus areas:

Design: extraordinary form language

The renowned designer Henrik Fisker succeeded in creating proportions of 3950 x 1880 x 1180 mm (L,W,H) for the first time in this constellation and consequence, namely: broad, flat, and compact. A powerful and elegant front characterised by flowing lines, a low unique windowed greenhouse of a body in highly individual arched form and a classy curve as transition to the beefy rear end all lend the body its striking personal appearance. The uncramped interior surprises despite the vehicle's extremely compact design. Two adults not only have plenty of room, but there's also space for much more than just the most necessary luggage. Even a child's seat can be integrated if desired.


Design features: agility, driving dynamics and safety

The major development parameters for the vehicle body were lightweight design and rigidity. A generously dimensioned aluminium spaceframe in connection with a body made of carbonfibre reinforced compound materials thus ensures a top power-to-weight ratio. For reasons of efficient space utilisation, ideal weight distribution and the best possible traction, the high-grade drive components of the Volkswagen Group are installed as rear engine traverse to the direction of travel. The 3.6-litre V6 is the ideal drive for a vehicle of this class. Along with the highly praised and well-tried direct-shift gearbox, the engine is mounted in a compact module made of highstrength steel tubes. The backs of the comfortable sports seats fold back to make loading easier. Especially effective crash modules as well as a steel side-collision protection as essential features of the passive safety system protect the passengers with front and side airbags in the case of accident. To ensure a maximum of active safety, the Artega GT design integrates state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, such as ASP (Artega Stability Program) such as the electronic stability program ASP (Artega), ABS and the traction control TC. Just as in other super sports cars, four different drive programs can be selected at the Headunit: Normal (ASP with early intervention, TC on), Sport (ASP with later intervention, TC on), Race (ASP off, TC on) and Off (ASP off, TC off).

Fitness for travel: a "sensible" amount of room despite sports car dimensions

In designing the body and interior of the car, great care was taken to consider the needs and comfort of the occupants. The generous amount of space compared to the extremely compact overall dimensions, numerous convenient interior places to put things and two separate luggage compartments (one behind the seats and the other under the front hood) are exceptional for a car this size. Such storage conditions were made possible by the engine's transverse installation in the rear. Although the Artega GT provides phenomenal handling performance and drive capabilities, the chassis fine-tuning ensures that comfort in no way comes too short. Even long trips will be savoured in happy memory by the driver and passenger - and even if the top cruising range provided by the optional 80-litre tank is fully used.

Operation: paragon makes driving easier, more pleasant, and safer

The competence of the electronic specialists at paragon AG has provided comprehensive innovative systems for operation and driver information. One of the primary concerns of the Artega idea is to prove their benefit in the Artega GT.With innovative sensor buttons and the unique dual-pointer dashboard for road speed and engine speed, paragon offers a novel ambience as a significant, distinctive attribute of the Artega GT.These features are emphasized by a plaque with the inscription "Cockpit systems from paragon" in the interior of the vehicle.

Technical specifications
Frame: Aluminium spaceframe
Rear module: tubular space frame made of high-strength steel
Body: carbon-fibre reinforced compound material
Dimensions (L x W x H): 3,950 mm x 1,880 mm x 1,180 mm
Kerb weight: approx. 1100 kg
Luggage compartment capacity: 300 litres (225 behind the seats, 75 in the front)
Engine: V6 direct-injection
Displacement: 3597 ccm
Transmission: six-speed direct-shift gearbox
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: less than 5 s
Maximum speed: more than 270 km/h

Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept

To mark its 80th anniversary, Pininfarina proposes an "open" Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept that is exciting and a delight to drive. For those who still like to dream in a car. For those looking for a mixture of vanity, entertainment, and the pleasure of life in the open air. For those who love icons as the greatest expression of the age we live in. For those who want their cars to be an uncommon sensory experience in terms of both style and driving, without being obsessed by performance. For those who want to be excited by a dynamic, sporty car that transmits the exclusiveness and refinement typical of an Alfa Romeo spider designed by Pininfarina.

2uettottanta: a name that evokes the legendary Duetto, but also the years of activity at Pininfarina, which launches the celebrations for its 80th anniversary with this concept car. And it has decided to do so with a type of car that is by definition, the work of Pininfarina: an Alfa Romeo spider. A very Italian product, which has become an export brand, representing the inexhaustible talent that the whole world associates with Italy.

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept reflects Pininfarina's determination to look to the future with optimism following tradition, restating its excellence in design and its acknowledged capacity for aesthetic and technological innovation. It is a concept that represents an innovative approach, projected into the third millennium, to a topic that is firmly rooted in Pininfarina history, the 2-seater spider. And like the best Alfa Romeo sports cars to come from Pininfarina's pencil, the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept exalts the driving experience and concentrates on the excitement of being at the wheel of an open car with a great aesthetic personality. It is a car that can make people dream and excites even after many years. The icon of a lifestyle that harks back to a lively, tumultuous period. Like the Duetto of the Sixties, which helped to establish a trend based on the themes of rebellion and escape, thanks to the film "The Graduate".

Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept


The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is also a tribute to Alfa Romeo, which celebrates its centenary in 2010: the alliance between Alfa Romeo and Pininfarina is one of the most significant and durable in the history of the car, one of men and of passion, of design and cutting-edge technical solutions, which has generated an inestimable number of good-looking, innovative cars with plenty of temperament. With a predilection for sports cars and convertibles. The aim is to replicate all this with the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept. So a clean, elegant line was chosen for this "simple 2-seater", which is proposed with a 1750 cc turbo engine positioned longitudinally, an obvious reference to the "1750 Veloce" of 1968, one of the many versions derived from the famous "Osso di Seppia" (Cuttlefish). With its red bodywork, inspired by the typical Alfa Romeo paintwork, the 2uettottanta is 1797 mm wide, 4212.6 mm long, 1280 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2500 mm.

The pleasure of driving and feeling in harmony with nature is transformed into light, sleek, refined volumes, and shapes that seem to slip through the air easily. This generates the theme of this concept: the expression of a single volume, which is some way from the ground and suspended. The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept almost seems to lift up from the ground "going further". It is an optical effect achieved thanks to a line that crosses the whole car horizontally. An uninterrupted sign applied to dynamic, sporty proportions - typical of Alfa Romeo spiders - accentuated by the configuration of the passenger compartment, which is shifted significantly to the rear. The force of the design lies in its exaltation of simplicity, which does not need to show its muscles but concentrates purely on agility and harmony.

The front end of the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept underlines its true Alfa Romeo character. The design is simple, with a central line that runs smoothly along the nose of the car, while the execution of the surfaces is more sophisticated. At the centre, in full view, and anything but a purely decorative element, is the Alfa Romeo shield, which seems to emerge from the heart of the car and to stretch outwards, in Pininfarina's futuristic, three-dimensional approach. The shield is made of aluminium and incorporates floating horizontal flaps. On either side are the two triangular lateral air intakes. The two elements impressed on the imposing bonnet create a natural link between the logo and the large windscreen, which has been designed as a ring in hand-beaten aluminium that emerges from the body of the car without interrupting its flow. The front headlights, which adopt the latest LED technologies, are embedded under the line that gives the whole car its character. A strip of carbon in the lower part of the front acts as an air splitter, channelling the air to the rear end of the car.

The side view of the car, where the theme of the single volume is repeated, highlights the flowing line of the whole, with the shapes merging naturally. The horizontal line "cut" into the sides gives a sense of great dynamism; it starts from the front wheelarch and extends back to the rear wheel. Like an athlete, for a car, being slim also means achieving aerodynamic efficiency. Pininfarina has always strived for natural shapes that can convey efficiency and respect of the environment, an approach confirmed by its great commitment to the theme of eco-sustainable mobility. The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is in perfect harmony with nature, becoming the formal expression of a response to the needs of our day: it is an arrow that flies through the wind almost without encountering resistance.

Smooth, essential, soft surfaces even at the rear, which echoes the front, albeit with slightly more emphasis on the muscles. The design combines stylistic simplicity with a strong character in the volumes and proportions, with details designed to underline the car's dynamic, light personality. The two bumps seem to emerge from the volume, becoming floating wings that create the roll-over bars behind the seats. At either end, these bars generate an appendix designed to hold the seat belts. Even at the rear the light clusters are slender and embedded under the line that defines the whole section.

Great attention went into the design of the interior. The result is a spacious, comfortable passenger compartment, conceived with light, dynamic volumes, which envelop the occupants in a strong, reassuring embrace. The shapes are sewn into the leather, incorporating the touch controls: in its functions, the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is faithful to its vocation as a car designed to be a delight to drive. The facia extends fluidly to the sides merging into the doorway as the natural continuation of the volume of the car, thus creating a perfect symbiosis between exterior and interior. The dashboard has a driver-oriented configuration with an innovative approach to the classical circular Alfa Romeo "tubes" that contain the instruments. The tunnel contains the Alfa DNA gear selector in an ergonomic position; this varies the set-up of the car in three modes, Dynamic, Normal and All Weather, adapting the behaviour of the various systems on the vehicle (engine, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, etc.) to the demands of the driver and the different driving conditions. The tunnel runs through the passenger compartment and it gives structure to the chassis, revealing the carbon elements: the choice of this material reflects Pininfarina's constant research into alternative materials that can make vehicles lighter, reducing consumption and emissions. Another strong element of the interior is the steering wheel, which is a modern interpretation of the Duetto's perforated three-spoke wheel, with the addition of a shift paddle for sequential control of the dual-clutch gearbox. An enjoyable drive and comfort are also guaranteed by the anatomical sporty seats. All the interior of the car "floats": the ventilation ducts are positioned between the passenger compartment and the hull.

The size and design of the tyres, which were created specifically for the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept in collaboration with Dunlop, accentuate the impression of strong character and force given by the car. The tyres are of the low profile type, right on the extreme edges of the plane view: designed by Pininfarina to incorporate the innovative technologies developed by Dunlop, their graphics reflect those of the car. Their aerodynamic shape and very smooth lateral profile, guarantee better roadholding and less resistance to air, thus reducing consumption. The rims are treated in aluminium in harmony with the rest of the car, and are a free interpretation of the classic five-circle Alfa Romeo pattern, revealing the high performance carbo-ceramic Alfa Romeo brakes by Brembo.

The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept is not a pure styling exercise, but also a project and research: the goal is to grasp the spirit of the spider in the configuration, the proportions and the conception of the car as well as in its stylistic imprint. This working method is part of Pininfarina's genes. For this project, the Pininfarina creative team were given carte blanche to express the values inherent in the Alfa spider "by Pininfarina", the values that are deemed to have made the Giulietta Spider or the Duetto all-time classics. To achieve this result, the car was given a particular set-up, with a low centre of gravity and a passenger compartment that is very exposed so as not to isolate the occupants from the surrounding environment. The result is to bring the road "nearer" to the eyes of the driver and to increase the sense of dynamism even at low speed.

What is the 2uettottanta effect? Desire. Whoever sees it "must" possess it, drive it, enjoy it. Because the 2uettottanta is not an unattainable dream. Nor does the 2uettottanta only want to impress at first glance, but to achieve a beauty that does not strive solely for immediate confirmation, but gradually reveals all its values and transfers them to the future, making the style eternal. As it did in the case of the Duetto, which continues to be celebrated as an icon of design after more than 40 years.

Jaguar X-Type Estate

Jaguar X-Type Estate


The Jaguar X-Type gets a fresh look for 2008, along with a host of new features inside and outside the vehicle and a new automatic transmission in the acclaimed 2.2 diesel. With significant revisions including nearly 500 new components, the new generation Jaguar X-Type retains all the original car's strengths, and adds some new ones of its own.

"The new Jaguar X-Type stands for accessibility, versatility, luxury and choice within the Jaguar range", explained CJ O'Donnell, Global Marketing Director, Jaguar Cars. "The package of revisions - particularly the automatic transmission in the 2.2 diesel - presents our established dealers and the key emerging markets with an excellent opportunity to reach new customers and retain existing owners."

The new Jaguar X-Type's exterior styling is significantly refreshed - with changes that reflect some of Jaguar's new saloon car design language - with subtle interior revisions and greater choice of trim and equipment, further emphasising the Jaguar X-Type's premium car credentials.

For the first time in this model range, the new Jaguar X-Type now offers the combination of diesel power with automatic transmission - pairing the 2.2 litre diesel with a six-speed automatic, and the one-touch control of Jaguar Sequential Shift - broadening the new model's appeal to buyers who previously could not have this combination in an Jaguar X-Type.


The new Jaguar X-Type automatic diesel combines high levels of refinement with optimised performance and economy, and promises more choice and even greater luxury, to appeal especially to a younger, more family-orientated audience.

Available in saloon and estate variants, the new Jaguar X-Type goes on sale in the UK in March 2008, and in other European markets from April 2008. In addition to the 2.2 Diesel, the Jaguar X-Type is available with 2.0 Diesel, 2.0 V6 petrol, 2.5 V6 petrol and 3.0 V6 petrol engines (dependent on market).

The diesel-automatic alternative

For the first time in the Jaguar X-Type range, buyers can opt for diesel power and an automatic transmission. The 2.2 litre diesel is paired with a new six-speed automatic gearbox, which has the added attraction of 'one-touch control' Jaguar Sequential Shift, for manual gearchanges.

"The combination of diesel power with automatic transmission and Jaguar Sequential Shift adds yet another dimension to the Jaguar X-Type", commented X-Type Chief Programme Engineer, Kevin Stride. "Furthermore, all the actions we have implemented on the new car improve its refinement and drivability".

The six gear ratios are chosen to deliver refined cruising while maintaining sporty performance - the balance that Jaguar research shows an Jaguar X-Type owner wants. Where the 2.2 litre diesel with manual transmission can achieve maximum torque from second gear, the new combination can achieve maximum torque in all six gears, utilising optimum gear change points to ensure best use of the available torque. This delivers significant benefits to performance 'feel' and the performance of the diesel automatic is impressively close to that of the diesel with the manual transmission. In the new Jaguar X-Type saloon, the 2.2D manual version has headline figures of 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds (0-100kph in 9.1 seconds), a maximum speed of 134mph (216kph), a combined economy of 47.1mpg (6.0l/100km), and a CO2 rating of 159g/km. The respective figures for the 2.2D automatic are 9.5 seconds (9.9 seconds), 129mph (208kph), 41 mpg (6.9l/100km) and 184g/km. The comparative figures - shown in full in the specification tables - are similar for estate versions.

Thanks to the new transmission's advanced electronic control, it offers rapid responses to shift commands, and a choice of operating modes. Moving from fully automatic to 'manual' mode automatically selects a 'Sports' setting: this delivers more involving, sporty shift dynamics - with the added benefit of simple, one-touch up- or down-shifts using the Jaguar Sequential Shift programme.

As well as the changes needed to install the new transmission, extensive measures were taken to optimise cooling, weight and noise, and vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics. These include at a physical level, a greater volume of and improvements to sound insulation materials, while in the electronic arena the Engine Speed Control (ESC) smoothes downshifts and the torque converter is given a degree of slip that both improves its NVH qualities and gives improved drivability and economy.

Technology moving forwards

The new Jaguar X-Type also introduces significantly upgraded electronic features, from new digital audio options to improved Bluetooth® connectivity and 'Generation 5' parking aids.

As digital broadcasting becomes increasingly widespread around the world, the new Jaguar X-Type offers Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) systems, while retaining the ability to receive both analogue and digital broadcasts.

The new Bluetooth® Phase 2 system offers the ability to pair as many as five different handsets to the car, where the earlier system offered only a single pairing. It also offers extended phonebook functions, including last-number redial for each of the five paired handsets if needed, and enhanced connection strategies, including the last paired handset connecting first on starting up again.

And rear park aids now match the front ones in being 'Generation 5', using new technology that allows the sensors to be smaller, neater and body coloured.

Building on its strengths

The new Jaguar X-Type announces its arrival with a fresh new look that reflects Jaguar's new design language.

The exterior surfaces are clean, confident and above all, contemporary, visually confirming the new Jaguar X-Type as a thoroughly modern Jaguar. The frontal styling introduces a new '3D' bright mesh grille, with a bold frame and body coloured outer surround that echo the design themes of both the XJ and XF. And the new Jaguar X-Type is proud of its Jaguar identity, with a new Jaguar 'growler' emblem prominently mounted within the mesh grille.

New front bumper covers define the new Jaguar X-Type's face, with taut, clean lines and neatly integrated side marker reflectors. A bright 'splitter' in the lower air intakes also adds visual width to the new Jaguar X-Type, while the front bumper neatly incorporates colour-keyed sensors for the next-generation park-aid system and re-profiled covers for the headlamp power-wash system where those features are fitted.

The redesigned rear bumper continues the clean, confident theme, with smooth, simple surfaces that shrink the visual mass of the rear of the car. Echoing the bright splitter in the front, a full-width bright chrome signature blade gives the new Jaguar X-Type a strong identity in line with the rest of the Jaguar range. In another neat touch, a new roof-mounted Antenna Pod for saloon and Estate replaces the previous aerial.

In profile, new sill shapes connect the re-styled front and rear bumpers and visually lower the new Jaguar X-Type's centre of gravity, giving it a more purposeful, sporting stance.

The lower, sportier profile is underlined by cleaner, more modern side mouldings, while replacing the side indicator repeaters with bold new Jaguar 'ingot' badges adds a striking piece of jewellery to the front fenders - very much in line with new Jaguar design. The Sport pack also offers a subtle body-coloured rear boot-lid spoiler.

The new door mirrors offer maximum functionality (including the options of memory settings and power foldback), and are either body-colour or - in some markets - have chrome highlights. They also include integrated side repeaters - again, a feature common to the new XJ and new XF.

The strong new growler grille badge clearly identifies the X-Type as a Jaguar, and there is a new script style for the X-Type badge. High-specification models are appropriately identified by an Executive or Sovereign badge, but aside from this, simplicity is the key with the all-wheel drive, AWD badges and engine identifier badges seen on the previous generation X-Type deleted, for a cleaner look.

Completing the external visual changes, the new Jaguar X-Type introduces two new five-spoke alloy wheel styles - the 17-inch Barbados and 18-inch Abaco - while the exterior colour palette ranges from Porcelain White to the new Ultimate Black, with Pearl Grey, Glacier Blue, Chilli, Winter Gold, Liquid Silver and Emerald Fire among the other choices.

The inside story

The interior freshening of the new Jaguar X-Type complements the exterior changes, focussing on contemporary Jaguar design, but with familiar levels of comfort, luxury and craftsmanship.

The new Jaguar X-Type introduces four new seat styles, each with its own matching door trim.

One has leather borders with sport cloth centre cushions, and bold new horizontal twin-needle stitching - complemented by door trim pads matching the two seat trim colours, Champagne or Warm Charcoal. Those seats also have electrical four-way adjustment, for both driver and front passenger.

A second option offers either six-way or ten-way driver and passenger seat adjustment (market dependent), all leather seat facings with twin needle horizontal stitch, and door trims in seat trim colour with a three-diagonal twin-needle stitching pattern - with the additional choice of Ivory colour.

Customers wanting a sportier interior trim can choose the Sports Pack. In soft grain leather with twin-needle diamond stitching for the centre cushions, in contrasting colours - Warm Charcoal leather with Stone stitching, Ivory or Spice with Warm Charcoal - the Sports Pack seats have ten-way adjustment with driver's seat memory function, and the luxurious diamond-stitching pattern repeated in the matched door trims.

The range-topping Luxury Pack also offers ten-way adjustment, with memory, plus a subtly different all-leather style, combining horizontal stitching and contrasting piping - Champagne leather with Warm Charcoal piping (or vice versa), and Ivory leather with piping in another new colour, Oyster. The Luxury door trim matches the seats, but adds traditional walnut inserts.

A dark, distinctively-grained Rosewood veneer is a new option with a fresh, contemporary design feel, and depending on model includes the automatic shift surround and ashtray lid.

Piano Black is a modern, stylish and luxurious option that is often seen as an expensive option on some rivals, but which comes as standard as the facia highlights on the opening trim level for the new Jaguar X-Type. These same models also include a Charcoal leather gearknob on manual versions, Piano Black shift knob and surround on petrol automatic versions, and leather with Piano Black inserts for the new diesel automatic combination.

Other trim levels offer combinations of leather, Rosewood veneer or Piano Black, while the Sports Pack includes Carbon Fibre highlights, and the Luxury Pack has Walnut veneer for the facia, gearknob, steering wheel and door trims as described.

Depending on model, facia colours are Warm Charcoal or Oyster, and carpet colours are Oyster, Flint or Champagne.

The premium feel of the new Jaguar X-Type is enhanced by new details. Those include a new Tungsten metallic finish for the air vents, manual gearshift surround, ashtray (or storage for non-smokers), centre stack bezels, steering wheel switch bezels and master light switch. There is chrome edging for steering wheel and air-vent thumb-wheel controls, a new steering wheel growler badge, and new headlining and pillar trim covering materials.

The instrument cluster has a sportier look - similar to that of the new Jaguar XF - with new silver metallic overlays, new pointer hubs and new bezel shapes, plus a combination of green dial illumination and white pointer illumination, just as in the Jaguar XK.

So in every respect, the new Jaguar X-Type does what the X-Type has always done, and moves things on. Once again, it is a Jaguar with broader appeal than ever.