Jaguar Lineup to Gain All-Wheel Drive

SCARBOROUGH, MAINE (12/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Jaguar has made its name in America by producing V8-powered rear-wheel-drive sedans and sports cars, but its lineup is currently lacking an all-wheel-drive option to broaden its appeal among winter drivers in New England and other snowbelt states. That could all soon change, as the British automaker has been testing an all-wheel-drive system expected to reach Jaguar dealers within two years.

According to British publication Autocar, Jaguar is putting the finishing touches on an all-wheel-drive system for its future XJ and XF sedans. Jaguar currently equips all 2012 Jaguar XJ and XF models with its JaguarDrive Control system featuring Winter Mode, which changes factors like throttle response and shift points to improve driving in slick conditions. Still, with up to 510 horsepower available in the Jaguar XFR, all-wheel-drive models would bring added traction and provide a luxurious alternative to the German status quo when it comes to the snow.

"Jaguar's Winter Mode does a great job of keeping the car under control in nasty weather, but an all-wheel-drive option would be a very popular feature at our dealership," said Mike Avery, general manager of Maine Jaguar dealer Jaguar Scarborough. "I could easily see the majority of our sales going to all-wheel-drive models once they become available, if only because the technology has become synonymous with all-weather capability that is a great fit for Maine winters."

All-wheel drive may not be the only new drivetrain feature that will soon be available in Jaguars in the United States. Last month, the automaker showed off the fuel efficiency of a new Jaguar XF equipped with a 2.2-liter diesel engine that averaged 52.4 mpg during an eight-day, 2,884-mile trip from New York City to Los Angeles. While Jaguar has made no official announcement regarding the introduction of diesels to America, the automotive media have speculated that the company was gauging U.S. interest with the fuel-efficient cross-country trip.

The diesel Jaguar XF reached Los Angeles on November 14, a few days in advance of the LA Auto Show, where another potential alternative-powertrain Jaguar made its North American debut. Dubbed the C-X16, Jaguar's hybrid concept car sported sleek aluminum body panels and a drivetrain that combined a powerful 380-horsepower supercharged V6 engine with an electric motor producing 95 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. Designed more for maximum performance than optimum fuel efficiency, the system can launch the car up to 62 mph in a scant 4.4 seconds, proving that a hybrid drivetrain doesn't always equal a sedate pace.

Despite the 300-volt lithium-ion battery pack needed to power its electric motor, the Jaguar C-X16 maintains a 50:50 weight balance front to back, which allows for the tight handling expected from the automaker. Jaguar claims the C-X16 will return 41 miles per imperial gallon combined, which converts to about 34 mpg in America, an impressive number given the car's propensity for speed.

"Fans of the brand can rest assured that any vehicle bearing the Jaguar name will be a dynamic performer that does not sacrifice comfort and luxury," Avery noted. "Whether future models come with diesel or hybrid drivetrains, or all-wheel drive, they'll be faithful to the Jaguar name and its reputation for impeccable quality and style."

About Jaguar Scarborough:

Serving Maine Jaguar enthusiasts, Jaguar Scarborough specializes in new, Select Edition Certified pre-owned and pre-owned Jaguar sales and service at its Maine Jaguar dealership. With an expert sales staff and a state-of-the-art Jaguar service shop, they can meet all the unique needs of current and future Jaguar owners. Part of the Goodwin Motor Group, which has been serving Maine drivers for almost 80 years, Jaguar Scarborough is located at 371 U.S. Route 1 and can be reached by phone at 888-236-7594. Online, customers can browse their inventory of Jaguar models at www.jaguarme.com or like them on Facebook.