Friday, April 25, 2008
Audi Q5 Hybrid
The Audi Q5 Hybrid, I like the way that sounds. I can see the commercial for the Audi Q5 Hybrid. A sleek Audi Q5 Hybrid racing through a corn field mowing down rows and filling up with the knocked down stalks of corn being sucked into its gas tank. Though it’s not official, it seems that the executives from Audi are talking about taking the new Audi Q5 green. The long awaited debut of the Audi Q5, scheduled to hit American showrooms in October may also offer an Audi Q5 hybrid model. In an interview with Automotive News, Joel Weinberger, head of Audi’s dealer council, revealed some interesting information about the Audi Q5 Hybrid. The cost of making the Q5 with a diesel engine will be over $4,000 per unit, a cost executives believe will be cost prohibitive, especially with the rise in worldwide diesel prices. The production of an Audi Q5 hybrid just makes sense. The world seems to be heading green, so why not an Audi Q5 Hybrid? People are seeking alternatives to fossil fuels that will help reduce global warming, save money and lessen our dependency on oil from the Middle East. By offering an Audi Q5 Hybrid, Audi will just be following other automobile manufacturers that have been offering hybrid cars for a few years. The Audi Q5 Hybrid just sounds right.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Springsteen Rock and Roll Revival, returned to the stage last night In Tampa for their first concert since the passing of keyboard player and founding E Street member Danny Federici. Federici, 58, died on April 17 of melanoma. Here is what Backstreets, the Springsteen fan magazine had to say on its website this morning about last nights concert.
And the show goes on. Eight days after their last performance, five days after the passing of Danny Federici, and just one day after the funeral service, Bruce and the E Street Band took the stage in Tampa. There was no question that they’d be honoring Danny’s memory tonight. The real question might have been, how would they do it? The answer: by acknowledging the magnitude of the loss, by embracing Danny’s contributions to the band, by tapping a deep well of emotion and playing their hearts out all night.
The night began with a film montage. Bruce and the E Streeters came out and turned to watch the screen behind Max’s drums, standing stone-still as archival footage and stills from Danny’s life (remember that long, flowing hair?) played out across it, set to “Blood Brothers.” Patti was there, too, for her first show since 2008 — the E Street Band out in full force. A spotlight, meanwhile, lit up Danny’s organ riser (where his accordion was propped, too), and remained shining on the empty station for the band’s first song of the night, “Backstreets.” Bruce gave a raw and emtional howl at the end, and as he pointed to the organ, the light faded.
After the poignant opening, Charlie Giordano came out to join the band from “Radio Nowhere” on, remaining as subtle and discreet as you could possibly imagine on this night, while doing his job and doing it well. But emotional — even emotionally draining — as it was, it wasn’t a somber occasion. This was an intense performance, with each member of the band electrified. Solos — Max on “Badlands,” Steve on “Gypsy Biker,” Roy on “Racing in the Street” (yes, they did “Racing,”) Nils on “Because the Night” — burned even brighter. And Bruce himself put it all out there, starting with a thematic setlist clearly tailored to recall Federici’s place in this band of brothers and the impact of his musicianship on Springsteen’s work.
After “Gypsy Biker,” Charlie moved over to the piano as Roy strapped on the accordion for “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy).” “We want to thank you for all your prayers and condolences,” Springseen told the crowd. “Roy, you better get this right — somebody’s watching.” Soozie and Patti offered beautiful harmonies, and it was a magical performance of “Sandy.” Bruce wiped away tears and gave Roy a kiss. “One more fairy tale,” he said, leading the band into “Growin’ Up.” That song recalled the old days in more ways than one, as Bruce began a little story during the instrumental break with that familiar phrase, “There we were…”
“There we were, on the highest hill in Flemington, New Jersey… It was a sunny, hot summer morning… and the preacher said… ‘I took month-long vacations in the stratosphere…’”
“Thank you so much for coming out tonight and helping us through,” Bruce said as they came out for the encore. And he wasn’t just talkin’: the crowd — unusually full for a postponed show — was there at every turn, giving the energy back on sing-alongs like “Badlands,” “Out in the Street,” and “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day.” For the first encore song, Bruce pulled out the premiere of an old gospel standby, “I’ll Fly Away.” This one went out to Danny, of course, and everyone came down front — even Max, on tambourine — for a rousing rendition with a Seeger Sessions feel. Bruce called it “New Jersey bluegrass.”
A few songs later, “Spirit in the Night” was setlisted, but Bruce chose to replace it with one of the only unplanned songs of the night — “Tenth Avenue Freeze-out.” It was a fine choice, recalling the formation of the legendary band that Danny Federici was a part of from the beginning, its lyrics equal parts exasperation, determination, and celebration. Teardrops on the city, yes… and tonight they busted it in half for Danny.
And the show goes on. Eight days after their last performance, five days after the passing of Danny Federici, and just one day after the funeral service, Bruce and the E Street Band took the stage in Tampa. There was no question that they’d be honoring Danny’s memory tonight. The real question might have been, how would they do it? The answer: by acknowledging the magnitude of the loss, by embracing Danny’s contributions to the band, by tapping a deep well of emotion and playing their hearts out all night.
The night began with a film montage. Bruce and the E Streeters came out and turned to watch the screen behind Max’s drums, standing stone-still as archival footage and stills from Danny’s life (remember that long, flowing hair?) played out across it, set to “Blood Brothers.” Patti was there, too, for her first show since 2008 — the E Street Band out in full force. A spotlight, meanwhile, lit up Danny’s organ riser (where his accordion was propped, too), and remained shining on the empty station for the band’s first song of the night, “Backstreets.” Bruce gave a raw and emtional howl at the end, and as he pointed to the organ, the light faded.
After the poignant opening, Charlie Giordano came out to join the band from “Radio Nowhere” on, remaining as subtle and discreet as you could possibly imagine on this night, while doing his job and doing it well. But emotional — even emotionally draining — as it was, it wasn’t a somber occasion. This was an intense performance, with each member of the band electrified. Solos — Max on “Badlands,” Steve on “Gypsy Biker,” Roy on “Racing in the Street” (yes, they did “Racing,”) Nils on “Because the Night” — burned even brighter. And Bruce himself put it all out there, starting with a thematic setlist clearly tailored to recall Federici’s place in this band of brothers and the impact of his musicianship on Springsteen’s work.
After “Gypsy Biker,” Charlie moved over to the piano as Roy strapped on the accordion for “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy).” “We want to thank you for all your prayers and condolences,” Springseen told the crowd. “Roy, you better get this right — somebody’s watching.” Soozie and Patti offered beautiful harmonies, and it was a magical performance of “Sandy.” Bruce wiped away tears and gave Roy a kiss. “One more fairy tale,” he said, leading the band into “Growin’ Up.” That song recalled the old days in more ways than one, as Bruce began a little story during the instrumental break with that familiar phrase, “There we were…”
“There we were, on the highest hill in Flemington, New Jersey… It was a sunny, hot summer morning… and the preacher said… ‘I took month-long vacations in the stratosphere…’”
“Thank you so much for coming out tonight and helping us through,” Bruce said as they came out for the encore. And he wasn’t just talkin’: the crowd — unusually full for a postponed show — was there at every turn, giving the energy back on sing-alongs like “Badlands,” “Out in the Street,” and “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day.” For the first encore song, Bruce pulled out the premiere of an old gospel standby, “I’ll Fly Away.” This one went out to Danny, of course, and everyone came down front — even Max, on tambourine — for a rousing rendition with a Seeger Sessions feel. Bruce called it “New Jersey bluegrass.”
A few songs later, “Spirit in the Night” was setlisted, but Bruce chose to replace it with one of the only unplanned songs of the night — “Tenth Avenue Freeze-out.” It was a fine choice, recalling the formation of the legendary band that Danny Federici was a part of from the beginning, its lyrics equal parts exasperation, determination, and celebration. Teardrops on the city, yes… and tonight they busted it in half for Danny.
Setlist:Backstreets
Radio Nowhere
Lonesome Day
No Surrender
Gypsy Biker
4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)
Growin’ Up
Atlantic City
Because the Night
Darkness on the Edge of Town
She’s the One
Livin’ in the Future
The Promised Land
Waitin’ on a Sunny Day
Brilliant Disguise
Racing in the Street
The Rising
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
Out in the Street* * *
I’ll Fly Away
Rosalita
Born to Run
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
American Land
Friday, April 18, 2008
Mourning the Loss of Danny Federici
It's never easy to learn about the death of anybody. Yesterday, we lost Danny Federici, the long time keyboardist that played for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Danny took a leave from the band back in November, when it was learned that he was suffering from cancer. He had been fighting melanoma for three years. There wasn't much word on his condition, but fans were hopeful when he made a surprise appearance at the Canseco Field house in Indianapolis on March 20th. He looked a little lean and sported a hat, but otherwise looked good. He got a big ovation from the crowd, who were thrilled to see the long time band member. Even Bruce and the band stood back and clapped for Federici, as he graced his familiar spot at the keyboards. After the last song, Sandy, which Federici played the accordion, Bruce and the Band gathered around the keyboard player and shared the stage with him for the last time. It seems as if maybe they knew something we didn't. It was the last time that Federici would hear the cheers of the E-Street faithful and share the stage with his life long band mates and friends. Less than a month later, he is gone. We can look back and reflect on his contributions as a musician and as a friend. He was the band member that was with Springsteen the longest. Matter of fact it was Danny and drummer Vinnie Mad Dog Lopez who first asked Springsteen to join their band. Soon, it was Springsteen's band. Federici didn't look back and continued to contribute his many talents to Springsteen and his music. He never took center stage and was more of a mystery, as he seemed to just slowly disappear. Springsteen calling him Phantom Dan during band introductions. When he was there you knew it, when he wasn't, well, he wasn't. He was also the most unsung member to boot. I believe when Bruce broke up the band after the Tunnel of Love tour, Danny took it the hardest. He had been there through the bad times and good. He rode the roller coaster as Springsteen exploded on the scene, he was there when Springsteen's career went on hold as he freed himself from his contract with then manager and agent Mike Appel. He rode the wave of Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, The River, Born in the USA and Tunnel of Love. He stood by the boss and was always the first to respond when asked to perform or record with Springsteen. The most telling and poignant peek into the relationship between Springsteen and the band, is the video Blood Brothers, where Springsteen allowed cameras in the studio. The cameras, chronicled every facet of Springsteen and the band getting back together to record four songs for his greatest hits album, as well as a live performance video. It was insider's look at how the band worked and recorded. For the band, it was just a taste of things to come. After the Release of Tracks in 1999, Springsteen launched a full blown world wide reunion tour bringing The E Streeters back to center stage. All was forgotten and the band seemed to be playing better than ever. The Rising came out in 2002, again supported by a tour, the the month long Vote for Change tour in 2004. After two solo efforts by Springsteen he brought the boys back for what he called the most important tour of them all. With Saxophonist Clarence Clemons sporting two knee replacements, the 3 hour marathon shows are becoming tougher and tougher for him to perform. The future availability of Drummer Max Weinberg is up in the air, due to his commitment to Conan O'Brien, who will be replacing The Tonight Show, host Jay Leno. And now, of course the illness of Ferderici. I guess this tour was Springsteen letting us know, that this may be, the band as we have known them for over 30 years, last hurrah. We know that even with the passing of Federici, the music will live on, the band will still perform and thrill the devoted fan base. As the band plays there will always be the shadow of the fallen keyboardist when ever we hear the B-3 or accordion. We will always be seeing and hearing Dan Federici. Danny, May god rest your soul. Click on the link below to see a video of Sandy. The last performance of the Great Danny Federici.
http://youtube.com/?v=LC_LW2NHqEo
http://youtube.com/?v=LC_LW2NHqEo
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Audi Q5 set to tackle BMW X3
Audi Q5 Targets BMW X3
Vince Cartier
Q5@wordpress.com
vincecartier.com
insidersautomotive.blogspot.com
Now that Audi has announced that the Q5 is set to join the Audi Q7 as the brand's second model in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment, thespeculation has begun. The word on the street is that the Q5, should start to arrive at showrooms in mid October. Billed as a soft-roader, the new crossover design should fit nicely in the Audi lineup. From the A3 hatchback wagon to the A7 SUV, Audi will have every base covered. I know one thing, I hope to be one of the first to test drive this new crossover.
The Q5 is being promoted as a sporty alternative to its direct rivals the BMW X3 and the Mercedes’ upcoming GLK-Class. With the success of the crossover market in the United States, the exciting addition of the Q5 should prove to be the perfect move for Audi. The Q5 will also be one of the most important products that Audi added to its model line up in. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG believes that introduction of the Audi Q5 will take Audi a big step closer to reaching vehicle sales of 1.4 million per year, a target that thay hope to reach by 2015.
I agree with executives from Audi, the Q5 should match and even exceed X3 sales. The Q5 is also Audi’s most serious attempt to date to erode BMW's luxury car sales supremacy by attacking the heart of BMW, the 3-Series. By targeting BMW, Audi believes that they will be able to gain and maintain an important foothold in the most important car market. With Audi’s Q7 proving to be a tad too expensive, officials have been keen to release the mid-level Q5 to help spur sales in the world’s biggest car market. The new Smaller SUV was designed specifically for the US. With all major luxury auto makers offering smaller, more economically priced vehicles, Audi, had no choice but add the Q5 to the marketplace. Even knowing the importance of having a vehicle at this price point, they never rushed the vehicle into production. They took their time in designing and testing the Q5 to make sure that it had all the elements necessary for success in America.
The exterior of the Q5 is sleek breaks away from the normal crossover designs. When looking at photos of the Q5, you know right away it is pure Audi with its Distinctive sloping Audi nose. Sitting low to the ground the sleek lines of the roof accentuate the feeling of motion, even when Q5 a standing still. As far as manufacturing goes, the Q5 sits on a platform featuring elements from the A4 and A6. By using the existing platform, the Q5 so will be able to use the important V8 power plants which are essential for the US market. To achieve this design, the engines in this SUV will be mounted lengthwise, not transversely. The Q5 will also feature the new seven-speed S-Tronic which has been updated to work in conjunction with the latest generation Quattro four-wheel-drive systems. It will offer drivers lightning fast, virtually seamless gear changes.
The initial quality of the Q5 is unquestioned, as the first generation of vehicles will be produced at Audi’s plant in Ingolstadt. There has been some talk that Audi is looking at the possibility of moving some future production to China, which would mean lower production costs and hopefully no decrease in quality. Those talks have yet to be verified.
Audi has suggested that they will release a more complete profile of the Q5 sometime in May. As I look to the future, the next couple of months will be critical for Audi. With October a baseball season away, the only thing that may stop the success of the Q5 is the questionable American economy. They may have targeted October for the release the Q5 but it may not be so set in stone. Audi has been very conservative in all aspects in the creation of the Q5. With that being the case and the US economy on the brink of a recession, October may come and go and we will still be waiting for the Q5 to hit the roads.
Vince Cartier
Q5@wordpress.com
vincecartier.com
insidersautomotive.blogspot.com
Now that Audi has announced that the Q5 is set to join the Audi Q7 as the brand's second model in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment, thespeculation has begun. The word on the street is that the Q5, should start to arrive at showrooms in mid October. Billed as a soft-roader, the new crossover design should fit nicely in the Audi lineup. From the A3 hatchback wagon to the A7 SUV, Audi will have every base covered. I know one thing, I hope to be one of the first to test drive this new crossover.
The Q5 is being promoted as a sporty alternative to its direct rivals the BMW X3 and the Mercedes’ upcoming GLK-Class. With the success of the crossover market in the United States, the exciting addition of the Q5 should prove to be the perfect move for Audi. The Q5 will also be one of the most important products that Audi added to its model line up in. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG believes that introduction of the Audi Q5 will take Audi a big step closer to reaching vehicle sales of 1.4 million per year, a target that thay hope to reach by 2015.
I agree with executives from Audi, the Q5 should match and even exceed X3 sales. The Q5 is also Audi’s most serious attempt to date to erode BMW's luxury car sales supremacy by attacking the heart of BMW, the 3-Series. By targeting BMW, Audi believes that they will be able to gain and maintain an important foothold in the most important car market. With Audi’s Q7 proving to be a tad too expensive, officials have been keen to release the mid-level Q5 to help spur sales in the world’s biggest car market. The new Smaller SUV was designed specifically for the US. With all major luxury auto makers offering smaller, more economically priced vehicles, Audi, had no choice but add the Q5 to the marketplace. Even knowing the importance of having a vehicle at this price point, they never rushed the vehicle into production. They took their time in designing and testing the Q5 to make sure that it had all the elements necessary for success in America.
The exterior of the Q5 is sleek breaks away from the normal crossover designs. When looking at photos of the Q5, you know right away it is pure Audi with its Distinctive sloping Audi nose. Sitting low to the ground the sleek lines of the roof accentuate the feeling of motion, even when Q5 a standing still. As far as manufacturing goes, the Q5 sits on a platform featuring elements from the A4 and A6. By using the existing platform, the Q5 so will be able to use the important V8 power plants which are essential for the US market. To achieve this design, the engines in this SUV will be mounted lengthwise, not transversely. The Q5 will also feature the new seven-speed S-Tronic which has been updated to work in conjunction with the latest generation Quattro four-wheel-drive systems. It will offer drivers lightning fast, virtually seamless gear changes.
The initial quality of the Q5 is unquestioned, as the first generation of vehicles will be produced at Audi’s plant in Ingolstadt. There has been some talk that Audi is looking at the possibility of moving some future production to China, which would mean lower production costs and hopefully no decrease in quality. Those talks have yet to be verified.
Audi has suggested that they will release a more complete profile of the Q5 sometime in May. As I look to the future, the next couple of months will be critical for Audi. With October a baseball season away, the only thing that may stop the success of the Q5 is the questionable American economy. They may have targeted October for the release the Q5 but it may not be so set in stone. Audi has been very conservative in all aspects in the creation of the Q5. With that being the case and the US economy on the brink of a recession, October may come and go and we will still be waiting for the Q5 to hit the roads.
Friday, March 28, 2008
GM's Turnaround Pro
From the NY Times
By BILL VLASIC
Published: March 28, 2008
If General Motors were to design a president and chief operating officer from scratch, the new model would probably look a lot like Frederick A. Henderson. Born in Detroit and the son of a sales manager in G.M.’s Buick division, Mr. Henderson rose through the automaker’s finance ranks and parts division to head its operations in Latin America, then Asia and Europe.
When G.M. appeared headed for bankruptcy in early 2006, he was tapped as chief financial officer, and played a major role in shaping G.M.’s North American turnaround plan and negotiating a contract with the Unite Auto Workers. To read further click here.
By BILL VLASIC
Published: March 28, 2008
If General Motors were to design a president and chief operating officer from scratch, the new model would probably look a lot like Frederick A. Henderson. Born in Detroit and the son of a sales manager in G.M.’s Buick division, Mr. Henderson rose through the automaker’s finance ranks and parts division to head its operations in Latin America, then Asia and Europe.
When G.M. appeared headed for bankruptcy in early 2006, he was tapped as chief financial officer, and played a major role in shaping G.M.’s North American turnaround plan and negotiating a contract with the Unite Auto Workers. To read further click here.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Jaguar: Finally Ready to Roar?
New owner Tata's deep pockets could fund wider distribution and hefty marketing for Jaguar and the already hot Range Rover and Land Rover
by David Kiley of BusinessWeek
Ford Motor sealed a deal Mar. 26 to sell its British Jaguar and Land Rover brands to Indian carmaker Tata Motors for about $2.3 billion. That is less than half what Ford paid for the two brands—Jaguar in 1989 and Land Rover in 2000. For more on the future of the Jaguar and Land Rover Brands, click here
by David Kiley of BusinessWeek
Ford Motor sealed a deal Mar. 26 to sell its British Jaguar and Land Rover brands to Indian carmaker Tata Motors for about $2.3 billion. That is less than half what Ford paid for the two brands—Jaguar in 1989 and Land Rover in 2000. For more on the future of the Jaguar and Land Rover Brands, click here
Ford Reaches Deal to Sell Jaguar & Land Rover
Ford Reaches Deal to Sell Land Rover and Jaguar
New York Times, March 27, 2008
By HEATHER TIMMONS and NICK BUNKLEY
NEW DELHI — Tata Motors, part of India’s fast-growing Tata Group is buying Jaguar and Land Rover from the Ford Motor Company for $2.3 billion — about half what Ford paid for the brands when it bought them. The long-awaited deal, which was announced Wednesday, also carries a painful payout for Ford after it closes. Ford will give Tata an additional $600 million to make up for shortfalls in pension plans when the deal is done, expected in the middle of this year.
Tata Pulls Ford Units Into Its Orbit (January 4, 2008)
Four Wheels for the Masses: The $2,500 Car (January 8, 2008)
To read further click here
New York Times, March 27, 2008
By HEATHER TIMMONS and NICK BUNKLEY
NEW DELHI — Tata Motors, part of India’s fast-growing Tata Group is buying Jaguar and Land Rover from the Ford Motor Company for $2.3 billion — about half what Ford paid for the brands when it bought them. The long-awaited deal, which was announced Wednesday, also carries a painful payout for Ford after it closes. Ford will give Tata an additional $600 million to make up for shortfalls in pension plans when the deal is done, expected in the middle of this year.
Tata Pulls Ford Units Into Its Orbit (January 4, 2008)
Four Wheels for the Masses: The $2,500 Car (January 8, 2008)
To read further click here
Jaguar XF Now At US Jaguar Dealerships
Westfield, NJ, March 26, 2008; When I read about the new Jaguar XF, one tag simply stated, “THIS IS THE NEW JAGUAR!” As far as I can remember few if any luxury cars have ever been so anticipated. The XF is the car that is expected to propel Jaguar back to its lofty place as one of the premier automotive brands of the world. If the pre-sales are an indication on how well the newest Jaguar will do, the XF has more than lived up to its billing. This was also one car that I could not wait to see.I was invited to an XF Launch Party at a prominent Jaguar dealership in February. Like a Hollywood Premier, a red carpet awaited starry eyed customers who were also anxious to see the new V-8 XF. We all walked into a dealership that looked and felt more like art gallery than automobile showroom. This room offered the perfect backdrop for the unveiling of the new Jaguar. I took a long look at the pearl colored XF that stood proudly in the center of the showroom. Looking at the XF, I felt the emotional implementation of the design. The exterior of the car gives you a sense of a Jaguar in full flight. The one feature that really surprised me was that even with its coupe-like design the XF provides more than enough room for five adults.Glancing over at the other vehicles that were displayed, I noted that the arrival of the XF could not have come at a better time for Jaguar. The XF is going to be the revitalization of Jaguar. The hype in bringing the XF into the market place is also going to bring a lot of attention to the other Jaguars that are currently being offered like the XK. It was also apparent that the XF is the new foundation/direction that will put Jaguar back on top.I learned that the XF design was headed by Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum and Head of Advanced Design Julian Thomson. This is the same team that produced the award-winning 2007 Jaguar XK Coupe and Convertible. From the very beginning of the design, the team looked to create a vehicle that presents a confident statement. In doing so, the XF possesses a sense of latent power through a look that is dynamic and athletic. The blueprint of the XF clearly retains the most important component from Jaguar’s bygone years, their steadfast belief in beautiful, fast cars. Sitting in the driver seat and starting the car was really cool. When I pressed the start button, the Jaguar Drive Selector or the ‘Jaguar Handshake’ rose up from the console and into my palm. The selector features a rotary shift interface device. The dial can be rotated to select park, reverse, neutral, drive and sequential mode. The Jaguar Sequential Shift works on a shift-by-wire system that replaces manual shift linkages, with electronic commands through paddles in the steering wheel. It also gives the driver smooth and rapid gear changes. The XF will be offered with 300 hp V8 Luxury model, V8 Premium Luxury XF and a Supercharged XF with a 420 horsepower engine. You also have the choice of multiple transmission modes via the “JaguarDrive Control” A system that matches throttle progression, DSC thresholds and shift strategy to the mood and driving conditions that also includes Sport and Winter modes. Every XF audio system features at least eight speakers including a subwoofer. The premium audio system was designed in association with the highly respected audio specialists Bowers & Wilkins. Radio options include Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth communications technology, plus standard iPod and MP3 player connectivity with full-function control through the touch-screen. Other standard features of the XF include Automatic Speed Limiter, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Parking Brake and more. Other available features include “JaguarVoice” control to operate audio and telephone functions, Blind Spot Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Aids and Rear Camera Parking Aid, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The 2009 XF will be priced starting at $49,975 MSRP for the Luxury model. The V8 Premium Luxury XF will have a base MSRP of $55,975. A Supercharged XF will retail for $62,975 MSRP. The XF should fit very nicely in that mid-line luxury car market. Even with Jaguar adding a lot of cutting edge elements that enhance the overall quality and performance, the XF, it is really not a technically difficult car to understand, it’s very user friendly and you won’t have to go to space school to learn how to drive it!. For more information about the new Jaguar XF log onto If you would like to reserve an appointment to take a test drive at a dealership near you, just click on theAppointment Link.
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