The 2009 Jaguar XF

I am very grateful to my friends at Fort Myers imports for the invitation to see the unavailing of the 2009 Jaguar XF! With sales on the decline, the S-type needed a fresh face. Something to compete more seriously with it's German and Japanese rivals. The key would be for Jaguar to attract a younger client base, without loosing the long time Jaguar owners who mostly care about the trunk space available for a set of Golf clubs.

At first glance the new XF seems more German than British. There are definitely details that are unmistakably Jaguar, but the overall stance of the car has a sportier more enthusiast based look. Jaguar has taken elements from the XK and improved on them to introduce the totally new XF. As a correction from when I first posted this. The U.S. spec Jaguar XF will only be available with a 4.2L V8 engine producing 300HP and 310 lbs. ft torque. Also available will be a supercharged 4.2L V8 pumping out a massive 420HP 413 lbs. ft. torque!

The most dramatic change you'll notice with the new XF is the interior. It seems Jaguar has used the same basic interior styling for over 20 years. Gone are the typical overkill high gloss wood and cushy seats of the S-type. The interior design on the XF is breathtaking. Ultra modern touches surround you with a perfect blend of technology and luxury. Air vents open electronically with ambient lighting throughout the car. You feel like your in a ultra chic night club, instead of a stuffy country club.

The 2009 Jaguar XF is a welcomed change. A change I hope is not too little too late. It remains to be seen how the new XF will perform in the highly competitive mid range luxury market. Don't count Jaguar out though, the Germans didn't expect the Spitfire to be much competition either!

Thanks again to Fort Myers Imports for a wonderful event! Please visit their website at http://www.fmimports.com/
If you are interested in ordering the 2009 Jaguar XF please email Paul phobot@fmimports.com

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano "An Enzo in a designer suit?"

Here is the last set of pics my friend Bryan snapped on his holiday New York trip. And hopefully you all will agree I saved the best for last. Behold the mighty Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano! When released the 599 was Ferrari's most powerful series production road car to date. This came thanks to the Enzo's 6.0L V12 producing 620HP and 448 lbs ft. torque. The front engine rear wheel drive 599 is the latest in a long lineage of front engined Ferrari's (including the famous 365 Daytona). The 599 also features a techno showcase of computer controlled driving dynamics borrowed from Ferrari's formula 1 cars. Many have said the 599 is like a front engined Enzo with creature comforts. All said and done the 599 is an amazing car....But, I have to say I don't think it's Ferrari's best looking design. Ferrari continues to make better and better technical cars... they are faster than ever, handle better than ever, and are without a doubt a technological marvel. I just wish Ferrari could recapture some of the design magic of days past. Don't get me wrong though.. I would gladly drive one if anyone would like to let me borrow their's for a week or so? :-)

Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series

As promised, here are some more pics from my friends holiday New York trip! Unfortunately Santa did not leave the new Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG "Black Series" under my tree, but by the looks of these pictures someone may receive quite a gift! Mercedes seems relentless in it's ongoing production of "Uber" power cars. This amazing CLK has a 6.2 liter V8 that pumps out a jaw dropping 530+ HP!!! The racing inspired coupe isn't just a normal CLK with a ton of power either. Adjustable suspension, monster composite breaks, 19 inch AMG alloys and numerous weight saving additions make this CLK one special machine. I guess I better start being REALLY good in 2008 and maybe Santa will bring a Mercedes down my chimney!!!