Magnaflow 16645 Cat Back Performance Exhaust on 2040-parts.com

Aston Martin still aiming for a Lagonda SUV

Aston Martin still aiming for a Lagonda SUV (pictured) Aston Martin has never had the easiest of financial journeys, and that’s no different today than it ever was in the David Brown days. Only last week we reported that Aston Martin made a thumping big loss in 2012, despite its cars having iconic status and generally considered to be the most beautiful cars made. But there is light at the end of the very long tunnel of AML’s financial woes, and that revolves round the recent investment by Investindustrial in Aston Martin and its subsequent tie-in with AMG.

Jaguar XF-R unveiled at Detroit auto show 2009

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 10 January 2009 22:52 Jaguar's XFR is shown today at the Detroit auto show 2009 – and the XFR at a stroke becomes the fastest saloon the Midlands manufacturer has ever made for the roads. Jag has taken the XF saloon and fettled it with the new direct-injection 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that supersedes the familiar 4.2, but breathed upon by a new supercharger to crank out a wholesome 503bhp.The R model is extremely rapid, thanks to a classic Ayers Rock torque curve that peaks at 461lb ft from just 2000rpm and doesn't go away until 5000rpm. There's brawn wherever you need it, and the XFR scuttles to 60mph in a scant 4.7sec.

Driven: Jaguar XF

It is possibly harder to design a Jaguar than any other premium car brand. The essence of the firm's highly regarded design language is over 40 years old with the shadow of the 1961 E-type and 1968 XJ6 - and even the 1955 Mk1/1959 Mk2 - looming large. For decades the design group has taken cues from these old designs and reinterpreted them to appease the traditionalist Jaguar customer, but in doing so they have reinforced the 'old-man' image of Jaguar and pushed many customers to Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.