Jaguar XF-R Sports Sedan Spied

The R-designated big cat is back. And packing increased power, uprated looks and a host of expected enhancements over the standard XF, the R version will have its sights firmly set on de-throning the M5. These first spy shots, taken by a car magazine photographer, reveal the first prototype XF-R to not be a modified from an S-Type-based XF mule. They follow the car's Frankfurt debut and first production roll-off just yesterday.

Using a further tuned version of the V8 model's 416 hp 4.2-litre supercharged unit with higher boost pressures, the XF-R is expected to gauge power of nearer to 500 hp. With the 0-62 mph sprint with the present supercharged unit in just 5.4 seconds, expect M5 levels of performance for the XF-R. Uprated R suspension and brakes will feature in addition to an upgraded styling package.

In these spy shots, the game is given away for Jaguar somewhat clearly, with quad exhaust pipes featuring where the standard model boasts only two, a blackened front mesh grille and a noticeably lowered ride height. Residing under arches designed to cater for larger wheels, there are attractive 20" rims, behind which lie R ventilated discs. According to car's photographer, this XF sounded like no other XF he had ever photographed. Unsurprisingly, when approached by the magazine, Jaguar refused to comment.

With standard models hitting the market in March, the tuned XF-R won't be seeing the light of day just yet, with sales expected to start early 2009 with a possible late '08 motor show debut.

Hyundai Genesis Ready by 2008

aunch coincides with 40^th anniversary

The all new, up-market Hyundai Genesis (or endearingly still referred to by Hyundai as BH) is set for a 29 December release party, coinciding with Hyundai's 40^th anniversary. Of course, the luxury sedan will be released on home soil first before its world conquest commences.

To commemorate Hyundai's 40 years of growth, they will use a new official emblem for the year which will grace all advertising, product as well as corporate and in showrooms and sales / marketing events. The logo is made up of two brush strokes, combining elements of the past and future into one silhouette.

The Hyundai Genesis will be powered by a newly developed DOHC 32-valve V8 engine producing well over 300hp, should be able to hit 60mph within 6 seconds and is rear wheel driven. The Genesis is entering new territories for Hyundai, territories where BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Infiniti are well represented.

Press Release

Hyundai Celebrating 40th Anniversary

• Dec. 29th will mark forty years of growth

On December 29 this year, Hyundai Motor Co. will celebrate the fortieth anniversary of its foundation and to mark this major milestone, the company is releasing an official emblem.

Executed with two simple but elegant calligraphic brush strokes which combine elements of the past and the future into the dynamic silhouette of car, the emblem symbolizes 40 years of growth and progress in the automotive business. It expresses the spirit of a forward-looking, progressive organization which prizes responsiveness and responsibility: Hyundai will always remain responsive to the needs of our customers and will adhere to the highest standards of responsibility to our stakeholders, the community and the environment.

The anniversary emblem will be incorporated into all Hyundai Motor advertising, product as well as corporate, and in signage displayed in showrooms and sales/marketing events.

Coinciding with the anniversary celebrations will be the Korean market launch of the company's all-new luxury sedan codenamed BH.

Hyundai Genesis Spied Uncovered

Since its concept debut at the New York Auto Show this past April, numerous spy photos of the new rear-wheel-drive 3.8-liter V8 sedan known internally as BH, have been taken during its development. But these latest detailed shots found on South Korean hi-fi stereo forum site, Wassada.com, show it completely in the buff. Aside from some interesting design details on the exterior, one particular detail which was speculated but unconfirmed, until now, is the BMW 5 Series iDrive like controller in the center console just below the gear lever.

Hyundai has already announced a release party for the upmarket Genesis on December 29^th, coinciding with their 40^th Anniversary, and then making its public debut just two weeks later at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. With pricing expected to come in well below $30,000 USD, the Genesis is sure to turn a lot of heads.