TheCarConnection.com's spies have scored some new shots of the Jaguar XFR, caught testing in Death Valley.

The higher-performance XF gets a revised, vented hood, and a more aggressive front air dam to signal its arrival. A new side sill accentuates the XF's lower flared character line, resulting in a more menacing stance, augmented by the large wheels and performance-minded brake package with cross-drilled rotors. The rear valance has also been changed to accommodate the XFR's new quad-exhaust setup.

Researching the U.K. registration plates of prior XFR prototypes--which had been caught testing in England earlier this year--suggested that the pumped-up XF was running a 4997cc V-8. Reports out of the U.K. suggest that this engine is supercharged, so something in excess of 500 hp is expected.

The sound of the engine as the XFR launched itself away from our cameras was impressive--as was how quickly it became a mere dot on the horizon. This Jag clearly has the muscle to back up its more sinewy shape. Look for a Paris auto show launch as a 2010 model.--KGP Photography

Our U.K. operative has just snapped our first look at the mid-cycle facelift for the 2009 Jag XK--in both XK and XKR trim.

Visual changes consist of new front bumpers with new outer air-inlets below the headlights. Judging from the surface development that appears to differ on the prototypes, the 2009 Jaguar XK and XKR variants will get unique styling touches. New taillights are also in the works, with a greater percentage of red-lens and clear signs that LEDs will be employed. The rear bumpers on both prototypes also show signs of a redesign.

When the XK first bowed, it was saddled with a clunky power-retractable antenna; a quick fix for 2008 saw the antenna integrated into the rear spoiler. These new prototypes show that Jag is finally bringing the XK up-to-date both visually and technologically, with the addition of a proper shark-fin antenna applied to the deck lid.

No serious engine upgrades are expected, but Jaguar will be applying the 2009 Jaguar XF's Jaguar Drive transmission interface to the XK, thus modernizing and streamlining the Jaguar lineup. We expect that the interior changes necessary for this will inspire some visual and material upgrades to the XK's interior.

We expect to see the facelifted XKs to bow officially later this year, although a Geneva debut in the spring could also be a possibility.--KGP Photography

TheCarConnection.com's spy photographers caught the best shots yet of the 2009 Jaguar XF-R as it rolled through the city streets in the U.K.
Hood vents, a deeper, more aggressive front air dam, and a new mesh treatment to the grille coverings signify the hottest version of the Jaguar XF, the new sedan that TheCarConnection.com's editors called "a modern icon." The XF's side vents are also blacked out for a more sinister look. Large turbine-style wheels (likely to be 20-inchers) are taped up a bit, but their aggressive design is clearly visible. Quad exhaust tips round out the visual changes. The XF-R's body mods are subtle, yet very pursposeful to set it apart from lesser XF models.

Sources report that the 2009 Jaguar XF-R will get a new supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 making a minimum of 500 horsepower, so Jaguar clearly appears to have the likes of the BMW M5 in its sights.

Everyone's getting in on the April Fools' Day jokes, including, we think, the funsters and wagsters at Carscoop. Witness this image here: according to the copy, it's a Jaguar XF-C concept due at the Beijing auto show on April 20.

Carscoop says the four-seat coupe is based on the new XF, and powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 engine that develops more than 500 hp. While they're at it, why not throw in amphibious capability and standard assault rifles -- the full Bond treatment?

Anyone with Photoshop and a few hours of free time could have made this image. The only problem is it sounds and looks totally plausible. We love the XF sedan and with all the takeover machinations from Ford and Tata, Jaguar needs a good, hot product story to swerve attention back to the cars. So what do you think -- is it the real thing? Should Jaguar spin off a two-door from the lovely XF?

Stay tuned later today, as all the Fools unmask themselves -- or at the latest in Beijing, if this thing takes off.

UPDATE: Ford just confirmed the sale to Tata for $2.3 billion. We'll have more as details emerge -- the press release follows this item:

A variety of outlets, including the New York Times, are reporting that the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover will be announced tomorrow.

Ford has been trying to unload both British brands for more than a year, since the successful sale of Aston Martin to a group of Kuwaiti-led investors netted the company $925 million. The Jaguar-Land Rover deal, with India's Tata Motors, has gone through an extensive bidding process that weeded out hedge funds fronted by former Ford exec Jac Nasser, even other Indian automakers, before narrowing down the field to Tata.

The deal for the brands could total $2 billion, the Times says. But while it will mean a change of hands and a change in control, Ford's role in the duo won't come to an immediate halt. The various production arrangements and supplies of parts could take a few years to unwind. And at $2 billion, the deal would value the brands significantly less than was being talked about just last year -- with some outlets reporting Ford's asking price was initially around $8 billion.

As a part of the deal, the Times adds, the Jaguar headquarters will remain in Coventry, England, and the existing product plan will not be altered until at least 2011.

Tata is in the midst of a huge global expansion, and could end up with the most wildly divergent group of cars on the planet -- from the Jaguar XKR-S to the Queen's favorite Range Rover to the teensy, $2500 Tata Nano.




PRESS RELEASE


Ford Motor Company Announces Agreement to Sell Jaguar Land Rover to Tata Motors

DEARBORN, Mich., March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company
(NYSE: F) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement
to sell its Jaguar Land Rover operations to Tata Motors.

The transaction is the culmination of Ford's decision last August to
explore strategic options for the Jaguar Land Rover business, as the
company accelerates its focus on its core Ford brand and "One Ford" global
transformation.

The sale is expected to close by the end of the next quarter and is
subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable
regulatory approvals.

The total amount to be paid in cash by Tata Motors for Jaguar Land
Rover upon closing will be approximately US $2.3 billion. At closing, Ford
will then contribute up to approximately US $600 million to the Jaguar Land
Rover pension plans.

"Jaguar and Land Rover are terrific brands," said Alan Mulally,
president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. "We are confident that they are
leaving our fold with the products, plan and team to continue to thrive
under Tata's stewardship. Now, it is time for Ford to concentrate on
integrating the Ford brand globally, as we implement our plan to create a
strong Ford Motor Company that delivers profitable growth for all."

"This is a good agreement. It provides the Jaguar Land Rover management
team and employees with the assurances needed to maintain their focus on
delivering the best results for the business," said Lewis Booth, executive
vice president, Ford Motor Company, who has responsibility for Ford of
Europe, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover. "I am confident that, under its new
owner, Jaguar Land Rover will continue to build upon the significant
improvements and product successes it has achieved in recent years."

As part of the transaction, Ford will continue to supply Jaguar Land
Rover for differing periods with powertrains, stampings and other vehicle
components, in addition to a variety of technologies, such as environmental
and platform technologies. Ford also has committed to provide engineering
support, including research and development, plus information technology,
accounting and other services.

In addition, Ford Motor Credit Company will provide financing for
Jaguar and Land Rover dealers and customers during a transitional period,
which can vary by market, of up to 12 months.

The parties believe these arrangements will support Jaguar Land Rover's
current product plans, while providing Jaguar Land Rover freedom to develop
its own stand-alone capabilities in the future that will best serve its
premium manufacturer requirements.

The parties do not anticipate any significant changes to Jaguar Land
Rover employees' terms of employment on completion.

Speaking about today's agreement, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata
Sons and Tata Motors, commented: "We are very pleased at the prospect of
Jaguar and Land Rover being a significant part of our automotive business.
We have enormous respect for the two brands and will endeavor to preserve
and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities
intact. We aim to support their growth, while holding true to our
principles of allowing the management and employees to bring their
experience and expertise to bear on the growth of the business."

Jaguar Land Rover's employees, trade unions and the UK Government have
been kept informed of developments as the sale process progressed and have
indicated their support for the agreement.

Speaking on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover, Geoff Polites, chief executive
officer, said: "Jaguar Land Rover's management team is very pleased that
Ford and Tata Motors have come to an agreement today. Our team has been
consulted extensively on the deal content and feels confident that it
provides for the business needs of both our brands going forward.

"We have also had the opportunity to meet senior executives from Tata
Motors and the Tata group," Polites continued. "They have expressed
confidence in the team that has delivered significant improvements in
Jaguar Land Rover's business performance. We feel confident that we can
forge a strong working relationship with our new parent company, and we
look forward to a bright and successful future for Jaguar Land Rover."