Save the Date - 3rd Annual Keeler Motor Car Sidewalk Sale

Save the Date!!

The 3rd Annual Keeler Motor Car Sidewalk Sale has been scheduled. Make sure you're here on February 20th and 21st to view over $1,000,000 in used car inventory all indoors and under one roof. Check back here or on www.keeler.com soon for more details!!

You won't want to miss it!

2010 Jagura XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition

What with the advent of the world wide web, few of us do our Christmas shopping in catalogs anymore. That probably won't stop Neiman Marcus from selling out of all 50 examples of the limited edition 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition that will appear in its Christmas Book this season. Neiman Marcus offers a limited edition vehicle in its Christmas Book every year, and this will be third time a Jaguar has been offered. This special version of the new XJ will feature an exclusive Celestial Black paint job with 20-inch double-10 spoke wheels. Other than a special nameplate inscribed with "Neiman Marcus 1 of 50", the yuletide Jag will be just like any other XJ with a supercharged version of the brand's new 5.0-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower. The XJ itself, meanwhile, goes on sale the normal way in the U.S. in early 2010. If you've got a hankering for one of the first, call 1-866-524-6963 on Friday, October 16 at noon EST to place your order. Gift wrapping not included.

Monterey 2009: 2010 Jaguar XJ has North American debut at Pebble

The XJ was, for the longest time, the model most commonly associated with the Jaguar brand. Like Porsche's iconic 911, the XJ's basic shape had soldiered on for decades with significant platform changes hidden behind an all-too-familiar face. When Jaguar switched things up by introducing the forward-looking midsize XF a couple of years ago, people started to take notice that it wasn't going to be business-as-usual anymore in Coventry – or Mumbai for that matter. Heritage and tradition were one thing, but Jaguar needed something radical to reclaim its place at the top of the luxury sedan class. Enter the 2010 XJ, an all-new vehicle with an all-new look that should help Jaguar capture some all-new customers.

Borrowing heavily from the XF playbook, the new ultra sedan offers tastefully modern styling with a dash of traditional elegance and a healthy dose of British class. Sure, the tail lamps might look like they were borrowed from a Citroen, but in person this car has genuine presence. It is a large vehicle compared to the previous XJ, but not as big as, say, an S-Class Benz. The proportions remind us of the BMW 7 Series and the new Porsche Panamera.

As we've told you from our first encounter with the car a month ago, the new 2010 Jaguar XJ will be available in regular or extended wheelbase form, with one of three variations of the company's direct-injected 5.0 liter V8 underhood. The base models get a 385-horsepower normally-aspirated version; the XJ Supercharged gets boosted to 470 hp; and the top-of-the-line Supersport gets the XFR's 510-hp mill. Prices will range from a base of $72,500 to $115,000, making this one dear kitty. No matter the price, it's one striking sedan, and we can't wait to get some seat time soon.

The New Jaguar XKR and XFR

Jaguar, the Most Dependable Car. Really.

The New York Times
MARCH 19, 2009, 7:01 AM

Jaguar, the Most Dependable Car. Really.
By CHERYL JENSEN

Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
Just when it seemed the automotive world was in such upheaval that nothing more
shocking could happen, Jaguar and Buick have tied for the top spot in the 2009 J.D.
Power Vehicle Dependability Study.

Jaguar, once reliable only for being the butt of cocktail party jokes about poor quality,
and Buick have toppled Lexus from first place, which the Japanese brand had held for the
last 13 years. (In 2007, Buick shared the top spot with Lexus.)

The 2006 Buick LaCrosse was the highest-ranked vehicle in the midsize car segment, according to the latest J.D. Power study on dependability. J.D. Power’s dependability rankings are determined by the number of problems per 100 vehicles that consumers experience: The lower the number, the better. This year’s study is based on responses from more than 46,000 original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles.

While vehicle dependability has always been important to consumers, this year it’s even
more so as consumers hold onto their vehicles longer. The average age of a vehicle when
it’s traded in has increased to 73 months in 2009, up from 65 months in 2006, according
to J.D. Power.

Darren Staples/Reuters Jaguars parked outside a plant in Birmingham, England.
Buick and Jaguar were tied for first place with 122 problems per 100 vehicles; Lexus was
second with 126 problems. Toyota at 129 and Mercury, 134, rounded out the top five. The
bottom five were, in descending order, Mazda, Isuzu, Land Rover, Volkswagen and
Suzuki.

It isn’t that something significantly bad has happened to Lexus quality, said Neal Oddes,
director of product research and analysis for J.D. Power and Associates, the marketing
information services company.

“Their performance is exceptional,” Mr. Oddes said. “It’s just that other nameplates are
coming up and starting to challenge the quality leader, which is great for consumers.”
In addition to ranking the 37 brands, J.D. Power gives awards in 19 segments by naming
the top three models in each segment.

“Lexus performance at the nameplate ranking may have slipped slightly, but at the model
level they are still doing exceptionally well,” Mr. Oddes said.

Toyota vehicles ranking the highest in five segments, which was more than any other
brand, were the Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, Solara and Tundra. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury
brand, came next with four segment winners, which were the ES 330 (tied with the Acura
RL), GX 470, LS 430 and SC 430.

The highest ranked vehicles in other segments were the Scion xA, Mazda MX-5 Miata,
Buick LaCrosse, Mercury Grand Marquis, Nissan 350Z, Lincoln Zephyr, Honda Element,
Ford Ranger, Dodge Caravan and Lincoln Mark LT.

The study also found that Buick, Lincoln, Mercury and Jaguar owners were less likely to
have to replace large components than owners of other brands.

All of the top three vehicles in the segments and complete brand rankings are available at
JDPower.com.

Source: (The New York Times)

VIDEO: Ian Callum talks about the 2010 Jaguar XJ

The top-of-the-line leaping cat was blessed with an aluminum chassis that was well ahead of its time, but the Jaguar XJ's historically derivative design left luxury customers less than impressed – if indeed they recognized it as a new model. Chief Jaguar designer Ian Callum, who hit the ball right out of the park when he designed the award winning XF, now has an opportunity to make things right with the flagship XJ. We've already seen spy photos of the XJ's interior and exterior, and everything so far points to the Jag's flagship model taking plenty of cues from the smaller, less expensive XF; not that that's a bad thing.The 2010 Jaguar XJ is one of the most eagerly anticipated unveilings this year, but since it won't go public until July 9, you'll have to wait until we can gather some more information. We only caught two very brief, very muddled shots of the next generation of Jaguar's "Gorgeous" design philosophy, but it's still worth a look.

Come Celebrate Summer at the Keeler Block Party

XJ Update: Jag's big sedan looks to XF for inspiration

If it seems as if we've been talking about the Jaguar XJ a lot recently, it's because we have. The redesigned flagship model is very important car for the British-born, Indian-owned automaker. Reports say that its new design will borrow heavily from the automaker's modern, but still traditionally classy XF. Jaguar revealed the first official 2010 XJ teaser image at the Shanghai Auto Show today, and based on the overhead shot that shows the car's panoramic roof, we'd say the reports we've been hearing are spot on. Notice the hood in particular and what appears to be either a very thin or completely blacked out C-pillar. You can also follow the jump to watch the short teaser video Jaguar revealed at the Shanghai show earlier today.

Jaguar says that July 9 will be the date of the XJ's coming out party in London. There will be both short and long wheelbase versions, with power coming from the company's new range of gas and diesel engines. That includes the 503-hp, supercharged, direct-injection, 5.0-liter V8, although that model might not wear the "R" moniker like the similarly equipped XKR and XFR models. The "R" badge is said to be reserved for an even higher performance model to be announced later on.

When the new car hits showrooms in December, it should directly challenge the benchmark Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series with plenty of high-tech features in a very stylish package, both inside and out. The XJ will feature the same JaguarDrive gear selector first introduced in the XF, but also paddle shifters to work the 6-speed auto. It will definitely be a leap into the 21st century for Jag's big sedan. There's reportedly even an extended range electric in the mix that will take on the Fisker Karma among others.
Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ teasers

[Sources: Jaguar, Auto Express, Autocar]

Jaguar top 225 at Bonneville Salt Flat

Jaguar have pushed the new XFR to its limits in a secret test at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and in doing so broke the record for the fastest ever Jaguar.

The modified XFR reached a staggering 225.675 mph on its run, powered by a tweaked version of the newly launched 5.0 litre engine in the supercharged Jaguar XF. The engine was almost standard, save a new air intake, revised supercharger settings and new exhaust system, boosting the power from 503 to 600 horsepower, but all the engine internals were untouched, as was the standard gearbox, boding well for tuners to come along and liberate even more power. Jaguar also modified the bodywork with a new front skirt and a huge rear wing to give downforce and stability at speed, as you can see below:

All this work was done in conjunction with American racing company Rocketsports, and the car was driven by Paul Gentilozzi, who raced the Jaguar XKR to 5 series wins in the US Trans Am series between 2001 and 2006. He was quoted as saying "During my career, I've raced worldwide from the southern tip of New Zealand to Le Mans, Along the way, I have been privileged to drive and own so many exciting cars but I've never driven one that was as exciting to drive fast as this Jaguar.

"The previous Jaguar speed record was set by Martin Brundle in 1992 in a Jaguar XJ220.

(source: http://www.jaguar-cars-blog.com/)

Keeler Motor Car 2nd Annual Used Car Sale

Keeler Motor Car Company held its 2nd annual used car sale this past weekend. I have to say as marketers we went into the sale with not the highest of hopes due the recent economic downturn. Well, we are happy to report that the sale was a big success.

The sale was held in our Mercedes-Benz building and included all types of makes and models on sale from our franchises and also off-brand vehicles. Some of our most popular vehicles during the sale include the Honda Pilot, Honda Accord, BMW 3-Series, Jaguar XF, Land Rover Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, MINI Cooper, BMW X3, BMW 5-Series and the all new smart car.

As employees, we love this event because it brings us all together under one rooftop and builds camaraderie and moral. As a customer (which i am as well!) I love this event because you can see all the different lines that Keeler Motor Car Company represents in one place and plus, who doesn't love getting a good deal - especially nowadays!

Thanks to all the Keeler Motor Car Company employees and their families for giving up their Sunday to allow this event to take place and a BIG thanks to all the new Keeler customers we saw this past weekend - welcome to the family!

Jaguar Land Rover opens green academy

Where can an automaker make a difference? Just by building greener cars? By having green dealerships? Wait, it can also have green training facilities! That's the tack that Jaguar Land Rover, not known for fuel efficient vehicles, is taking. Jaguar Land Rover's new training facilities in Warwick, England occupy over 4,000 m2, including a workshop for all hands-on training. There are also 16 classrooms, which are large enough to house a vehicle for better training. The green part comes from the building itself, which has been refurbished to include an array of energy efficient solutions. For instance, a special wax polymer that absorbs heat in summer and prevents heat from escaping in winter to save on the heating/cooling bill. There is also an array of additional measures such as rainwater harvesting tanks, solar/thermal heating and water heating, high efficiency lighting and spray foam insulation. All this to save an estimated 275 tons of CO2 per year (about 2 million km on the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e).[Source: Jaguar]

Next Jaguar sedan looks like stretch XK, with four-door "coupe" overtones

Is Jaguar planning a Panamera and Rapide challenger? Until now we've had speculation and spy pics, but Channel 4 is reporting that Jaguar officials have confirmed plans to "introduce a new saloon" later this year, that "takes the luxury saloon to new heights in terms of its technical enhancements." Although this new sedan will eventually replace the XJ in the company's lineup, it is said to be radically different from the traditional sedan. Imagine XF detailing on a four-door XK and you won't be far off from the vehicle that's due to show up later this year. No official details have been reported, but Jaguar officials are apparently mentioning the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte, Aston Martin Rapide and Mercedes-Benz CLS as competition. Engine options will likely include Jaguar's new 3.0L V6 diesel as well as the new direct-injection, 5.0L gas V8s in naturally aspirated or supercharged form. The car should be revealed later this year, making 2009 a very busy year for the company. Jaguar is already set to unveil the supercharged XF-R, as well as updated XJ, XK and XKR models, along with its new V8 and V6 diesel engines at the Detroit Auto Show next week. We can hardly wait.[Source: Channel 4]