The Jaguar XJ was redesigned for 2010, and has been hailed as the new era of Jaguar. The XJ, along with the 2010 Jaguar XK, and Jaguar XF are the remaining models in the Jaguar lineup. In keeping with Ian Callum’s new design direction for Jaguar, the new XJ is an all-new exterior design and a break from the XJ series mould carried over on all previous generations. It is a longer, wider car that looks much bigger than its predecessor. The front has clear links with the executive car XF, although with slimmer, sleeker lights and a larger, squarer grille and more aggressive appearance. The rear is the contentious part, like nothing Jaguar has shown before. The upright, swooping taillights, nicknamed ‘cat’s claws’, and black roof panels each side of the rear screen, which aim to hide the XJ’s width, are the most striking aspects. There is also a standard full, length sunroof, which extends all the way back with just a single body-coloured roof panel that the designer likens to bridges on yachts.

But where did the XJ begin? Back in 1968 the original model was released as the Series I  XJ6. Power assisted steering and leather upholstery were standard on the 2.8 L ‘De Luxe’ and 4.2 L models and air conditioning was offered as an optional extra on the 4.2 L. Daimler versions were launched in October 1969, in a series of television advertisements featuring Sir William. In these spots, he referred to the car as “the finest Jaguar ever”. An unusual feature, inherited from the Jaguar Mark X, was the provision of twin fuel tanks, positioned on each side of the boot / trunk, and filled using two separately lockable filler caps: one on the top of each wing above the rear wheel arches.

The XJ12 version, featuring simplified grille treatment, and powered by a 5.3 L V12 engine (coupled to a Borg Warner Model 12), was announced in July 1972:[1] the car was presented at that time as the world’s only 12-cylinder four door car. 3,235 of these first generation XJ12s were built. Again, an upmarket version, this time called the Daimler Double-Six, was available, reviving the Daimler model name of 1926-1938. Since the sixties the famed model has gone through many changes, been offered in many forms, and at times has even been questioned. But Jaguar has managed to keep the XJ, in one form or another, alive all these years. Today, it is the future of Jaguar.

Once you have found the perfect car, whether new or used, it can be an exciting time. Nothing feels better than driving a shiny, nice smelling car around, with new features to use, and a proud sense of accomplishment. But there is always the question of car insurance. Deciding which carrier to use, or which plan to get can be confusing. Talking to an insurance agent you maybe notice there are all types of coverage they are trying to sell you, and it is hard to know what you really need. Read below and you may better understand what these type of coverage includes, and thus know what you need. Some of the major categories of auto insurance include:

Personal injury protection:  Personal injury protection insurance, which is similar to medical payments coverage, pays the medical expenses that you incur in an accident. PIP also pays for your expenses in a hit-and-run accident. If you die in the accident, it pays a death benefit. PIP also pays for lost wages and other expenses related to the accident. About 15 states require PIP coverage.

Liability: Liability insurance is also called bodily injury insurance. Liability insurance reimburses the other driver for damages sustained in an accident that is your fault. This coverage includes amounts for bodily injury, property damage and pain-and-suffering damages. Liability coverage is usually stated in your policy as a dollar limit. Liability limits are generally stated on a per-person and per-accident basis. For example, liability coverage of “15/30/25″ means the insurer pays $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance provides coverage for theft or loss from accidents other than collision. Coverage pays for property damage sustained from such natural events as flood, fire, hail or vandalism.

No-fault: This insurance coverage pays for injuries or damages incurred by either you or the other party in an accident. It does not matter which party is responsible. No-fault pays for your medical expenses while the insurers figure out which side is at fault.

Collision: Collision insurance pays for medical expenses and property damage that you sustain in an accident in which you are at fault. You may also elect to buy collision insurance coverage when you rent a vehicle.

Uninsured Motorist: Uninsured motorist insurance pays you if the other driver does not have insurance. Underinsured motorist insurance pays you if the other driver does not have adequate insurance. These types of coverage are not required in all states.

The Bark Buckle UP Charity, works closely with Fire, Police, Coast Guard and EMT personnel who support the safety program and has been featured at International Auto Shows, Pet Expos, Television, Radio, News Articles and guest speaking engagements nationwide. Bark Buckle UP is the recognized innovative leader and experts for pet travel safety. Bark Buckle UP educates and promotes awareness for pet safety while traveling with our pets.

The Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Journey have been awarded Bark Buckle UP’s 2010 Pet Safe Choice Awards at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The Pet Safe Choice Award is given to vehicles that best accommodate a variety of pet needs, including ventilation for pets and adaptability of third-party pet-travel gear.Bark Buckle UP evaluated vehicles on a variety of criteria, including accommodation of animals and various kennel sizes, ease of pet access within the vehicle, ease of pet entry and exit, pet-friendly interior surfaces and their ease of clean up. So if you are looking for animal friendly vehicles, you may want to listen to the advice of Bark Buckle UP – check out the Journey and the Town & Country.

Looks like the new 2011 Chevy Cruze will bring more jobs to the economy. General Motors will add a third shift at its Lordstown, Ohio complex, adding 1,200 jobs to support production of the new, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact car. As previously announced, the Chevrolet Cruze program represents a $500 million investment in U.S. manufacturing operations, which includes more than $350 million to re-tool the Lordstown facility. Production begins in the third quarter and will increase the Lordstown workforce from 3,300 to 4,500. The third shift is expected to generate $47 million in additional payroll, $470,000 in local income taxes and $1.4 million in state income tax.

Since last July, GM has made announcements that represent about 5,515 new jobs and investment by the company of more than $1.4 billion in the United States. The 2011 Cruze is the first of a family of new Chevrolet small and compact cars that are designed to offer excellent fuel economy, outstanding quality and top safety ratings. Lordstown will produce Cruze models for the United States and Canada. The Lordstown complex covers 5 million square feet and includes 25 miles of conveyors. Last year, the facility – which includes on on-site stamping plant – purchased nearly 102,000 tons of steel and recycled nearly 53,000 tons of it. Renovations in preparation for the Cruze include a new, state-of-the-art body shop, with more than 800 new robotic systems. Since vehicle assembly started in 1966, the Lordstown complex has produced about 14.3 million GM cars. It currently builds the Chevrolet Cobalt, of which more than 1 million have been produced since its 2004 launch. Cobalt production will end as Cruze production ramps up this summer.

On Feb. 18, GM announced a $494 million investment and the creation of nearly 550 jobs, among three facilities, to produce the next-generation of fuel-efficient Ecotec four-cylinder engines.

The 80th International Motor show is coming up March 4-14 in Geneva. Among the premiers of the show will be the 2011 Mazda 5 microvan. The new Mazda  5 isn’t a huge departure from the current model, but it may be the most literal implementation of Mazda’s “nagare” (flow) design language yet. The large headlamps and large grille apertures copy those on the Mazda 3, but the 5 sports unique wave-like character lines around its beltline. Designers also incorporated the taillights — previously mounted in the D-pillars –into the rear fenders, allowing the 5 to bear some resemblance to other Mazda products.
Thus far, Mazda’s only released specifications for the European-spec model, which also receives a new direct-injection 2.0-liter I-4. We’ve yet to see the final specifications for the North American 5, but we hope something a little more powerful than the current 2.3-liter I-4 — perhaps the 2.5-liter mill from the Mazda 3 — makes its way underhood. Inside, the Mazda 5 is treated an updated dashboard that borrows heavily from the current 3. The twin-gauge instrument cluster, along with the upper half of the instrument panel, is patterned (if not borrowed) from its little sibling. The 5 will continue to be offered in both 6- and 7-passenger forms, but as was the case with the last model, it’s unlikely the latter will be sold in North America.

Subaru’s plans for the 2010 Geneva motor show include the new Impreza XV model – a crossover model which, for now,  will be offered exclusively in Europe.

Subaru says it sports a new grille, unique two-tone paint job, flared wheel arches, a roof rack, and a rear spoiler. Power will come from your choice of either a 2.0-liter gasoline or turbo-diesel flat-four.

It may sound similar to the Subaru Outback, and in fact will borrow some key design traits. Regardless, it’s likely a niche Subaru wants filled in Europe as soon as possible, seeing as Mitsubishi is launching its new RVR/ASX/Outlander Sport in the market this year. Subaru has yet to release any official images or details of the Impreza XV yet, and it is unknown whether this new Impreza crossover will reach stateside in the coming years. It will officially debut at the motor show, which runs in Geneva for the 80th consecutive year on March 4-14. Should be interesting to see what Subaru’s come up with.

The 2011 XKR Coupe will be available with what Jaguar calls the “Speed Pack.” As its name suggests, the option is all about pushing the speedometer needle past 155. The secret, it seems, doesn’t lie with brute power — output from the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 remains 510 hp and 461 lb.-ft. of torque. Instead, Jaguar says it was able to push the top end to 174 mph simply by recalibrating both the engine and transmission controls.

In order to help keep the XKR glued to the ground at such speeds, the Speed Pack adds a unique body kit designed to improve the car’s aerodynamics. The tall front fascia gains a modified splitter, while the rear spoiler grows in size. 20-inch aluminum wheels are standard, as is an active rear differential, which Jaguar claims helps reduce steering sensitivity when at higher velocities.

The Speed Pack adds some cosmetic flair to the performance package. XKR Speed Pack models add a chrome finish to the window surrounds, mesh grille inserts, fender vent trim, and the trunk appliqué. Customers can choose from one of six colors, and if so desired, a side stripe. Also available, will be the “Black Pack,” available only on XKRs equipped with the Speed Pack. The Black Pack trims the window surrounds and grilles in a piano black finish, while adding charcoal leather to the interior. The 2011 XKR Speed Pack is expected to make its world debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show in March.

Wondering what Mazda is doing for their part in making cars cleaner? In 2007 Mazda adopted the “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” long-term vision. Zoom Zoom is a philosophy in which they have committed to making cars that always excite, look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again. It also requires the achievement of a sustainable future for cars, people and the Earth. Mazda has announced a target date of 2015 for achieving their goal of improving the average fuel economy of Mazda cars sold globally by 30% above 2008 levels. To achieve this, they have begun to thoroughly improve base technologies including engines, transmissions and our weight reduction technology, and aerodynamics. By progressively combining these technologies with Mazda’s proprietary idling stop system “i-stop,” regenerative braking, and hybrid and other systems, they aim to offer consumers green driving along with excellent  safety and performance.

Winter is far from over, and there will be plenty more day of icy roads and dangerous conditions. While it is best to stay off the road during a storm, follow these tips if you find you self in a precarious situation, from ice on the road, to your car skidding without control.

FOR ICY ROADS

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

FOR REAR WHEEL SKIDS

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right.
3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

FOR FRONT WHEEL SKIDS

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

The Chicago Auto Show is coming right up, it will be open to the public from February 12 – 21. Chevrolet will continue its push for its all electric Chevy Volt, and will feature it at the show. The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in range-extended electric car with an on-board gasoline generator. It has a large battery that stores power from your home electric outlet and which is connected to an electric motor. The electric motor directly propels the car, and Volt is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to about 300 miles.

The driver will be able to set the charging schedule inside the vehicle or remotely, based on time of day or cost. And the Volt even has audio and visual cues to alert the driver when the car powers on, off and when charging is activated. For eager buyers, GM has committed to begin mass production of the 4-door, 4-passenger Volt in November 2010, as a 2011 model year.