Jaguar fans have something to look forward to this month. At the 2006 London Motor Show on July 18, the all-new supercharged XKR coupe and convertible are said to lead the Jaguar experience to new heights. Taking several design cues from the naturally aspirated XK coupe and convertible, the XKR moves up a rung and utilizes many technological improvements as well as its industry-leading aluminum monocoque body structure. The structure of the new XKR is also lighter and stronger than its predecessor model. "The new supercharged XKR captures perfectly the essence of what makes a Jaguar XK so special," commented Bibie Boerio, Jaguar Cars managing director. "It is a perfect combination of refined Grand Tourer and serious performance sports car that delivers a truly rewarding and exhilarating driving experience."

In keeping up with the demand to get more from less, Ford may be soon offering a more fuel efficient version of the Expedition. It will likely have either the new European V8 diesel or an all-new gasoline-electric hybrid engine. "We have hybrids and diesels under development," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of product development for the Americas. No solid time frame is set for a more efficient Expedition, but internal, unnamed sources at Ford have stated the company may strike soon to compete with the upcoming efficient SUVs being produced by General Motors. Read more over on Autoweek.

In less than 30 days, Mazda Motor Corporation will debut the new Mazda MX-5 Miata with its power retractable hard top at the 2006 British International Motor Show in London. The MX-5 has always had a removable hard top, but the next edition will have an extra dose of automation. The show is set to run from Tuesday, July 18, through Sunday, July 30, 2006.

Ford's updated F-series brute is continuing to improve upon the best-selling pickup by adding two new classes to the popular lineup. Now, the offerings are the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Harley Davidson, Lariat Outlaw, and Lariat Highline. "With more and more Super Duty customers moving upscale, the Highline and Outlaw packages give us exciting new trim levels that further differentiate our trucks," says Robert Keller, Super Duty marketing manager. These new interior packages are being finalized and will see production for the 2007 model year.

Recently, Ford's Customer Service Division completed a study that concluded consumers are highly interested, but are also befuddled about Ford's E85 flex fuel aptitude. Via their website, customersaskford.com, Ford was able to query customers over a six week period and provide over 105,000 questions to consumers. "Basically, there is a lot of confusion out there regarding E85," said Brian McMaster, project manager, Content Governance Center Organization. "What I'm basically saying with the study is that there are some significant information gaps." One of the most common questions asked was how to tell what vehicles are E85 capable. The answer lies in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)--the eighth digit to be precise. Those who may want to know more can visit http://www.e85fuel.com/information/ford.php to have their VIN number decoded. Click here to see the Ford E85 VIN chart

The next wave of nearly 40% of Ford's pickup sales is now set back until January 2007. Aside from a refreshed design and more refinement within being pushed behind, the bottom line is likely to be affected as well. Some analysts are estimating that the delay is likely to reduce Ford's earnings for this year. This year alone, Ford expects to sell more than 900,000 of the money-making F-Series trucks, making this year the 30th year the F-Series is the best-selling vehicle and 25th year as the best-selling vehicle in the United States. Read more on the Super Duty setback.

What a sad day it must be to realize that your 550 horsepower Ford GT seems to become sluggish and weak. The quest for more power is rarely one with a finite end, but the folks at Jack Roush's performance parts group have come up with another stepping stone to assist in the neverending journey for more. A newly released pulley kit for the Eaton supercharger is reported to boost the GT another 25 horsepower and 25 lb/ft of torque.