tachyon

I just saw a Jaguar XK at the gas station. There is a Jag dealer just down the block from where I stopped.

It was a black coupe and it looks absolutely stunning. This one will turn a lot of heads.

Oaktree

I was not impressed by magazine picture but then saw one on the way home from northern MN - beautiful!!! It looks very similar to an Aston Martin.

colejl

Weren't both the AM and XK designed by Ian Callum? Also, Ford own both AM and Jaguar...

LowOrbit

Maybe its just me but the Jag interior seems plain and Ford-like.

Too bad Ford is thinking about selling Aston. Without the engineering/parts sharing and quality controls, Aston may well revert back to its sad state of the 70s and 80s without the right buyer.

I would love to see Audi pick it up based on how they were able to revive Bentley.

Kev946

I considered one of these. Had a look at one at the local dealers. Interior is poor, rear seat non existent. In fact I would say a 911 has more rear seat space. I moved the passenger seat all the way forward and still couldn't get in the back. Also a bit down on power unless you go for the XKR.

Overall I was not impressed, although I do like the styling.

swajames

Yep, Ford have done an outstanding job with Aston, AM has never had the combination of its product set, infrastructure and management it has now, and there are more customers than ever in their market space. Given that thanks to Ford's investment (and most crucially its hands off management) AM probably could stand alone it would clearly be a good buy but I think it will stay with Ford. Jaguar if any is the one most likely be sold but I suspect it too will stay in the PAG fold. Ford needs a halo brand and there are few better than Aston. The trick is to have Ford associated with Aston more than Aston is associated with Ford and they have managed this very well. Personally, I don't think Ford gets the credit it deserves for its handling of AM and they are also making some bold moves at Jag (the next XJ is likely to look nothing like the prior generations and the quality control is much improved)

swajames

Power is up a little and weight is considerably down compared to the prior XK. It's not really intended to be a four seater any more than the 911 is intended to be a four seater.

LowOrbit

Maybe, but remember former CEO Nassar was a chief proponent of PAG and it looks like Bill Ford just wants profit, so AM may go.

Also, I am not sure if it would be a good as an independent company as it uses a bunch of Jag/Ford components. However, if Audi, BMW etc. bought AM, they could replace Ford parts, much like what Ford did when replacing BMW motors with Jag engines in the Range Rover.

Just my $0.02.

swajames

That's probably fixable through the sale terms though. As you say, when Land Rover was acquired from BMW they carried on using BMW engines and other components for a while until Ford engineered the Jaguar engines into the Range Rover etc. Probably nothing to stop AM using Ford as an interim supplier if any deal did go through. I'd like to see AM stay within the Ford fold, I think Ford has been good to AM and I'd like to see PAG get something back in return.