2015 Los Angeles: The 2017 Jaguar XE pounces into onto US soil for the first time at an auto show

The all-new Jaguar XE has been out of the bag for about a year already but now, Jaguar’s hotly-anticipated entry-level luxury sport sedan just landed in US soil for the first time at an auto show in LA, commemorating the car’s introducing into the US market.

Starting at $34,900, the Jaguar XE will be available in a variety for forms with three engines. The flavors consist of the base XE, the XE Premium, XE Prestige, and the XE R-Sport.

Motivation options include Jaguar’s all-new 2.0L Ingenium diesel with 180hp and 318 lb-ft of torque for the 20d models, while leveling-up to the 25t introduces a 2.0L turbocharged gas GTDI inline-four with 240hp and 251 lb-ft, and the top-spec engine for now, at least until Jaguar introduces their BMW M3 competitor, is the usual 3.0L supercharged V6 affair with 340hp and 318 lb-ft on tap.

2015 LA Auto Show egmCarTech Logo

All are mated to a ZF_sourced eight-speed automatic transmission with power being sent to either the rear- or all-four wheels.

As a refresher, the 2017 Jaguar XE rides on an all-new aluminum intensive platform shared with the next-gen XF sedan, meaning it’s superbly lightweight to favor handling performance and ride quality, as well as fuel economy. The body shaping the XE also delivers a drag coefficient as low as 0.28, depending the model, to allow for slick aerodynamics and stability at speed.

Given the XE’s status as a competitor to the BMW 3-Series and friends, you can bet on the inclusion of a wide variety of technology and safety options and packages on offer. But what we care about is how will the XE drive and compare among the competition.

Be sure to check out the 2017 Jaguar XE on the floor of the LA Convention Center next week. It’s scheduled to hit local showrooms by spring of 2016.

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2017 Jaguar XE Debuts in Los Angeles with AWD and Apple Watch Connectivity

– Award-winning Jaguar XE sports sedan to arrive in U.S. Jaguar showrooms Spring 2016

– Lineup to include Jaguar XE 20d, 25t and 35t models selectively available in XE, XE Premium, XE Prestige and XE R-Sport trims

– All models offered in rear-wheel drive with the option of all-wheel drive available on 20d and 35t models

– XE 35t will feature a 340hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 120 mph1

– XE 20d will feature a 180hp 2.0-liter Ingenium diesel

– XE 25t to feature the proven Jaguar 240hp 2.0L GTDI engine

– Available with Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system -10.2-inch tablet-style touchscreen offers intuitive operation, incredibly responsive graphics and intelligent navigation4

– InControl Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices and a suite of connected services9

– InControl Remote allows Android and iOS connectivity, including Apple Watch® integration, allowing XE owners to remotely check fuel level, start  engine and lock/unlock their vehicle

– Intelligent Active Driver Assistance technologies available include Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Speed Limiter and Driver Condition Monitor2

– Standard best-in-class Jaguar EliteCare ownership package includes 5yr./60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and the longest complimentary scheduled maintenance package of any luxury brand in the market5

– MSRP starting at $34,9006

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – November 17, 2015 – Jaguar North America today introduced the 2017 Jaguar XE with key model year updates and new specifications ahead of its arrival in North American showrooms this Spring.

The XE first debuted as an all-new 2016 model at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Following a limited global release, the XE has received critical acclaim from owners and automotive journalists alike as one of the most dynamic compact sports sedans available on the market today.  Updates for the award-winning sedan in 2017, and available to U.S. and Canadian buyers at launch, include the addition of an optional torque on-demand all-wheel-drive powertrain and a host of newly available infotainment and driver assistance technologies like a Driver Condition Monitor and convenience features such as Apple Watch® connectivity2.

The reveal, ahead of the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, took place at Hollywood’s Raleigh Studios in California in conjunction with the kick-off to The Art of Performance Tour: Lights. Camera. Drive!; a seven-city cross-country tour, which invites consumers to see the full 2016/2017 Jaguar line-up, including the Jaguar F-PACE, and be among the first to drive the XE six months before it goes on sale in mid-2016.

With pricing starting from $34,9006, the XE rounds out the modern Jaguar sedan line-up as the new point of entry to Jaguar ownership; joining the new 2016 Jaguar XF mid-size sedan and refreshed 2016 Jaguar XJ full-size luxury sedan. Based on the brand’s new aluminum-intensive architecture, the introduction of the XE also gives Jaguar a foothold in the highly competitive North American compact sports sedan segment, significantly expanding potential market reach for the brand in 2016 and beyond.

A true driver’s car, the Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports sedan thanks to its advanced lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior, and outstanding ride and handling. At launch in North America the XE will be available with a buyers choice of three powertrains; the 35t, a 340-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6; the 25t, a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder and the 20d, a 180-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder.

U.S. Models and MSRP6:

XE 25t 2.0L Turbocharged I-4, 240hp Starting from $34,900
XE 20d 2.0L Turbocharged I-4 diesel, 180hp Starting from $36,400
XE 35t 3.0L Supercharged V6, 340hp Starting from $41,700

 

DESIGN

The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE was the first global model developed from the new JLR modular vehicle architecture; underpinning the XE, this platform is also shared with the new XF mid-size sedan and most recently the all-new F-PACE performance SUV, which debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. This shared architecture unlocks design possibilities that could not previously be delivered on bespoke platforms.

Core dimensions were determined with design and engineering teams working together from the very beginning, under a philosophy of ‘anything we can imagine, we can create.’ This ethos made it possible to realize perfect proportions: short front and rear overhangs and a dynamic cab-rearward stance. Further, the new architecture enables the XE to feature both a long wheelbase and a low, sporty driving position in a sleek, coupe-like profile.

With its large front air intakes, satin chrome side vents, gloss black side window surrounds, side sills, discreet rear spoiler and optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels, the XE R-Sport trim level reinforces the performance potential of the XE. The cabin of each XE offers outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness; exquisite materials and finishes, combined with traditional Jaguar craftsmanship make for an interior without compare.

Outside, the strongly-sculpted hood creates a taut, muscular appearance. The rising waistline adds to the sense of movement, while the form of the rear quarters takes inspiration from the F-TYPE Coupe. The signature J-Blade daytime running lights are a recognizable Jaguar design element, while the rear lights feature a horizontal line intersecting a circle; a powerful styling feature inherited from the iconic E-Type.

Jaguar has a rich history of producing stunning, aerodynamically-efficient cars. The new XE continues the tradition of uncompromised form and function; achieving a coefficient of drag as low as 0.28 – the result of 1,200 computational fluid dynamics simulations and a million hours of processor time.

“Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE positioning as a serious driver’s car. The cab-rearward proportions and tight packaging achieve that and give the XE the appearance of movement even when it is standing still. It bears a strong family resemblance to the F-TYPE and will stand apart in the crowd.”-  Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design.

The spacious cabin cocoons front seat passengers with a deep center console which creates a cockpit-like feel. The instrument panel dials and the cluster needle sweep on start-up further emphasize the sports sedan attributes of the XE.

Front and rear seat occupants enjoy generous amounts of head and legroom, while fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching give the cabin a bespoke quality. The choice of gloss black, textured aluminum, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the luxurious, hand-crafted feel, while the available ambient lighting in a range of up to 10 colors adds to the sense of occasion.

CONSTRUCTION

Jaguar is highly experienced in the use of aluminum construction. The expertise in working with this lightweight material has culminated in the new body structure of the Jaguar XE. Much of the aluminum construction uses high-strength, 6000-series alloy. The body sides are a perfect example: these complex pressings are formed in one piece, and what would once have been 1.5mm gauge sheet has been reduced to just 1.1mm.

Aluminum-Intensive Unibody

Sustainability is a big part of the Jaguar aluminum story. The new XE uses RC 5754 – a proprietary aluminum alloy made predominantly from recycled material, delivering savings in overall CO2 emissions and helping to reduce demand for primary aluminum, ultimately saving energy. Utilizing this breakthrough will help Jaguar towards its goal of using 75 percent recycled material by 2020.

Riveting and bonding the lightweight body structure of the Jaguar XE consumes less energy than traditional spot welding. The XE also contains 101-lbs. of recycled plastics and renewable materials, further reducing its environmental impact.

“The XE is as strong and light as it could possibly be thanks to exhaustive analysis and by bringing the latest engineering techniques to bear on its design. It has been challenging to accomplish but the XE structure is absolutely at the cutting edge of what is achievable today.” – Dr. Mark White, Chief Technical Specialist, Jaguar

Chassis

The new Jaguar XE features a sophisticated double wishbone front suspension. The aluminum front spindles are light and stiff – forged from cast blanks using a patented production process while the rear suspension features an integral link system like that used in the Jaguar XF. This system delivers lateral and longitudinal stiffness for precise handling and a supple ride.

Offering incredible tuning possibilities and greater efficiency than traditional hydraulic systems, electric power assisted steering (EPAS) like that found in the F-TYPE sports car is standard on the XE and further helps save weight while delivering consistent on-road driving feel through the steering wheel2.

POWERTRAIN

For customers demanding ultimate performance and an exhilarating engine note from idle right up to the redline, there’s the Jaguar XE 35t model, which shares its supercharged 340hp 3.0-liter V6 with the acclaimed F-TYPE. Direct injection and fully variable valve timing optimize power and torque throughout the rev range. The 90-degree cylinder bank angle provides space for the twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger, a balancer shaft ensures the engine runs smoothly. Developing 332 lb-ft of torque, the V6 provides the Jaguar XE 35t with exceptional performance: 0-60 mph takes just 5.1 seconds and top speed is electronically-limited to 120 mph1.

The XE 25t will feature the proven 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 GTDI engine found in other Jaguar Land Rover products. This powertrain produces 240hp and 251lb-ft of torque in a compact footprint.

The introduction of the XE to North American showrooms also brings with it the introduction of a new engine family for the Jaguar brand and the brand’s first diesel in North America. Developed from the very beginning to meet stringent US emissions standards, this clean, powerful and refined Jaguar Ingenium “20d” 180hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel delivers an impressive 318-lb. ft. of torque for strong acceleration whenever the driver demands it, and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive.

Applying learnings from the Jaguar Land Rover V6 diesel programs for North America, the calibration of the 180hp Ingenium engine was optimized to the last detail to deliver truly outstanding throttle response. A variable geometry turbocharger delivers high levels of boost pressure from low engine speeds, and together with the highly precise 1,800bar common rail injection system, enables maximum torque output of 318 lb. ft. to be developed from just 1,750rpm. This provides the XE with strong launch performance and superb mid-range flexibility.

Designed and manufactured in-house, the all- aluminum 2.0- liter Ingenium diesel – already proven in Europe – features a wealth of advanced technologies to ensure that it is as clean and responsive as it is smooth and quiet.

A high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system now features a cooler to make it even more effective. Coupled with a cooled low-pressure EGR and a highly efficient selective catalytic reduction system, the Ingenium engine has been designed to meet EPA Tier3-160 and California LEVIII-160 exhaust emissions standards, which are among the most stringent in the world.

Additionally, systematic friction reduction has been pursued throughout. With features such as the split-cooling system, variable flow coolant pump, mapped thermostat and switchable piston cooling jets the Ingenium diesel is inherently efficient by cutting parasitic losses and ensuring a rapid warm up from cold. Variable exhaust cam timing also helps the aftertreatment system reach operating temperature quickly, further reducing emissions.

“The new generation of Ingenium diesel engines are wholly designed and manufactured in-house at our new engine plant in Wolverhampton. No opportunity has been missed in ensuring their design is right on the cutting edge of technical advancement to achieve the highest levels of efficiency, performance and refinement.” – Ron Lee, Group Chief Powertrain Engineer, Jaguar Cars.

All Ingenium engines, developed entirely by Jaguar engineering, are based around a deep-skirt aluminum cylinder block featuring thin-wall, press-fit cast iron liners; these offer the best balance of weight, surface finish, and robustness.

The engine’s split-cooling system, mapped thermostat, and fully variable mechanical water pump enable standing water in the block while coolant circulates through the crossflow channels in the cylinder head. So the engine warms up more quickly, reducing friction and as a result, improving fuel consumption.

Parasitic losses have been cut in other ways too: the electronically-controlled oil pump matches its flow rate according to engine speed, load and temperature, and switchable piston cooling jets operate only when needed.

Variable valve timing has been a feature on all gasoline Jaguar engines for many years, and now the technology is making its way into the diesel: the new Ingenium engines benefit from a cam phaser on the exhaust side. Variable exhaust valve timing enables more rapid catalyst heating, thereby minimizing harmful emissions during the critical warm-up phase.

The Ingenium diesel engine is characterized by the rapid build-up of torque from very low engine speeds, enabled by highly efficient variable geometry turbochargers. Maximum torque is maintained over a wide rev range, ensuring instantaneous response and strong acceleration whenever the driver demands it.

Weighing only 304lbs (138kg), this all-aluminum engine features twin counter-rotating balancer shafts to cancel-out second order forces, offering the smoothness and power of a naturally aspirated six-cylinder but in a smaller, more efficient package.

Another innovative feature is the sheet metal turbine housing integrated into the air-gap insulated exhaust manifold. As well as saving weight, the assembly’s reduced thermal mass means that the catalyst reaches light-off temperature more quickly, further reducing emissions, while a low-inertia turbine wheel delivers outstanding transient response.

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive (AWD) was engineered into the XE from day one and debuts in 2017 worldwide. In North American markets AWD will be available exclusively with the 180hp Ingenium diesel and the 340hp supercharged V6 gas engines.

The addition of AWD to the range broadens the appeal of the XE further by maximizing the performance and handling benefits of the extra traction, particularly in adverse conditions, making the XE a true all-weather sports sedan2.

Like the all-new XF and F-PACE, the XE uses a torque on-demand AWD system featuring a transfer case with a multi-plate wet clutch pack and a chain drive to the front propshaft. It’s a very fast-acting system and can make the transition from purely rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive in just 165 milliseconds.

In normal driving, all of the engine’s torque is sent to the rear axle, preserving the rear-wheel drive dynamics of the XE, and ensuring that steering feel remains uncorrupted – this would not be possible with permanent all-wheel drive where higher parasitic losses also affect driving dynamics. 

How much torque is transferred, and when, is determined by Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) – a highly sophisticated control technology developed and calibrated entirely in-house and first used on the F-TYPE AWD.

Taking data from the yaw rate, lateral acceleration and steering wheel angle sensors in the XE, IDD continuously estimates the friction between the tires and the road, and also how much of the available grip is being exploited at each tire contact patch. IDD can then apply predictive, feed-forward control strategies as well as reactive, feedback control. IDD is also networked to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, the torque vectoring system and Jaguar Drive Control to make the AWD system even more effective.

If IDD predicts that the rear axle is approaching the limit of available traction, torque is transferred to the front axle. Torque can also be transferred to the front axle to help mitigate oversteer during fast cornering by providing yaw damping.

Automatic Transmissions

A ZF® eight-speed automatic transmission routes power to the wheels across the entire range of engines available in the XE in North America, from the 2.0-liter petrol and diesel engine to the range topping 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Two specifically-optimized versions of this highly efficient and smooth-shifting transmission are available in the XE: the supercharged V6 AWD is matched to the 8HP70, while the supercharged V6 RWD, Ingenium diesel and GTDI four-cylinder petrol engines are paired with the lighter, more compact 8HP45. 

ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE TECHNOLGIES

The Jaguar XE will be equipped with All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC). This new system, developed with the input of decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, works like a low-speed cruise control. Functioning between 2 mph and 19 mph, ASPC is designed to precisely control brake and powertrain systems delivering optimum traction in a variety of road conditions2.

An optional laser head-up display (HUD) technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions by projecting high-contrast color images onto the windshield, keeping the driver’s eyes on the road while providing excellent visibility in a variety of conditions from day to night2.

The 2017 XE also features an available Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system2. Sensors in this system provide measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision.

Acting as the ‘eyes’ of the optional AEB, the XE features stereo camera technology that also supports Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems which provide data for the new Adaptive Speed Limiter (ASL) feature2. ASL uses TSR data to adjust the set point, and can automatically increase or decrease the vehicle’s speed while the accelerator pedal is pressed1,2. If a higher speed limit is detected, the ASL system notifies the driver and can smoothly accelerate the vehicle up to the new limit. If the new speed limit is lower, the vehicle can be slowed down accordingly.

The Lane Keep Assist system builds on the functionality of the LDW system: if it determines that the vehicle is likely to drift out of its lane it can guide the driver back towards the center by using the EPAS to apply a small amount of counter-steering2. The amount of torque applied to the steering wheel is slight and can be easily over-ridden.

Tiredness is often a factor when drivers unintentionally leave their lane, and the XE incorporates technology that can support them here too. Driving when tired is often characterized by periods of little or no steering at all, followed by sudden and sometimes excessive inputs when the driver reacts. The Driver Condition Monitor system recognizes this behavior and, by also studying the use of the brake and accelerator pedals and the direction indicators, can encourage the drive to take a break by showing a multi-stage warning in the instrument cluster2.

The XE also offers systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Closing Vehicle Sensing, Blind Spot Monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular Park Assist, and Reverse Traffic Detection2.

INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY

For 2017, customers can now choose between two great infotainment systems when buying their XE – the Jaguar InControl® Touch™ system and the next-generation InControl Touch Pro™ system4. InControl Touch relies on an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen which features a clear, intuitive interface with fast response times, while InControl Touch Pro is designed around a tablet-style 10.2-inch touchscreen and is as intuitive to use as it is powerful, making every journey a more enjoyable, rewarding experience.

InControl Touch supports Bluetooth®, audio streaming and USB connectivity. The Jaguar XE can also be fitted with an SD card-based navigation system which allows easy upgrades of map data. Voice control using plain speech gives access to any level of the system, without the need for drivers to take their eyes off the road or navigate through menus3,4. For drivers wanting a traditional infotainment interface, the Jaguar XE systems feature a user-friendly map which can be operated by touch using simple pinch-to-zoom commands like many smartphones.

InControl Touch Pro features advanced technologies including a powerful quad-core processor and a high-speed solid-state drive (SSD). Everything is connected using ultra-fast Ethernet – the most advanced network available and up to five times quicker than competing technologies. Put together, this gives InControl Touch Pro incredible computing power and delivers exceptional performance and functionality.

The 10.2-inch touchscreen featured in the InControl Touch Pro system is the largest in the segment and makes interaction smooth, seamless and intuitive. The home screen can be customized and widgets can be added – it’s even possible to add additional customized home screens if desired.

The screen delivers superb graphics and the super-wide display enables multi-tasking3,4. So for instance, media can be shown in the main area of the screen, while the side panel can show journey status, weather reports or phone details – swiping up or down allows the user to select from one of up to five panels.

Because the data is stored on the high-speed SSD it can be accessed in a fraction of the time needed for conventional hard drives, so the graphics are sharp, highly detailed and incredibly responsive. Users can zoom in and out of maps using ‘pinch’ and ‘pan’ gesture.

InControl Touch Pro can get you to your destination even when the GPS signal is lost, thanks to innovative dead-reckoning functionality. By analyzing data from the vehicle’s sensors, it can accurately predict the vehicle’s location and heading – something beyond the capability of smartphone navigation apps.

Functionality is also taken to the next level using the data connection and location-based features and services offered with InControl Touch Pro. Enter a destination and the system can check if there’s enough fuel in the tank to complete the journey. If not, the driver is alerted and filling stations on the route that are within range are highlighted on the map: a tap is all it takes to add one as a waypoint.

Drivers can use the system to share destination, current location and estimated time of arrival (ETA) with others via email or text message. If there are delays and the ETA slips, an automatic follow-up message can let them know and provide an update.

InControl Touch Pro can help drivers to avoid hold-ups in the first place: Commute Mode can learn your daily drive and, using historical and real-time traffic information, can suggest alternative routes that will help you to avoid congestion.

Arriving at your destination has never been easier. Once within 600 feet, Approach Mode will show a 360° interactive street-level view of your destination next to the main navigation display: it can even direct you to the nearest available car parking spaces.

A companion app for iOS and Android smartphones enables true door-to-door route planning and guidance, helping owners complete the final stage of their journey by public transport or on foot. The app also enables synching of routes and destinations between the device and the InControl Touch Pro system so that routes can be set in advance and uploaded automatically once in the car.

Available with both InControl Touch and InControl Touch Pro, Jaguar InControl® Apps™ allows users to seamlessly access and control a number of smartphone apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen4. Jaguar InControl® Remote™ functionality allows users of iOS® and Android™ smartphones to connect to the car remotely to control car functions, including deactivating the alarm, locking or unlocking the doors, remote heating or cooling the cabin through engine start.

Wearable technology makes it even easier to stay in touch

Also new this year, the Jaguar InControl Remote app is available for the Apple Watch®, making it simpler and more convenient than ever to interact with the vehicle – no matter where you are.

Offering similar functionality to the InControl Remote smartphone app, drivers will be able to use their Apple Watch to lock and unlock the vehicle, check how much fuel is in the tank and see its location on a map. It’s even possible to set the climate control and start the engine to get the cabin to the ideal temperature before the journey begins.

Outstanding performance: Meridian® Digital Audio

InControl Touch is designed to deliver exceptional audio performance too, and offers a choice of two digital systems developed with world-renowned British firm Meridian. The first is a superb 380W system with 11 speakers (including subwoofer), while the truly outstanding surround sound system delivers 825W and features 17 speakers (including subwoofer).

To enhance the experience still further, this system benefits from Meridian’s Trifield and Audyssey’s MultEQ XT signal processing technologies, producing rich, balanced sound throughout the vehicle’s cabin. And because all of the speakers and amplifiers are so carefully matched, it delivers its high output with exceptionally low levels of distortion – just 0.2 percent.

As well as media streaming from smartphones and tablets via two USB ports and a dual-purpose HDMI/ MHL port, InControl Touch Pro offers a CD/DVD player too. The system also supports satellite radio, and delivers features such as buffering, enabling users to skip back to the start of tracks.

BEST-IN-LUXURY CLASS COVERAGE

All 2017 Jaguar models sold in the U.S. will come standard with Jaguar EliteCare coverage for added peace of mind. First announced for the 2016 model year, Jaguar EliteCare is a best-in-class ownership package offering a new vehicle limited warranty with complimentary scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance and Jaguar InControl® Remote & Protect™ for five-years or 60,000 miles – whichever comes first5. Jaguar EliteCare includes:

    5-Year/60,000 Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty

    5-Year/60,000 Mile Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance

    5-Year/60,000 Mile 24/7 Roadside Assistance

    5-Year/Unlimited Mile Jaguar InControl® Remote & Protect 

The 2017 Jaguar XE will be available in U.S. showrooms late Spring of 2016. Consumers can place a reservation deposit for the XE at JaguarUSA.com.

– By: Chris Chin

Follow Chris Chin and egmCarTech on social media on Twitter @SirChrisChin and @egmCarTech, and @CSquaredPhotography and @egmCarTech on Instagram.

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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