Click this link for a really great video from Speedmakers detailing the robotic construction of the aluminum X150 (XK/XKR):
Watch Speedmakers Full: Jaguar Video Online

Unfortunately, you'll have to put up with a few ads for this free video, but it's worth it.

Enjoy!

Stuart

Oops! Sorry, didn't realize this was previously posted by mjsammon on 6-4-12 with a link to the same video on Hulu: http://www.hulu.com/#!watch/222956?u..._term=10947797

 

Cool, thanks. Unfortunately that won't play for non-US people but I just found what looks like the same video on YouTube. Part 1 is below and the others are linked from the same account.

 

Yeah, that video has been around for a while. Looks like your link can't play outside the US either.

FYI There's a new series starting next week on the Science Channel "How It's Made: Dream Cars". I can't tell yet if they plan to do an episode on Jaguar but Aston Martin is in the lineup.

Mike

 

Awesome video Stuart...THANKS so much. Great to see how these Xk's are built. Very impressed.

 

Agreed! I'm beaming with pride that I get to be one of the privileged few that get to own and drive one of these amazing machines.

 

Very interesting episode for sure. I am struck by three things:

1. In the video, their industry expert says that Lexus really caused the decline of Jaguar. But I really think the decline of Jaguar started well before Lexus even existed.
2. I'm sort of amazed at how such a small company (Jaguar) can afford to make such an investment in this truly space-age technology.
3. Those robots sound like a huge expense for Jaguar. Do they really only need to be rebuilt every 8 years?!

 

1. Agree.
2. Ford owned Jaguar when robotic construction was in the design stage. Tata also appears to have deep pockets.
3. That's probably less costly than 8 years of maintenance for a human. Robots aren't unionized...yet.

 

I suspect the robotic funding came straight from Fords deeper pockets at the time?
Lexus is one heck of a challenger, although I happily traded mine for the Jag... I really enjoyed how Lexus pampered me at the dealership for any of my maintenance issues. From dashing to grab doors ahead of me (including opening my car door as I pulled up), to asking which car I would like as a loaner during service. They have a notch up on the way most customers are treated after the purchase. When I told my Jag service rep I needed a loaner they said "Oh, I can call Enterprise and have someone come get you." (Really? wow.... So sorry my $1800 in service is an inconvenience to you....)
I do agree, I think Jaguars decline began before Ford stepped in in '89.

 

For anyone who may not have seen this...I hope it plays outside the USA.
(I've downloaded it just in case it disappears again.)

 

If you watch the video of the direct competitor, the BMW M6, youwill see howmuch more advanced Jaguar is.

 

Jaguar video doesn't play. Found on YouTube but says copyright infringement so suspended
Anyone have a better link for uk guys?

 

Its very interesting that the segment on "How its made dream cars Jaguar XK" keeps getting taken down due to copy infringement and none of the other cars like the BMW do. Hmmmm.

 

Interesting as the above site works for me.

 

It works for me as well.

 

Ditto, although 240p and wonky audio keeps it from being a good watch. I did read the Nat Geo (I think) on the new XJ which had the same format at the Speed makers episode. Even saw an XK on the line at the end.

I was surprised that they were only producing 28 cars a day. Looked like 2010 models too.

 

Try my copy then. It should be 480.