The Auto Sleuth

New ownership, new Jag model to compete with Porsche: Word out of Detroit, Mich., around the recent North American International Auto Show, is that India-based Tata Motors is poised to take control of Jaguar. In fact, the moment could come very soon.

But the big news the Sleuth has for you is that the new ownership will hold many amazing surprises. Word is that Tata will not only produce the all-new XF sedan (that replaces the S-Type) but also build an all-new coupe intended to compete with the Porsche 911. Jag used to build some amazing cars — the E Type comes to mind — but this would make the British nameplate a legitimate competitor again in high-end marketplace.

Volkswagen begins testing Scirocco: A few years ago, when it was announced that Germany’s largest volume automaker would produce a new sports car called the Scirocco (again), tongues wagged. Well, get ready to really wag. The 2009 sports car has been seen trolling around the hills of southern Germany for full-scale testing. The front end of the production car will closely match the concept that was shown two years ago by VW. Inside, there will be chrome-ringed air ducts on the exterior and a very appealing center console in red lights. Expect it to appear here (reports have suggested otherwise) in 2010.

Saturn keeps moving up: General Motors gave its Saturn brand a real boost when it began lacing it with Opel vehicles from Europe two years ago. GM owns both brands. The move seems to be paying off. The next large sedan will be dramatically different than the Saturn Aura version that was created from Opel’s Vectra. The next-gen car will have all-wheel-drive as an option, the Sleuth hears, and dramatic changes to the interior. Look for a gauge cluster that that will be highlighted by four chrome-ringed dials with more cleanliness and less plastic than we have ever seen in a Saturn. Chrome will accent the gear shifter and a standard LCD screen. It should arrive later this year as a 2009 model.