Jalopnik: xf

2009 Jaguar XF, Part Three

Wes Siler — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Why you should buy the 2009 Jaguar XF:
The Jerries killed one of your uncles, the Japs the other, the Yanks came into the war too late and now you’re shopping for a mid-size luxury sedan. You’ve seen one too many episodes of The Professionals. Your wife has the complete set of Golden Jubilee china. You’re a dentist living in Miami and since your Lehman brothers stock is now worthless you can’t quite stretch to an XJ. You want a fast luxury car, but think speed kills.

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
You want a car that’s equally capable of cosseting your bottom and lapping a racetrack. You’re not prepared to purchase an uncompetitive car just because it’s got a kitty on the grille. You never really liked the Chrysler LHS and Dodge Intrepid anyways.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: Yes
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: Yes
Very Serious Businessmen: Yes
Sheiklets: No

Also Consider:
• BMW 5-Series
• Mercedes E-Class
• Audi A6
• Lexus GS
• Infiniti G35
• Rover SD1

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Jaguar
• Model year: 2009
• Base Price: $49,975
• Price as Tested: $55,975
• Engine type: 4.2-liter DOHC V8
• Horsepower: 300 @ 6000 RPM
• Torque: 310 @ 4100 RPM
• Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
• Curb Weight: 4,017 LB
• LxWxH: 195.3" x 80.8" x 57.5
• Wheelbase: 114.5"
• Tires: 245/40 19
• 0-60: 6.2 secs
• Top speed: 121 MPH (limited)
• 1/4 mile: N/A
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 16/25 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

Photo Credit: Dean Chandler / Ray Wert

Also See:
• 2009 Jaguar XF, Part One
• 2009 Jaguar XF, Part Two

2009 Jaguar XF, Part Two

Wes Siler — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:40:00 EDT

Exterior Design: **/****
It all depends on when you catch the 2009 Jaguar XF. Sometimes it’s stunning; sometimes it’s stunningly bland. Sometimes it resembles a four-door Aston Martin; sometimes it looks like either a Dodge Intrepid or a Chrysler LHS. One thing’s for certain, even though it’s occasionally good-looking, it isn’t the coupe in a sedan’s body that the C-XF concept was. Next time, we’d like to see more aggression and more visual drama.

Interior Design: ***
Once again, it depends on when and where you’re looking. At night, the cabin is warm and luxurious, accentuated by the starter button that pulses red, the cool blue mood lighting and the attractive dash. Under the light of day, most of the materials not only look cheap, but really, a Jaguar should never have a steering wheel worse than what you'll find in the Ford brand parts bin. The gimmicky rotary gear selector works well, but lacks damping, so it spins freely without changing gears in time. The switchgear is cheap plastic, which is especially a shame when it comes to the gear shift paddles. The seats also aren’t the quality you’d expect from a $55,000 luxury car. Then there’s the show that happens every time you start the car: the gear knob rises from the dash as the air vents swivel open. Cool the first time, and unless you're James May and/or easily amused, less and less cool every time after.

Acceleration: ***
The 4.2-liter, 300 HP V8 feels great to use, but isn’t ultimately that fast. 60 comes up in 6.1 seconds, but feels faster due to the stateliness evoked by the sound, weight transfer and smooth, linear feel. For $62,975 you can get 120 HP extra with the aid of a supercharger.

Braking: ****
No complaints here, the 12.83-inch discs on all four corners haul the XF up without issues and the ABS doesn’t intrude unnecessarily early. Solid pedal feel leads to great confidence in the system’s ability.

Ride: ****
Extremely compliant, especially given our tester’s 19-inch wheels. A standard fitment on the $55,975 Premium model seen here, those wheels look great, but we can’t help but feel the ride would benefit from the less-fashionable 18s. The XF feels big, heavy and smooth, without feeling underdamped. The XF’s biggest success.

Handling: ***
Treat the XF like a luxury car and you’ll be surprised by how well it handles. The variable ratio steering is vague on center, but full of feel once you turn into a corner, inspiring confidence. At a medium pace it feels incredibly capable, showing off the XF's use of the same suspension set-up as the XK coupe, but push harder and you'll find the suspension can't handle the added heft, as the mid-sized Jag begins to wallow. For drivers looking for a fast luxury car, this won’t be an issue, but those looking for a luxurious sports car will be disappointed.

Gearbox: ****
Leave the rotary gear selector in Sport mode and you’ll be rewarded with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission that holds gears just the right amount of time. Use the paddles and, for an automatic, you’ll get fast shifts and the ability to hold the gear of your choosing to the redline. Just don’t shift down into first gear manually, it's laggy and with a noticeable lurch that will upset passengers. Regular old Drive mode is less responsive and shifts up way too early, rendering itself purposeless for anything other than increasing fuel economy but seeing as you paid for the car, you really shouldn't puss out on the gas.

Audio: ****
The optional Bowers & Wilkins 13-speaker surround sound system sounds great, but the touch screen interface is unintuitive. The subwoofer is unnecessary and boomy if turned up past the standard setting. An iPod connection via USB and 6-CD in-dash changer round out an impressive package.

Toys: ***
We just don’t want a Jag to be this gimmicky. What its makers intend to be surprise and delight features — the rotary gear knob, the proximity sensor glove box button, the swiveling air vents, and the glows-like-a-heart-beat starter button — abound, but are poorly executed. The gear selector feels cheap and unrewarding to use, with too much slack. Oil damping would really help it. The proximity sensor glove box release only works when it wants to. The swiveling air vents are annoying. The lighting, however, is some of the best we’ve seen.

Value: ***
The $49,975 base price is in line with competitors like the BMW 535i and Audi A6 4.2. If you want a unique mid-size luxury car that’s not made in Germany, and not yet made in India, it’s a good choice, but probably not as solid of a long term option as a Lexus GS, which comes in about $5,000 cheaper.

Overall: ***
The XF ends up almost being an also-ran in one of the most hotly contested classes. It’s not the fastest, the best looking or the best value mid-size luxury sedan, but if you catch the XF on a good day, when it’s looking more Aston than Dodge, it’s a uniquely appealing proposition. It’s not as luxurious, nor as sporty as we’d want a Jaguar to be, hopefully new owner Tata is prepared to invest in some serious R&D for its replacement.

Also See:

2009 Jaguar XF, Part One

2009 Jaguar XF, Part One

Wes Siler — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EDT

If the Jeremy Clarkson School of Automotive Journalism has taught me one thing, it’s that any good car review needs a metaphor. They serve to add a tangible anchor to a story, they add humor, they add relevance and, more importantly, they create an easy formula with which us car reviewers can crank out reviews in no time flat about a car most readers will likely never drive. So in keeping with the teachings of Professor Clarkson, we’re picking a metaphor for the 2009 Jaguar XF: Seinfeld’s pretty/ugly girl.

Since network television hasn’t been able to come up with a show that’s equally universal in its blandness or equally inoffensive in its humor since it went off-air in 1998, Seinfeld reruns can be seen at any given time on at least two channels — a kind of comedy bookend to the Law & Order probability theory. So I probably don’t need remind you who the pretty/ugly girl is, but just for posterity’s sake: she’s a girl Jerry dates that, depending on the angle of lighting, is either really pretty or really ugly.

And that’s exactly the case with this mid-size Jag. During my weekly escape to my Fortress of Solitude in the Pennsylvania mountains, I couldn’t have been happier with the XF. Driving there late on a Friday evening, the view over its bulged bonnet evoked a sense of immense power backed up by the 4.2-liter V8’s 310 lb-ft of torque. Inside, the glow of the classy instruments and warm dash evoked old-world luxury.

Both the power and the luxury were backed up on the outside too. People turned to look, but not in the bitter way that I’ve grown used to in flashier cars. From the rear, the XF looked like a four-door Aston Martin, from the front, like a modern take on the original 1968 XJ; the whole thing was classy and understated. I felt like visiting royalty.

All of this was carried over to the drive as well. Swooping along the freshly repaved mountain roads in manual mode, the XF felt like a Bentley: big, heavy, powerful and smooth. The steering, which was vague on the highway, firmed up on turn-in, resulting in surprising agility. Pushed, the V8 sounded like an Aston (it should: Jag and Aston use tweaked versions of the same engine), resulting in a rewarding drive that blended clubhouse luxury with performance in a way that only the English know how to do.

And then the lighting changed.

I don’t think Seinfeld had either the ability or vision to go this deep with its characters, but to me, the pretty/ugly girl represents more than just looks; it also represents the duality of both personality and attraction. Certain settings and certain people act like fun-house mirrors, altering your perception of someone’s appeal in a way that goes beyond looks. Take the sexy girl from last night’s party to breakfast, and all of a sudden her pouting lips and willing personality transform into a leathery face and abject stupidity.

Back in dirty, nasty Brooklyn, the XF’s lithe looks were just a memory, replaced with something Ray describes as “Dodge Intrepid.” Personally, I think it looks more like an Infinity I30, but all of a sudden, any hint of classic Aston or Jag is gone.

So too is the luxurious interior. In the light of day, the occasionally suspect materials, poor control damping and cheap leather seats grab your attention more than the gimmicky transmission and soft blue mood lighting do.

Out too is the imperious driving ability, replaced with something that feels distinctly Ford-like. Driving to Jalopnik’s top-secret test track through Brooklyn traffic, the well-weighted steering is suddenly ponderously slow instead. Once there, with the ability to push the car to its limits, the XF just feels ponderous, only reluctantly transitioning to oversteer, even with all the 300 horses feeding into the rear tires.

All of this just leaves us really confused about the XF. Is it the contemporary upper-class English muscle car it wants to be or the wallowy, cheap imitator it felt like right before we gave it back? Like the pretty/ugly girl, it’s probably both, depending on its environment; able to either flatter or offend. And like Jerry Seinfeld, that’s not what we’re looking for. We’re too picky to settle for occasional beauty; we want a driving experience we know will be there no matter what the lighting.

2009 Jaguar XF-R Powerslides Up The Hill At Goodwood

Mark Arnold — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EDT

With a suspected 5.0-liter supercharged V8 making around 500 HP, the 2009 Jaguar XF-R has no trouble smoking its tires. The black cat crossed the path of spectators at this weekend's Goodwood Festival Of Speed, where Jaguar head of vehicle development Mike Cross power-slid the car up the hill. Nothing better than a bit of hoonage to properly show off a car during its first official public appearance. Even if we're told by the folks at GTSpirit people barely seemed to even notice it at all. We think they'll notice it at the official unveil of the super-cat, which we're hearing will be at the British Motor Show later this month. UPDATE: Thanks to tipster Tom, who had a chance to speak to Mike Cross, we've got a few photos of the front showing the best and clearest shots yet of the catty beast after the jump. They totally need to offer that mask as a check box option, don't they?

[via PistonHeads, GTSpirit]

2009 Jaguar XF Caught In San Jose Wilderness

Wes Siler — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST

Reader James P. got quite a fright this weekend while stumbling back to his hotel room in San Jose after one too many virgin marys. A black 2009 Jaguar XF crossed his woozy path. but James was quick-witted enough to snap the pictures you see here. However, he was evidently too ~~hammered~~ frightened to correctly focus his camera. Still, clearly visible are the mid-sized cat's aggressive hood bulges and Infiniti-esque rear 3/4 view. James returned in the morning loaded for big game, but alas found nothing but tracks.

Jaguar Creates iPhone and iPod Touch-only Broadband Magazine for New XF

Ray Wert — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 07:45:00 EST

The car brand all about the cat scratch fever has partnered with the 29HD Network to develop what they're the calling the "industry's first broadband multimedia magazine specifically for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch users" to "experience the new Jaguar XF like never before." And by never before they mean on a tiny screen where you don't have to see the Dodge Intrepid-like looks of the 2009 Jaguar XF. Or maybe it'll be the all-James May channel. Although we must say we've worked with the folks at 29HD Network in the past and we're interested in seeing how this one turns out. Full press release after the jump.

Jaguar Launches First Broadband Multimedia Magazine for Apple iPhone
Jaguar continues its trend of being a leader in innovative media technology as it launches the industry's first broadband multimedia magazine specifically for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch users. The largest Broadband 2.0 Video Network, 29HD Network, developed this unique spin on the traditional website for Jaguar. By going to www.jxfphone.com, iPhone and iPod Touch owners can experience the new Jaguar XF like never before. The broadband magazine features the XF in vibrant photos and dramatic videos, all cropped to perfectly fit the portable devices' displays and take full advantage of their widescreen format.

With just a tap of the screen, users can flip through the dynamic photos of the broadband magazine, each of which also features an accompanying video that can be viewed with just another tap. All content is editorial based and will be updated regularly as the XF's release date approaches.

The new 2009 Jaguar XF is the first production car that reflects the new design direction for the brand, and will go on sale in USA in March 2008 with a starting MSRP of $49,975 (includes destination and delivery charges).

About Jaguar

From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world's premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized commercial brands. The company's vision is simple: To produce beautiful fast cars that are desired the world over. The company operates two manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom and is fully engaged in environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such as motorsports.

29 HD Network

29HD Network is the largest Broadband2.0 Video Network for Auto and Racing. With sites that have larger format streaming videos and RSS Video feeds, the network was created and run by a team that are pioneers in Broadband Editorial.

[via World Car Fans]

Top Gear Tests Jaguar XF, Declares it Cat's Meow

Ray Wert — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Captain Slow took a turn or two 'round some rolling UK hills in Jaguar's new cat scratch fever, the S-Type replacing 2009 Jaguar XF. Top Gear gives it two ~~strokes~~ thumbs up — as you'd expect from the British motoring show. But the best part has to be when James May claims the XF shows Jaguar's finally got a big brass set again beneath all the fur. We're not entirely sure, but one thing we know for certain — and maybe it's the skillful video production — but for the first time, we're actually liking the XF's Intrepid styling. You be the judge.

LA Auto Show: 2009 Jaguar XF US Reveal

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:15:00 EST

Yeah, so the Jaguar XF is here. On sale in March of '08, the 300 hp sedan will set you back $49,975 and the supercharged, 400 hp version cost you an additional $13,000. However, it will muscle its way to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. We like that. Sadly, despite designer Ian Callum's best efforts the looks still leave us cold. Well, not exactly cold, but viewed from the side, everything behind the B-pillar looks like an Infiniti G and the short front fenders scream FWD. The headlamps are sharp and the taillights scream Aston Martin, which we think we like. Yeah, so... anyone see that French Tatra?

Frankfurt Auto Show: 2009 Jaguar XF

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:30:00 EDT

Here you go kids, it's your brand-saving entry from Shag-you-are, the XF. Yeah, it's not as hot as the XF Concept, even though Mr. Cullum promised it would be. Still, this cat's got some good curves on her, even going so far as aping Aston's DB9 from behind. Dare we say that perhaps we were a bit too hasty in our initial verdict? Or does everything look simply snazzy under 17 coats of wax, professional lighting and 50 gallons of none-more-black paint? And have we shown you the interior? No, really, have a look at the gorgeous orange seats. You'll plotz. We did.

THE NEW JAGUAR XF

Challenging convention and setting its own rules, the new Jaguar XF fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury saloon. This is the beginning of a new era for Jaguar.

The new XF: a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language, with a driving experience that exceeds expectations created by the striking appearance: relaxed and confident, with outstanding ability and control.

Resolutely true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating Beautiful, Fast cars, the XF goes further, adding a new dimension to the marque. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.

As well as space, the new XF's interior ambiance is enriched by crafted, luxurious materials, sophisticated instruments and calm interior mood lighting. Engineering excellence and attention to detail mean the XF's interior matches the best-in-class for refinement, while Jaguar's intelligent use of technology and driver-friendly Touch-screen controls add new layers of comfort and ease of use.

Every XF model has shift-by-wire transmission control, with Jaguar's class-leading sequential shift system - its popularity already confirmed by feedback from XK sports car customers - used for the first time in a saloon. Shift-by-wire replaces manual shift linkages with electronic commands and gives every XF rapid and very smooth gearshifts - faster, even, than the acclaimed XK's transmission.

The Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM System gives the driver the option of one-touch manual gearchange control via steering-wheel mounted paddles. There are also multiple JaguarDrive ControlTM transmission modes, including Dynamic and Winter settings, which interact with throttle progression, Dynamic Stability Control thresholds and shift strategy to match mood and conditions.

But the most exciting feature of the XF's transmission control is the all-new JaguarDrive SelectorTM - an industry-first rotary shift interface that combines precise, intuitive control with space-saving packaging, to allow maximisation of interior storage options.

Other innovative functional features add more 'surprise and delight'. Air-conditioning vents present a flush dashboard surface until the ignition is switched on, at which point they elegantly rotate to the open position. Another new technology - JaguarSenseTM - introduces touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and the glovebox release.

Every level of audio system features at least eight speakers, with a premium system designed in association with highly respected audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins available on range-topping models. Radio options now include a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) system and Sirius Satellite Radio for the North American market, while the XF technology count includes Bluetooth® communications technology, plus optional iPod® and MP3 player connectivity with full-function control through the Touch-screen - and an auxiliary port on every car for other portable audio devices.

Other available features include JaguarVoiceTM control to operate navigation and telephone functions, Blind Spot Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Aids and Rear Camera Parking Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Speed Limiter, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Electronic Parking Brake.

Mick Mohan, XF Chief Programme Engineer comments:

"The interior of the XF is a combination of style and substance. It bristles with innovative, industry-leading features. From the smart technical solution of the JaguarDrive SelectorTM, through the seamless efficiency of rotating vents, to the simplicity of Touch-screen control, the XF proves aesthetics and function can work together in perfect harmony."

Engineering excellence and class-leading structural rigidity are at the heart of the new XF's construction. The advanced body structure, which comprises high-tech materials and new-generation design techniques, maximises strength and minimises weight to give the XF superb performance, refinement and efficiency across its range of V6 and V8 engines. These engines include the quietest diesel engine in its class and a supercharged V8 that delivers outstanding levels of performance.

The new XF is best in class for torsional stiffness, and with a wide rear track displays excellent handling characteristics. These elements underpin a dynamic ethos that is driver-focussed yet supremely comfortable and refined. Just as its looks promise, the new XF excels across the board, in every role from a sports car to a luxurious long-distance cruiser.

Jaguar XF R Test Mule

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:00:08 EDT

With the new Jaguar XF sedan in the can, it's time to turn our attention to the R version. That's the one that had better get close to the Germans' AMG and M hardware, or else lose face. Now, spy photographers have caught this duplicitous test mule that sports the front of an XF on the body of an S-Type. But it's not just any S-Type — the quad exhaust, fat meats and cross-drilled disks give away its sporting underpinnings. We're assuming the latest supercharged incarnation of the Jag 4.2-liter V8 is cloaked under that Frankensteinian bonnet. We'll see the product n 2008. [World Car Fans]

2009 Jaguar XF - Now With Video!

Ray Wert — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:20:00 EDT

Well, we've now got the first running video of the just revealed 2009 Jaguar XF and yes, it certainly looks better on the road than it did when we first saw the press shots. However, it's still a few steps removed from the hotness that was the concept C-XF revealed at the this year's Detroit Auto Show. And by a few steps, we probably mean flights of stairs. But we digress, at least now we know a little bit more about the sedan that Jaguar hopes will give the pretty kitty brand the title of "the sports sedan brand of the world." Because you know, "it's theirs for the taking." We didn't realize how much the speedometer and tachometer look like the eyes of a cat on that dark black instrument panel. Scary! Guess we'll be waiting to check out the dash ourselves in two weeks at the Frankfurt Auto Show when it's officially unveiled. [Motor Authority]

Jaguar Reveals UK Pricing For XF To Start At $67,973

Ray Wert — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EDT

After yesterday's official reveal of the 2009 Jaguar XF, the pretty kitty brand from Ford's released pricing in the UK for their new four-door saloon they'll be showing off in Frankfurt next month. Although there's no US pricing, we do know the XF will hit the streets in March of '09 and in the UK will start at the equivalent of $67,973 for the 2.7-liter V6 diesel or the 3.0-liter V6 gas-engined base models and run all the way up to $110,000 for the top of the line model with the big supercharged 4.2-liter V8 running on gas. Full press release after the jump.

NEW JAGUAR XF PRICES ANNOUNCED - RESIDUAL VALUES BEST-IN-CLASS *
28th August: The new Jaguar XF, announced today, will cost from £33,900 in the UK. Buyers of Jaguar's new mid-size premium saloon will also enjoy class-leading residual values* in addition to owning a very well-equipped vehicle with a driving experience that matches the excitement of Jaguar's bold new design language.

Available to order now, the XF makes its public debut on September 11 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. UK dealers will have demonstrators in showrooms early next year and the first UK customers will receive their new XF in time for the March 1 registration.

The £33,900 OTR price secures the 2.7-litre V6 diesel or the 3.0-litre V6 petrol. A choice of 4.2-litre V8 models - one of them with a supercharged engine - is also available, with prices from £44,500. All XFs feature a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission that includes a unique, all-new JaguarDrive Selector - an industry first rotary shift interface - and the Jaguar Sequential Shift™ System with steering-wheel mounted paddles for one-touch manual control.

The full XF model range in the UK is as follows:

Trim Engine Price OTR
(Includes all taxes and first registration fee from 1 April 2008)

Luxury 2.7-litre V6 diesel £33,900

Luxury 3.0-litre V6 petrol £33,900

Premium Luxury 2.7-litre V6 diesel £37,500

Premium Luxury 3.0-litre V6 petrol £37,500

Premium Luxury 4.2-litre V8 petrol (naturally aspirated - n/a) £45,500

SV8 4.2-litre V8 petrol supercharged (s/c) £54,900

UK Managing Director Geoff Cousins said: "We are very excited the new XF is now in the public domain and we are confident it will be a great success for our dealers in the UK. The new Jaguar XF combines the emotional appeal of a contemporary, modern Jaguar with all the rational appeal of a spacious five-seater sports saloon with high levels of standard equipment, innovative functional features and competitive pricing. The other excellent news for customers is of course the residual values that experts are quoting for XF."

Industry-leading residual value experts CAP and EurotaxGlass's have both put the XF under the microscope and both will be quoting residual value after 36 months / 36,000 miles of 50% of original value* for the 2.7-litre diesel Luxury model. These figures from both experts mean the XF 2.7-litre diesel Luxury is best-in-class against rivals BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Audi. CAP has concluded that the nearest rival, the BMW 525d SE will retain 45.3% of its original value over the same period.

Martin Ward, Manufacturer Relationship Manager for CAP Motor Research said: "The new Jaguar XF has not only caught up with its nearest competitors, but has now overtaken them. Jaguar has proved that a well built, well specified and well priced car that has fantastic styling can break the mould, and should be a success the world over."

EurotaxGlass's figure of 50% for the XF 2.7-litre diesel Luxury is best-in-class ahead of the BMW 525d at 48% and the Audi A6 3.0 V6 TDI Quattro SE at a rating of 49%. The XF 3.0-litre V6 petrol is expected to retain 45% of its original value making it best-in-class over the BMW 530i, the Audi A6 3.2 FSI and the Mercedes-Benz E350.

Kevin Gaskell, CEO of EurotaxGlass's has a similar opinion. He said: "The whole XF package is class-leading. With an array of impressive standard equipment, competitive pricing and outstanding styling, we have concluded that it will be a desirable car with best-in-class residual values of 50%."

Jason King, UK Head of Market Intelligence for EurotaxGlass's continued: "The second of Jaguar's new generation of products, the XF is bound to turn as many heads as the XK has since its arrival. The bold, elegant design is sure to appeal to a much wider audience. Current drivers of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz will have to consider the Jaguar when it is time to change - many of whom will never have experienced the brand before. Our strong residual value positioning of the XF reflects this, and underlines the resurgence of Jaguar."

With a top speed of 143 mph, the XF 2.7-litre diesel can reach 0-60 in 7.7 seconds and has a combined CO2 of 199 g/km, meaning it falls within UK Tax Band 'F'. At this level it would not be subject to the proposed high level London congestion charges.

The new Jaguar XF, which fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury saloon, has a generous array of equipment across the range. There are three levels of specification:

Luxury

The 'Luxury' specification is the starting point for XF ownership and is available to order with the 2.7-litre diesel or the 3.0-litre petrol engines. Highlights include 8x8 way adjustable leather trimmed seats, 7" colour Touch-screen display, Navigation system, Bluetooth® Telephone Connectivity, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, Rear parking aid, interior mood lighting, heated exterior mirrors with electric adjustment, 17" alloy wheels, Automatic Climate Control and Cruise Control with Automatic Speed Limiter.

Premium Luxury

If customers choose to move up a level they can choose the 'Premium Luxury' specification for an increment of £3,600 with both the 2.7-litre diesel and the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines. The 4.2-litre V8 petrol (n/a) also comes with 'Premium Luxury' specification offering, in addition to the Luxury model's standard features, highlights such as 10x10 way heated Softgrain leather seats with lumbar adjust, 18" alloy wheels, Jaguar 320W premium sound system with 8 speakers and sub-woofer, driver's seat memory function, heated windscreen and Softgrain leather stitched and tailored instrument panel and door top rolls.

SV8

The SV8 specification is available on the 4.2-litre supercharged model only and customers can enjoy additional features such as active heated and cooled front seats, 20" alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlamps with automatic levelling and headlamp washers and CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension).

Although publicly announced only today, interest in the XF is already high following the unveiling of the C-XF concept car at the beginning of the year. As signalled by the C-XF, the production XF model is a dramatic expression of Jaguar's bold new design language. The four-door car has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.
Customers can find out more about the new XF by going to www.jaguarxf.co.uk which will be live from September 11 2007. Details of Jaguar dealers can be found at www.jaguar.co.uk

*XF 2.7-litre diesel Luxury residual value of 50.7% (36 months / 36,000 miles) given by CAP is best-in-class versus figures of 45.3% for the BMW 525d SE auto, 44.4% for the Audi A6 3.0TDI Quattro SE and 41.6% for the Mercedes-Benz E280 CDI Classic auto. The 50% figure from EurotaxGlass's for the 2.7-litre diesel Luxury XF after 36 months / 36,000 miles is best-in-class over the BMW 525d 2.5-litre at 48% and the Audi A6 3.0 TDI at 49% and the Mercedes-Benz E280 CDI Elegance which has a residual value of 44%.

2009 Jaguar XF: Why We Broke The Embargo

Ray Wert — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:51:00 EDT

So here's the 2009 Jaguar XF. It represents a new design direction for Ford's up-for-sale luxe brand. Since it was shown as the CX-F concept in Detroit earlier this year, the concept crystallized into the Dodge Intrepid-like four-door XF you see here. All that need be said about it — at least at this juncture — is in the press release (see it after the jump). Perhaps more important is the tortured process that lead to our publication of the picture you see above. Its a sordid tale familiar to those operating inside Eight Mile. Yet again an automaker decided to provide limited embargo access to "trusted" media outlets that have proven less than worthy of that title. It started with a teasing side-shot from Road & Track, then a set of low-resolution shots that arrived on the internet late last week — shots that worked their way through the forums until finally reaching more heavily trafficked international sites and then next to the Road that is ever-Winding and some of the other smaller automotive blogs. Normally we'd have jumped into the breach of the embargo dike along with our fellow internet breathren, handing you the dregs and drippings from another automaker.

But we, and Autoblog decided individually we'd hold off on running the leaked shots. Instead, we'd...

...attempt to color within the lines, using the event as a case study. We'd work with Jaguar, following their instructions to the letter, and in return we'd get high-resolution shots. We understood our readers would be the ones penalized by our decision to hold off, but felt the eventual quality of the materials provided would make up for the initial lack. Then, we stood back and watched the process unfold, taking notes on how a company with the resources of Ford would handle the Internet auto press. Remember, this is nearly a year after the C-XF's launch was marred by embargo breaches ahead of the Detroit Auto Show. The XF's design dummy showed up weeks early on the pages of Car und Driver, while online publishers were denied the same access.

Same story, different car. Judging from Road and Track disembargoed tease of an XF shot, and the subsequent spillage of the majority of shots onto the rest of the web it's clear Jaguar's continuing the same illusory embargo process. Both we and Autoblog have offered to help automakers revamp their product launch process for the digital-distribution age, yet we've received exactly zero response from Jaguar or any brand from the big blue oval. Therefore, while the Jaguar XF embargo doesn't end officially until midnight tonight, we and Autoblog have decided we're running all the embargoed shots and their press release together at the same time today — a few hours earlier than the embargo time — at a time of our choosing. We're handling it this way because the process continues to be stupid and onerous and represents a lack of respect for the millions of auto enthusiasts who get their automotive information online. Because we respect our readers, we figure you'll know the best way to handle things with Jaguar and Ford. We've always said, we won't be the first to break an embargo, but we won't be the third. Lucky for us this embargo's been broken for days now and that's where we're going to stand. Oh, yeah, the release is below. [via and in coordination with Autoblog]

THE NEW JAGUAR XF
INTRODUCTION

Challenging convention and setting its own rules, the new Jaguar XF fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury saloon. This is the beginning of a new era for Jaguar.

The new XF: a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language, with a driving experience that exceeds expectations created by the striking appearance: relaxed and confident, with outstanding ability and control.

Resolutely true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating Beautiful, Fast cars, the XF goes further, adding a new dimension to the marque. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.

As well as space, the new XF's interior ambience is enriched by crafted, luxurious materials, sophisticated instruments and calm interior mood lighting. Engineering excellence and attention to detail mean the XF's interior matches the best-in-class for refinement, while Jaguar's intelligent use of technology and driver-friendly Touch-screen controls add new layers of comfort and ease of use.

Every XF model has shift-by-wire transmission control, with Jaguar's class-leading sequential shift system - its popularity already confirmed by feedback from XK sports car customers - used for the first time in a saloon. Shift-by-wire replaces manual shift linkages with electronic commands and gives every XF rapid and very smooth gearshifts - faster, even, than the acclaimed XK's transmission.

The Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM System gives the driver the option of one-touch manual gearchange control via steering-wheel mounted paddles. There are also multiple JaguarDrive ControlTM transmission modes, including Dynamic and Winter settings, which interact with throttle progression, Dynamic Stability Control thresholds and shift strategy to match mood and conditions.

But the most exciting feature of the XF's transmission control is the all-new JaguarDrive SelectorTM - an industry-first rotary shift interface that combines precise, intuitive control with space-saving packaging, to allow maximisation of interior storage options.

Other innovative functional features add more 'surprise and delight'. Air-conditioning vents present a flush dashboard surface until the ignition is switched on, at which point they elegantly rotate to the open position. Another new technology - JaguarSenseTM - introduces touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and the glovebox release.

Every level of audio system features at least eight speakers, with a premium system designed in association with highly respected audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins available on range-topping models. Radio options now include a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) system and Sirius Satellite Radio for the North American market, while the XF technology count includes Bluetooth® communications technology, plus optional iPod® and MP3 player connectivity with full-function control through the Touch-screen - and an auxiliary port on every car for other portable audio devices.

Other available features include JaguarVoiceTM control to operate audio and telephone functions, Blind Spot Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Aids and Rear Camera Parking Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Speed Limiter, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Electronic Parking Brake.

Mick Mohan, XF Chief Programme Engineer comments:

"The interior of the XF is a combination of style and substance. It bristles with innovative, industry-leading features. From the smart technical solution of the JaguarDrive SelectorTM, through the seamless efficiency of rotating vents, to the simplicity of Touch-screen control, the XF proves aesthetics and function can work together in perfect harmony."

Engineering excellence and class-leading structural rigidity are at the heart of the new XF's construction. The advanced body structure, which comprises high-tech materials and new-generation design techniques, maximises strength and minimises weight to give the XF superb performance, refinement and efficiency across its range of V6 and V8 engines. These engines include the quietest diesel engine in its class and a supercharged V8 that delivers outstanding levels of performance.

The new XF is best in class for torsional stiffness, and with a wide rear track displays excellent handling characteristics. These elements underpin a dynamic ethos that is driver-focussed yet supremely comfortable and refined. Just as its looks promise, the new XF excels across the board, in every role from a sports car to a luxurious long-distance cruiser.

AT A GLANCE

- The XF is a four-door Jaguar that fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury saloon.

- The exterior styling of the XF is the first expression of Jaguar's new design language in a saloon car. With interior design that is the equal of the exterior in terms of crafted execution and visual excitement, the XF offers a truly contemporary, luxury environment.

- The coupe-like lines of the XF belie the amount of space inside: there is room for five adults in comfort, generous interior stowage and a boot capacity of up to 540 litres* (plus the opportunity to fold the rear seats and add a further 420 litres).

- Jaguar craftsmanship adopts a sharp new edge on the XF. Sophisticated instrumentation, a Touch-screen, modern materials and graphics complement new 'surprise and delight' features. On entry to the XF, the start button pulses red, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive SelectorTM rises into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn from their flush, 'parked' position to their functional open position.

- The best torsional stiffness in class delivers both refinement and dynamic performance - underpinning the driver-focussed yet remarkably comfortable driving experience.

- The XF will be available from launch with a range of four engines,** all featuring Jaguar's proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted 'paddles' for manual gear selection (Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM):
- 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbocharged diesel: 0-60mph in just 7.7 secs (0-100kph in 8.2 secs) and a top speed of 143 mph;
- 3.0-litre V6 petrol: 0-60mph in 7.9 secs (0-100kph in 8.3 secs) and a top speed of 148mph;
- 4.2 n/a V8 petrol: 0-60mph in 6.2 secs (0-100kph in 6.5 secs) and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph;
- 4.2 s/c V8 petrol: 0-60mph in 5.1 secs (0-100kph in 5.4 secs) and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.

- Key driving aids on the XF include Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, and Engine Drag Torque Control. And, for the first time in a Jaguar, Understeer Control Logic which decelerates the car and helps to restore grip to the front wheels when required.

- The new XF has a wide portfolio of driver assistance features including a Blind Spot Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Aids, Rear Camera Parking Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Speed Limiter and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Bluetooth® compatibility, iPod®/MP3 player interfaces, JaguarVoiceTM, Digital radio and a single or six-disc CD player ensure owners can listen and talk as they choose.

- XF offers three levels of audio system, all controlled through the Touch-screen. The top-of-the-range Bowers & Wilkins 440w Premium Sound System option offers extraordinary clarity and faithful sound reproduction. Designed and tuned for the XF by Bowers & Wilkins, the surround-sound system delivers a powerful and vivid performance.

- In a first for a Jaguar saloon, the XF has the marque's new Pedestrian Contact Sensing System. This can mitigate pedestrian injury by firing actuators that deploy the bonnet, resulting in a cushioned space between the bonnet and engine hardpoints.

- Three trim levels will be offered, depending on market. The Luxury level will be available with either petrol or diesel V6 engines (and naturally aspirated V8 models in the US), Premium Luxury (with petrol or diesel V6, or naturally aspirated V8), and SV8 (with the supercharged V8 petrol).

- The XF is available to order now, depending on market. The first cars will be delivered to customers in March 2008. Pricing is available from individual markets depending on the start of customer orders.

All performance figures are manufacturer's estimates.
* With Jaguar Tyre Repair System fitted. Volume with spare wheel is 500 litres.
** Dependent on market choice.

Jaguar XF Teaser Shot Spotted On Interwebs

Ray Wert — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EDT

Say hello to the purported headlight of the new Jaguar XF — at least according to Gyro1, a forum member over at CarSpyShots. He (or she) claims it was a camera phone shot taken from a dealership brochure. We've no idea if Gyro1's full of it, or full of pride that he snagged this first shot of — umm — the headlight of the XF before the whole thing's revealed to us in Frankfurt early next month. Frankly, we're more excited about the rear end shots snagged by WorldCarFans earlier this month. Although it's probably more exciting than tape — even if the tape's going for a good cause. [via CarSpyShots]

Jaguar XF Getting Ready For Frankfurt

Ray Wert — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:15:00 EDT

These new shots of the Jaguar XF seem to indicate it's getting awfully close to being ready for the Frankfurt Auto Show reveal. We'll let the WorldCarFans folks give you the rest of the story:

"Code-named X 250, the new XF aims in particular at buyers of the very successful BMW 5-Series. The current S-Type has been on the market since 1998, and although it had found many faithful buyers, the nostalgic styling turned out not to be for everyone. The new XF abandons traditional styling to pursue a more youthful modern design as seen in the C-XF Concept.
The XF engines range from 6 and 8 cylinder engines including the new 3.2 liter petrol 6-cylinder, first used in the Volvo S80. Also the 4.2 liter V8 of the current model is expected to be upgraded to 5.0 liter. Transmission is a six speed automatic controlled through an all-new gear selector interface called JaguarDrive."

[World Car Fans via VWVortex]

Car Spy Photographer Brenda Priddy Auctions Off Jaguar XF Prototype Duct Tape For Charity

Ray Wert — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:30:00 EDT

A-list car spy photographer (and sometimes Jalopnik contributor) Brenda Priddy's always one to use her unique "star-like" status in the industry to make some dough for those less fortunate. Just as an example, last year she put herself in "jail" to look for some straight-to-charity bail money. This year however, she's snagged some littered duct tape and a sticky wad of camouflage from the not-yet-out 2009 Jaguar XF and she's auctioning it off along with a 12" x 18" shot of the Jaguar XF signed by none other than the spy mistress herself. So hop on over to eBay and snag yourself some super-secret sticky stuff and a pic of the Jaguar XF — it's for a good cause. [eBay]

Jaguar XF

Ray Wert — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EDT

Our photo-snapping pal Jim snagged us these shots in San Francisco of what looks to be the same Jaguar XF test vehicle caught by the professional spy-shooters out in the Arizona desert last week. If you'll remember, we saw the reveal of the concept car version of the new S-type replacement, the Jaguar C-XF concept car way back in January at the Detroit Auto Show. Our sources tell us we should be seeing the official uncloaking of Jaguar's non-concept version first-hand in Frankfurt in September, with manufacturing to begin late this year in the UK and delivery to begin Spring of 2008. For the time being, or until we're able to snatch up some more shots, we'll have to make do with these.

Spy Photos: New Jaguar XF To Get 500 Horsepower, Trailer Hitch

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 31 May 2007 09:15:00 EDT

The boys over at Motor Authority worked a sexy deal with the ~~German~~ Dutch blog Auto G-spot to get some pics of the brand-saving, massively camoed Jaguar XF. And here's a curious detail that lit up our normally dour face. Excellent trailer hitch, Jag! Some of the engineers from Ford's Grace & Pace division rented a cottage and shop in Austria to do some development work on the new models. In addition to the very good looking XF, Jaguar's finest were also sorting out the upcoming 500-ish horsepower XKR GT3 that comes correct with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8. The really fantastic news? There's a good chance that hyper-mill may wind up in the XF. Meaning that the M5 is going to have even more to look over its shoulder for than just a dirty old stonked-out Caddy. – Jonny Lieberman

[Auto Gespot via Motor Authority]

Related:
Spy Photos: Jaguar XKR with JaguarDrive [Internal]

Spy Photos: Jaguar XKR with JaguarDrive

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 30 May 2007 06:39:12 EDT

Looks like Jaguar's taken its new, stickless shifter kit to the streets. The spy photo establishment picked up a few shots of an XKR sans J-gate shifter and with, ahem, no noticeable vertical protrusion from the console. The obvious conclusion is the JaguarDrive system (shown), introduced in the C-XF concept car earlier this year, may not be exclusive to the coming XF model. Will the new, button-heavy configuration set Jag apart from its Germanic competitors, or are we watching another iDrive misfortune in its early stages. Right; too soon to tell. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Jaguar XKR with JaguarDrive Trans Concept? [World Car Fans]

Related:
2009 Jaguar XF, on the Inside [internal]

Which Upcoming Car Are You Most Excited About?

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 25 May 2007 11:15:00 EDT

Used to be that automakers would introduce a new model each and every year. Think Chevrolet Bel Air 1953-1959. These days, they don't do that. But thanks to the relentlessness of blogs, busted embargoes and the obsessiveness of enthusiasts, we are treated to a constant trickle (if not stream) of spy shots and sexy rumors. So which potential product has you in the tightest tizzy? Chevy's Blue Devil? Jag's XF? That RWD coupe with the V8 from Hyundai? Audi's twin-turbo V10 RS6? Perhaps the Tesla? Ooh, what about the new ass-engined VW? What's hopefully going to float our boat? We're torn between the possibly reborn and M-powered BMW Z8/Z9. And well, frankly, the new Subaru STI. As it may come in wagon form only. Which we view as a form of payback. You? – Jonny Lieberman

[The Jalopnik Question of the Day runs daily unless we take off to San Diego for the weekend to brew and drink beer. Do you have a question you want answered? Email it to tips@jalopnik.com with the subject line "QOTD"]

2009 Jaguar XF, on the Inside

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 16 May 2007 13:26:01 EDT

Some manner of vehicular operative of the British persuasion caught a clean shot of what may be Bond's next spy car — the Jaguar XF. If you'll recall, the S-Type replacement was introduced in concept form at this year's Detroit show as the C-XF. Apparently, the concept's avant garde interior has been forsaken in favor of traditionally conservative appointments. Gone too is the S-Type's country-club lobby; in place is a more up-to-date interior design in the mode of its BMW, Audi and Mercedes sports-sedan competitors. Will the Jag faithful put up with such insolence? The farm is bet on it. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Jaguar XF Interior Uncovered [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2009 Jaguar XF [internal]

Forget the X-Type; Jaguar to Focus on XXX

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 May 2007 17:15:00 EDT

We're filing this under both "News That Will Shock No One" and "~~Snore~~ News That No One Cares About." According to David Blackhall, who is Australia Jaguar's managing director, there is a good chance that there will not be a replacement for the X-type. Instead, Jaguar is (perhaps) going play it like Porsche and concentrate on low-volume/high-margin vehicles. Ford's other British marquee may in fact craft a successor to the littlest big cat, or they may "do nothing." Seeing as how the duller-than-dirt X-Type should have been stillborn, we can't say we are surprised in the slightest. In fact, the only reason we're running this post is because of the following statement from Mr. Blackhall concerning the upcoming XF, "It has to be a success, a home run. This is Jaguar's money-shot for the next five years." That's a hell of a cargasm, dude. Also, Jalopnik hearts Australia so much it hurts. – Jonny Lieberman

Jaguar considers axing its best-selling car [drive.au]

Over the Back Fence: Jaguar XF to Be Bond's Next Ride [Internal]

Jalopnik Precast: Chicago Is the Other Michigan, Jaguar's XF Design Risk

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:33:50 EST

On today's Jalopnik Precast, Spinelli and Farago discuss potential locations for the city of Chicago, where the next big auto show will be. Then, they consider the upcoming Jaguar XF and its departure from Jaguar's traditional design vocabulary, pissing off purists with its Aston-like comport. What will become of the cat?

Spy Photos: 2009 Jaguar XF

Ray Wert — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:34:45 EST

There's so much black tape and cardboard on this test mule, this could be Jag's S-Type replacement scheduled for launch this fall or it could be the next Ford Mondeo. Ok, it's probably not the Mondeo, but the folks at TCC claim it's code-named X250 and it's aimed at not only old S-Type buyers but also buyers of the BMW 5-Series. The new replacement for the no-longer-SexyType is expected to be powered by a slew of engines, including the new 3.2-liter six-in-a-row powering the Volvo S80. On the top end engine we're told it'll receive an 0.8-liter upgrade from the 4.2-liter V8 currently found in the S-Type. We've not got much else to say — except we've also heard FoMoCo plans on using this vehicle as the next ride for James Blonde. We can't wait. – Ray Wert

2009 Jaguar XF Spy Shots [TheCarConnection.com]

Over the Back Fence: Jaguar XF to Be Bond's Next Ride

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 08:24:48 EST

What'll come of James Bond's vehicle of choice after Ford sheds Aston Martin? FoMoCo's $100 million product-placement deal with Sony/MGM will only be in its second of three pictures by the next 007 flick, which means the DBS won't be usurped by a BMW (or similar). But fansite MI6 reports Bond will drive the upcoming Jaguar XF, set to replace the S-Type in 2008. Seems fitting, but imagine how many gallons of oil and smokescreen he could fit in a Volvo V70. – Mike Spinelli

OO7 to drive Jaguar XF in Bond 22 [CoolBrit]

Related:
More James Bond [internal]

Spy Photos: Jaguar XF Production Model

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:28:06 EST

Amid the din surrounding Jaguar's C-XF concept unwrapping, set for next week at the Detroit show, it's easy to forget the car is a mere augur for the S-Type replacement, unsurprisingly dubbed XF. Spies recently caught sight of that car, which will likely be less stylized than the proto-model that trumpets its arrival later in 2007 for the 2008 model year. As is clear from a new round of pics, the front and rear workups deviate from the prototype's Aston-like schnoz and bum, while the roofline, according to Winding Road, will make it appear less coupelike than the concept. Consider it like the bride a few months later, out buying a bag of pretzels. Or something. – Mike Spinelli

Spied: Nearer-To-Production Jaguar XF! [Winding Road]

Related:
More on the Jaguar C-XF [internal]

Detroit Auto Show Preview: Nevermind The Embargo Or The Bollocks, It's The Jaguar C-XF Concept Car!

Ray Wert — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 10:56:30 EST

Although it's got an embargo with more holes than that mesh front grille, the newly un-embargoed Jaguar C-XF concept car, according to Ian Callum, Jag's Director of Design, "evokes instant desire." While we dunno yet if we agree, we do know it's definitely showing a look or two that scream "classic classy" Jag (like the 1950 Mark VII and 1959 Mark 2 saloons) a look or two screaming "new hotness" Jag (like the current XK) and a couple design elements that scream "where the hell did you come from?" (like the "bold move" that is that aggressive black-chromed grille). The concept's meant to signal the design cues we may see on the next-gen XK sports car series, and from the exterior appearance and big ol' circular Jaguar face on the fascia all the way through to the circular ~~"Judo Chop"~~ ~~"ShaguarDrive"~~ "JaguarDrive" Selector on the interior, there's certainly some unifying themes. Let's see whether it becomes a design concept or if it'll end up being Ford-ed like all the rest. Gallery below and full release after the jump. – Ray Wert

INTRODUCTION
"Great Jaguars turn heads in the street. They make people stop and pay attention. They evoke instant desire. That's what the C-XF does and that's what the next generation of Jaguars will do." Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars

The C-XF concept car signals the onset of a new era for Jaguar. A stunning, four-door sports saloon which blends design purity with unmistakable dynamism, the C-XF is a clear indication of the design direction that the next generations of Jaguar saloons will take.

Designed by the same teams that produced the award-winning Jaguar XK sports GT range in 2005 - headed by Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum and Head of Advanced Design Julian Thomson - the C-XF concept is a precursor to cars that will become recognised for their ground-breaking exterior looks and innovative interiors.

As a striking interpretation of the design values that are the bedrock of every great Jaguar, the C-XF is wholly contemporary yet succeeds in paying homage to its renowned predecessors.

"The C-XF - and the future generations of sports saloons it signals - reaffirms the direction Jaguar is taking," says Bibiana Boerio, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars. "When we launched the new XK sports car series, we talked about a product-led transformation of the company. We promised that new Jaguars would be beautiful, fast, glamorous and evocative. The new XK delivered on that promise and the C-XF proves that these same values and more are coming in Jaguar saloon cars."

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY "One thing should be abundantly clear whenever people are discussing Jaguar design," asserts Director of Design Ian Callum. "Jaguars should be seen as modern cars and in the future people will appreciate them for that."

The C-XF is a confident statement of design purity and efficiency. It possesses a sense of latent power that conveys dynamism and movement even when the car is stationary. But the design language of C-XF is about more than just performance and power - it also succeeds in blending many of Jaguar's unique heritage styling cues with bold, contemporary features, signalling how Jaguars will evolve as new generations of sports saloons go into production.

"Throughout its history Jaguar has created some of the most striking, modern and beautiful sports saloons imaginable and our objective with C-XF was to recognise those principle design disciplines," explains Ian Callum. "The values that I see in Jaguar aesthetics include purity, dynamism, latent power, balance and modernity."

Those Jaguar values are instantly recognisable in earlier iconic models. Founder Sir William Lyons demanded the same aesthetic correctness and every one of his legendary designs proved his skill in creating some of the most beautiful cars of all time.

The C-XF's design team took inspiration from some of Lyons' greatest cars, including the 1950 Mark VII and 1959 Mark 2 saloons. Their beautiful flowing lines were influenced by some of the great sporting Jaguars of the era including the XK120 and both display that extraordinary feeling of latent power that so signifies a Jaguar.

Ensuring that C-XF, while still a saloon, possessed the sporting profile expected of every Jaguar required maximum design efficiency - the whole exterior 'skin' had to be as tight as possible to the body architecture. This focussed the Jaguar design team on creating a car that Ian Callum describes as "the absolute definition of athleticism", a performance-oriented sports saloon that is still inherently practical and capable of carrying four people in total comfort.

C-XF has a taut beauty, but it is also a car that will challenge people's preconceptions about Jaguar; it has an edginess that exudes a sense of underlying menace.

"Jaguars should be perceived as cool cars," says Ian Callum, "and cool cars attract interesting, edgy people. The next generations of Jaguars will do just that."

EXTERIOR STYLING Set into the front of the C-XF is a bold and aggressive grille finished in black chrome. Recessed deeply into the body rather than sitting flush with the surface, the visual effect is similar to that of an air intake on a jet engine and serves as a reminder that directly behind is a sophisticated and powerful 4.2-litre supercharged V8 engine.

"Jaguars need a distinctive grille, a face," says Ian Callum. "It's the classic 'car in the rear-view mirror' look, with everything powering rearwards from the grille. The C-XF is a perfect example of how to execute this successfully." The headlamps which evolve the twin-lamp motif seen on previous Jaguars into a single slim wedge, are narrow and angular. They bring an air of aggression to the C-XF's profile, while between the lamps a blue streak of light reveals an almost cat-like iris when illuminated. Subtly etched below the lenses is a unique 'tattoo' design showing an abstract Jaguar leaper logo - a tattoo that is repeated in the treadplates of the door sills and in the tread of the bespoke Pirelli tyres that surround the 21-inch machined, polished aluminium wheels.

Running backwards from the nose of the C-XF is the main feature line of the car - an unbroken shoulder that flows beneath the cabin glassline and into the haunch over the rear wheel. It is this feature, a modern interpretation of renowned Jaguar sports saloons from history, that endows C-XF with its latent power. A similarly simple line can also be seen on the new XK range and is one of the design cues that will carry forward onto the next generation of Jaguars.

Above the shoulder line sits a low and sporting cabin with aluminium brightwork highlighting the coupe feel of the car. Further sporting lines are accentuated by the muscular bonnet and the side power vents that have a functional white ceramic finish.

At the rear of the C-XF a very sculptured shoulder flows from the C-pillar into a tight, aggressively tapered tail that clearly displays traditional Jaguar design cues yet succeeds in striking an incredibly modern feel. When seen from behind, C-XF is noticeably wide and powerful, a look accentuated by the large rear diffuser. The basic principle of diffuser technology sees air being drawn from beneath the car to create a low pressure area that improves cornering grip at higher speeds.

The C-XF's colour palette is deliberately monochromatic, mixing a one-off exterior paint - Metashine silver - with areas of brightwork in either chrome or aluminium finishes. Additionally, white ceramic is used to indicate areas of dynamic air flow or heat exchange - in this case the side power vents and tailpipes.

"The colour choice for the C-XF was very deliberate and is a key part of its overall dynamic," says Head of Advanced Design, Julian Thomson. "We describe the effect as 'tone on tone' - we want people to think about the materials, the textures, and how they interact with the functions of the car."

Thomson continues: "The tonality has a functional aspect but also extreme beauty; mechanical designs that are fit for purpose are often beautifully designed - we've taken our inspiration from machinery as diverse as aircraft to cameras in seeking to make the car look like it was milled from a solid piece of metal."

INTERIOR DESIGN Design Director Ian Callum describes the cabin of the C-XF concept car as "one of the most exciting interiors Jaguar has ever done". One glimpse of the inside of the four-seater is enough to understand why Callum has this view.

The emphasis is on tailored performance rather than pampered luxury and nowhere is that better demonstrated than in the lightweight, sculpted bucket-style front seats. Trimmed in semi-aniline leather (a specially dyed hide which ensures even colouration yet retains its softness) the seats are sports-styled yet also offer impressive comfort thanks to a deeply padded lumbar area with ventilation cavities. Twin individual bucket seats house the rear-seat passengers.

Between the seats runs a tall central transmission tunnel that gives the occupants a sense of sitting deep within a futuristic cockpit. One of the keys to any Jaguar interior is that occupants should feel as if they are enclosed in the car, not sitting on it. The C-XF's interior cossets in just such a way, creating an inviting cabin for passengers to slip into, rather than surrounding them with bland, open space.

The 'tone on tone' theme that has been applied to the exterior of the C-XF has been carried through to its interior, with a sensational blend of materials, graphic elements and innovative technologies.

The focal point of the interior is a sweeping brushed aluminium facia that wraps around the cabin in a dynamic linear graphic that instils a sense of velocity. The counterpoint to the aluminium is a combination of leather and wood that takes detail of finish to a new level.

What at first sight may seem to be a simple black interior is actually a sophisticated and contemporary blend of materials including a unique carbonfibre-pattern leather and luxurious semi-aniline leather. Areas of the doors and transmission tunnel have been carved from Poplar wood and then scorched to obtain a rich satin feel. This finish was perfected by artist Clive Sheridan, who produced these beautiful burnt wood forms.

"These unusual finishes allow us to explore new ideas and themes," says Alister Whelan, one of the designers responsible for the C-XF's interior. "Jaguar is recognised for tailoring cars in wood and leather, but we have turned that on its head by treating these traditional materials in an unusual and contemporary fashion, obtaining beautiful textures and grains."

Whelan continues: "And by using non-grain leather on the seats, it looks like they are moulded from neoprene. It was a deliberate choice not to put any stitching on them - in fact, there is no visible stitching on the interior at all, it just appears to be entirely wrapped in leather."

INNOVATION Jaguar's ethos on embracing new technologies that enhance the driver experience has long been that they should surprise, delight and inform, rather than impose themselves or bombard the user with excessive information or choice.

"C-XF is a showcase for innovative technology, some of which will feature in one way or another on the next generation of Jaguar cars," says Ian Callum. "Every Jaguar interior should have a sense of fun, but we also recognise that technology should only be there when you want to use it. Yes, there is a sense of theatre about the innovations we have chosen to highlight on the C-XF, but there is also an organised simplicity that brings order and structure to every system."

Perhaps the most theatrical of the features Callum references is the starting sequence. Sink into the C-XF driver's seat and a jewel-like Power button pulses on the centre console - its rhythm representing the 'heartbeat' of the car. Press the button and beneath your hand concentric aluminium rings spiral downwards to allow the new circular JaguarDrive Selector to nestle directly in your palm. Then, as the engine starts, a beam of blue light radiates from the centre of the instrument panel, chases its way around the cabin and finally envelopes the rear seats. Overhead, an electro-luminescent panel spanning the entire rooflining bathes the interior in a muted blue light to give a feeling of ambience and space. Outside, a burst of blue light from the front grille marks the moment the car's engine fires into life.

"We want Jaguars to feel like they are coming alive when you start them," says Interior Designer Alister Whelan. "The starting sequence achieves this through the combination of movement and light, creating a sense of theatre and delight. It is a development of the ambient illumination we introduced on the R-D6 concept car and the best example yet of how you can create a mood within a car."

Visually coming to life when being started is one thing, but sensing the requirements of an occupant without physical touch is a further, significant leap forward again. The introduction of a new prototype technology, called JaguarSense, sees four sensors hidden within the doors react to the sweep of your hand as it passes over them. Once activated, the inner door handles - previously hidden - motor outwards ready to be used.

A fifth sensor, located in the facia, responds to the proximity of your hand to reveal an infotainment screen that lies flush within the aluminium front panel. The sequence continues with the centre section of the dashboard rotating 90 degrees to display an advanced Dual View screen which is capable of projecting two different images to the driver and passenger simultaneously. For example, the driver can view satellite-navigation instructions while the passenger watches a DVD-based movie.

The Dual View system works by utilising a parallax barrier to divide light into individual viewing cones for the passenger and driver, allowing each front-seat occupant to view their own personalised display. The Dual View system, which has been developed for Jaguar by mobile media specialists Alpine, uses a 262,144 colour amorphous silicon TFT screen.

Also contained within the rotating panel are air vents that, like the screen, are hidden from view until the driver requires them. This is in complete harmony with the overall sophistication of the driver environment. Behind the single-spoke steering wheel with 'floating' gear-selector paddles sits a dial cluster that has been inspired by the cockpit of an airplane. The main central dial - the rev counter - has graphics reminiscent of an artificial horizon instrument from an aircraft. The dials also respond to the way C-XF is being driven. If the driver puts the transmission into sporting Dynamic mode, the rev counter motors outwards (in the way a long lens on an SLR camera operates), ensuring its increased prominence.

Driving C-XF in a more relaxed manner would allow occupants to enjoy an audio experience of the highest quality. Visually stunning honeycomb speaker panels are set into the rear parcel shelf and front facia top. Designed by Jaguar and created by leading British loudspeaker manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins, the beautiful cat's eye-shaped designs are aesthetic yet functional works of art.

"Bowers & Wilkins is renowned for its audio engineering expertise," says Julian Thomson, Head of Advanced Design, "Its dedicated pursuit of the perfect loudspeaker has led to many design innovations, including the use of materials such as Kevlar and diamond. It is no surprise that B&W speakers serve as the 'audio reference' speaker at London's famous Abbey Road Studios.

"The speaker panels provide a perfect aesthetic while serving a unique function. The honeycomb Micro-Matrix ensures rigid mounting and at the same time improved speaker performance. They are beautifully crafted pieces of engineering."

All of these features are prime examples of how the introduction of new technologies can be implemented by blending simplicity of design with practical innovation - and more importantly they give an early preview of what lies ahead for Jaguar customers.

POWERTRAIN (COMPONENTRY) Beneath the C-XF's bonnet, further technical excellence is immediately apparent. The car is powered by an enhanced version of Jaguar's renowned 4.2-litre supercharged V8 engine. Tuned to produce in excess of 420bhp and 500Nm of torque - the latter produced from very low revs - this proven powerplant and its six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift manual gearchange capability, deliver superb sporting performance. If C-XF were a production car, it would reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, with the possibility of an unrestricted speed in excess of 180mph.

And the technology advances continue here, too, with the electrical architecture for the 4.2-litre engine encased in a unique carbon-fibre wiring 'loom'. Designed and constructed by Beru F1 Systems, the electrical 'spider' harness is not only beautiful but also extremely functional.

"The new wiring loom is a designer's dream," says Julian Thomson. "We thought we would always have to live with the plethora of wires that runs around an engine bay. Now every wire is housed within a visually stunning harness that looks as if it is literally strapping the engine down, holding all that power in place."

The C-XF is the first car ever to use Beru F1 System's unique Wire in Composite (WIC) technology. WIC completely encloses all wiring in a bespoke carbon-fibre sleeve, protecting it from damage and also improving durability, packaging, weight and aesthetics. As the first vehicle to use the technology, the C-XF leaps ahead of upcoming debuts in both Formula 1 motor racing and the aerospace industry - and allows Jaguar to further investigate production car potential for the system.

JAGUAR C-XF SUMMARY The C-XF is not just another concept car - it is much more than that.

The exterior design is pure, athletic and, of course, beautiful.

The striking interior design uses traditional materials, but fashioned in new and contemporary ways.

The four-seat cabin - sufficiently spacious but not a bland, featureless expanse - is a welcoming, rewarding place to be.

The technologies and innovations are typical of the features on a Jaguar - and preview others that are still under development.

The powertrain - a supercharged V8 of proven excellence and a sophisticated six-speed automatic that delivers lightning-quick manual gearchanges thanks to the Jaguar Sequential Shift System - is perfectly suited to a true sports saloon.

The sum of the C-XF parts is impressive enough, but the whole - an exciting, modern, dynamic sports saloon that evokes absolute desire - is an extraordinary preview of the Jaguars of tomorrow.

"The Jaguar C-XF concept is the most dynamic and modern four-door car that Jaguar has ever created, a design showcase heralding the next generations of our sports saloon models. It signals a future for Jaguar that is as exciting as the C-XF itself." Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars

-ENDS-

Embargo Who? Jaguar XF Concept Pics the Real Deal

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 11:41:47 EST

According to Winding Road, those shots of the Jaguar XF concept that hit the intersplice this am blew the lid off the company's new design exemplar. Seems Car and Driver jumped the gun on their February issue, which was supposed to have come out after the XF debuted at the Detroit auto show next month. C&D also notes that the prototypical S-Type replacement is powered by the S-Type R's 400hp blown 4.2-liter V8. Oh to have a tap on C&D's editorial desk phone this morning. – Mike Spinelli [UPDATE: Down comes the copyright-protected shot.]

[via Winding Road]

[UPDATE #2: Edmunds gives us the money shots Car and Driver didn't want you to see.]

Related:
Spec'ing the Jaguar XF Concept [internal]

Spec'ing the Jaguar XF Concept

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 07:44:35 EST

In its February 2007 issue, Car & Driver published a images anticipating the Jaguar XF Concept — expected to hearken the next S-Type — ahead of its debut at the Detroit auto show in January. As Eurocar Blog astutely points out, the rendering looks like a mashup of Aston Martin, Ford and Volvo themes, though to us it looks like something Henrik Fisker may have left in a desk drawer when he vacated his office at Aston. Brand DNA, or Conan O'Brian's "If They Mated"? You make the call.

Jaguar XF Concept - is it really a Jaguar? [Eurocar Blog]

Related:
Jaguar Teases Ahead of Detroit Show [internal]

Jaguar Teases Ahead of Detroit Show

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:32:05 EST

The blokes at Jaguar released this teaser image that just barely reveals a concept car company plans to unveil at the Detroit show in January. The mind reels. Could it be a conceptual rendering of the upcoming XF, which the company announced last week would replace the S-Type late in 2007? Will it hearken a new design direction for the ailing automaker? Will it have the taillights of a 1968 Pontiac Bonneville? Stay tuned. – Mike Spinelli

Add XF to S, Delete S: New Jag Sedan to Drop in '08

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:15:00 EST

Some people find the Jaguar S-Type to be rather hideous. We actually like it, although the design is certainly a tad long in the tooth and more-than-ripe for an upgrade. But this predictive rendering its successor, the new XF, due to roll into showrooms in '08...eeeee... It looks like what would result if Rover commissioned Ralph Gilles' old self to design an Audi. Unfortunate. Let's hope that the artist is off the mark. – Davey G. Johnson [Thanks to Matt for the tip.]

Update: New S-Type to be Named XF [CarPhotoSite]

Related:
AutoWeek on the Next Jaguar S-Type [Internal]