2008 Jaguar XK & XKR: Subtle Visual Enhancements

Along with the 2008 model-year X-Type, Jaguar also presented the 2008 XK & XKR coupes at the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, in London. Visual enchantments include the replacement of the telescopic Ariel antenna, which is now subtly concealed in the rear boot spoiler, revised door switch packs with a choice of aluminum or wood inserts, enhanced column stalks with chrome rings and the Piano Black veneer surrounding the instrument control panel and the ‘L’ gate surround. Additionally, all versions now include 20-inch double five-spoke Senta alloy wheels, Jaguar Premium Surround Sound, heated front windscreen and bright finish alloy pedals as standard.

Jag’s also extending the availability of certain luxurious options found only on the XKR Portfolio Special Edition (SE) on the XK or XKR. These options include polished five-spoke 20-inch Cremona alloys, a 525 watts Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound system and Alcon High Performance Braking System.

JAGUAR REVEALS ENHANCED XK AND X-TYPE MODEL RANGES AT MOTOREXPO, CANARY WHARF 2007

Today at the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, Jaguar revealed a series of enhancements on both the XK and the X-TYPE range for 2008 Model Year.

JAGUAR XK RANGE: UNRIVALLED LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE

The Jaguar XK and XKR have both been strengthened further with a range of subtle visual enhancements that deliver customers an unrivalled blend of performance and luxury. With XK sales up almost 20% year-to-date versus 2006, the revisions will build on this strong sales performance when the car goes on sale from July.

The XK epitomises the Jaguar tradition of beautiful, powerful, ground-breaking sports cars, but behind its stunning looks, it bristles with practical, intuitive, modern technology, clearly focussed on enhancing the driving experience.

When the XK was unveiled in the autumn of 2005 and introduced in March 2006, it pushed back the boundaries of GT sports car motoring. The launch of the supercharged XKR at the end of 2006 extended those boundaries even further. The most potent of all Jaguar’s beautiful, fast cars effortlessly straddles the gap between out-and-out performance supercars that struggle to cope with everyday use and more sedate grand tourers that are hampered by excess weight.

Geoff Cousins, UK Managing Director at Jaguar said: “Demand for XK and XKR has remained very strong since the car was launched in the UK last year. The XK has already proven its credentials by winning various awards in the UK since its launch, including the coveted ‘Car of the Year Award’ from both Top Gear magazine and Auto Express magazine during 2006. With these specification enhancements, our customers can now benefit from a better equipped XK and an even stronger value-for-money proposition.”

Jaguar XK

Enhancements on XK for 2008 Model Year are visual only. One of the more significant changes is the replacement of the telescopic Ariel antenna, which is now subtly concealed in the rear boot spoiler. Other notable improvements adding to the overall quality of the interior are the revised door switch packs with a choice of aluminium or wood inserts, enhanced column stalks with chrome rings and the Piano Black veneer surrounding the instrument control panel and the ‘L’ gate surround.

These improvements have been achieved on XK without generating a price increase. The XK is priced at £60,097 for the coupe and £66,097 for the convertible.

Jaguar XKR

The Jaguar XKR is an impressive sporting GT all-rounder in its class featuring a 4.2-litre, supercharged V8 engine developing 420bhp and 560Nm of torque. Due to the high offtake of specific features on the XKR since it went on sale in the UK, customers can now benefit from an even better value-for-money proposition with additional features standard on both the coupe and convertible.

All models now include 20-inch double five-spoke Senta alloy wheels, Jaguar Premium Surround Sound, heated front windscreen and bright finish alloy pedals as standard.

The revised price of the XKR coupe is now £70,097 while the convertible is now £76,097.

“Made for Me” – XKR Portfolio bespoke options on XK and XKR

Jaguar customers can now personalise their XK or XKR by adding luxurious options found only on the XKR Portfolio Special Edition (SE).

The Jaguar XKR Portfolio Special Edition – the flagship of the XK range – offers even greater technology and luxury to customers seeking the ultimate sports coupe.

For the first time, the following enhancements featured on the Portfolio (SE) edition are available on the XK and XKR, allowing customers to increase the individuality of their vehicles: Polished five-spoke 20-inch Cremona alloy wheels (available to order from September 2007); luxury sport interior theme with contrast stitching; alloy ‘L-Gate’ surround and gear-knob (with Piano Black insert), Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound system at 525 watts and Alcon High Performance Braking System.

Standard on the XKR Portfolio (SE) are five-spoke 20-inch polished Cremona alloy wheels, polished aluminium side vents and Celestial Black paint. The interior furthers the luxurious look and feel of the XKR Portfolio. A new Engine-Spun aluminium veneer is standard along with a new alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin and soft grain leather with warm charcoal or ivory seats .

The XKR Portfolio also features a new high-performance braking system with 400mm front discs and 350mm rear discs – the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar.

The XKR Portfolio demonstrates another first for Jaguar as it is the first production example of a new partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading loudspeaker manufacturer worked alongside Jaguar to create a stunning speaker system for the recent C-XF concept car, but the XKR Portfolio is the first production Jaguar to benefit from the relationship.

The 4.2-litre supercharged sports coupe will be sold worldwide while just 60 units will be sold in the UK for £75,597, a premium of just £5,500 over the 2008 Model Year XKR coupe.

The XKR Portfolio Special Edition is available to order now with deliveries expected in late summer.

PRICING

MODEL

• XK Coupe £60,097
• XK Convertible £66,097
• XKR Coupe £70,097
• XKR Convertible £76,097
• XKR Portfolio Special Edition £75,597

Jaguar XK key points

• All-new Coupe and Convertible Jaguar XK, each designed as a 2+2 sports car
• First of a new generation of beautiful, fast Jaguars
• The most technologically advanced Jaguar ever
• Succeeds the Jaguar XK range introduced in 1996
• All-aluminium construction assists best-in-class torsional rigidity in Coupe form. In Convertible form, there is a 50 percent improvement in stiffness over the previous XK Convertible
• All-new XK is lighter than its predecessor and key rivals, with Coupe at 1595kg kerb weight and Convertible at 1635kg
• In Convertible form the body-in-white weight, at just 287kg, is 20 percent lighter than the previous XK Convertible
• Lightweight body offers a 10 percent improvement in power to weight ratio
• Delivers a balance of superb performance, driving dynamics and Jaguar sophistication
• Intuitive controls and driver-focussed technologies – such as Keyless Entry, Keyless Start and Active Front Lighting – enhance driver enjoyment
• Spacious, elegant sports car cabin exemplifies Jaguar craftsmanship, luxury and quality
• Launched with latest generation naturally aspirated 4.2 litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine, developing 300bhp (224kW) SAE / 298PS (219kW) EEC
• AJ-V8 engine developed to satisfy Euro 4 emissions requirements and features exhaust gas recirculation
• New Jaguar Sequential Shift 6-speed automatic transmission system incorporates steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear changes
• XK Coupe reaches 60mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds and completes quarter mile sprint in 14.4 seconds – less than half a second off the pace of the previous 400bhp supercharged model
• XK Convertible takes just 6.0 seconds to reach 60mph – 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model
• XK Coupe accelerates from 50-70mph in just 3.1 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker than the previous model (Convertible XK also 0.2 seconds quicker from 50-70mph at 3.2 seconds).
• Top speed of 155mph (electronically limited)
• Convertible roof operates electrically in less than 18 seconds to be stowed below lightweight aluminium tonneau cover
• In the event of a pedestrian impact, pyrotechnic deployable bonnet (Jaguar Pedestrian Contact Sensing) automatically deploys in the blink of an eye to create a cushioning effect between the bonnet and the engine

Jaguar XKR Key points

• New supercharged Jaguar XKR sports car, available as a Coupe or Convertible
• All the attractions and attributes of the XK – but amplified in the ‘R’ to complement the extra power and performance
• 4.2-litre, supercharged V8 engine developing 420bhp and 560Nm of torque
• Coupe is capable of 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds, 50-70mph in just 2.5 seconds and has an (electronically limited) top speed of 155mph
• All-aluminium body construction delivers a lighter, stiffer car, with excellent agility. At 1665kg, the Coupe is 70kg lighter than its predecessor, while the 1715kg Convertible is 100kg lighter than the previous convertible XKR
• Uprated springs and dampers and recalibrated Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) provide enhanced ride and handling
• Class-leading six-speed automatic transmission for ultra-quick manual gear shifts in milliseconds using steering-wheel-mounted ‘paddles’
• Active Exhaust System ensures refinement at cruising speed but purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration
• Subtle XKR exterior styling enhancements include a sportier grille and front bumper design, louvred bonnet and aluminium-finish side power vents and 20-inch wheel.
• Enhanced interior includes unique aluminium ‘weave’ design on the fascia (other veneers such as polished burr walnut are available at no extra cost) and XKR sports seats
• Blend of supercharged performance, outstanding dynamic abilities and keen pricing gives the new XKR significant advantages overall against both lesser – and considerably more – expensive rivals

2008 Jaguar X-Type: New Grille & Simplified Line-Up

Jaguar introduced its 2008 model year X-Type that has received Jaguar’s signature look with a new bright mesh grille (same as the 2008 S-Type & XJ) and a simplified line-up which sees the ‘Classic’ and ‘Sport’ derivatives dropped, leaving 4-trim levels: ‘S’, ‘SE’, ‘Sport Premium’ and ‘Sovereign’. Moreover, Jaguar announced that two new colours will be available from September: Porcelain White which replaces White Onyx and a completely new colour, Blue Prism.

What is that -you were expecting something more than a mesh grille and a simplified line-up? Think of it this way; consider it a miracle that Jaguar is even trying to keep X-Type alive...

X-TYPE: JAGUAR X-TYPE NOW OFFERS CUSTOMERS EVEN GREATER VALUE

Revealed today at the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, Jaguar has revised and simplified its X-TYPE model line-up offering customers outstanding value-for-money across the range. By consolidating the current line-up, the new model now benefits from a breadth of feature additions and changes to exterior styling without generating a price increase.

Built at Halewood, Jaguar’s award-winning manufacturing facility in Liverpool, the X-TYPE combines a fresh performance spirit, handling agility and innovative technology with the luxury, craftsmanship and refinement for which Jaguar is renowned.

The latest changes to the X-TYPE model line-up will see the ‘Classic’ and ‘Sport’ derivative dropped, leaving the ‘S’, ‘SE’, ‘Sport Premium’ and ‘Sovereign’ to form the heart of the range.

The refreshed model will retain its four engines – the 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesels, the 2.5-litre V6 petrol and the 3.0-litre V6 petrol all-wheel drive (AWD). The 3.0-litre V6 petrol AWD will only be available to buy in the estate version.

A Fresh Face

The X-TYPE has been given Jaguar’s signature look with a new Bright Mesh Grille. Additionally, two new colours will be available from September production. Porcelain White replaces White Onyx and Blue Prism is a completely new colour for the X-TYPE range.

Outstanding Value

X-TYPE customers can now benefit from outstanding value-for-money with the following popular features now standard across the range:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• 17” Alloy wheels
• Bright mesh grille
• Leather or leather / cloth seats
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Three rear head restraints
• Trip computer with message centre
• Folding 70/30 split rear seats (estate and saloon)
• Cruise control
• Auto Clear View Pack (includes rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and interior rear-view mirror with auto-dimming)

Enhancements to the X-TYPE product range in the UK simplify the line-up to four trim levels, while pricing is more straightforward with exactly £1,000 difference between the 2.0-litre diesel, the 2.2-litre diesel and the 2.5-litre V6 petrol on all specifications:

X-TYPE S (2.0-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.2-litre diesel saloon and estate and 2.5 V6 petrol saloon and estate)

The entry level to the range will be the 2.0-litre diesel S with no price change at £21,500 for the saloon. In addition to the other features being added to the whole range, the X-TYPE S now features upgraded seat functionality to 4 way driver / 4 way passenger and a front centre console with sliding arm rest. The 2.2-litre diesel is priced at £22,500, while the 2.5-litre V6 petrol will be £23,500. The estate costs £1,400 more than the saloon on all engine derivatives.

A new optional 'S Sport' pack is available to order on the X-TYPE S and is priced at £800 for the saloon and £700 for the estate. This includes: Aruba 18” alloy wheels; sports suspension; boot lid spoiler (saloon only) and body coloured grille surround.

X-TYPE SE (2.0-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.2-litre diesel saloon and estate and 2.5 V6 petrol saloon and estate)

The X-TYPE SE adds to the S range with power-folding exterior mirrors, parking aid with front and rear sensors, chrome bumper blades and side window surrounds and 6 way driver / 6 way passenger seat functionality with lumbar support. Pricing has again remained unchanged for the 2.0-litre diesel estate SE, priced at £25,500 and the 2.2-litre diesel at £26,500. The 2.5-litre V6 petrol is now priced at £27,500. The estate costs £1,400 more than the saloon on all engine derivatives.

X-TYPE Sport Premium (2.0-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.2-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.5 V6 petrol saloon and estate and 3.0-litre petrol estate)

The X-TYPE Sport Premium adds to the SE range in the form of an option pack and is priced at £1,000 above the SE price for each engine derivative. Additional features include sport perforated leather 4-spoke steering wheel, sport style seats with perforated leather seat facings, 10 way driver / 10 way passenger seat adjustment with 3 position memory function for driver, 18” Proteus alloy wheels, sports suspension, rear spoiler (saloon only), carbon fibre veneer, body coloured bumpers and grille surround and satin black side window surrounds. The 3.0-litre petrol estate is priced at £30,300.

X-TYPE Sovereign (2.0-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.2-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.5 V6 petrol saloon and estate and 3.0-litre petrol estate)

The-TYPE Sovereign adds to the SE range in the form of an option pack and is priced at £2,500 more than the X-TYPE SE for each engine derivative. The Sovereign option pack features a 6-disc luggage compartment CD changer, classic style seats with leather seat facings and contrast piping, 10 way driver / 10 way passenger seat adjustment and 3 position memory function for driver, metallic paint, Jaguar Premium Surround Sound system and Jaguar Voice. Customers choosing the Sovereign pack will also have a leather steering wheel and Burr Walnut veneer with door inserts.

On sale from July this year, the X-TYPE 2008 Model Year provides a series of specification enhancements across the range that deliver an excellent value-for-money proposition for customers.

UK PRICES

• MODEL 2.0 diesel 2.2 diesel 2.5 V6 petrol 3.0 petrol
• S saloon £21,500 £22,500 £23,500
• S estate £22,900 £23,900 £24,900
• SE saloon £25,500 £26,500 £27,500
• SE estate £26,900 £27,900 £28,900
• Sport Premium saloon £26,500 £27,500 £28,500
• Sport Premium estate £27,900 £28,900 £29,900 £30,300
• Sovereign saloon £28,000 £29,000 £30,000
• Sovereign estate £29,400 £30,400 £31,400 £31,800

2008 Jaguar XJ: Official Geneva Show Press Pack

Flowing yesterday’s premature unveiling Jaguar released the full press pack on its slightly redesigned XJ saloon which basically features a new front end, side air-vents and new interior trim. Since we’ve already told you our opinion on it yesterday, we’ll just leave the images to speak for themselves this time.

NEW LOOK XJ FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR

The 2008 Model Year XJ revealed today at the Geneva Motor Show has again raised the standard for luxury cars offering customers a range of visual changes, technological advances and additional features on all models.

The flagship of the Jaguar range, the XJ continues to be respected and admired by customers throughout the world. Already renowned for its all-aluminium body construction, state-of-the-art technologies, outstanding craftsmanship and build quality, the new XJ is now even more desirable. Since its launch, the model line-up has been extended to include the XJ long wheelbase, the special edition XJR Portfolio, the XJ armoured vehicle and the recently introduced XJ long wheelbase diesel.

A range of four engines – from the highly acclaimed 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine that offers outstanding performance and economy, through to the mighty 4.2-litre supercharged V8, gives customers a choice of rewarding powertrains. Every XJ has automatic transmission and includes many of Jaguar's latest technical features, and of course craftsmanship and quality are high on the list of attributes.

An all-new, distinctive design for the XJ’s front includes a new bumper with revised upper and lower mesh grilles and a new Jaguar Growler badge, giving the 2008 model an unmistakably purposeful appearance. This look is complemented by new side power vents to match those introduced on the beautiful XK, lower body sills and a subtle rear aero spoiler. Over the vents new door mirrors carry integrated indicator lights while upgraded alloy wheels add to the sporting appearance of the 2008 Model Year cars. A 19-inch Carelia wheel is now standard on the Executive models, while all Sovereign models now feature the new 19-inch Polaris wheel. The top-of-the-range XJR now comes with aluminium finish power vents and black painted brake callipers. Additionally, customers will benefit from six new exterior paint colours to choose from for all models – Emerald Fire, Pearl Grey, Crystal Blue, Botanical Green, Vapour Grey and Azure Blue.

The 2008 Model Year XJ also enjoys significant improvements to its interior thanks to new heated front seats standard across the range which have been extensively redesigned to offer even more comfort and support. All Executive models now come with a heated front screen as standard while the XJR features an ‘R’ gearknob as well as heated front seats with air-cooling, an optional choice for the Executive, Sovereign and Sport Premium models. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate greater leg and foot room following revisions to the backs and lower cushions of the front seats. All 2008 Model Year cars feature an upgraded BluetoothTM Connectivity system that allows users to connect up to five approved mobile phones to the car’s own in-car telephone system.

UK Managing Director, Geoff Cousins, said: “XJ sales results in 2006 showed a 25% increase versus 2005 and with these specification enhancements, our customers can benefit from an even better value-for-money proposition. The long wheelbase XJ is now available with a 2.7-litre diesel engine making it an even stronger competitor in the ever-growing chauffeur market and even though an all-new Mercedes S-Class has been launched this year, Business Car readers voted the XJ ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ for the second year running.”

Excellent value-for-money across the range

Enhancements to the XJ product range in the UK simplify the line-up to four trim levels, all offering customers improved value-for-money: Executive, Sovereign, Sport Premium and XJR.

XJ Executive (2.7-litre diesel and 3.0-litre petrol) – The entry level to the range will be the 2.7 diesel and 3.0 petrol Executive models. In addition to the other changes being made to the whole range, these cars now feature a heated front screen as standard, body-coloured power vents and 19” Carelia wheels – a ten-spoke alloy first seen on the XK. Importantly the XJ 08MY Executive models remain competitively priced with the 3.0 petrol starting from £43,540 and the 2.7 diesel from £45,520.

XJ Sovereign (3.0-litre V6 petrol and 2.7-litre diesel, 4.2-litre V8) – The Sovereign adds to the Executive specification with 16-way electric heated front seats, soft-grain leather, satellite navigation system and Bi-Xenon headlights. Additions to the 08MY Sovereign models are body-coloured power vents and an all-new five spoke 19” Polaris wheel. The 3.0 Sovereign XJ will be priced from £49,540 – the 2.7 diesel will be £51,520 while the 4.2-litre naturally aspirated XJ will be priced from £58,040.

XJ Sport Premium (2.7-litre diesel) – The Sport Premium benefits from the styling changes across the range with the addition of body-coloured power vents. Adding to the Executive specification, the Sport Premium features ‘R’ seats with leather seat facings as standard, aluminium veneer, black side window surrounds, Cremona 20” alloy wheels and satellite navigation. The 2.7-litre diesel will be priced from £51,520.

XJR (4.2 Supercharged V8) – Adding to the styling changes across the range, the XJR offers increased value through aluminium finish power vents, a new ‘R’ logo gearknob, black painted brake callipers and heated front seats featuring a cooling option as standard. The XJR will be priced from £60,150.

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity commented: “Like the new XK, the XJ is engineered to provide relaxing and refined ride quality, yet can deliver highly capable dynamic qualities when required. The stiff lightweight aluminium structure allows for increased performance and great agility, particularly in our XJR which is a true performance car, yet is inherently quiet, refined and comfortable.”

In summary, XJ 08MY provides a series of stylish specification enhancements across the range that deliver an excellent value-for-money proposition for customers. The 2008 Model Year XJ range is available to order from spring this year.

NEW 2008 MODEL YEAR XJ AT A GLANCE

New contemporary exterior styling for more assertive and sporting appearance – including revised front-end design, new side power vents, rear aero spoiler, full width chrome ‘signature blade’ and new rear bumper.

Revised interior with all-new seat design for improved comfort and support. Heated front seats standard across the range with optional air-cooling also available. Increased rear leg and foot room thanks to redesigned front seat backs, which also allow easier access to the back seats. New 19-inch Polaris, Vela and Carelia alloy wheels introduced. Three new exterior paint colours add to customer choice.

XJ range offers a broad choice of V6 and V8 engines including the highly acclaimed 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel and 400bhp (DIN) 4.2-litre supercharged petrol V8.

All-aluminium body construction ensures sports-car handling, supreme comfort and significant fuel savings over equivalent steel-bodied cars. Every XJ comes with sophisticated safety features such as Computer Active Technology Suspension, Advanced Restraint Technology System, Automatic Speed Limiter and optional Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Latest Bluetooth connectivity is fitted as standard and allows up to five approved phones to be paired to the in-car telephone system. Optional JaguarWatch anti-theft device uses satellite positioning to track potentially stolen vehicles across Europe.

JAGUAR XJ IN DETAIL: A FINE PEDIGREE

When Jaguar’s ground-breaking all-aluminium XJ luxury saloon range was launched in 2003, its remarkable lightweight body helped the car to set new standards in handling, precision and refinement. The aluminium monocoque design is 60% stiffer and 40% lighter than the model it replaced and these major improvements translate into real customer benefits.

Its advanced construction means that even a long-wheelbase XJ model is lighter than many of its key competitors’ standard wheelbase platforms. Thanks to that reduced weight the car can accelerate faster, stop more quickly and turn more purposefully. And it achieves all this without compromise in other areas, for the new XJ range also benefits from superb fuel economy and range, improved rigidity and safety, as well as exceptional ride and comfort.
Since its 2003 introduction the range has been further improved with a long wheelbase version, major new engines such as the 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel, and advanced technologies such as acoustic laminated glass, active engine mounts and Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS).

CATS is used to ensure outstanding body control, refinement and handling. The system constantly monitors the XJ’s lightweight suspension and air springs to offer complete comfort when cruising and total control and responsiveness when called for by automatically lowering and levelling the suspension. The result is awesome high-speed stability and improved aerodynamic efficiency whenever the XJ is called upon to perform.

A group of technologically advanced petrol and diesel engines power the 2008 XJ range. The highly acclaimed 204bhp (DIN) 2.7-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 offers outstanding performance and economy, the 240bhp (DIN) 3.0-litre V6 petrol an ideal blend of power and refinement, while the mighty 300bhp (DIN) 4.2-litre V8 and its 400bhp (DIN) supercharged equivalent provide the seamless drive and torque you would expect from any top-of-the-range Jaguar capable of reaching 60mph in as short a time as five seconds flat.

A six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and sensationally quick gearchanges, and even helps with further weight loss thanks to its compact design. Its ability to handle the high torque outputs of the XJ engine range also allows the gearbox to use higher gears more effectively, helping to lower fuel consumption further.

Class-leading technological advances such as Integrated Acoustic Dampening (IAD) guarantee exceptional levels of refinement and a blissfully quiet cabin environment. IAD uses special acoustic absorbing materials and airtight seals between the bonnet and engine compartment to dramatically reduce engine noise. Acoustic laminated glass then further minimises noise intrusion, while diesel-powered XJs even enjoy electronically controlled active engine mounts which attenuate 90% of engine idle vibration.

Thanks to ground-breaking technologies such as these, the 2008 XJ range defies the conventional wisdom that says a saloon can be dynamic or luxurious, but never both. It is, in contrast, a highly refined, sporting luxury car for people who love to drive.

LOOKS TO MATCH THE PERFORMANCE

The main evolution for the 2008 Model Year XJ is its new exterior design. Changes to the front, sides and rear of every model give the XJ a sportier, more muscular stance and clearly signal the advanced technology that lies at its core.

A new front bumper with revised mesh grilles is unmistakably assertive, leaving no doubts as to the performance credentials of the new XJ. Jaguar Car’s Director of Design, Ian Callum, explains the inspiration behind the new look:

“Every Jaguar must have a distinctive face, something that you cannot mistake if you catch a glimpse of it in your rear-view mirror as it powers up behind you. The new 2008 XJ range meets that challenge thanks to a new grille and bold new bumper style.”

Set into the front bumper are new upper and lower mesh radiator grilles with chromed detailing that accentuate the car’s major air intakes. Behind the front wheels two power vents (in aluminium finish on the supercharged XJR) match those introduced on the beautiful new XK sports car. Over the vents new door mirrors carry integrated indicator lights.

A fully reworked rear end displays a newly reshaped bumper, subtle aero spoiler, revised tailpipe finishers and new badging.

The 2008 Model Year XJ also enjoys significant improvements to its interior thanks to new heated front seats (with optional air-cooling) which have been extensively redesigned to offer even more comfort and support.

Vehicle cabin air is drawn into the cushion and seat back heat exchanger units. The air is then heated or cooled and pumped to the top surface via channels formed within the seat. The perforated seat covers allow the conditioned air to pass through to the passenger.

Heated front seats will still be fitted as standard with the cooling element being available as an option.

All XJ seats will have a new relaxed leather trim and rear-seat passengers will appreciate greater leg and foot room following revisions to the backs and lower cushions of the front seats.

TECHNOLOGY IN HARMONY

Jaguar’s intuitive technology has been designed to empower, not overpower the driver. Features such as satellite navigation, BluetoothTM and audio entertainment systems are supported and controlled by a 7-inch Touch-screen or JaguarVoice control.

The 2008 Model Year XJ benefits from further user-friendly technology such as the latest BluetoothTM connectivity system that allows users to connect up to five approved mobile phones to the car’s own in-car telephone system. The car will then recognise and store the phonebooks, last number dialled lists and call stacks for every device it is paired with.

The entire XJ range carries further intuitive technologies that enhance the driving experience. Many of the car’s main features can be controlled through JaguarVoice, a simple but highly effective voice command function.

Other driver aids include Adaptive Cruise Control which uses microwave radar technology to detect slower cars ahead and adjusts the cruise control speed to maintain a constant distance from the vehicle in front.

Advanced, state-of the-art safety features, such as Adaptive Restraint Technology System use ultrasonic technology to calculate appropriate airbag deployment and force, based on passenger weight and position. Side-curtain airbags, front seat thorax airbags and energy-absorbent front seat backrests ensure a safe driving experience for all occupants.

2008 Jaguar XF: Autocar Spills The Beans

As much as Jaguar wanted to keep the all-new XF as a surprise until the official web presentation on Aug. 28, that won’t happen. Brit magazine Autocar published all the info along with the official pictures on their web site today, so there’s no point in holding back anymore.

Jag’s new BMW 5-series, Mercedes E-class and Audi A6 adversary opens up a new page in the firm’s history as it breaks any design-ties with past. Ian Callum, Jag’s head designer and his team remained as close as possible to the Concept C-XF that premiered at the Detroit Show in January and the result is a beautiful, sleek sports sedan with a coupe-like profile. In all we like it a lot. It may hint a bit of a Mondeo, but we like it. Same goes for the interior which in our books is as refreshing as the BMW’s latest 5-Series –some might disagree with us, but ok. -Continued after the jump

Simple and yet a tad futuristic, the XF’s cabin combines plenty of wood with aluminum décor. Things worth checking out are the blue illumination on the dashboard and the centre console controls and the aluminum rotary knob that pops-up once you press the start button, becoming a rotary gear selector knob.

Underneath its stylish body the XF hides a more conventional high-strength steel chassis –unlike the aluminum XK and XJ. Sharing the same 2,909 mm wheelbase as the outgoing S-Type, the XF is equipped with coil-sprung, double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear, both mounted on subframes.

The XF, which will go on sale early next year will be offered with four different engines: a 2.7-litre, 210 bhp turbodiesel V6; a 3.0-litre 240bhp petrol V6, a 4.2-litre, 300bhp petrol V8 and a 4.2-litre, 420bhp supercharged V8. The later sprints from zero to 60mph (96 km/h) in 5.1 sec while its top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). We’ll have the full press release on the new Jag on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Via: Motorpasion , Source: Autocar