SPY PHOTOS: JaguarDrive Now Uncovered

JaguarDrive transmission concept confirmed

Yesterday we published some spy shots of an XKR testing in Germany without its J-gate shifter, but the center console was covered. Now, another one of our spies captured an XKR prototype testing in the mountains of Austria, and this time the mystery is fully revealed. The testers failed to cover the center console, revealing a full-fledged JaguarDrive transmission selector, well finished in what looks like production trim. The round dial looks like it will raise up upon starting the car instead, allowing the controls to fit in the palm. Four buttons sit behind the dial to alter the driving, launch, and shift characteristics of the car, suitable for different conditions. Two of the buttons are hard to decipher, but one button controls the DSC stability control, and the other button clearly shows a checkered flag (most likely for track use). Our earlier suspicions are now fully confirmed. JaguarDrive will be significant feature integrated into the Jaguar lineup. We're now looking for suspicious XJs to see just how far the concept will travel up the model-range.