Next Generation Jaguar XJ Details Surface

Jaguar is taking a big step and consequently a big risk with the upcoming XJ grand luxury saloon. The biggest cat has been put out on the kitty litter for far too long in favour of German sedans and now it wants its space back.

Scheduled for launch in July 2009 the new Jaguar XJ will be radically different, according to insiders. The exterior will shock some of the traditional Jaguar buyers, but hopefully not in the same way as BMW shocked us with the 2002 7 Series.

Inside space will be used cleverly to accommodate those owners who prefer being driven rather than driving themselves. Gadgets will be plentiful too and Jaguar is said to have worked extra hard on the interior quality. Materials used include traditional wood overlays, leather and some metallic trim.

The XJ will arrive with a lineup of all-new engines. Heading up the powerplants is Jaguar's new 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 510hp (380kW) of power and 625Nm of torque to be fitted in the XJR. A potential hit will be the 3.0-litre turbo diesel making 271bhp (202kW) and a mammoth 600Nm of torque. Jaguar says when fitted in the XF this diesel V6 returns 40mpg on average. This would be the volume seller in key markets such as the UK.