Jaguar XJ Quietly Joins the Frankfurt Circus
Here kitty kitty
By Michael Gauthier
September 17, 2009 12:12 AM
Filed Under: European, Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar
Following the official unveiling in July, Jaguar decided to give the XJ a proper auto show introduction in Frankfurt.
Essentially an enlarged XF (with a French accent), the new XJ represents the death knell for 'traditional' Jaguar styling. While it has been criticized for using black plastic C-pillars (to visually expand the rear window), the overall appearance is contemporary and dynamic.
Like the exterior, the cabin is thoroughly modern and luxurious. A sweeping swath of wood veneer circles the cockpit, while an attractive center console puts all the controls right at your fingertips. Trimmed in fine leather upholstery, the interior boasts 'virtual instrument dials', a panoramic glass roof, and an optional 1200W Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.
Engine options include the 275PS 3.0-liter diesel V6, the naturally aspirated 385PS 5.0-liter V8, the supercharged 470PS 5.0-liter V8, and the monstrous 510PS supercharged 5.0-liter V8.
Press Release (Click to expand)
The all-new Jaguar XJ made its global motor show at the Frankfurt International Motor Show on September 15, 2009. The marque’s stunning new flagship saloon drew large crowds to the showstand, which also displayed the latest 2010 Model Year XKR and XFR models – part of the exciting new Jaguar showroom.
Jaguar Cars Managing Director, Mike O’Driscoll said:
“The all-new XJ re-imagines the ultimate sporting luxury car. It's beautiful, exhilarating to drive and with a bold, enlightened approach to design meets the challenges of our fast-changing world. Having it on show to the public for the first time with our other brilliant models is proof that Jaguar’s entire range lives up to our philosophy of creating beautiful, fast cars.”
MIKE O’DRISCOLL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, JAGUAR CARS
Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, the all-new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury. It offers a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and engineering without compromise.
The new XJ is the epitome of fluid, contemporary automotive style. The elongated teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car’s silhouette and lies at the heart of its flowing design. And the new XJ doesn’t just look streamlined: it shares a drag coefficient of 0.29 with the XF saloon, making them the most aerodynamic Jaguars ever.
A coupé profile cloaks a cabin that offers comparable levels of space to saloons with a more conventional style. There is generous accommodation for five occupants, while long-wheelbase models provide rear-seat passengers with even greater levels of comfort thanks to an additional 125mm of rear legroom.
The exquisitely designed interior has a strong sporting character throughout. A panoramic glass roof, standard on all models, dramatically enhances the sense of light and space inside the new XJ. And in keeping with its status as the ultimate four-door Jaguar, the XJ introduces a new generation of interior technologies, pioneering the use of display and infotainment systems such as the innovative Virtual Instrument dials and optional 1200W Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system.
At the heart of the all-new XJ’s construction is a next-generation application of Jaguar’s unique lightweight vehicle architecture. Primarily aluminium, but also using magnesium and composite alloys, this allows Jaguar to produce a significantly lighter and stiffer body – the lightest in its class. The new structure – which retains the same aerospace-based riveting and bonding processes – has been refined using these advanced materials to deliver improved strength, enhanced refinement and superior safety performance.
The new XJ offers the choice of four powerful and refined engines, which use the latest powertrain technology to deliver an outstanding combination of performance and class-leading efficiency. The supremely powerful supercharged 510PS 5.0-litre AJ-V8 Gen III will head the line-up, with a
0-60mph time of 4.7 secs (0-100kph in 4.9 secs); 470PS supercharged and 385PS naturally aspirated petrol V8s are also available, dependent on market.
A no-compromise diesel alternative is provided by the formidable 275PS 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III. With twin sequential turbochargers, this is an engine that delivers on every aspect of the Jaguar driving experience, marrying tremendous drive (0-60mph in 6.0 secs, 0-100kph in 6.4 secs) with impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions (40.1mpg and 184g/km of CO2).
The all-new XJ delivers a driving experience that is just as memorable as the car’s appearance. Benefitting from technologies pioneered on the exciting new XFR and XKR models, including continuously variable damping (Adaptive Dynamics), electronically controlled rear differential (Active Differential Control) and a quick ratio power-steering system, the new XJ combines responsive, sporting dynamics with the refined, supple ride expected from a luxury Jaguar.
With its unique lightweight aluminium body structure and new, advanced powertrains, the all-new XJ already has a head start when it comes to sustainable performance. The aluminium body uses more than 50 percent recycled material, with a plan to increase this to 75 percent. Body panels made from recycled material use only 5 percent of the energy required for new aluminium, equating to a potential saving of three tonnes of CO2 per vehicle.
“The new XJ is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the quintessential Jaguar. Its visual impact stems from the elongated teardrop shape of the car’s side windows, that powerful stance and its wide track. It is the most emphatic statement yet of Jaguar’s new design direction.”
IAN CALLUM, DESIGN DIRECTOR, JAGUAR CARS
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Comments
I think I need to sell my sterling, because the British cars at the show can certainly resuscitate the manufacturing industry, if only it (car industry) has better global networks.
I saw one of these on the road the other day also and i have to say its stunning in the flesh. The shape really comes into its own, looks much more special than a 7 series or A8.
Not sure why they didn't - this is not a bargain-basement priced car!
Edited by user on September 17, 2009 at 10:36 AM
this is the most beautiful car in the world
Merc and BMW must be elated about that . . .
Edited by user on September 18, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Plot summary:
An emperor of a prosperous city who cares more about clothes than military pursuits or any other kind of serious business, hires two swindlers who promise him the finest suit of clothes from the most beautiful cloth. This cloth, they tell him, is invisible to anyone who was either stupid or unfit for his position. The Emperor cannot see the (non-existent) cloth, but pretends that he can for fear of appearing stupid; his ministers do the same. When the swindlers report that the suit is finished, they dress him in mime. The Emperor then goes on a procession through the capital showing off his new "clothes". During the course of the procession, a small child cries out, "the emperor is naked!" The crowd realizes the child is telling the truth. The Emperor, however, holds his head high and continues the procession.
Sad, ain't it . . . .
Edited by user on September 18, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Edited by user on September 18, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Really? Would love to have some concrete international sales figures backing up this claim.
"This is a turning point, don't be afraid of changes." Much in agreement on this, but remember what happened to Rover - risky/wrong decisions/changes may result in extinction.
Hope I am wrong, but seems to me turning Jaguar into some kind of Lexus, at a much higher unit price, is a risky & unsustainable proposition. To put this in perspective, I cannot honestly see a prime minister, or a bank CEO, or a millionaire businessman "arriving" in this kind of XJ. Hope I'm wrong . . . .
Bentley (VW) and Rolls (BMW), on the other hand, seem to be more successful in developing new models closer to their brand's character and heritage, on a profitable basis too.
Edited by user on September 19, 2009 at 1:08 AM
Edited by user on September 18, 2009 at 10:23 PM
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