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Design

A saloon with the soul of a Jaguar sports car, the XF has won accolades and enthusiastic fans across the globe for its dynamic abilities and dramatic looks. Advances in lighting technology have allowed the new 2012 XF model range to adopt the bold Jaguar design language introduced on the flagship XJ saloon. Sheetmetal revisions to the grille, bonnet and front wings incorporating new triangular side vents give the car a more muscular, purposeful appearance. The range-topping XFR receives its own unique, overtly assertive design to underline its performance potential while an alternative ‘Aerodynamic’ option is available on all other derivatives for a total of three dramatically different styling options.

The headlamps now incorporate bi-function HID xenon technology that allows them to be much slimmer and more compact while still providing outstanding beam resolution. They also incorporate LED daytime running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar ‘J-Blade’ signature pattern for instant recognition. The tail lamps have been entirely renewed and now extend onto the central portion of the boot lid. These new units are now full-LED for stop, light and indicator functions and give the XF a distinctive night-time rear signature. Separating them is a revised boot lid finisher with a gloss black lower edge for a cleaner appearance. The boot also features power closure on all models.

Three new paint colours and an expanded alloy wheel selection ranging from 17 to 20-inch provide the finishing touches to the revised styling. ‘The XF has rightly been recognised as a quintessential Jaguar saloon. It is purposeful yet elegant, with inherent sporting intent in its design. For the latest version we have been able to evolve and enhance that performance character to make the XF the most visually dynamic car in its class.’

Price: $53,000 – $82,000.

Powertrain and Dynamics

Key among the enhancements to XF is the introduction of the 2.2-litre AJ-i4D turbodiesel engine. The unit features low-friction pistons and a water-cooled turbocharger to increase efficiency plus active engine mounts and modifications to the sump and block to reduce NVH levels. The result is not only Jaguar’s most fuel-efficient engine ever, but one which offers levels of refinement on a par with the previously-fitted 2.7-litre V6 diesel and all the performance expected of a Jaguar sports saloon. Further refinement is assured on all models by the use of additional acoustic shielding and the use of computational fluid dynamics to smooth exterior airflow.

Power output is 190PS with an impressive torque figure of 450Nm to provide the muscular performance expected of a Jaguar. Reaching 60mph in 8.0 seconds, the car will go on to achieve a top speed of 140mph. Nevertheless the unit still manages 52.3mpg on the EU combined cycle – making it the most economical Jaguar ever – and emits just 149g/km of CO2 and is Euro Stage V compliant. The engine is perfectly complemented by the all-new 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Specifically adapted by our engineers for its first-time application in a Jaguar, the transmission offers a host of benefits including both improved acceleration and economy. Gearchanges are completed in just 200 milliseconds – four times faster than the average human resting heartbeat – while driver control is enhanced by the ability to perform multiple downshifts using the paddleshift technology.

The use of lightweight materials ensures the overall weight remains the same as the previous six-speed transmission, while improved pump design and gear control elements increase efficiency. Standard on all XF diesel models, it reduces the CO2 emissions of the 3.0-litre V6 to 169g/km and improves fuel consumption to 44.8mpg. Also making its debut with the 2.2-litre diesel engine is Jaguar’s new Intelligent Stop/Start system, the first time this technology has been seen in a premium diesel saloon. This automatically shuts down the engine in just 300 milliseconds when the car comes to rest, in order to improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions by between five and seven percent.

No driver intervention is necessary, with the engine management software analysing a host of complex factors in order to decide when the engine can safely be stopped. A Tandem Solenoid Starter with a dedicated secondary battery instantly restarts the engine as soon as the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal, ensuring it is running optimally by the time the accelerator is pressed. In order to facilitate this process, the gearbox features Hydraulic Impulse Storage, which supplies oil pressure to actuate the shift elements. For the first time, all diesel variants are also available with Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system, allowing the enthusiastic driver to enjoy the car’s outstanding chassis control and discover the XF’s sporting soul.

Interior

Whether experienced from the driver or passenger seat, the cabin of the XF is a uniquely welcoming and stylish place in which to spend time, using high-end materials in a truly contemporary manner. Continuing to feature such dramatic ‘surprise and delight’ elements as the JaguarDrive Selector that rises from the centre console and air vents that rotate to their open position when the starter button is pressed, the XF interior has also received a comprehensive update.

Revised front and rear seats incorporate a ‘hoop’ feature on both squab and backrest that improves not only their appearance but also the support it offers by increasing the seat’s profile. New hide colour combinations, veneers and headlining choices increase the personalisation options available to buyers. All models benefit from a revision to the colour scheme on the centre console, fascia and steering wheel where the ‘Tungsten’ finish is replaced by a more contemporary ‘Aurora’ theme.

The XF incorporates a formidable amount of technology but in true Jaguar fashion it is integrated seamlessly into the function of the car and controlled through a central seven-inch Touch-screen with a new polarising filter for better contrast viewing. In order to reduce driver workload, additional switches have been added below the Touch-screen to instantly switch between different functions while new graphics are based on those in Jaguar’s flagship XJ. The main driver instrument cluster is now a full-colour TFT unit for greater resolution and clarity.

Technology

Three new audio systems are offered on the XF, all of which represent a significant upgrade on those previously available. Heading this up is a 1200W, 17-speaker premium set-up, from British audio experts Bowers & Wilkins, which offers concert hall-like sound reproduction. All audio systems can be specified with a hard-drive based satellite navigation system that incorporates a ‘virtual’ CD multichanger allowing the owner to ‘rip’ 10 CDs at a time into the car’s memory storage and play them as if they were a physical music medium.

The system also now offers a number of different options for connecting MP3 players; two USB ports, one of which is iPod specific and Bluetooth connectivity that allows music to be streamed from a smartphone. The majority of the car’s functions can also be controlled from the driver’s seat by Jaguar’s Interactive Voice functionality, which provides an intuitive interface for safe, hands-free operation.

The new XJ Sentinel offers the ultimate in discreet protection, being virtually indistinguishable from the standard XJ model, yet featuring a state-of-the-art armouring package which provides occupants with up to B7 levels of ballistic protection.

Benefiting from Jaguar Land Rover’s extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, the XJ Sentinel is supplied with a full three-year 50,000 mile factory warranty, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians.

‘The XJ Sentinel was designed and developed in partnership with industry leaders, and incorporates the very latest armoured vehicle systems to deliver extremely impressive levels of protection, while maintaining a very discreet appearance,’ said Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars.

‘The XJ Sentinel is the ultimate armoured luxury limousine. It offers governments, security organisations and private individuals, the highest level of security, with advanced design, refined performance and a beautifully-crafted cabin. The XJ Sentinel will be the vehicle of choice for the most discerning,’ he added.

aguar engineers focused on ensuring that the XJ Sentinel retained the real-world usability of the standard car. Based on the long wheelbase XJ, the armoured vehicle maintains that model’s luxurious interior package, its compelling blend of comfort and agility, and convenient servicing using regular dealer equipment.

The Jaguar XJ’s aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium body structure also makes it possible to offer a very generous 500kg payload for passengers and luggage without compromising vehicle performance.

Comprehensive Armouring System:
The XJ Sentinel is equipped with a purpose-built armouring system which has been specially developed to ensure that the vehicle offers outstanding occupant protection, while being almost impossible to detect from outside the car.

Constructed from specialised high strength steels with Kevlar backing, the armoured inner cell was engineered in partnership with Centigon, a leading global specialist in vehicle armouring. The XJ Sentinel offers ballistic protection up to B7 level (BS EN 1522 level FB7 and BS EN 1063 BR7-), blast protection against 15kg TNT equivalent detonated within close proximity of the vehicle, and substantial under floor grenade protection.

To ensure that the armouring meets the latest national and international standards, the protection offered was certified by QinetiQ, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation.

Total Luxury and Real-World Usability:
The comprehensive occupant protection offered by the XJ Sentinel has not been achieved at the expense of comfort or practicality. Jaguar engineers have ensured that the armoured model retains the supreme luxury and real-world usability which are core features of the standard car.

The design of the armoured inner cell has been optimised to maintain the extremely spacious interior package of the long wheelbase XJ, which provides rear seat passengers with a full metre of legroom.

Engineered Without Compromise:
Just like the other models in the highly-acclaimed XJ range, the Sentinel has been engineered without compromise to deliver sophisticated performance, peerless vehicle dynamics and reassuring levels of active and passive safety.

The Sentinel is based on the long wheelbase XJ saloon powered by the refined and responsive 5.0-litre 385PS AJ-V8 Gen III naturally aspirated direct-injection V8 petrol engine, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

This powerful and sophisticated powertrain ensures that the XJ Sentinel is capable of swift and agile performance, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds and achieving a top speed of 195km/h.

The Sentinel’s chassis, which features the advanced Adaptive Dynamics system with continuously variable dampers, has been comprehensively uprated to cope with its increased body weight. Jaguar’s dynamics specialists have tuned the suspension and steering to ensure that the armoured model offers the same qualities of poise and agility found in the standard XJ.

Impressive stopping power is provided by a new high performance braking system which has been sourced from the formidable 510PS Supercharged non-armoured XJ model, while active safety is further improved by the XJ’s full array of advanced traction and stability systems.

Complete Support Package:
XJ Sentinel customers benefit from a comprehensive support programme, both before and after purchase. A dedicated security consultant works closely with the customer during the sales process, to ensure their full requirements are met. A wide range of specialised optional security and vehicle features are available and can be tailored to meet individual requirements.

Once the vehicle is in service, the customer has access to a full support package including driver training and on-site servicing from dedicated specialists when required. The XJ Sentinel has been carefully developed to allow regular servicing and repair to be carried out at Jaguar dealers, using standard diagnostic equipment, and is covered by a full three-year 50,000 mile factory warranty.

The XKR’s already powerful sporting styling cues – an enhanced front bumper, bonnet louvres and aluminium-finish grilles and side power vents – will remain and exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint and 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels add to the overall presence.

The XKR’s interior represents a truly sophisticated yet driver-focussed environment thanks to class-leading ergonomics, user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area.

The XKR Portfolio will combine this acclaimed design and performance with Jaguar’s engineering and craftsmanship skills to take the XKR to an even higher level. Every XKR benefits from its class-leading, advanced aluminium construction, which ensures that its power is matched by a dynamic, lightweight chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.

XKR Portfolio’s brakes are polished 20-inch five-spoke Cremona wheels, while behind the front wheels sit all-new Power Vents which are hewn from polished aluminium and incorporate the indicator side repeater and Jaguar signature ‘ingot’. An exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint will also serve to differentiate the XKR Portfolio edition. (UK and Switzerland have a Liquid Silver paint option as well.)

The XKR Portfolio also marks another first for Jaguar: the first production example of its 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.

Taking Jaguar’s 525W Premium Audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound as a starting point, Bowers & Wilkins have crafted a signature speaker system specifically for the XKR’s cabin. High-output, low-distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminium-dome tweeters deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.

The XK debuted with a 4.2L, 32-valve V8 that made 300hp and was coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The supercharged XKR version made 420hp. This was ample power for both cars, but, in an effort to keep up with the competition and avoid the problems witnessed at the outset of the millennium, Jaguar gave the XK and XKR brand new engines for 2010. With displacement increased to 5.0L, the new V8s now produce 385hp in naturally aspirated form and 510hp in supercharged guise.

The XK, now complemented by the impressive XF and brand-new XJ, helped to revitalize Jaguar’s ageing image. It represents the sporty car in Jag’s small, cohesive lineup, and is a thoroughly modern piece that has earned the right to call itself by those two famous letters that first established Jaguar as a builder of benchmark sports cars in 1948.

The XJ75 Platinum Concept is the company’s first demonstration of the design customisation potential of the striking new XJ luxury salon, emphasising the Jaguar’s dramatic interior and exterior styling themes.

‘The new Jaguar XJ Platinum Concept celebrates Jaguar’s 75th Anniversary, and highlights the uniqueness of the XJ, and more broadly, the increasingly personal nature of luxury cars in today’s market,’ said Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars. ‘The XJ is thoroughly modern, and captures the innovative and daring character that our founder Sir William Lyons built into every Jaguar. And the design team clearly had some fun making their first one-of-a-kind XJ design concept in that spirit.’

Dominated by a striking white and black contrast theme that suggests precious platinum metal, the XJ75 Platinum Concept is a high-performance 470-hp 2011 Jaguar XJL Supercharged equipped with new ground-hugging front, rear and side sills. Painted a lustrous Satin Matte Pearlescent White, exterior chrome elements have been revised to either a dark chrome or gloss black. Bespoke 22-inch wheels are black and use a brushed contrast finish.

The contrast theme continues with gloss pearlescent white air vents, veneers and diamond stitch suede inserts to the seats and headliner, all set against the backdrop of a full Jet Softgrain leather interior. Suede and leather accents are seen throughout the interior to further material enhancements.

The XJ75 Platinum Concept centre console houses a bespoke clock developed and designed in partnership with the Bremont Watch Company. An independent British company, Bremont creates beautifully engineered and designed mechanical watches hand assembled in Switzerland.

‘From a pure design perspective, the XJ75 Platinum Concept is foremost about emphasising the striking proportion and presence of the new XJ, with a distilled black and white theme, which conjures up the sense of precious platinum,’ said Jaguar XJ Chief Designer Giles Taylor. ‘At the same time, the pure sporting character of XJ is brought to the fore by keeping the car’s clean graphic approach and further lowering its stance.

‘On the inside, we played up the XJ’s combination of high-end materials and British flair to really have some fun. The XJ75 Platinum Concept is a design exercise that shows our vision of customization as an inspiration for those enthusiasts who have a taste for strong individuality and visual confidence in their luxury automobiles.’

Performance on the XJ75 Platinum Concept is derived from its 5.0-litre Supercharged direct-injection V8 with 470 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft of torque. Entertainment is provided by a 1,200-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with 20 speakers powered through 15 channels and state-of-the-art sound processing technology.

The new XK is a sophisticated grand tourer with the heart of a true sports car, combining effortless high-performance and state-of-the-art V8 powertrains with a new layer of advanced technologies, intuitive control, and Jaguar’s superbly crafted, new-fashioned luxury interiors. The range will continue to include both naturally aspirated XK and supercharged XKR, available in 2+2 coupe or convertible body styles.

All-new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter direct-injection engines bring significant improvements in power and torque and they do so with no compromise in terms of fuel economy and emissions. In both respects, every car in the new XK range, in spite of such large performance and flexibility gains, is comparable to their predecessors.

The impressive fuel economy is directly attributable to the combination of the XK range’s lowest-in-class weight and the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engines. As well as the intrinsic advantages of the engines’ exceptionally light weight and compact dimensions, these technically advanced all-aluminum four-cam power units offer a number of features that deliver power with very high efficiency, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI), which improves performance and economy, and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT), which benefits performance and economy and also reduces emissions.

The simplified and logical model range for the new XK essentially comprises just two clear choices – XK Portfolio and XKR. Each has its own specific choices of trim, color and fine detail, but every one has the same underlying sporting character and clear emphasis on efficient performance, luxury and craftsmanship. Beyond that, the XK vehicle personalization program also offers an extensive range of accessories that allow the customer to add further bespoke touches – inside and out.

In naturally aspirated form, the new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine delivers 385bhp and 380lb-ft of torque – respectively 26 and 23 percent more than its 4.2-liter predecessor. The XKR’s supercharged 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III R delivers a mighty 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque – improvements of 23 and 12 percent respectively over the supercharged 4.2-liter engine.

On the road, while maximum speed remains under electronic control at 155mph, these power and torque gains allied to the lightweight aluminum body architecture of the
XK dramatically reduce acceleration times. For the naturally aspirated XK Portfolio, 0-60mph is reduced from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds; for the supercharged XKR, 0-60mph is reduced from 4.9 to 4.6 seconds.

The supercharged XKR is also impressively efficient, with an average consumption of 23.0mpg and a CO2 rating of 292g/km – an improvement over the previous XKR – and a remarkable 16 and 17 percent better, respectively, than the equivalent figures for the BMW M6.

Crucially, however, the XK also continues to better its closest rivals on economy and CO2 ratings, with an average consumption of 25.2mpg and a CO2 figure of 264g/km – a seven percent improvement on the equivalent figures for the Mercedes-Benz SL500.

The new V8 engines are built around a stiff, all-new, aluminum block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For the first time at Jaguar the blocks are high pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish and greater dimensional accuracy. The engines use aluminum heads, with four valves per cylinder and strong, spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads for the first time are specified with a secondary (recycled) aluminum alloy thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.

The new 5.0-liter direct injection engines are more compact than their predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced by 0.94-in. by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture. This length reduction improves engine bay packaging in support of enhanced safety cell performance while ensuring overall engine weight is virtually unchanged.

The XK’s exhaust sound track has been enhanced to provide a deeper and more powerful character that matches the increase in torque at low revs from the new engine. At higher engine speeds the intake acoustic feedback system combines with the exhaust system to provide more of that unique Jaguar sound quality character.

In addition to the fully active exhaust system in which valves open to provide a more rewarding note, the new XKR has been engineered to provide an intake feedback system to enhance the V8 sound character commonly absent on supercharged engines. Intake manifold pressure pulsations are fed into an acoustic filter at the rear of the engine that is tuned to provide an edgy sports car crescendo at high revs. The filter is controlled by the engine management system, which only allows the sound to enter the cabin under the appropriate driving conditions.

The 2010 XFR has all the goods to compete in the high-end luxury performance sedan market with the likes of the Audi RS6, BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG. XFR power, and there’s plenty of it, comes from a supercharged 5.0 liter V8 outputting 510 bhp, even more power than the M5′s V10.

From the outside the XFR beefs up the design language found on the XF and new XF Portfolio models with lots of fancy go-fast bits, though the total result is a mixed bag. We love the giant, snarling front intakes and the beautiful 20 inch chromed alloys hiding “R” brake calipers, and the quad-outlet exhaust pushed to the extreme corners of the rear splitter.

The circa-1995 Ford Mustang hood, with its unfocused power dome and silly air inlets, though, looks out of place on such a high-end car. Jaguar would have done well to give the 2010 XFR side skirts that didn’t look like they came off a cheap plastic Honda Civic bodykit. The overall design has some great elements and should be a hit with fans of Jaguar’s new direction, but it should have been excecuted more carefully.

No one will argue with the new XFR’s spec sheet, though. In addition to a thoroughly badass motor, the big cat gets an active rear differential and an electronically regulated suspension system for pounding corners sans-bodyroll and still taking grandma to the grocery in coddling luxury.

The pedigree is clear: a near-stock 2010 XFR recently achieved a top speed of 225.675 mph at Bonneville on stock street tires, with little except an overboosted supercharger and some additional aerodynamic enhancements separating it from the XFR that will see a reported release date in the spring, with orders beginning this month. You’ll have to be satisfied with a 155 mph governer on your XFR, though, unless you are the warranty-voiding type.

The 2010 Jaguar XFR is fast. In fact, it is so fast that it has two tech features to keep its speed in check: a driver-set speed limiter and adaptive cruise control. It is the kind of fast where you cruise down the road listening to music through the excellent Bowers & Wilkins audio system, look down at the speedometer, and realize your speed is approaching triple digits.

The 2011 Jaguar XK lineup gets a new limited-edition model. This sporty 2-door seats 4 and comes as a hatchback coupe or a convertible with a power-folding soft top. All models have a 5.0-liter V8 engine. Base XKs have 385 horsepower, while the supercharged XKR has 510. A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission.

It includes the “JaguarDrive” rotary knob for gear selection as well as steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual operation. The XKR has specific interior and exterior trim, brakes, and Jaguar’s new Adaptive Dynamics suspension, which automatically adjusts firmness based on road conditions to balance ride and handling. The adaptive suspension is also standard on the Base XK.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front-side airbags that provide head and torso protection. All models have a navigation system, wireless cell-phone link, and keyless entry/engine start. New for 2011 is the limited-edition XKR175 coupe. This model has an increased top-speed limiter, unique interior and exterior trim, a performance suspension, and 20-inch wheels. Production of this model is limited to 175 units.