Review: 2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible

I know you’re probably here to read all about how the 2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible stacks up against other six-digit luxury sports cars, but I’ve got a confession to make. Before we get down, dirty and up to our elbows in power figures, you need to know that this is my first real brush with luxury performance of this caliber. As we speak, the ruling houses of auto journalism are likely sending laptop-wielding assassins my way for breaking the seventh sacred tenet of our craft – “Always pretend you know more than you do” – but I can’t accurately convey my time with this big cat without first giving you a taste of my perspective.

Get the mouthwash ready, this may be unpleasant.

My office is headquartered in a beautiful part of East Tennessee, where $30,000 will happily buy you seven acres of wooded hill country. Around here, I’m pleased to say that I’m more likely to hear a Massey-Ferguson lumber past my window than a Maserati, and as such, most folk have neither the use for a high-horsepower 2+2 convertible nor the ludicrous kind of coin it takes to call one your very own. As one neighbor remarked, “You can buy a damn nice home for as much as that thing costs.”

And for the majority of the country, he’s dead right.

Receiving word that you’ll be the sole custodian of a 2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible for a week and actually meeting the beast in the sultry flesh are two entirely different things. When the machine arrived, it announced its presence with a low rumble that snaked its way through the pine, gypsum and hardwood of the house and into my ears long before it showed its face in the driveway.

Intrigue, thy name is the 5.0-liter, supercharged V8 planted behind this kitty’s headlights.

I mark the third generation of my clan to call this particular house my own, and while there have been some true curiosities parked in this driveway over the past few decades, there’s never been anything quite like this topless supercharged wonder. Approaching the XKR Convertible from the rear, you’re met with the kind of knee-shaking aesthetics that few vehicles possess. Tall, rounded flanks work their way into a concise aft dominated by LED taillamps, a steep rear deck spoiler and four menacing exhaust outlets. Vast 275-series tires the size of a pair of small continents peek out from below the rear valance, and from this angle, there’s no mistaking this convertible’s true purpose.

Move down the sports car’s side and you’re introduced to a full 188.7 inches of sprawling bodywork. With a lengthy 108.3-inch wheelbase, Jaguar’s designers had plenty of space to ply their art. From the sides, prominent haunches define the XKR Convertible’s profile before transitioning easily into a low-slung nose that rolls on for a country mile. It’s the kind of look that could induce labor or stop your heart if you aren’t prepared for what you’re seeing.

Don’t be surprised if you leave a trail of newborns and cardiac arrest in your wake.

At least, that’s the case with the top down. Crank the soft shell up with a merry push of a convenient, windshield frame-mounted button and the spell’s handily broken. Jaguar has done an excellent job of incorporating a smooth top structure, but the mechanism draws undue attention to the massive proportions of the rear deck. While everything looks squared away with the car slinking around topless, you can’t help but think there’s enough sheetmetal out back to set up a regulation badminton court with the roof in place. Fortunately, the top stows in around 17 seconds, so you don’t need to waste any time should the sun start shining.

Jaguar was kind enough to supply the XKR Convertible with a set of heated and cooled ventilated leather seats up front that are fully capable of boiling up a cup of Earl Grey should you become stranded far from a kettle at tea time. With the seats set to incinerate and the heater dialed to blast furnace, mother nature was no match for this kitty’s open-air motoring.

In addition to being able to tan your hide, the front seats are also nearly infinitely adjustable. That includes bolsters that can be tweaked to squeeze you tighter than your one true love. That little trick joins the standard portfolio of fore/aft and up/down wizardry to serve up seating custom tailored for nearly every size and shape.

The rest of the cabin swaddles you in no less comfort. The leather dash is double-stitched with contrasting thread, and a lumber yard’s worth of polished burlwood accents adorn those surfaces that aren’t already covered in hide. It’s a beautiful place to spend an hour or three, so long as you don’t have to fight the touchscreen infotainment system. Commands to change the radio station are seemingly sent by first-class air mail to an overburdened worker in Coventry where they must be approved before taking effect. Don’t expect anything to happen quickly.

The thermometer bobbed at around 40 degrees my first night with the XKR Convertible, but with stars peeking through the bud-laden branches and no clouds in sight, there was no way in this life or the next that I was going to leave this cat in the driveway. I stowed the top and headed for the snaking asphalt of Union County. From the first press of the glowing start button, it was clear I had stumbled into an alternate universe of propulsion. This is no sewing machine, and at no point did I have to check to see if the engine was running.

Jaguar has made damn sure that you feel the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 come to life, and it does so with a bark that serves as a harbinger of all sorts of naughtiness. If the starting sequence is the gateway drug of Jaguar love, the first punch of the accelerator is straight methamphetamine. You can forget fighting this addiction. The automaker’s engineers have managed to wring a full 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque from the eight force-fed cylinders, and every dash to 60 miles per hour clicks off in a claimed stammer-inducing 4.6 seconds. That’s shorter than the time it took you to read that last sentence, which is an impressive feat given that the XKR Convertible tips the scales at a whisker under two tons.

The six-speed automatic gearbox is a work of art, dispatching upshifts with quicker-than-thou precision and serving up rev-matching downshifts with a click of a paddle. An extra cog or two would likely go a long way toward bettering the vehicle’s 15 miles per gallon city and 22 mpg highway EPA rating, but really, who’s counting?

In order to keep all that momentum-building glory in check, Jaguar has bolted on a traction control system that must have been programmed by a panel of ruler-wielding nuns. No matter how desperately you mash buttons or turn dials, get too happy with the accelerator and you’ll get your knuckles rapped in a hurry. Even with the gearbox set to Sport, Competition mode on and Dynamic Stability Control off, I was barely able to get a few decent revolutions of wheel-spinning heaven before being made to submit to she-who-rules-all-nannies. I don’t even want to talk about attempting to ply the throttle in anger with the parameters adjusted to more sane settings.

Still, the chaperone under the hood wasn’t enough to quell my lust for this car. Even with 3,968 pounds of heft to scoot along, the dynamic suspension is perfectly firm for a series of apexes while turning buttery supple to accommodate imperfections in the tarmac. Mix in a brake system fully capable of pulling your eyelids from your face and you’re delivered a grand tourer that can go 10 rounds with lighter sports cars all night long. The machine is just as happy to consume mile after mile of rolling highway as it is darting from one mountain corner to the next.

Pulling into the driveway after a full hour of sampling all the talents the XKR Convertible has to offer, I was convinced that Jaguar had managed to build a vehicle that was worth every copper cent of its MSRP.

That was the honeymoon.

With the sun shining after work the next day, I was looking forward to dinner out with the wife followed by a long ride home via some of the area’s more desolate roads. We hopped in, I hit the key and was instantly rewarded with a glowing check engine light. Having suffered through the hazing associated with English vehicle ownership in the past, a few dozen Lucas jokes buzzed through my brain before I could so much as mutter a curse.

For the uninitiated, Joseph Lucas founded the company behind nearly all of the electrical components under the hood of hardware from jolly old England. His gear had a reputation for reliability that was about as spotless as a pair of polka dot socks. There’s a reason they say the company holds the world’s only patent on the short circuit.

Still, check engine lights are nothing new or special, even on a vehicle with 2,200 miles on the clock. We piled back out and the next day I got the pleasure of spending some time with the experts at Harper Jaguar. The problem stemmed from a faulty evaporation system sensor, and in no time the techs at the dealer had the XKR Convertible up and running again. There was much rejoicing.

Or at least there was until two days later, when the light reared its head once again. Having precious few days before having to leave town, I wasn’t interested in carving out any more time to have the vehicle addressed. I parked the cat in the driveway and defaulted to the familial fleet for the remainder of my transportation needs.

Jaguar’s current owner, Tata, inherited an entire British brand that was on its way up. From beautifully-styled XF, XJ and XK models to vastly improved reliability records, Jaguar is heads and shoulders above its old self. In fact, the automaker routinely scores well in J.D. Power and Associates surveys. Unfortunately, those scores are based largely on the company’s previous generation hardware, not the new kit that mostly fills Jag showrooms now.

Granted, the poor vehicles submitted to the vicious hands of the average automotive journalist endure acts banned by the Geneva Convention, but by and large, most automakers manage to serve up products that can at least manage three days without needing attention from a qualified service professional.

I can’t help but imagine what would happen if Kia, Toyota or Chrysler began cranking out vehicles with the kind of reliability woes that recent Jaguar models have come to be known for. Whereas the big cat is more or less given a pass for its luxury pedigree and history of foible-ridden vehicles, other brands are held to continuous scrutiny.

Having been completely wowed by an excellent interior and heavenly drivetrain, I’m more than a little soured by my run-in with the ghost of Lucas’ past. Until Jaguar can get its reliability house in order, I have to imagine there are better places to spend your $103,375. A nice house on a few dozen acres in Tennessee, perhaps…

[Source: autoblog]

2012 Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel

Jaguar has unveiled its most efficient engine yet in the form of a new 2.2-litre diesel unit.



Developing 190 PS and 332 lbs ft of torque, the new engine is capable of returning 52.3 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 149 g/km of CO2.



Making its debut on UK roads fitted to a prototype development vehicle, the new four-cylinder 16-valve common rail diesel engine displaces 2,179 cc and is installed in a north-south configuration for the first time. The new engine features a water-cooled turbocharger with low-friction pistons, new injectors and a new crankshaft. The new configuration allowed Jaguar engineers to add a new oil pan and new electronic systems affecting the crankshaft to allow the new intelligent Stop-Start system to operate more efficiently.



Intelligent Stop-Start aims to reduce the prolonged time spent in the shutdown and start-up phase usually experienced in such systems. The Jaguar system overcomes this partly through the inclusion of the new crankshaft sensor and fuel rail pressure holding system meaning the engine needs less time to restore drive through an innovative engine restart capability. This is best demonstrated when approaching a busy roundabout – in situations where the driver briefly brings the vehicle to a stop only to move off again quickly. In conventional systems the engine needs to shutdown completely before restarting again, leading to often frustrating delays. The Jaguar system is able to restart the engine while it's shifting down from as little as 400 rpm meaning it does not need to come to a stop – drive is therefore restored more efficiently.



The inclusion of the Stop-Start function is estimated to increase overall fuel efficiency between five and seven per cent.



Along with a new engine, the development vehicle debuts an advanced eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. With the seventh and eight ratios effectively acting as overdrive gears, the new gearbox allows the 2.2-litre engine to be optimised to deliver swift responses when required and effortless motorway cruising ability to ensure the ideal balance between efficiency and performance. The sprint to 62 mph takes 8.5 seconds before achieving a maximum speed of 140 mph.



The high levels of refinement expected of modern Jaguars are retained with engineers putting particular emphasis on sound deadening around the engine and bulkhead as well as active engine mounts to reduce vibration. The result is a 3dB reduction in cabin noise to make the car one of the most refined vehicles in its class.



The new powertrain will feature in a future Jaguar XF production car with specifications and an estimated on-sale date being announced at the New York Auto Show.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

At A Glance

1. The most powerful and fastest series production sports car Jaguar has ever built with a top speed of 300kph.

2. Heads the XK range with an expected on-the-road price of £97,000 when ordering opens in September.

3. The ultimate expression of Jaguar's sports car strategy; offering intelligent performance with everyday driveability.

4. Uprated supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R direct-injection engine produces 550PS and 680Nm of torque.

5. Maximum speed raised to 186mph (300kph) with 0-60mph reached in just 4.2 seconds.

6. The only car in its class to emit less than 300g/km of CO2.

7. Active sports exhaust delivers an authentic, race-car inspired soundtrack.

8. Exploits the XK's strong, lightweight advanced aluminium body architecture to maximise performance, agility and economy.

9. Bespoke suspension changes front and rear for ultimate precision, control and driver appeal.

10. Unique styling changes incorporate Computational Fluid Dynamics calculations in order to reduce lift and maximise aerodynamic stability.

11. Revised interior features 16-way adjustable memory sports seats with carbon-fibre effect leather.

12. Reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics allow the enthusiastic driver to explore the outer edges of the handling envelope.

13. Jaguar's performance flagship competes in the sub-exotic segment, new territory for the company.



Introduction



The XKR-S is not merely the quickest Jaguar ever but also the most agile, responsive and driver-focused. The pinnacle of the XK range builds on feedback gathered from the supercharged XKR and has been developed to extend the performance parameters of the car. This new harder-edged character allows the enthusiastic driver to explore the outer limits of the car's dynamics without losing the refinement and usability for which Jaguar is famous. The structural integrity of the lightweight aluminium platform allowed the suspension to be reworked with bespoke components for increased stiffness without a commensurate loss in either refinement or Jaguar's legendary ride comfort. A reworked aluminium front suspension knuckle and revised rear geometry are allied to stiffer springs and dampers, lightweight forged alloy wheels and recalibrated steering effort to minimise any response delays and produce a more connected and agile driving experience.



The performance of the XKR-S is reflected in both its interior and exterior styling, which feature exclusive new paint colours that reflect Jaguar's racing heritage. As with competition Jaguars of the past, the exterior of the XKR-S adheres to the principle of form following function. In addition to the styling changes and in order for it to achieve 300kph, the XKR-S was the subject of extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics development work. The resulting changes reduced front and rear lift by more than a quarter and optimised lateral aerodynamic stability.



The performance intent of the XKR-S is clear from the moment the driver enters the cabin thanks to new cosseting Performance seats with prominent shoulder wings for close support during hard cornering. The seats feature 16-way adjustment, memory and heating functions while a new three-spoke steering wheel provides the perfect interface between car and driver.



Styling



* Unique, new front-end design with twin nacelles, side intakes and carbon-fibre splitter.

* Extended side sills emphasising the 10mm lower ride height.

* New rear apron incorporating a carbon-fibre diffuser.

* Unique to the XKR-S is a rear wing with carbon-fibre centre section.



Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars: "The styling of this car isn't about image, it's about true performance. Like other iconic Jaguars before it, the styling has been driven by geometry and aerodynamics for genuine design purity. The physics required to achieve 300kph have led the aesthetic; if you don't like the way it looks, you probably won't like the way it drives either."



The first Jaguar designed entirely under the aegis of Design Director Ian Callum, the XK has received awards worldwide for its elegant appearance. Now further styling changes keep the XKR-S at the forefront of modern sports car design. Slimmer, LED headlights, more compact main air intake and vertical side power vent all contribute to a more purposeful front-end appearance. At the rear of the car the famous Jaguar 'Leaper' now takes pride of place in the centre of the bootlid.



The XKR-S also required aerodynamic modifications to achieve its 300kph top speed in the unruffled manner expected of a Jaguar and has been designed solely with an eye for purity of line and singularity of purpose. As the XKR-S approaches its top speed, there is a requirement to channel air cleanly over, around and under the car in order to maintain stability and ensure balanced downforce front and rear. An overall reduction in lift of 26 per cent has been achieved.



The necessary revisions were made after extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics work, proven through wind tunnel testing and are unique to this flagship of the XK range. The most dramatic changes have been applied to the front of the car, radically altering its appearance and lending it a more assertive look. A new bumper design features near vertical feature lines running down from the edges of the oval air intake and supporting the new carbon-fibre splitter and lower spoiler. At the extreme edges of the front fenders, vertical slots channel air down the sides of the car and along the wider sills for increased high-speed directional stability.



In order to balance front and rear lift, the XKR-S features a separate rear wing, a first for the XK range. This addition, with its carbon-fibre centre section, works in concert with the similarly constructed Venturi structure underneath the rear bumper.



The assertive new appearance of the XKR-S is subtly highlighted by some carefully chosen details exclusive to this model. Exterior trim is finished in gloss black, complemented by 20-inch Vulcan lightweight forged alloys in a dark technical finish.



The XKR-S is available in a range of five paint colours, two of which evoke Jaguar's competition heritage: Italian Racing Red and French Racing Blue.



Like the lining of a bespoke suit, the finishing touch is provided by the brake calipers, available in either red or gunmetal and emblazoned with the 'Jaguar' name.



Performance/Powertrain



* Third generation of the award-winning AJ-V8 all-aluminium powerplant with twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger.

* Revising the fuelling map boosts power and torque to 550PS and 680Nm.

* Spray-guided direct injection delivers precisely measured quantities of fuel into the cylinder heads at 150bar.

* Variable timing system on all four camshafts features actuation rates of more than 150 degrees per second.



Russ Varney, Chief Programme Engineer, XK: "With the XKR-S we have exploited the inherent capabilities of the aluminium architecture to its fullest extent to create a track-capable performance derivative extending all car's attributes and delivering an irresistible 'smile of satisfaction' response from the driver."



Astonishing engines have always formed the strongly beating heart of Jaguar's road and race cars from the record-setting straight-six in the XK120 to the smooth V12 that made the XJ12 the fastest four-door in the world when it was launched.



The AJ-V8 joined this illustrious list from the moment the first one was fired into life but in the XKR-S it is presented in its most potent form to date. Now in its third generation and with the addition of supercharging, the all-aluminium quad-cam powerplant delivers not only extreme performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT).



Fuel is delivered directly to the centre of the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 150bar by the centrally-mounted six-hole spray-guided injection system in order to maximise fuel-air mixing and improve responsiveness, particularly at low speeds. It has also allowed an increase in compression ratio from 9.1:1 to 9.5:1 to improve fuel economy while multiple injections reduce the warm up phase to increase catalyst efficiency and reduce emissions.



Each of the four camshafts features a variable timing system which rather than being controlled by oil pressure, are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by the movement of the intake and outlet valves, allowing for a smaller, more efficient oil pump to be fitted, further reducing fuel consumption. The VCT units respond up to three times faster than previously with actuation rates of more than 150 degrees per second at every point in the speed range, making this the most responsive engine Jaguar has ever built, with no gaps in its power delivery.



Like the car itself, the AJ-V8 features aluminium architecture with the high pressure die-cast lightweight block augmented by cast iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps which contribute to refinement to match its power. The four-valve cylinder heads are now constructed from recycled aluminium to reduce the environmental impact of engine manufacture.



Nestling in the 'V' of the cylinders is the Roots-type twin vortex supercharger and its two intercoolers that help provide the XKR-S with such urgent motive power. This sixth-generation forced induction unit is 20 per cent more thermodynamically efficient than its predecessor, while the intercoolers feature their own water-cooling circuit to reduce the temperature of the pressurised air to optimise power and efficiency.



The surfeit of power produced by this system meant that it was a relatively simple matter to liberate an extra 40PS and 55Nm over the standard XKR. Remapping the engine's fuelling characteristics and increasing exhaust gas flow through the use of an active exhaust system has lifted total output of the 5.0-litre V8 is now 550PS and 680Nm, making it the most powerful Jaguar road engine ever made and allowing the XKR-S to hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds and breach the magical 300kph barrier with ease.



The Performance active exhaust system that helps provide such spirited performance also produces a thrilling motorsport-inspired soundtrack to aurally reward the enthusiastic driver.



Handling



* Incredibly light and rigid with a kerb weight of 1753kg and torsional stiffness of 28,400N per degree

* New aluminium front knuckle increases stiffness by 0.13 Deg/kN

* Front and rear spring rates increased by 28 per cent

* New 20" Vulcan wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tyres reduce unsprung mass by 4.8kg

* Rewritten stability control software optimises the system for enthusiastic driving

* Jaguar High Performance Braking System fitted as standard



Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity: "This car encompasses everything a performance Jaguar should be; as capable, precise and thrilling on a wet Welsh B-road as it is at the Nürburgring. Every response delay has been minimised in order to give the car a more connected feel in the manner in which it steers, handles, stops and goes."



Jaguar pioneered the use of aluminium construction for series production cars, exploiting the metal's low mass and high tensile strength to maximise benefits in terms of performance, agility, fuel consumption and emissions.



The platform underpinning the XK range makes the car one of the lightest and most rigid in its class with a kerb weight of 1753kg and torsional stiffness of 28,400 Newtons per degree. This fundamental strength allowed Jaguar's Vehicle Integrity team, led by Mike Cross, to develop the dynamic attributes of the XKR-S to the full, without affecting refinement. Every Jaguar achieves an unrivalled mix of sporting appeal and luxurious comfort and the XKR-S is the most driver focused Jaguar ever made.



Taking the solid foundation of the aluminium architecture as a starting point, both front and rear suspension systems have been upgraded. The double wishbone front suspension has been comprehensively revised with a new aluminium steering knuckle that significantly increases camber and castor stiffness by 0.13 degrees per Kilonewton to transform the accuracy and weighting of the steering for greater levels of connection, feedback and precision. The Active Differential Control has been reprogrammed to reduce steering sensitivity at the very high speeds of which the car is capable, increasing stability and driver control.



Rear suspension geometry has been revised with rear wheel steer optimised for maximum agility while spring rates have been increased at both ends of the car by 28 per cent. Bespoke software for Jaguar's Adaptive Damping has been written for the XKR-S, ensuring both total body control and maximum traction and grip.



Wheel sizes have been increased with the unique lightweight forged Vulcan 20-inch alloys now having a width of nine inches at the front and 10.5-inches at the rear for greater precision and grip. The new wheels wear Pirelli P Zero tyres measuring 255/35 R20 at the front, 295/35 R20 at the rear. This combination has reduced overall unsprung mass by 4.8kg with a commensurate improvement in handling and dynamism.



The Dynamic Stability Control System has been reworked to maximise the benefit of these wider tyres. In Trac DSC mode this utilises specific traction, stability and eDiff settings to alter slip thresholds, differential torque distribution and intervention levels to allow the experienced driver to explore the outer edges of the performance and handling envelope.



The XKR-S is equipped as standard with Jaguar's High Performance Braking System. Lighter and more powerful, this features cast iron and part aluminium monobloc calipers for a combination of power, stability and feel. The brake discs – measuring 380mm at the front and 376mm at the rear – are internally ventilated to provide repeated, fade-free stopping power. In combination with pad surface increases of 44 per cent front and 31 per cent rear the system provides total security and confidence on both road and track. Stopping distance from 124mph has been improved by 2.7 per cent over the already impressive XKR.



The end result is a car that captures the essential duality that is a characteristic of every great Jaguar; capable of transporting the driver to the fabled Nürburgring in total comfort and hushed silence, and yet still able to deliver a sub-eight minute lap time and then return home with total ease.



Interior



The cabin of any Jaguar is always a uniquely special place in which to spend time and the XKR-S meets all expectations from the moment the driver enters to be greeted by the red Start button pulsing like a heartbeat. When pressed, the engine fires with an rich, deep reverberation and the Jaguar Drive Selector rises from the centre console as a point of first contact to begin the process of bonding man with machine.



The interior of the XKR-S has been subtly refreshed with a host of new trim materials including ebony soft-feel paint for the switches and gloss black finish to the centre console. The model will also be exclusively available with a Dark Linear Aluminium finish as an option to the wood veneers.



A new leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel has also been added, providing a beautiful, tactile interface between car and driver as do the bright, Jaguar-embossed, stainless steel pedals.



Exclusive to the XKR-S are the new Performance front seats with an integrated head restraints and increased lateral and squab support to hold driver and passenger securely and comfortably in place during the high speed cornering of which this car is capable. The 16-way adjustment of squab, cushion, lumbar and bolster elements is supplemented by memory and heating functions.



The sense of occasion offered when driving the XKR-S will be heightened by the new carbon leather accents covering the seats, featuring unique contrast micro-piping and stitching combinations in Reims Blue, Red and Ivory. Duotone combinations of Charcoal with Tan and Charcoal with Red are also available.

2010 Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Here's another feather for Jay Leno's cap. The Tonight Show host can officially say that he is one of only a handful of drivers to have slipped their way behind the wheel of the amazing Jaguar C-X75 concept from this year's Paris Motor Show. Penned by design guru Ian Callum, the supercar is as sexy as it is advanced. The vehicle gets its power from a quartet of electric motors that are good for 195 horsepower each. Throw in two small turbine engines for generating power and you've got one very unconventional extended-range hybrid.



The C-X75 was designed to celebrate the Leaping Cat's diamond anniversary, and as such, the company pulled all the stops. With a design that pulls from the most successful points in Jaguar history, the car is nothing short of gorgeous. Will it make it to production? We're not sure, but for the moment, you can hit the jump to watch Leno take it all in – and don't forget to watch for an appearance by Callum, too.

2011 Jaguar XKR Black Pack

Jaguar will unveil the latest dramatic evolution of its supercharged XKR coupe at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This XKR delivers a significantly raised maximum speed – up to 174mph from 155mph – and bold styling changes that create an evocative and unique supercharged Jaguar.



The XKR Coupe unveiled at Geneva showcases two new optional performance and styling packs – Speed Pack and Black Pack - that are introduced to the XK range at 2011 Model Year. Jaguar customers have the option to personalise their vehicle to create a car that offers even greater performance without compromising the refinement and luxury for which every Jaguar is renowned.



By raising the XKR’s maximum speed the new car has extended its sporting credentials taking it even further into supercar performance territory.



Russ Varney, Chief Programme Engineer, XK Series, explains the philosophy behind the uprated XKR: “With 510PS and 625Nm of torque, the XKR has immense reserves of power and acceleration which impress everyone who experience it. The car has always had the potential to reach speeds far beyond its original electronically limited maximum and many of our customers have expressed an interest in a car that can safely be driven faster where conditions permit. The new Speed Pack allows them to release some of that potential and give them control of the fastest Jaguar XK we’ve made to date.”



The XKR Coupe featured at the Geneva Show on 4th March 2010 pairs both the optional Speed and Black Packs to create the bold new model, which also sports optional Piano Black veneers on the dashboard and red brake callipers.



The XKR Speed Pack



The XKR Coupe with new optional Speed Pack allows customers to further strengthen their XKR’s already impressive breadth of capability, by extending the car’s top speed from 155mph (250km/h) to an electronically limited 174mph (280km/h) thanks to a unique engine and transmission recalibration.



To ensure the XKR with Speed Pack remains stable at high speeds, the coupe uses a revised front aerodynamic splitter and larger rear spoiler to provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR’s computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.



Every XKR with the Speed Pack will come with body-coloured side sills and rear diffuser, and a chrome finish to the window surrounds, upper and lower mesh grilles, side Power Vents and boot lid finisher. Red brake callipers with a Jaguar ‘R’ logo sit inside 20-inch Kasuga alloy wheels.



Customers who order the XKR Coupe with the Speed Pack will be offered a paint palette that is part of the Jaguar Designers’ Choice programme – a range of colours that have been specifically chosen to compliment the performance potential of the car. Seven colours are available on Speed Pack models – Ultimate Black, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Kyanite Blue and Spectrum Blue.



The XKR Speed and Black Pack



For customers looking to create a real statement with their Speed Pack XKR Coupe, the new optional Black Pack allows them to own a bold and purposeful Jaguar with undeniable visual impact thanks to menacing gloss black wheels and exterior detailing.



Available only with the Speed Pack, XKRs fitted with the Black Pack have a paint palette selected from colours that Jaguar’s Design team believe to be ideal for creating a coupe with immediate exclusivity. The Black Pack models will be available in Ultimate Black, Polaris White or Salsa Red and boast eye-catching 20-inch gloss black Kalimnos alloy wheels.



Further gloss black finishing is applied to the window surrounds and front grilles. Red painted brake callipers contrast strongly with the black alloy wheels, while body coloured front and rear spoilers and boot lid finisher round out the package. Customers also have the option to apply a sweeping ‘XKR’ side body graphic that runs along the door sills.



Jaguar’s Design Director, Ian Callum, says the new Black Pack is a fitting addition to the XKR: “While Jaguars are about beauty, they are also about speed and power. With the optional Black Pack you can now add a sense of drama and severity to that performance.”



In addition to the Black Pack’s exterior changes, the Jaguar Designers’ Choice programme has also selected a range of interior trims that support the visual impact of the car. All XKRs with the Black Pack will be trimmed with Charcoal leather hides that can be personalised with a range of colour stitching and grain. Three interior finishes and veneers for the fascia and door trims are also available – Dark Oak, Dark Mesh Aluminium and Piano Black.

Report: Jaguar passes on Bertone’s B99 concept

Italian design studio Bertone came to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show with the B99 concept, a design study for a prospective Jaguar rival to the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The sleek show car fostered rumors that perhaps Jaguar itself, which has been considering a successor to the discontinued X-Type, had commissioned Bertone to design the purple machine that graced the Geneva stage. According to new reports, however, Bertone was apparently on its own with this one.

Speaking with Jaguar’s global brand director Adrian Hallmark, Automotive News reports that the British automaker is passing on the concept car. “We appreciate the fact that Jaguar is interesting enough for people to do a concept around,” says Hallmark. “It is just not for us.”

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Jaguar XKR-S Sports Coupe

According to Jaguar, the new XKR-S is the most powerful and fastest mass production sports car the company has ever built. The hardest-looking version of the XK series gets an uprated supercharged V8 direct-injection engine churning out 550-ponies and 680Nm of torque, good enough to propel the sports coupe from 0 to 60 (96km/h) in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 186mph (300km/h). 

Following last week’s reveal at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Indian-owned British carmaker released the first footage of the sports coupe being put through its paces on the road as well as on the track. Unfortunately, Jaguar also covered the supercharged V8 engine’s howls with some annoying music beats… Watch the video for yourself right after the break.

Wallpapers Jaguar XKR-S Sports Coupe

Wallpapers Jaguar XKR-S Sports Coupe

Wallpapers Jaguar XKR-S Sports Coupe

Wallpapers Jaguar XKR-S Sports Coupe

Wallpapers Jaguar XKR-S Sports Coupe

Wallpapers Jaguar XKR-S Sports Coupe

Wallpapers Jaguar XKR-S Sports Coupe

Wallpapers Jaguar XKR-S Sports Coupe Interiour

Jaguar XKR, 2011

Jaguar XKR, 2011

The Jaguar XKR Special Edition combines a number of new features and option packs that are introduced to the XK range at 2011 Model Year. Jaguar customers have the option to personalise their vehicle by building on the existing Jaguar XKR package to deliver a car that offers even greater performance without sacrificing the refinement and luxury for which every Jaguar is renowned.

Introduced in 2009, the Jaguar XKR boasts a state-of-the-art 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R engine that delivers 510PS (510bhp SAE), 625Nm of torque and propels the coupe to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds. Now, in Special Edition guise, the Jaguar XKR's top speed climbs significantly from an electronically limited 155mph (250km/h) to 174mph (280km/h) thanks to the addition of the Speed Pack. Allied to that remarkable engine is an advanced six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddles, lightweight aluminium body structure and a range of computer-controlled systems including Active Differential Control and Adaptive Dynamics that ensure the supercharged car accelerates even faster, handles even more precisely and sets new standards of ride and comfort.

The benefits of the Jaguar XKR's lightweight but stiff and strong advanced all aluminium body are already acknowledged. Not only does this architecture bring dynamic benefits thanks to its torsional rigidity, it also offers excellent safety and crash repair features and provides the ideal base to improve performance across the board - including optimised fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Thanks to the combination of excellent powertrain efficiency and the Jaguar XKR's advanced lightweight body architecture, its fuel economy is comparable to the previous generation of Jaguar XKR - despite the significant increases in power and performance.
The new 2011 Jaguar XKR Special Edition consists of two new styling and performance packs - the Speed and Black Pack. Both are available to Jaguar XKR coupe customers separately and provide new levels of styling and performance for owners looking to further personalise their Jaguar.

The Jaguar XKR Speed Pack
The Jaguar XKR with new optional Speed Pack allows customers to further strengthen their XKR's already impressive breadth of capability, by extending the car's top speed from 155mph (250km/h) to an electronically limited 174mph (280km/h), thanks to a unique engine and transmission recalibration.
Every Jaguar XKR with the Speed Pack will come with body-coloured side sills and rear diffuser, and a chrome finish to the window surrounds, upper and lower mesh grilles, side Power Vents and boot lid finisher. Red brake callipers with a Jaguar 'R' logo sit inside 20-inch Kasuga alloy wheels.

The performance potential of the supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R engine comes courtesy of its highly advanced design. The all-aluminium four-cam power unit has 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, while also reducing emissions.

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

A sixth-generation, twin vortex system supercharger is fitted to the Jaguar XKR's 510PS engine. It is a compact Roots-type unit, feeding air through twin intercoolers, which in turn are water-cooled by their own discreet cooling circuit. The high helix rotor design improves the supercharger thermodynamic efficiency by more than 20 percent over its predecessor. It also improves noise quality to the point where the unit is virtually inaudible (making supercharger whine a thing of the past). The intercoolers reduce the temperature of the pressurised intake-air and so optimise power and efficiency. Mechanically, the new supercharger and its intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the 'V' of the engine to deliver a lower overall engine height in support of pedestrian safety requirements.

The charge cooling effects of the direct-injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the supercharged engine to increase from 9.1:1 to 9.5:1, further optimising fuel economy. During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and emissions reduction.

VCT units work independently on all four camshafts with 62 degrees of authority on the inlet cams and 50 degrees of authority on the exhaust cams. Timing is optimised by the engine control unit for torque, power and economy at every point in the engine's speed range. The new VCT units are capable of a response rate up to three times faster than in previous Jaguar engines, with actuation rates in excess of 150 degrees per second. This delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver's demand for power.

The Jaguar XKR Black Pack
For customers looking to create a real statement with their Jaguar XKR, the new optional Black Pack allows them to own a bold and purposeful Jaguar with undeniable visual impact thanks to menacing gloss black wheels and exterior detailing.

Like the Speed Pack, XKRs fitted with the Black Pack have a paint palette that is restricted to colours that Jaguar's Design team believe to be ideal for creating a coupe with immediate exclusivity. The Black Pack models will be available in Ultimate Black, Polaris White or Salsa Red and boast eye-catching 20-inch gloss black Kalimnos alloy wheels. Further gloss black finishing is applied to the window surrounds, front grilles and side Power Vents. Optional red painted brake callipers contrast strongly with the black alloy wheels, while body coloured front and rear spoilers and boot lid finisher round out the package. Customers also have the option to apply a sweeping 'XKR' side body graphic that runs along the door sills.

Jaguar's Design Director, Ian Callum, says the new Black Pack is a fitting addition to the Jaguar XKR: "While Jaguars are about beauty, they are also about speed and power. With the optional Black Pack you can now add a sense of drama and severity to that performance."

In addition to the Black Pack's exterior changes, the Jaguar Designers' Choice programme has also selected a range of interior trims that support the visual impact of the car. All XKRs with the Black Pack will be trimmed with Charcoal leather hides that can be personalised with a range of colour stitching and grain. Three interior finishes and veneers for the fascia and door trims are also available - Dark Oak, Dark Mesh Aluminium and Piano Black.

Whatever interior trim is selected, the Jaguar XKR's cabin is evidence of contemporary, sporting luxury, exceptional quality of craftsmanship, and Jaguar's renowned attention to detail. The interior is clean, elegant and spacious, and remains entirely in harmony with the sporting character of the revised exterior.

Jaguar XKR, 2010

Jaguar XKR, 2010

The new Jaguar XKR 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 level of advanced technologies, intuitive control and Jaguar's superbly crafted, new-fashioned luxury interiors.
All-new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-litre direct-injection engines bring significant improvements in power and torque and they do so without compromising fuel economy and emissions. In both respects, every model in the new XK range, in spite of such large performance and flexibility gains across the board, is comparable to their predecessors.
The impressive fuel economy for such powerful cars is 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' light weight, these advanced all-aluminium four-cam power units have 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, while also reducing emissions.

The Performance on a new level
In naturally aspirated form, the new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-litre engine delivers 385PS (SAE) and 380lb ft (515Nm) of torque - respectively 26 and 23 percent more than its 4.2-litre predecessor. The Jaguar XKR's supercharged 5.0-litre version delivers a mighty 510PS (510bhp SAE) and 461lb ft (625Nm) of torque - improvements of 23 and 12 percent respectively over the supercharged 4.2-litre engine.
On the road, while maximum speed remains under electronic control at 155mph (250kph), these power and torque gains allied to the lightweight aluminium body architecture of the XK dramatically improve acceleration times. For the naturally aspirated XK, 0-60mph is reduced to 5.2 seconds from 5.9 seconds (and 0-100kph from 6.2 to 5.5 seconds); for the supercharged Jaguar XKR, 0-60mph is reduced to 4.6 seconds from 4.9 (and 0-100kph to 4.8 seconds from 5.2).
The supercharged Jaguar XKR is also impressively efficient, with combined fuel economy of 23.0mpg and a CO2 rating of 292g/km - an improvement over the previous Jaguar XKR - and 16 and 17 percent better, respectively, than the equivalent figures for the BMW M6.
Crucially, however, the naturally aspirated 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 - seven percent better than the equivalent figures for the Mercedes-Benz SL500 thanks to its fuel efficient engine and significantly lower kerb weight: 1660kg compared to the SL500's 1845kg.

The Exterior design
Visible changes on the new XK and XKR reflect the significant changes under the skin. Carefully revised exteriors take the seductive, elegant lines that define Jaguar's new design language and interpret them for a beautiful 2+2 sports car whose shape is even more taut, powerful and athletic. Evoking the essence of performance long before it moves, the new XK family shape is unmistakably 'new-school' sporting Jaguar: wholly contemporary, finely sculpted, efficiently packaged and precisely detailed.
The exterior changes for the naturally aspirated XK models and the supercharged Jaguar XKR are highlighted by a distinctive and purposeful new front end design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. New LED rear light clusters incorporating fog lamps plus twin reversing lamps (rather than the previous single lamp units) give every new XK a unique 'night time signature', while LED technology is also included in the integrated side repeater and approach lamps in the new exterior mirrors. Every new XK also features revised body-coloured side power vents.

The Interior design
Contemporary, sporting luxury, exceptional quality of craftsmanship, and Jaguar's renowned attention to detail are the keynotes of the new XK range's enhanced interiors. The cabin is clean, elegant and spacious, and remains entirely in harmony with the sporting character of the revised exterior.
The luxury character of the new XK and XKR, however, is guaranteed, regardless of the customer's choice of body style - hard-topped coupe or fabric-roofed convertible. Both benefit from the inherent strength of Jaguar's lightweight aluminium architecture, which means that as well as being the lightest body structure in its class, the body shells also have the highest torsional strength. And that exceptional rigidity, with or without a fixed roof, means creak and rattle-free refinement, even on unforgiving surfaces.

Beyond that, the convertible's triple-lined fabric roof gives a level of fit and stability, even at very high speeds, that minimises wind noise and other road noise and includes a luxurious interior finish almost indistinguishable from a fixed roof. In addition, XK Portfolio and XKR models feature luxurious Jaguar Suedecloth headlinings as standard.
The folding roof can be powered up or down at the touch of a button in less than 18 seconds. And when it is lowered, the convertible's flush-folding roof retracts completely into the bodywork behind the rear seats, under a smooth cover that retains the elegant, sporting lines of the car. A roll-over protection system, which remains hidden unless it is needed, deploys instantaneously as necessary to provide occupants with the highest levels of protection in the event of an incident.
Many of the other changes emphasise high levels of Jaguar craftsmanship with new jewel-like touches. The three-spoke steering wheel now has a leather-wrapped lower spoke, and Jaguar's striking 'growler' badge. The new Jaguar XKR's instruments further emphasise its performance character with red pointers, while all models adopt a new white illumination for their instruments.
New heated and cooled front seats are standard equipment on the new XK Portfolio and on XKR with the optional R Performance interior (dependent on market), and available as an option on the XK. The XK features 10-way seat adjustability for both driver and passenger seats, with heating and memory functions as standard - while the Jaguar XKR seats have similar functions but with the unique R seat style. The XK Portfolio and XKR with the optional R Performance interior have 16-way adjustable seats with heating and memory functions, adjustable side bolsters and new cooled seats as standard.

The door casings are even more luxuriously crafted than before, with saddle-stitched lines and a new interlayer to give a softer touch to the top shoulder of the casing. The leather door pulls also introduce
twin-needle stitching and a soft-feel interlayer. In each door, the modified seat switch pack now includes single-piece chrome 'highlight' switches.
There is a wide choice of interior colour options, including a new combination for the XK Portfolio and XKR of Ivory seating with Oyster upper cabin trim and Oyster carpets. Bond grain leather is standard on the new XK interior, and an even higher quality soft-grain leather with contrast stitching is standard in the XK Portfolio and the new R Performance Jaguar XKR.

The most advanced Jaguar V8 engines ever
Since the first XK was launched in 1948, generations of powerful yet refined engines have played a crucial role in establishing the unique character and pedigree of Jaguar cars. Now, the new 5.0-litre V8 direct-injection engines continue that tradition, delivering increased power and torque with reduced emissions and impressive fuel economy. Available in two versions - the supercharged 510PS and naturally aspirated 385PS - the new AJ-V8 Gen III engines exemplify Jaguar's reputation for innovation and engineering excellence.

Light, robust and very strong
The new AJ-V8 engines are built around a stiff, all-new, aluminium block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. The blocks are high pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish and greater dimensional accuracy. The engines use aluminium heads, with four valves per cylinder and spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads for the first time are specified with a secondary (recycled) aluminium alloy thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.
The new 5.0-litre direct injection petrol engines are more compact than their predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced by 24mm by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture. This length reduction - apparently a small amount - improves engine bay packaging in support of enhanced safety cell performance while ensuring overall engine weight is virtually unchanged.

2005 Jaguar S-Type

The new S-TYPE also introduces a significantly improved interior, adding to the feel of contemporary luxury. A redesigned instrument pack emphasises the S-TYPE’s sporty character as well as presenting more information more clearly, and there is now a greater choice of colour and trim options. S-TYPE Sport and S-TYPE R models now have as standard a sporty aluminium facia finish. This style was made famous in Jaguar sports cars, such as the 1961 E-TYPE, but this is the first time that S-TYPE customers have been able to choose an interior without wood trim. Like the exterior, the new interior sees further improvements in material and build quality. Sporting luxury is the key-note here, in a cabin infused with Jaguar quality, from the cleverly engineered, driver-orientated ergonomics to the satisfying feel of the controls and trim. The new S-TYPE also offers an even broader catalogue of comfort and convenience features, from new wheel styles to advanced cruise control and parking aid options.



The range of petrol engines and transmissions is unchanged, but will be extended by the addition of an all-new diesel option in the middle of 2004. Petrol engine choices begin with Jaguar’s refined and efficient all-aluminium 2.5 and 3.0 litre V6s and also include both naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of the 4.2 litre V8 – the most powerful series production engine Jaguar has ever made. It is a range that offers everything, from the efficiency of the 2.5 litre V6, with its class-leading 201bhp (DIN) power output, 29.6mpg combined economy and low 229g/km CO2 rating, to the 155mph (and just 5.3sec from 0-60mph) performance of the supercharged 400bhp (DIN) S-TYPE R. Both versions of the 4.2 V8 are combined with Jaguar’s six-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard. Both V6s are available with either the six-speed automatic or a five-speed Getrag manual gearbox.



The new S-TYPE enhances Jaguar’s reputation for sporting character in a luxury saloon car. In 2002 the S-TYPE gained all-new front suspension and extensively revised rear suspension. The refined and sporty layout continues into the new S-TYPE, with a modified suspension including low friction ball joints and re-tuned dampers, providing improved ride and dynamics. Across the range the new S-TYPE features Servotronic variable-ratio power steering, powerful brakes with ABS anti-lock and Emergency Brake Assist, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control, all as standard equipment.



With the same underpinnings as its immediate predecessor, the new S-TYPE continues to deliver the outstandingly supple ride, taut body control and agile handling that are defining characteristics of Jaguar’s sporting chassis dynamics. Sports suspension with uprated springs and dampers is available as an option, as are 18-inch alloy wheels on all versions of the new S-TYPE.



“The suspension revisions to the new S-TYPE are subtle but significant making the car even more refined and comfortable. The steering is very connected, linear and positive. The driving dynamics overall are a combination of stability and sporting agility, which makes the S-TYPE very satisfying to drive.” Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar Cars.



The S-TYPE introduced the Electronic Parking Brake – an industry first in the executive segment – and that is now standard across all of the new S-TYPE range. Jaguar’s acclaimed Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), with electronically adjustable dampers for maximum control and comfort, is standard on the R model and optional on others.



A comprehensive armoury of safety features, from a strong bodyshell, through Electronic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control, to Jaguar’s innovative Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) is standard across the range. The new S-TYPE’s Category 1 Thatcham-approved security systems, including items such as automatic drive-away locking, are equally comprehensive. Together, the new S-TYPE’s safety and security features ensure very competitive insurance groupings.



The new S-TYPE holds further attractions for the rational buyer who expects strong value even from a luxury marque. From entry level to the top of the range, the Jaguar S-TYPE offers competitive pricing, in spite of richer standard feature specifications and extensive use of advanced technologies. It has competitive CO2 ratings, with the accompanying tax advantages for company car users, and strong residual values, making it attractive to user-chooser company car drivers who appreciate low whole-life costs as well as style. But crucially, while making so many gains, the new S-TYPE retains its unique and powerful Jaguar personality – a combination of bold, distinctive styling, sporting dynamics, outstanding comfort and refinement, and unrivalled emotional resonance. So the most captivating S-TYPE ever is also the most complete.

Jaguar XJ, 2010

Jaguar XJ, 2010

 

 

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 Jaguar 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 Jaguar XJ doesn't just look streamlined: it shares a drag coefficient of 0.29 with the Jaguar 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 Jaguar 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 Jaguar 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 Jaguar 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 Jaguar XJ delivers a driving experience that is just as memorable as the car's appearance. Benefitting from technologies pioneered on the exciting new Jaguar XFR and Jaguar XKR models, including continuously variable damping (Adaptive Dynamics), electronically controlled rear differential (Active Differential Control) and a quick ratio power-steering system, the new Jaguar 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 Jaguar 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 CONCEPT
The all-new Jaguar XJ's distinctive lines mark the next bold evolution of Jaguar's new design language. The striking elongated teardrop shape of the side window graphic establishes the car's streamlined profile, and is balanced by a dramatic lower swage line emanating from the front wheels that reinforces the vehicle's forward stance. The new Jaguar XJ's sleek lines are complemented by a taut waistline, which further accentuates the impression of length and elegance and creates a natural tension as it fades from the front arch into the middle section of the car before reappearing as a strong haunch towards the rear.

Bold, confident face
The face of the XJ is confident, with a wide front track and short overhangs contributing to the finely judged proportions. The nose of the car follows Jaguar's new design language, with a bold and assertive treatment: the powerful mesh grille and slim xenon headlamps creating a strong road presence.

The strong, muscular lower half of the car is contrasted with the slim and graceful quality of the roofline, which takes inspiration from the original 1968 XJ saloon. The wrap-around rear screen reduces the visual weight of the pillars, and gives the impression of an exotic 'floating' roof.

And the new Jaguar XJ doesn't just look sleek and streamlined: it is, alongside the XF, the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever. The car has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29, and, equally importantly, outstanding high-speed stability.

A key factor in achieving this highly efficient aerodynamic performance was the extensive use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to refine the shape long before the car ever saw a wind tunnel. Taking the process pioneered on the XF programme to a new level of sophistication, more than 400 detailed CFD studies were performed during the initial design phase.

Every area of the new Jaguar XJ - from the outer skin to the composite undertray to the fine grille meshes of the cooling system - was optimised using this process. Key areas included the profile of the rear decklid, which was engineered to ensure that the airflow was controlled without the need for a spoiler. As well as reduced drag and impressively low wind noise, the overall shape achieves aerodynamic loads that are carefully balanced between front and rear axles to ensure optimum handling balance and high-speed stability.

Dramatic LED lights
The rear end is notable for its pure, sculpted shape, with a conscious absence of unnecessary ornamentation. The sheet metal of the rear panel retains its pure form, with a single leaping Jaguar motif making a strong, confident statement. The LED light clusters wrap stylishly over the rear wings, and feature three dramatic red, vertical strips.

Architectural interior design
The overriding impression from the interior is a sense of personal space, a feeling enhanced by the clean, simple form of the leather-wrapped instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle. At the sides of the cabin, a bold architectural wood veneer sweeps forward from the doors to meet at the front of the car, emphasising the new Jaguar XJ's powerful, dynamic character. This linear, modern use of wood helps to create a truly welcoming environment.

The panoramic glass roof has been from the outset an integral part of the design concept of the all-new Jaguar XJ. It enables a lower, more streamlined roofline, and also dramatically enhances the feeling of light and space within the car. The roof's opening mechanism slides the glass upwards and outwards, so that headroom is never compromised. A dark tint and reflective coating prevent the interior from overheating under strong sunlight, while twin electric blinds provide another level of privacy and sun screening.

THE TECHNOLOGY
In keeping with its position as the ultimate Jaguar saloon, the all-new Jaguar XJ pioneers the use of advanced new technologies, driver displays and infotainment systems that set an exciting new benchmark within its segment.

As the driver is greeted by the signature Jaguar 'handshake' - the circular knurled aluminium rotary control of the JaguarDrive Selector™ rising into the driver's palm - stylish 3D animations materialise in the virtual instrument cluster and on the central Touch-screen, giving an immediate signal that the new Jaguar XJ takes a revolutionary approach to the way information is displayed in the vehicle.

Sophisticated virtual instrumentation
There is no physical instrument cluster display in the all-new Jaguar XJ. Instead, a 12.3-inch high-definition screen, which uses sophisticated - and beautifully detailed - virtual instruments, provides all of the functions performed by traditional dials. Jaguar's designers have also taken advantage of the freedom provided by virtual instrumentation to help prioritise the most useful information as well as creating a real sense of theatre for the driver.

As the XJ starts, three virtual dials build before your eyes: the centre dial houses a speedometer, flanked on the right by a rev counter and on the left by an information window with fuel and temperature gauges.

To maximise clarity, the display employs a 'spotlight' effect to highlight the areas showing the most important information, such as the current speed or engine revs. When required - for example, if fuel is running low, or the driver is selecting a radio station - the rev counter fades away to be temporarily replaced by the required warning message or menu.

The prioritisation goes to another level when the driver who is looking for even more sporting performance and handling selects the XJ's Dynamic mode. In this case, the dials assume a sporting red hue and feature a bold gear position indicator which glows red as you reach the rev limiter.