German Car Zone

Jaguar is working flat out on the development of its new XJ flagship – caught here heading back from the track to the company’s test facility on the perimeter of the Nurburgring in Germany. We’ve seen quite a few XJ mules in 2008 both in the UK and in Germany, but this is the first one caught undergoing new engine trials, indicating Jaguar’s rate of progress.

New engines – would that explain this XJ mule's rather ugly nose?
Yes indeed. What’s immediately apparent – apart from the car’s wider front and rear tracks, which we’ve already spotted on previous test mules – is this car’s modified air intake treatment, which in turn gives us important clues to how the face of the production XJ will look.

Details on the XJ’s powertrain line-up have been heavily guarded, but our sources say that as well as all-new versions of the Jaguar’s new-generation 5.0-litre V8 (both blown and naturally aspirated) and heavily revised versions of the bi-turbo 2.7-litre diesel, the company is also working on a forced induction 3.0-litre straight six.

With an estimated 300hp output, the new straight six is said to match the current 4.2-litre V8 engine but post far more wallet-friendly economy and emission figures.

What else is going on beneath all that black cladding?
Codenamed X351, the big Ian Cullum-designed Jaguar sits on a heavily revised version of the current XJ's all-aluminium chassis. Advances by the company’s material engineers will introduce more advanced bonding, riveting and laser welding of the chassis architecture.

Result? Engineering sources we've spoken to vow it will create an exceptionally light and stiff body, with the associated dynamic and economy benefits.

So what will the new 2010 XJ look like?
Insiders claim the new XJ will take the radicalism of the recent XF and turn it up even further with a rakish roofline, letter-box glasshouse and kicked-up rear end that’s more Aston Martin Rapide than the current traditional clubby saloon.

Expect the XF’s rectangular grille to reappear, flanked by LED active headlamps and complemented by current motifs like the side scallops and thin wrap-around tail lamps. The new XJ will have its own distinctive character – unmistakably Jaguar, but very different to the XF, in other words.


Full Article:


Jaguar XJ (2010): new spy photos | Secret New Cars | Car Magazine Online


IMO, this thread should be a sticky.


M

It is now.

It might look like a four-door tank, but underneath the heavy camouflage is Jaguar’s all-new XJ! And while these exclusive spy shots give little away about how the car will shape up, it promises to be the most radically different incarnation ever of Jag’s flagship saloon.

Ian Callum, the firm’s design Director has revealed that due to lower-selling volumes than the XF , it can afford to be even bolder with the next XJ’s styling. It’s expected mimick the Mercedes CLS by taking the shape of a four-door coupe but with trademark Jaguar design elements - as our exclusive renderings show.

Sitting on an modified version of the existing XF’s all-aluminium platform the newcomer, codenamed the X351, is due to break cover in Spring 2011.


Jaguar XJ | Spy Shots | News | Auto Express


Can't really tell much yet?

M

Man that car is gonna face some nuclear rivals,in 2010 here comes the FL S along the all new A8 and the new 7er.Jag better be serious about this one or it'll be the laughing stock of the upper segment.

Oh snap, that's some mad camo, seem like the rear is going to be somewhat coupe shaped which is why they have concealed it to heavily. The XF has been very successful and I'm confident that this one will be able to rivals the germans as well.

^You know seriously the XF can't even beat the current gen of E/5 and A6 let alone the new gen due next year.

I really think the new XJ will suffer the same fate or even worse coz it'll have a brand German executives premiering at the same.

The XF can't beat the German rivals in what? Sales numbers? I don't think they're delusional to think they can achieve that. But in other aspects it does give the German rivals a run for their money.

^No it doesn't,the car doesn't offer any real world advantage over the Germans,no ground breaking tech or safety systems.Nothing and i mean nothing is there that one can talk about.

Even if it doesn't have ground breaking innovations, I would still buy the XF over its German rivals just for the looks.
Hopefully the new XJ will follow the lead.

Tarek, so you mean some advantage that can easily be written on a spec sheet? Like better engine, chassis stiffness or power to weight ratio? Those are nice, but ultimately not what makes a total driving experience. I'd have to say, apart from the seats and a few other minor details, the interior of the XF trumps the German rivals. And the exterior is easily the best in class (if you forgive the front lights). Riding comfort is on par with the Merc E-class, yet it offers a more sporty note, close enough to BMW 5er. And it comes with more standard equipment. To spec the german rivals to a Premium Luxury trim, you really need to tick quite a few options boxes (and add quite a lot to the price).