German Car Zone

Don`t know if it`s been posted before.



"An updated version of the current model, the 2010 XJ’s wheelbase will remain virtually identical, so improvements in space will come from mounting the rear seats lower. Major updates will be made to the dashboard, with a facia modelled on the XF’s.

Under the hood there will be a revised version of the 3.0-litre V6 and th top model, R, will be powered by a 500bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8. Hybrid version is also in the work. All engines are mated to Jaguar’s latest six-speed automatic box, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddles. The XJ will also have a new damping system similar to Audi’s Magnetic Ride."

Google Image Result for http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_460/car_photo_230274_5.jpg

---> Next Jaguar XJ

"The Big Cat is taking another radical leap forward – and in an amazing exclusive, Auto Express has the pictures to prove it!

Following hot on the heels of the XF, Jaguar’s S-Type replacement, the British firm is set to reveal an even more dramatic model in the shape of this new flagship, the XJ.

The newcomer has one aim – to beat the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class at their own game. And with gorgeous looks, a fabulous driving experience and Jaguar’s first-ever hybrid powerplant, the new XJ is set to propel the marque back to the top of the luxury saloon class.

Under the skin, the saloon will use an updated version of the current car’s aluminium chassis. The wheelbase will remain virtually identical, so improvements in space will come from mounting the rear seats lower – to give better headroom – as well as the use of sculpted front seatbacks, which boost legroom.

Major updates will be made to the dashboard, with a facia modelled on the XF’s. That means it will feature touchscreen displays, motion-sensing controls and Jaguar’s new DriveSelect rotating gear selector, which rises from the transmission tunnel when the ignition key is turned. As with the uncluttered exterior, the cabin will be simple, with high-quality woods and leathers, and plenty of cool blue mood lighting.

Key to the XJ’s appeal will be the fact it debuts Jaguar’s hybrid technology. This uses super-capacitors – small, high-power batter-ies – to boost engine performance, and includes advanced stop-start technology to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions of the entry-level 3.0-litre V6.

Every powerplant will be revised, though, with a flagship R model being fitted with a new 500bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8, while the 3.0 V6 petrol features a supercharger, too. The capacity of the current model’s twin-turbo V6 diesel is also set to increase from 2.7 litres to 3.0 litres.

All engines are mated to Jaguar’s latest six-speed automatic box, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddles. The XJ will also have a new damping system similar to Audi’s Magnetic Ride. This can react quickly to changes in road surface, and works with a stiffer body, wider track and revised suspension to give the Big Cat class-leading ride and handling.

The XJ is the latest example of Jag-uar’s product renaissance, and takes its styling cues from the XF. Now that car is finished – sales of the saloon kick off in March next year – the XJ is the brand’s most pressing project.

The current generation arrived in 2001, and although it’s still great to drive, improvements are needed to its engine range, cabin packaging and interior design. As you can see from our images, the XJ is facing a bright future. It draws on the C-XF concept, which was described by Jaguar as “a precursor to cars that will become recognised for their groundbreaking exteriors”, and the model is clearly the next step for the firm.

It has been designed under the guidance of Ian Callum – the man who penned the XK and the XF – and the flagship will get a recessed grille with striking twin-lamp LED headlights.

The bonnet is marked out by a central power bulge, but the most distinctive styling cue is the low roofline which, combined with minimal glass areas and a radical coupé-like profile, results in a long, low and menacing look. The production version will also get a panoramic glass roof. It’s widely known that Callum is a fan of the original Jaguar Mark X of the Sixties – and the new XJ takes inspiration from that classic model.

Expect to see a concept version of the XJ towards the end of next year, with sales starting in mid-2009.

Welcome ....: Hot News: 2010 Jaguar XJ

i fail to see what's so special about their rotary gear selector, it's a useless gimmick, and they are marketting it as the "sliced bread" of the 21st century
they should focus on more useful things, like making their gizmos on 4 wheels more car like

Or just making them drive good.

Authoritative minds have deemed the new XF an abject failure in the dynamics department.

The world still needs an XJ, but in Maserati Quatroporte numbers, not S-Class numbers, let alone A8 numbers.

if you consider clarckson and the guys at top gear authoritative, then you are wrong because the XF constantly beats the 5er for dynamics in their books
i am astounded that by simply changing the design of the gear selector from vertically linear to circular they think they have mastered the force!
the XJ will always be a very niche vehicle, it should not compete with the others it should be the eccentric alternative
Jaguar is not understanding the role it has and can play in the 21st century autmotive market dynamics

I think Jaguar's new custodians may though - Although it's hard to tell. Really, Jag would be a great botique brand in a large family, but as a "Big 4" A-tier luxury brand they will always fail.

Take my word for it - The XF is not the thrilling drive it aspires to be.

^
Agree!


so what do you guys think about the ps.. it`s a pretty radicle departure from the current one.

Part of me wants to see Jag split the baby and make two top-tier saloons - One that's the old-guard Scrooge Mc Duck-type car, and a ultra-modern supersedan in the same vein of the new XF.

But they don't really have the space, budget or volume to create a business case for the aforementioned, so I think they're headed in the right direction. I just think that direction leads them to be grossly overshadowed by BMW & Mercedes in the same department. Especially BMW - they've occupied the exact same styling ethos since the E65.

But there will always be people who want something than the 7ers that populate LA's highways like a blight, so I hope they cook up a winner.

Prediction: The new XJ's will be breathtaking, but also spioled by a singular detail - Just like the XK and the XF, whose headlights really let down the rest of the car.

That is a REALLY bad chop. I don't think Jag will make the mistake of making the XJ, look exactly like the XF...that would be a boneheaded move.

Spy Shots: 2011 Jaguar XJ saloon

Jaguar is well underway in the development of its next-generation XJ saloon, a car that’s expected to be launched in early 2010. Designers are focusing on alleviating many of the current car’s criticisms – namely the outdated styling and lack of engine options.

The modern aluminum chassis will carry over as well as a standard six-speed automatic transmission, however styling inspired by last year’s stunning C-XF Concept and a look that’s said to be more dramatic than the new XF will feature on the new generation XJ. A prototype mock-up with a completed interior was revealed to several dealers and potential customers last year. One source that saw the car described it as looking like the C-XF’s features had been draped over an Aston Martin Rapide.
This latest test-mule, residing under modified sheet metal of the current model, reveals that a wider track, dual tip exhaust system, and aggressive front end will appear on the new model. It will also retain the current car’s low stance but is expected to feature a more coupe-like profile. Other design elements are said to include a sloping windscreen that extends into the roof, a large square grille and tail-lights similar to those used on the Bentley Continental GT. High-tech features inside are said to include pressure sensing buttons, combined with backlit glass panels and the retracting transmission selector knob used in the XF.
Expect to see a 5.0L supercharged V8 engine in the range topping model as well as a midlevel 4.2L V8 and entry-level V6 also appear. A turbodiesel option will remain and there’s even the possibility that Jaguar could use the new XJ to debut its new hybrid technology currently being developed together with the UK government.

Hmm, i think it would be a vary big mistake to put such a big grille on the XJ. It is a very "thin" car and a big grille seems out of place