The XF has actually done pretty well in tests against the Germans. It has even ended up on top in a few of them. The cat is definitely back. Unlike in the 90s Jaguar is finally manufacturing cars that are sexy, offer good quality and don't leak oil. Sure it won't beat the Germans but it will be a good alternative like the LS. On the other hand it will be completely demolished when the new S arrives in 3-4 years

Death Race anyone?

I really hope the camo is still too heavy to judge, bacause I already see some detalis that i don't like:
- the front lights seem to be made out of one piece, meaning the four ovals are gone!
- The rear is -just like the XF's- too high for a typical Jaguar.

This is one of the very few cases where I want the designers of a certain model to be conservative and provide us with a heavy face-lift, not a completely new design!

Don't you think that Jaguar has played it conservative for the too long. Although still gorgeous the XJ has been heavily facelifted for the past 20 years. The four ovals will still be incorporated in the head light clusters.

I think Jaguar did a terrific job reinventing the brand with the XF. Just like with previous models, it's seductive and you look at it like a sex object. Huge make over that managed to carry on the typical Jaguar characteristics. Yes the ass is mad high but carried out right it's not an issue. The sleek and famous British silhouette is dying and I'd be surprised if Bentley won't be abandoning it with the new Arnage too. If it inherits the C-XF concept's main design elements I think the new XJ can turn out to be a very striking car.

the sad truth is that many manufactureres and design studios aren't abandoning some of there typical characteristics following trends, but they are forced to do that due to some redicoluous reguöations and laws that are starting to define the looks of cars. As a matter of fact we are entering a dark age of car design - some designers think that we did 20 years ago.
We as students still have the freedom to cut our imaginations loose but at the same time we learn what the real world will be bringing us.
lots of great ideas and innovative forms get lost on the way between the papaer and the 3d model. sad but true!

And I think that traditional marqus like the british ones are suffering the most from these new laws. the high rear or the fat front bumper -as for the current XJ Facelift- are some of the results.

As for the headlights: I'm sure they will be reinterpreting the four ovals behing the glass, but come on.. almost every manufacturer is putting two ovals behind the glass these days. separate ovals are the more elegant and probabely the more "daring" solution.

True, regulations now have a direct influence on what cars look like, most notably the pedestrian safety and dumbo ear regulations. So manufacturers have to get clever in order to prevent their cars from looking like mishapes.

I got to disagree. I am big fan of the German executives (esp. a dark blue 535i with the Sports package ) but given the choice (and money), i would go with the XF. It has the right blend of luxury and sportiness. The interior is absolutely quality and unique.

Also don't take my word for it....

Luxury Sport Sedan - Comparison - Motor Trend
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The XJ's have been praised for their ride quality and handling, their sore spot was their design. While decidedly unique, it was long in the tooth and antiquated. If done right, it'll be an absolute stunner and competitve, if not in volume, but content and design. And from the recent pics, the new XJ has immense potential. Now if we can get this pesky economy going in the right path.....