Hot news for 2010: In all instances of anything Jaguar, except the base XF sedan, the 4.2-liter V8 has been replaced by a 5.0-liter V8. ¥ New XJ banishes the past with hot new looks in regular- and extended-wheelbase models. ¥ XFR makes its high-performance debut with a 510-horsepower supercharged V8. ¥ XKR comes in for a mid-cycle refresh and new engines.
Carryover: XK; XF
Gone: None
n When Tata of india acquired Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford, we wondered what might happen to these historic British brands. So far, the answer is nothing but good things.
The new entry-level XF, which replaced the S-Type, is basking in solid reviews and the sumptuous XK, which comes in for some visual updating this season, is not only gorgeous, but a total blast to drive. In most cases this year, the aging 4.2-liter naturally aspirated and supercharged V8s have been replaced with 5.0-liter V8s, with as much as 510 horsepower.
Traditionally, Jaguar has gone the traditionalist way with the XJ and that’s what we half expected with the 2010 redesign. But when we first saw the new Jaguar XF a couple of years ago, we really had no idea that it would be a taste of things to come with the bigger and cushier top-end XJ, too.
The new car banishes traditional Jaguar styling with a shape that, while not exactly ground-breaking, exudes a mix of class, luxury and athleticism. Once again, aluminum (50 percent is recycled aluminum) plays a big part in the XJ’s design chassis design, since excessive weight negatively affects acceleration, agility and fuel economy.
The XJ actually weighs less than a Ford Mustang GT500. The new XJ retains its front-engine, rear-drive layout - no all-wheel-drive is offered yet - and comes in regular- and extended-length versions with five more inches of rear legroom. Just as new as the platform is the base 385-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 that replaces the 300-horsepower 4.2-liter V8.
There are also two supercharged versions of the 5.0 - rated at 470 and 510 horsepower - that replace last year’s 400-horsepower supercharged 4.2-liter V8. The new engines definitely put the XJ near the top of the class in terms of performance, with Mercedes-Benz being the only brand with a clearcut edge in power. Backing all engines is a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Regardless of XJ model, loyal Jag buyers will continue to discover a cozy interior trimmed with wood and soft leather interlaced with the latest technology as well as a panoramic sunroof.
All XJ models receive an air suspension, the ride quality of which is influenced by computer-controlled shock absorbers that constantly adapt to road conditions. There’s obviously plenty of features and options, such as a 1,200-watt Bowers and Wilkins audio system, but most interesting is the Supersport - long or short wheelbase - model that gets the 510-horsepower engine and can only be had as a custom order.
That is to say there likely won’t be any laying around the dealer lot for a demo drive.
Base prices (incl. destination)
XF: Full-sized sedan; $52,000
XJ: Full-sized sedan; $72,500
XK: Two-door coupe/roadster; $83,000;
$89,000 (roadster)
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