Jaguar XJ 2010 News

The gimbal-like qualities of chooks' bodies and heads were recently used by German carmaker Mercedes-Benz to highlight its flagship S-Class model's 'Magic Body Control' in a slightly bizarre but entertaining ad. The commercial aimed to show how the S-Class's high-tech arsenal of sensors and cameras monitored the road surface ahead and automatically adjusted the suspension to keep the ride smooth and silky. Watch the desktop version of the Jaguar chicken ad here. Jaguar found the chicken motif too good a target to resist, and have fired a returning salvo in their own ad wobbling a chicken around ... "see -- it's just like a Mercedes," the Jaguar boffin says. Then he pits the fowl against a jaguar. Things go exactly as you'd think, which is essentially not at all a happy ending for the poultry. Watch the Mercedes-Benz chicken ad here. "We prefer cat-like reflexes," Jaguar tells us -- hinting the luxury S-Class might be a bit short on sportiness, but without highlighting any particular car. Although the tagline 'Good to be bad' is one being used in the US for the new F-Type. We're hoping that over in Germany they're going to come up with an equally amusing response. This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott    

While the Jaguar XJ is one of the best looking offerings in its class, its avant-garde styling has come at a cost. The sloping roof may give the XJ a sleek look but it has come at the cost of space for rear-seat passengers. Jaguar remains divided on whether to stick with this dramatic look for the next generation of its flagship sedan or switch to a conventional three-box shape that maximizes interior space. According to Edmunds, Jaguar’s solution is to go with both options; that is, to build two distinct versions of the next XJ. The reason behind the decision is said to be the divergent tastes in Jaguar's global markets, particularly between those of China and the US. In China, it’s common for luxury sedan owners to ride along in the back seat and have a chauffeur deal with the driving duties. It’s because of this reason that rear-seat space is crucial. In the US., it’s the dramatic, almost fastback look that makes the XJ stand out, and returning to the rather dull look of the previous-generation XJ is unlikely to be a popular move among Jaguar’s ranks. Not much else is known about the next XJ, though Jaguar has previewed a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that is expected to feature in the car. A lightweight aluminum chassis will remain, and combined with the hybrid system could see the new luxury sedan return a fuel economy in excess of 70 mpg.

Jaguar's capacity reduction program matches similar moves made by Audi and Mercedes-Benz - and even Ford with its Falcon EcoBoost - and aims to reduce fuel consumption while matching the performance of bigger engines. In fact, the new supercharged V6 in the XF is 14 per cent more fuel efficient than the 5-litre V8 it replaces. This V6 will also be used in next year's F-Type. New from November is a 2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a 3-litre V6 supercharged petrol for the mid-size XF and luxury XJ. The small-bore four is a new addition but the 177kW/450Nm blown V6 replaces the existing normally-aspirated 3-litre V6. The new V6 will also replace the 5-litre V8 - which gets dumped - in the XF but will become an addition to the engine options in the XJ. All come here with stop-start systems and eight-speed automatic transmissions. Jaguar will slot the XF's 2-litre four into the XJ primarily for the Chinese market - though some may be available in Europe - but there are no plans for this combination to reach Australia. Jaguar Australia brand manager Kevin Goult says the new turbo-four and blown V6 will debut at the Sydney motor show in October and expects them on the showroom floor by early November. "Cosmetically, the XF and XJ will remain the same,'' he says. He's not giving away pricing however one expects the V6 supercharged in the XJ to come in at about the same price as the existing V8, which has a drive-away sticker of $195,000. The same V6 in the XF should about match the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel version at about $79,000. Prices will be confirmed by Jaguar at the Sydney show. Jaguar's XF petrol engine line up in Australia come November will be the 177kW/340Nm 2-litre turbo-four; 250kW/450Nm 3-litre supercharged V6; and the 5-litre supercharged V8 in two output versions. Turbo-diesels are the 147kW/450Nm 2.2-litre and 202kW/600Nm 3-litre V6. The XJ petrol engines are the supercharged V6; 283kW/515Nm 5-litre V8; and the 346kW/575Nm and 375kW/625Nm versions of the supercharged 5-litre V8. There's also a 202kW/600Nm V6 turbo-diesel. Fuel consumption of the new four and V6 are claimed to average 8.9 L/100km and 9.4 L/100km  respectively in the XF. Jaguar's aluminium XJ models will also pick up the tauter and more sophisticated suspension previously available only on the XJ Ultimate model. The suspension features re-calibrated spring and damper tuning with remapped damper software to ``enhance'' - Jaguar's words - passenger comfort. The Portfolio and Supersport XJ models will come with an upgraded 825W Meridian DAB audio with 20 speakers. It will be optional on other models.  

And it’s doing duty in the one place where you wouldn’t mind waiting for a taxi. The Jaguar move echoes the BMW ‘Ring Taxi that runs from April to October – and this year updates to the F10 BMW M5 – offering hot laps of the Nurburgring. Ring queen and BBC Top Gear star guest Sabine Schmitz used to be among the BMW drivers, but the wheel is now taken by BMW Driving Experience instructors.  The BMW M5 Ring Taxis carry a 418kW/681Nm bi-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The M5 claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 305km/h with the optional hi-po package. That kind of performance cred makes the long-wheelbase limo XJ seem a strange starting point for the Jaguar Ring taxi, but that’s exactly the point, according to the Brit brand. "We found it's the XJ Supersport that most often surprises journalists with its speed simply because they perceive it to be a large luxury car,” global head of communications Frank Klaas says. “The XJ is both those things, of course, but its aluminium architecture means it's rigid and lightweight too, which make it a very good car on track. To underline that fact, our engineering team created this special Nürburgring taxi version in which our trained drivers can safely take passengers on very hot laps." The Jaguar Supersport Ring taxi is fitted with the optional Sport and Vmax Speed packs, which add aerodynamic kit, bigger wheels and brakes – and tuning for the 375kW/625Nm engine that raises the top speed from 250km/h to 280km/h. Taaaaxi!  

Hot on the heels of its first Australian deliveries in August, the new XJ will be front and centre at the Jaguar stand at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.  There are no less than eight different variants of this impressively exclusive car to chose from – with three engines, two wheelbase options and four different trim levels on the menu.This car is a potent mix of refinement and performance. At the top of the range is a new 5.0-litre supercharged V8 pumping out a brain-bending 375kW and 625Nm in the ‘Supersport’ models.One step back in the range is the ‘Portfolio’, which is available either with a de-tuned version of the same supercharged V8 making 346kW and 575Nm, or a normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 with 283kW and 515Nm. This ‘atmo’ engine is also available in the ‘Premium Luxury’ specification, together with a six-cylinder diesel that’s also a powerhouse with 202kW and an absolute mountain of torque from just 2000rpm – all 600Nm of it.Top speed on all XJs is electronically limited to ‘just’ 250km/h.  An innovative panoramic glass roof is integral to the XJ’s design. It makes the car appear even sleeker, and enhances the impression of light and space from within.The roof caps off Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium body shell.  Inside the car, advanced technology permeates the stunning cabin space.There is a breathtaking 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instrument cluster and an eight-inch touchscreen that can project DVD movie vision or television to the passengers at the same time as the driver is viewing satellite navigation guidance instructions, or using the screen to review other vehicle functions.A top-of-the-range 1200-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround audio system, standard on Portfolio and Supersport models, offers audio quality that’s up there with the best home theatre systems.  The XJ features rear air suspension, continuously variable damping control, active differential control and quick ratio power steering to deliver the kind of refined, responsive ride and handling for which Jaguar is world-remowned.Long-wheelbase XJs – a variation available in Premium Luxury and Supersport XJs – allow rear passengers really to stretch out thanks to an additional 125mm of rear legroom.  And, for those unaccustomed to travelling light, the boot space is cavernous. Regardless of which wheelbase you elect, the XJ’s boot can accommodate two of even the largest suitcases – side-by-side.

For Jaguar, the 120 gram per kilometre CO2 fleet limit that becomes effective from January 1, 2012 will be difficult but – thanks to the diesel and micro-hybrid models of sister company Land Rover – not impossible. But that hasn't stopped Jaguar developing its own low-emission answers. At the launch this week of the Jaguar XJ, project chief engineer Andy Dobson said trials were continuing on a new XJ car with a three-cylinder petrol engine driving a generator that powers electric motors. Mr Dobson said hybrid Jaguars would be the first low-emission models to be launched and expected delivery in 2012. "We see a better future in starting with hybrids and perhaps later into full electric cars," he said. "I don’t see hydrogen or ethanol as being fuels with the best answers. But a move into stop-start technology, hybrid technology and electric vehicles offer better solutions for us." Jaguar sees itself as already making inroads into reducing fuel use and CO2 emissions by using the light weight benefits of an all-alloy construction in its latest XJ saloon. It has not dismissed using the same body material for the next generation XF model which is currently predominantly made of steel. Mr Dobson said Jaguar was using expertise for its electric and hybrid future both from in-house development and through aligning itself with specialist suppliers. Now owned by Tata of India, Jaguar can no longer use the technology of its former owner, Ford.

The Jaguar saloon, priced from $198,000, aims to hit hard at the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Australian market after crunching its rivals on the UK and China showroom floors. Jaguar Australia boss Kevin Goult says he wants 120 sales in 2011 and expects the six months left in 2010 to attract at least 60 buyers. The first Australian delivery is later this month. In Jaguar’s 75th year, the XJ appears as a fluid extension of designer Ian Callum’s 2009 Jaguar XF model – despite the XJ being penned before the XF – and so presents as an extremely attractive car that shines over the more masculine shape of the 7-Series. "We are getting a lot of interest from existing Jaguar owners but more importantly, a very big audience from BMW, Audi and Mercedes drivers," Goult says. "I expect it to reproduce the success, but on a slightly smaller scale, of that in Britain and China." While its bread-and-butter rivals include the BMW and Mercedes, Jaguar believes the high-performance 375kW Supersports will also appeal to buyers also looking at the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and Maserati Quattroporte. Goult says one of the XJ's biggest attractions is its ability to be customised. "Even the badge at the centre of the cabin's dash, can be individualised to be inscribed with your name, your wife's name... anybody’s name,"’ he says. "The version shown at the car’s launch this week on the Gold Coast had designer Ian Callum's signature. You can have what you want. It's your car." DRIVETRAINS The XJ initially arrives with three engines and will be boosted later in the year with the awesome Supersports 375kW/625Nm supercharged 5-litre V8. There is also talk of the XF’s 3-litre V6 petrol coming later as Jaguar prepares this engine for the diesel-hating US market. The three engines for Australia now are the 202kW/600Nm 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel; 283kW/515Nm 5-litre V8; and low-boost supercharged 5-litre V8 with 346kW and 575Nm. The engines all mate to ZF six-speed automatics with three driver modes and steering column-mounted paddle shifters. Jaguar then bolts these drivetrain choices into standard 3032mm wheelbase and long wheelbase (3157mm) aluminium bodies that weigh as little as 1755kg – a far cry from many of its steel-bodies rivals and remarkably around the same weight as its sister XF models. JAGUAR XJ AT A GLANCE Pricing V6 turbo-diesel Premium Luxury SWB $198,800 V6 turbo-diesel Premium Luxury LWB $206,800 V8 petrol Premium Luxury SWB $251,000 V8 petrol Premium Luxury LWB $259,000 V8 petrol Portfolio SWB $274,000 V8 supercharged Portfolio SWB $311,000 V8 supercharged Supersport SWB $354,800 V8 supercharged Supersport LWB $367,000. Standard features Cruise control Dual-zone climatic airconditioning 600Watt 1-CD/iPod 12-speaker audio Bi-xenon headlights with washers Heated front and rear glass Rain-sensing wipers Metallic paint Rear park sensors/camera Electric boot open/close Panoramic glass roof Keyless entry/start Virtual instrumentation Interactive voice command, Bluetooth Leather upholstery. Optional 1200-Watt Bowers & Wilkins 20-speaker audio Active ventilated front/rear seats Adaptive cruise control. Specifications Body: four-door aluminium/magnesium saloonEngines: 3-litre V6 202kW/600Nm bi-turbodiesel; 5-litre 283kW/515Nm petrol V8; 5-litre 346kW/575Nm supercharged petrol V8; 375kW/625Nm supercharged petrol V8 SupersportTransmission: 6-speed ZF automatic; steering column paddles; three-modesFuel economy: 7.0 l/100km (diesel); 11.3 l/100km (V8); 12.1 /100km (supercharged V8)0-100km/h: 6.4sec (diesel); 5.7sec (V8); 5.2sec (s/c V8); 4.9sec (Supersport)Dimensions: length: 5122mm (SWB), 5247mm (LWB), width: 2110mm (inc mirrors), height: 1448mm, wheelbase: 3032mm (SWB); 3157mm (LWB)Weight: 1796kg (diesel SWB); 1755kg (V8 SWB); 1892kg (s/c V8); 1915kg (V8 Supersport LWB)

Three newcomers a week is way beyond the normal rate, even in a car world where 100-plus newcomers - everything from a facelift tweak to a full body change - hit showrooms each year.  Things were a bit quiet through March and April, but when the calendar flicked across to May the ships started landing with fresh new metal to tantalise anyone with a taste for something new in the driveway.Everyone in the car business knows fresh metal is the best way to lure buyers into showrooms and, with demand running at near-record levels, the conversion rate right now is massive.Hyundai is doing huge business and this week it has the successor to the Sonata - now with a trendoid i45 badge on the boot to try and break the dowdy Sonata pattern - with the tiny Euro-focus i20 in June.  We are also getting a first serious look at the Toyota Rukus, the first move in a plan to win Gen-Y buyers to the world's biggest brand, and Skoda has the station wagon stretch on its latest Superb.  Did I mention we're also having a first fang in the Porsche 911 GT3 RS at Phillip Island this week?The real problem with so much new stuff is finding the space inside a weekly Carsguide. In today's edition we still have to clear the impressive new Suzuki Kizashi and the classy BMW 5 Series before we can move on to the next round.  The other good news is that the cars we are seeing are all potential contenders for the Carsguide Car of the Year award.The Volkswagen Polo has already set the bar but the Kizashi will make the finals and so should the 5 Series. Later in the year we know Holden will have a VE Series II with star potential, Benz is about to uncork its Gullwing SLS, and the Jaguar XJ will arrive to take the British brand in a new direction.And that 911 RS? Not a COTY contender, but only because it is far too narrow focussed with a scorecard that reads 100 per cent for thrills and pace but closer to zero for value and people carrying potential.Follow Paul Gover on Twitter!

He was such a big, big man, and it took a disgusting cancer to finally end his drive.  But there is no sign of Polites' decline as I drive his last car, the   wonderful Jaguar XJ.We have many reasons to thank Polites - from his incredible ability to force the Ford Territory through the blue oval boardroom in Detroit to a renewed commitment to V8 Supercar racing in Australia. The Territory is struggling a bit now, and it has taken new boss Marin Burela to get the race program back on the Polites track, but he did wonderful work in his time in the corner office at Broadmeadows.When Polites was pulled upstairs in Europe he also did a lot of good stuff for Jaguar Land Rover that is credited to other people. "I'm happy to sit in the background. They need British heroes, not some Aussie know-it-all," Polites once told me in his office in the UK. He figured his job was to find the money, and provide the inspiration, then let the experts get on with the job.Besides, he still had to keep track of the Australian cricket team - his dog, The Don, was named after Bradman - and finding things to read during interminable chemotherapy sessions. Polites ram-rodded the make-or-break XF Jaguar through the Ford system, even forcing chief designer Ian Callum to go harder on the motor show tease created to get people ready for the radical new Jaguar look.The production car is good, but Polites knew the show car needed more. And that was the thing about Geoff Polites - he just knew. He knew JLR needed new owners and he was the one behind the deal with India's Ratan Tata. One of the things Polites knew was that Jaguar's flagship XJ had to change radically for the 21st century. He pushed Callum again, and the rest of the team, and this week I can see and feel and enjoy the work he put into the XJ.In a quiet moment, I ask Callum - a friend since the days when he did bodywork and wheels for Holden Special Vehicles as part of Tom Walkinshaw's team - about the car. He is happy to give credit where it   belongs, with Polites. "Yes, it's Geoff's car. It would not have happened without him," Callum says. "He bullied it through. I think he would have liked it." I know he would.Follow Paul Gover on Twitter!

Since cars all deliver on the same basic promise of personal mobility, and many vehicles do it with incredible value and panache, good design can often make the difference between buying and losing.Ian Callum knows it and, after more than four decades of top-class design work on everything from HSV Holdens to Volvos, Aston Martins and now Jaguars, he is the right man to be talking. "This is a time of car design. It's not just styling any more. You really have to understand design, and the elements that make up a good design," Callum says. "We're also seeing a lot of change in the automotive world. The make-up of cars is changing. Designers are going to have an incredible influence."Callum has revolutionised Jaguar design over the past 10 years and just visited Australia to showcase his all-new XJ flagship, which steps right away from anything which has previously worn the brand's leaper mascot. "I didn't want to be a slave to heritage," he says simply.Callum believes good design is simple but incredibly difficult, elegant and timeless, but also challenging and filled with tiny little details. He is rare among designers because he backs his promises with commitment and talent, and is also happy to give an opinion.So, then, how does he judge the work from some of his rivals? Surprisingly, Callum is happy to go on the record with a simple tick-or-cross verdict on the latest designs in showrooms.Here are his ratings: Aston Martin Rapide - tickAudi A5 - tickBMW GT - two crossesBMW X6 - crossFerrari F458 Italia - tickHSV EII Commodore - tickLexus LFA - tickMercedes E-Class - crossMercedes SLS Gullwing - crossNissan GT-R - crossPorsche Panamera - crossRolls-Royce Ghost - tickToyota Prius - tickVolkswagen Golf - tick