Jag design chief promises a bolder, hipper XJ
Ace crayon wielder Ian Callum says the leaping cat's new flagship will finally be a worthy image leader for the venerable marqueJaguar's crucial new XJ flagship makes its world debut on July 9 and, as part of the pre-release build-up, the leaping cat has posted a video that provides a couple of shadowy glimpses of the car.
Design chief Ian Callum, who features in the video (click here to see it), has promised an altogether bolder, more cutting edge design for the new-age sedan -- codenamed X351 -- than is the case with the technically advanced but stylistically frumpy current-gen aluminium-bodied XJ.
The few glimpses (and spy shots) thus far available of the new car provide proof the new vehicle borrows many styling cues from the mid-sized XF, and this is no bad thing, as the latter has been widely lauded for its strong visual presence.
That said, Euro sources suggest the new XJ will more closely adhere to the stunning design language embodied by the C-XF concept (pictured alongside), which was one of the stars of the 2007 Detroit motor show.
Some industry watchers are tipping sharper, more aggressive headlights (as per the CX-F) than the keyhole-shaped headlamp cluster that adorns the XF.
The teaser XJ image (more here) issued by Jaguar just under two months ago revealed a tapered, fastback treatmeant and an all-glass roof option.
As per the current model, the new XJ features an aluminium-rich construction, and this will reportedly keep its weight to under 1700kg, whereas most other contenders in its class tip the scales at close to two tonnes.
UK's Car magazine reports the new 3.0-litre turbodiesel XJ will generate lower CO2 emissions than even the hybrid-powered Lexus LS600hL.
Petrol engine choices will include a 175kW 3.0-litre V6, plus the new-generation 5.0-litre AJ-V8 that recently debuted in the XF (more here).
In naturally-aspirated form, the 5.0-litre V8 puts out 284kW, while the supercharged version belts out 375kW.
As is the case with its Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Lexus LS 460 rivals, the new XJ will be built in regular and long-wheelbase formats.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
