Jaguar XJ unveiled

Surrounded by celebrities, introduced by American talk show host Jay Leno and beamed around the world via satellite, the launch of the new Jaguar XJ at the Saatchi Gallery in London was a big event, even by automotive standards.

Following the success of the new generation XK and XF models, there's a lot riding on the new flagship model in the Jaguar range.

But when Jay Leno asked "What do you think?" after the official unveiling a couple of people in the audience let out a 'woohoo', probably because like most other people they'd already seen the car, which -- as is increasingly the case -- was leaked ahead of its launch (more here). But there's been enough talk about broken embargoes, lawsuits and long lead materials: let's look at the car.

The 2010 Jaguar XJ shows off an all-new exterior look which draws on the design cues first seen on the highly regarded XF models (more here). The front end features sleek headlights that are a big departure from the classic XJ designs of the past, perched on a long bonnet. But the most intriguing design element is perhaps at the rear of the car, with its shallow-angle rear windscreen.

As well as creating a more flowing profiling, this unorthodox rear design will help separate the new XJ from its rivals, such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Jaguar's Design Director, Ian Callum, said the new XJ model "...a thoroughly modern interpretation of the quintessential Jaguar," and that its "...visual impact stems from the elongated teardrop shape of the car's side windows, the powerful stance and its wide track.

The four-door luxury limousine is a head-turning design and will certainly be a cat amongst the pigeons. Callum added: "It is the most emphatic statement yet of Jaguar's new design direction." No arguments there.

Two models will be offered, the standard XJ, which begins at £52,500 (AU$109,000) for the twin turbo V6 diesel model, and the long wheelbase versions, which command a £3000 (AU$6245) premium over the normal models and add an extra 125mm of rear legroom.

All models have a fairly large 520 litres of boot space and as the images reveal, the interiors are lavishly appointed with premium leather, chromium and piano black accents. There are three spec levels -- luxury, premium luxury and portfolio -- that include different veneers and leather upholsteries.

Jaguar has included plenty of gadgetry in the cars, including a "state-of-the-art living space" in lieu of a traditional cabin. This 'living space' doesn't include a bed, but does comprise a 12.3-inch high-definition 'Virtual Instruments' display. The Dual-View technology is a neat feature as well, made up of an 8-inch touchscreen which is capable of projecting DVD movies or TV to the passenger while the driver can only see vehicle functions or satellite navigation from his position.

Like all good European luxury limousines, Jaguar offers a high-end sound solution in the form of a 1200W Bowers & Wilkins audio system which it claims is "comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment". Owners will also benefit from hard drive-based audio and navigation systems and a 'Media Hub' which will allow a plethora of portable audio/video devices to connect to the car's entertainment systems..

The gadgets extend to the Jaguar XJ's chassis too, which should make the big cat easier to hand. Continuously variable damping, air suspension and active differential control are offered.

Engine types include the highly lauded twin turbo 3.0-litre diesel V6 engines, which will be the entry-level powerplants, outputting around 600Nm of torque and more than 200kW of power.

Mid-level engines are the new DOHC 5.0-litre V8s, which develop around 283kW/515Nm and then there is the range-topping Supersport model, powered by a supercharged version of this engine.

The blown 5.0-litre V8 cranks out 345kW and should give its eight and twelve cylinder German rivals a good run. The Supersport model also gets an improved interior with leather roof-lining, semi-aniline leather seats and veneers with laser inlays.

Along with panoramic glass roofs, aerospace-inspired aluminium body technology that ensures "the XJ is lighter than its rivals by at least 150kg" and new construction processes that reduce the car's carbon footprint, the all-new XJ is shaping up to bloody the noses of its German rivals.

Jaguar Cars Managing Director, Mike O'Driscoll, concluded: "These are truly exciting times for us at Jaguar. The new XJ is truly beautiful, exhilarating to drive, and with its bold, enlightened approach to design, it meets the challenges of our fast-changing world. It re-imagines the ultimate sporting luxury car."

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