Rendered Speculation: 2009 Jaguar XJ
Opinions may be split over the execution of the new Jaguar XF that was priced for U.S. consumption yesterday at the LA Auto Show, but the British luxury marque remains committed to its new design direction. That is, at least, what our friends across the pond at Auto Express are saying, and they may not be far off.The XJ sedan, though arguably a timeless classic shape, is getting a little long in the crooked tooth, and the report suggests that its replacement will follow the XF's lead in taking a more aggressive, modern direction in order to compete with the likes of big German sedans like the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class. Auto Express says the chassis will be an updated version of the current aluminum structure, with a range of updated engines in both diesel and gasoline versions, supercharged and naturally aspirated, six cylinders or eight. (The interesting part is a reported boost to the range-topping supercharged V8 to 500 horsepower for the XJR.)
As with the XF, Jaguar's trademark though arguably unpopular J-gate shifter gives way to a more crowd-pleasing console dial and wheel-mounted paddle-shifters. The rest of the interior is also tipped to follow the XF's modern lead, all decked out in leather, wood and blue mood lighting, while repositioned and redesinged seats promise to optimize interior space.
Follow the link to read more crystal-ball forecasts on the next XJ sedan range, which is anticipated to hit the market in 2009.
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James 9:06AM (11/15/2007)
It will basically be an XJ with a redesigned grill like the XF and the 2d Jaguar. But will hold the timeless form of the XJ:
http://www.sybarites.org/2007/03/05/jaguar-release-2008-xj-series/
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RG 9:11AM (11/15/2007)
Honestly, I have never seen a car so damaged by poor wheel design as the new XF- they are absolutely terrible. Other than that I think the car is attractive. Sure it isnt as aggressive or as finely detailed as the concept, but such things are bound to happen on the way to the dealership.
I think that the design for the next XJ looks interesting- the front may be a little too upright for me, but so long as they address my two points of contention with the XF (wheels and headlights) I think it will present an interesting alternative, style wise.
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Ligor 9:26AM (11/15/2007)
you know the XF looked very nice in concept, then they toned it down to a Lexus GS level adn is now just that other car that cost too much.
shame if they do the same here
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Devin 9:27AM (11/15/2007)
So basically it is what the XF was supposed to look like. At least they learn from their mistakes. Overall, this is waaaaaaaay better looking than an Audi A8, Cadillac STS, BMW 7, Mercedes S, or Lexus LS
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Alex 9:32AM (11/15/2007)
my only regret is that Jaguar Designers of the past didn't evolve the XJ through the years. It would have been interesting to see the XJ successively progress from its first iteration to this new rendering in a more linear fashion. I'm very happy with the work Ian Callum has done to revitalize the marque.
The new XJ certainly has a dominating presence. I do like that Ian and company have kept Jaguar's signature low roofline.
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DJ 10:27AM (11/15/2007)
The current XJ DID NOT appear in 2001 as stated in the article, but in 2004. The current S-Type came out in 2001.
The hybrid technology used here is very intriguing though. It should allow the Cat to claim some new ground in the advanced technology arena.
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Mike 11:16AM (11/15/2007)
All I know is that the new XJ better follow the concept more closely in its aggressive looks and stance if it wants to compete with the big boys, cause they neutered the concept with the XF production version...
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Spiel 12:10PM (11/15/2007)
Personally, I think Jaguar is taking the wrong road with the new designs. I am all for change, especially for the S-Type. While I love some of the new design features of the XF (rear-end & interior), it lost all characteristics of being a Jaguar. Take BMW for example, no matter what year or model you look at, you WILL always know it's a BMW. Same holds true for Merc, Volvo and Audi. While not everyone loved the the S-Type (I didn't) or the X-Type (personally love & currently own), they still followed the XJ which typifies the Jaguar look. It's not a secret that the Jaguar look is not for everyone, but it is for some, and that's what made it a Jaguar. I don't think taking that away is good for the car's identity.
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HotRodzNKustoms 7:05PM (11/15/2007)
Unloved J Gate!? Those are fighting words! Call me old fashion but I love the J gate!!!
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Donpella 7:23PM (11/15/2007)
I might be alone in saying this...but that rendering looks sexy. I like it, and I have never even liked Jags. This rendering looks bold enough to draw attention and it also looks classy. Its kind of sporty looking also though, if this is the look that they are going for, for their large sedan it has to perform also. I think a car of this look should be aiming directly for BMW's 7-series buyers.
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darth 7:23PM (11/15/2007)
I prefer the current XJR to this
The current one just has that classy and understated look of a luxury car
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