XJ Update: Jag's big sedan looks to XF for inspiration [w/VIDEO]
by Frank Filipponio on Apr 20th 2009 at 10:57AM 
2010 Jaguar XJ teasers – Click above for more
If it seems as if we've been talking about the Jaguar XJ a lot recently, it's because we have. The redesigned flagship model is very important car for the British-born, Indian-owned automaker. Reports say that its new design will borrow heavily from the automaker's modern, but still traditionally classy XF. Jaguar revealed the first official 2010 XJ teaser image at the Shanghai Auto Show today, and based on the overhead shot that shows the car's panoramic roof, we'd say the reports we've been hearing are spot on. Notice the hood in particular and what appears to be either a very thin or completely blacked out C-pillar. You can also follow the jump to watch the short teaser video Jaguar revealed at the Shanghai show earlier today.
Jaguar says that July 9 will be the date of the XJ's coming out party in London. There will be both short and long wheelbase versions, with power coming from the company's new range of gas and diesel engines. That includes the 503-hp, supercharged, direct-injection, 5.0-liter V8, although that model might not wear the "R" moniker like the similarly equipped XKR and XFR models. The "R" badge is said to be reserved for an even higher performance model to be announced later on.
When the new car hits showrooms in December, it should directly challenge the benchmark Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series with plenty of high-tech features in a very stylish package, both inside and out. The XJ will feature the same JaguarDrive gear selector first introduced in the XF, but also paddle shifters to work the 6-speed auto. It will definitely be a leap into the 21st century for Jag's big sedan. There's reportedly even an extended range electric in the mix that will take on the Fisker Karma among others.
Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ teasers
[Sources: Jaguar, Auto Express, Autocar]
PRESS RELEASE
FIRST SIGHT OF JAGUAR'S ALL-NEW XJ
An all-new Jaguar XJ will make its public debut this July – and today saw the preview and release of first information on this breathtaking new Jaguar.
Speaking at Auto Shanghai 2009, Jaguar Cars Managing Director, Mike O'Driscoll confirmed that:
* The all-new XJ will go on sale at the end of 2009 – but will officially be revealed on July 9th in London.
* The all-new XJ is the first car to feature the next-generation of Jaguar's aerospace-inspired aluminium body architecture.
* All of Jaguar's new ultra-efficient Gen III petrol and diesel engines will be available in the new XJ, including the already acclaimed V6 diesel and 510 bhp supercharged V8.
* There will be a choice of standard or long wheelbase models.
* The all-new XJ will introduce the highest standards of personal luxury and specification, including a panoramic glass roof.
Full details of the all-new XJ including prices will be revealed on July 9th and orders for delivery in early 2010 will be taken from this time.
Dependent on market, the all-new XJ will be in dealerships from the end of this year. To register interest ahead of that time, customers should access www.jaguar.com/allnewxj.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Martin 11:08AM (4/20/2009)
Looks great so far, can't wait to see the final product.
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Spartan 11:17AM (4/20/2009)
S-Type replaced with the XF
XJ is all new
Where the hell is the X-Type replacement?
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Serge 11:27AM (4/20/2009)
I agree... a 3series sized Jag is a great idea. However, Jaguar doesn't have a "high-performance" V6 (or i6) at the moment, and a 5.0L V8 isn't that good for weight distribution in such a small car.
Spartan 11:31AM (4/20/2009)
They had a 231 HP 3.0L V6 in the X-Type in 2002! There's no reason why that engine can't be bored to 3.5L and easily produce 260+ HP. I know I'd be one of the first in line for an X-Type replacement if it were truly RWD. I haven't had any good experiences with AWD over the long term.
After owning an X-Type Sport 5MT for 2 years, they need to work on the AWD system. It was notoriously unreliable and ate transfer cases like no tomorrow.
Jruhi4 11:36AM (4/20/2009)
The X-type won't be replaced, to my knowledge. It'll simply die a quiet death in the rest of the world as it has already in North America.
Also, did anyone notice in the video that the greenhouse, especially the C and D pillars, looks very Audiesque?
Alex 11:41AM (4/20/2009)
Don't hold your breath for that new X-type. Jaguar is going to have prove its survivability and profitability before Tata signs off on entering into the most competitive segment of the luxury car market.
Personally I would rather they thurn their efforts next to a Boxer/Cayman fighter. Mid-mounted engine and all.
LDMAN 2:09PM (5/14/2009)
X405 was canned (X-Type replacement). It looked like a Mustang and was probably going to be built on the same platform.
I doubt that Jaguar will go the X-Type route in the future.
The Mondeo based car, namely the X-Type, diluted brand equity.
I would put my money on the F-Type if Tata can get some money .
The brand will definitely move upwards to become more exclusive. No place for X-Type in this world.
TominNH 6:03AM (6/15/2009)
There isnt going to be a replacement for x-type.... there WILL be a smaller F type coupe/convertible
Patrick 11:17AM (4/20/2009)
Is it an optical illusion or is the front end wider than the rear? It looks like the width of the car tapers down from front to back! Anyways, it looks good from above.
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artso06 11:46AM (4/20/2009)
It isn't an optical illusion. Actually most cars do this and very rarely that they are the other way. It is a trick designers use for proper perspective when looking at a vehicle
artandcolour 11:52AM (4/20/2009)
it's also a boon to aerodynamics. the Citroen DS is a prime example of it being used for aero. the rear track was about 10 inches narrower than the front. think teardrop shape, which is teardropped from all sides, in elevation and in plan views.
2millers2 1:01PM (4/20/2009)
None of my cars are wider at the front than at the back. And they don't seem to be at the bottom of anyone's performance list.
retsel 11:34AM (4/20/2009)
This is going to be the new hotness... yes sir it will be...
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Alex 11:36AM (4/20/2009)
I am going to miss the evolving style the XJ has has but at the same time, that evolution was far to slow to remain viable. I have full faith in Ian Callum and I am very excited to see his finished product.
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izorro 11:40AM (4/20/2009)
Looks beautiful even if it's just the top image.
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artandcolour 11:53AM (4/20/2009)
i hope it doesn't look as much like a mid 80s Mercury Sable as it does in this plan view. the Sable was great 20 years ago, but i'm not sure it's a high-end look for the 21st century. i'll reserve judgement though, Jaguar seems to be on a roll these days.
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reddy 2:36PM (4/20/2009)
looks bloody brilliant so far..
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Other Man 4:11PM (4/20/2009)
Unlikely, but I think this XJ will probably deserve to have a V-12 option to compete with the 760Li, S600, and future A8L 6.0 Quattro.
I agree with the others, a X-Type replacement (XE or XG?) would be very nice. The X-Type didn't quite work in American because it was very expensive per features, and the powertrains weren't up to par (5-speed manuals and 220 hp V-6s for almost 40 grand).
A new one with a smaller version of the XF's RWD platform and new engine choices would be nice.
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LDMAN 2:11PM (5/14/2009)
V12 in this times of Co2 bashing and EU fines? No way. We are lucky to have a V8 and not a 4 four cylinder in-line that would make it and XJ4
P.V. 5:32PM (4/20/2009)
A sexy Jaguar? That's a new one for me! I hope this thing turns out as good as the teasers portray it.
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