Autoblog

Startech gives sneak preview of new Jaguar XJ treatment

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

Startech Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

The formidable three-dimensionality of the Jaguar XF simply doesn't come across in photos, and it's the much same with the 2011 XJ, an even more august and fulsome sedan. Startech addresses that matter, in photos and probably even more so in person, with its "program" for the XJ.

All of the subjects necessary for a car to graduate from German Tuning University are here: multi-ducted aero kit, new fenders with more vents, additional LEDs, lowered suspension, new exhaust tips, and 21-inch wheels on low-profile tires. Extra credit is provided by the Alcantara interior options, and the "riverboat-design leather" that provides a "maritime ambiance," and "miniature yacht" veneer. Because cats love water, see.

Get a triple scoop of info in the press release after the jump, and have a look at the Startech XJ's primary angles in the high-res photos below.

Gallery: Startech Jaguar XJ

[Source: Startech]

Continue reading Startech gives sneak preview of new Jaguar XJ treatment

Startech gives sneak preview of new Jaguar XJ treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: 2010 Jaguar XJ has North American debut at Pebble

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

The XJ was, for the longest time, the model most commonly associated with the Jaguar brand. Like Porsche's iconic 911, the XJ's basic shape had soldiered on for decades with significant platform changes hidden behind an all-too-familiar face. When Jaguar switched things up by introducing the forward-looking midsize XF a couple of years ago, people started to take notice that it wasn't going to be business-as-usual anymore in Coventry - or Mumbai for that matter. Heritage and tradition were one thing, but Jaguar needed something radical to reclaim its place at the top of the luxury sedan class. Enter the 2010 XJ, an all-new vehicle with an all-new look that should help Jaguar capture some all-new customers.

Borrowing heavily from the XF playbook, the new ultra sedan offers tastefully modern styling with a dash of traditional elegance and a healthy dose of British class. Sure, the tail lamps might look like they were borrowed from a Citroen, but in person this car has genuine presence. It is a large vehicle compared to the previous XJ, but not as big as, say, an S-Class Benz. The proportions remind us of the BMW 7 Series and the new Porsche Panamera.

As we've told you from our first encounter with the car a month ago, the new 2010 Jaguar XJ will be available in regular or extended wheelbase form, with one of three variations of the company's direct-injected 5.0 liter V8 underhood. The base models get a 385-horsepower normally-aspirated version; the XJ Supercharged gets boosted to 470 hp; and the top-of-the-line Supersport gets the XFR's 510-hp mill. Prices will range from a base of $72,500 to $115,000, making this one dear kitty. No matter the price, it's one striking sedan, and we can't wait to get some seat time soon. Until then, check out our high-res gallery from Pebble Beach below.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ Live

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

Monterey 2009: 2010 Jaguar XJ has North American debut at Pebble originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar XJ's dual-view infotainment display "technically illegal" in the United States?

Noah Joseph — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:47:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Jaguar, Luxury

2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's a lot to love about the all-new Jaguar XJ, but if the slick dual-view console screen system was one of the elements that caught your attention amidst the big cat's debut, you may be in for a disappointment. With the dual-view system, Jaguar devised a way to let the passenger watch a movie, for instance, while the driver sees the navigation system. The idea is to keep the passenger entertained without distracting the driver, offering up the best of both worlds. Problem is, it may be illegal in the United States.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration currently prohibits the display of entertainment in the center console. The idea is that it would distract the driver, and they're right. However while the XJ's display may be "technically illegal", as Jaguar's noted designer Ian Callum admits - that is, by the letter of the law - the whole point of the system is that it removes the distraction from the driver's eyesight, thereby complying with the spirit of the law. Whether the NHTSA will change the regulations to allow the system, however, remains to be seen. Think they ought to let this one pass, or is the law the law and that's that? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Autocar]

Jaguar XJ's dual-view infotainment display "technically illegal" in the United States? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Double-size gallery of 2010 Jaguar XJ images

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

The 2010 Jaguar XJ -- Click above for larger high-res image gallery

For any of you looking to get an even better look - or perhaps just additional looks - at the 2010 Jaguar XJ, we've added about 40 new photos to our gallery.

If you want to get an early gander at the car in person and you're in London next week, Jag's top cat will be at the Gulf Luxury Fair at the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane. The event caters to the luxury crowd that Jaguar would like to reacquaint itself with, and takes place from July 25-27. For the rest of us, there is the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Jaguar]

Pics Aplenty: Double-size gallery of 2010 Jaguar XJ images originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Curiosity Sold the Cat: Orders reportedly coming in for 2010 Jaguar XJ

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Jaguar

Elle Macpherson launches the 2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar caught everyone's attention last week with the launch of the brand-spankin'-new-for-2010 XJ sedan and there are already rumors afoot of a two-door version in the works. In the here-and-now, the stoic British automaker says that orders for its new flagship sedan are already up to speed.

According to Jaguar, in the few days since the car's launch, they've already received 55 orders, seemingly a modest figure, but that apparently already puts it at the same pace as the XF has experienced. While some of the orders were placed at the XJ's launch at the Saatchi Gallery in London last week, others have been placed sight unseen. Production is slated to gear up in September with the first units being delivered in January, but from the looks of things, many buyers aren't about to wait around six months to get the ball rolling.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Autocar]

Curiosity Sold the Cat: Orders reportedly coming in for 2010 Jaguar XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar XJ Coupe may be under consideration

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Jaguar, Rendered Speculation

The man behind the team that penned the new Jaguar XJ, Ian Callum, has let slip that his crews drawing instruments are again at work again, this time on an XJC. That would be a coupe version of the XJ, something not seen since 1978. In an interview with Motoring Sky during the new XJ's unveiling, Callum admitted that the English automaker hasn't just thought about it: "We've actually drawn one already, but who knows."

That's probably as solid an indication that buyers might get a crack at a coupe model as we're likely to get for some time. If the car Callum's posse draws looks anything like the rendering shown here, then we almost think it's worth buying the sedan just to be able to help Jag build the business case for the coupe.

In the interview, Callum also talks about the car's controversial blacked-out rear pillars and a series hybrid in the works. Click the link for the interview, and if you're keen on the idea of a XJC, then get your wallets out to cast your vote.

[Source: Motoring Sky]

Jaguar XJ Coupe may be under consideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Jaguar XJ: We get hands-on with Coventry's new big cat

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Jaguar

2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

For a long time, worrying about Jaguar was the only sensible thing to do. While it was never exactly clear if the marque had (ever) achieved profitability, we enthusiasts were only too happy to give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, the English automaker serially gifted us with watershed designs. Sublime mechanical creatures like the E- and D-Type sports cars, as well as the curvacious Mark II and original XJ. How could we not be totally and utterly smitten? Yet somehow, the once proud automaker eventually found itself adrift in mediocrity, turning out maligned and slow-selling products with an unpleasant odor of unreliability as the money began to run dry. When the then Ford-owned brand launched headlong into its "democratization of luxury" strategy that resulted in the lamentable 2001 X-Type and serious talk of an SUV, well, we couldn't help but grow gravely concerned.

After all, how could a company like Jaguar - a firm that prided itself not only on voluptuous design and sporty handling but also sybaritic appointments and a refined, aristocratic manor speak with a straight face about "the democratization of luxury?"

Not only does the XJ appear to be the measure of its German competitors, it may play a strong foil for the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera.

The very concept was oxymoronic to the point of absurdity: when a given commodity is within easy reach of the masses, it ceases to be a luxury good. Simple as that. Predictably, it didn't take long for consumers to cotton on to this revelation, and the savior X-Type was broadly lambasted and narrowly purchased.

Thankfully, the lanky Leaping Cat is at last in proud form once again, and under the new leadership of India's Tata Motors, they are building on the success of the massively impressive Jaguar XF of 2008. By our reckoning, that car was the first clear indication from chief designer Ian Callum and Company that not only did Jaguar understand that it had a past - it might have the blueprint for a bright future as well. As it reasserts its claim to the flagship slot in Coventry's lineup, the new XJ finds itself with big shoes to fill. Is it up to the task? Follow the jump to learn more.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

Continue reading 2010 Jaguar XJ: We get hands-on with Coventry's new big cat

2010 Jaguar XJ: We get hands-on with Coventry's new big cat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XJ Update: Jag's big sedan looks to XF for inspiration [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Shanghai Motor Show

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]

Continue reading XJ Update: Jag's big sedan looks to XF for inspiration [w/VIDEO]

XJ Update: Jag's big sedan looks to XF for inspiration [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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