Autoblog

Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Jaguar, Celebrities, Luxury

On Wednesday night, as part of the run-up to the LA Auto Show, Jaguar held a sizable soiree at SoCal's Milk Studios to show off its latest wares to the public and press, with a heavy focus on its 2011 XJ flagship.

With the British automaker's latest model taking center stage, Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's managing director, discussed the finer points of the super saloon before announcing that rapper Jay Z will feature the XJ in his upcoming music video, "On to the Next One," a track from his new album The Blueprint 3. The 60-second trailer we saw didn't set our hearts on fire, but with Jaguar's renewed focus on "making Jaguar Jaguar again" and its push to appeal to a broader swath of the world's elite, the collaboration - although slightly awkward and mildly forced - could pay itself forward. It's just a shame about Jay Z's new logo being painted on the flanks of the luxury sedan.

Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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50-0 in 4:04 - Neiman Marcus sells out special-edition Jaguar XJ

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

What would you consider "fast" for a supercharged luxury sedan? 160 miles per hour? Five seconds to sixty? How about four hours? That's how long it took Neiman Marcus to sell out its limited run of special edition Jaguar XJ's featured in this year's Christmas catalog.

By itself, there's not that much that sets the Neiman Marcus edition apart from a stock 2010 XJL Supercharged. It's got a special paint job and a numbered plaque. But more importantly, like the luxury department store did last year with the new BMW 7 Series, this year's luxo barge of choice hit the Neiman Marcus catalog before it becomes available to the public. Which could go a long way towards explaining how, within four hours and four minutes of the car's availability, all fifty of the $105,000 specials were gone. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading 50-0 in 4:04 - Neiman Marcus sells out special-edition Jaguar XJ

50-0 in 4:04 - Neiman Marcus sells out special-edition Jaguar XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy Xmas: Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition

John Neff — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

What with the advent of the world wide web, few of us do our Christmas shopping in catalogs anymore. That probably won't stop Neiman Marcus from selling out of all 50 examples of the limited edition 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition that will appear in its Christmas Book this season. Neiman Marcus offers a limited edition vehicle in its Christmas Book every year, and this will be third time a Jaguar has been offered.

This special version of the new XJ will feature an exclusive Celestial Black paint job with 20-inch double-10 spoke wheels. Other than a special nameplate inscribed with "Neiman Marcus 1 of 50", the yuletide Jag will be just like any other XJ with a supercharged version of the brand's new 5.0-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower. The XJ itself, meanwhile, goes on sale the normal way in the U.S. in early 2010. If you've got a hankering for one of the first, call 1-866-524-6963 on Friday, October 16 at noon EST to place your order. Gift wrapping not included.

Gallery: Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition

[Source: Jaguar]

Happy Xmas: Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sneak peek at Jaguar's 'Limo-Green' series hybrid concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Lotus, Electric

For the past year, Jaguar, Lotus, Caparo Vehicle technologies and the MIRA proving ground have been working on a UK government-funded project dubbed Limo-Green. The goal of the project was to develop and build a series hybrid luxury sedan. Earlier this week, Jaguar showed off the car for the first time. Most of the powertrain development work was done using a last generation XJ, but recently all the hardware was moved into the just launched 2010 Jaguar XJ.

Like the Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma, the Limo-Green uses an electric motor for propulsion, in this case a 145 kW, 295 lb-ft unit. A lithium battery pack moves the car for 30 miles on a charge and then the Lotus-developed 1.2-liter range extender takes over for the remainder of the 600-mile range. We've contacted Jaguar for more information, but we're still waiting to hear back. In the meantime, AutoCar is reporting that the big Jag gets 47 mpg (US) on the EU combined cycle with CO2 emissions under 120 g/km.

[Source: AutoCar]

Sneak peek at Jaguar's 'Limo-Green' series hybrid concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:58:00 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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Time Waster of the Day: New Jaguar XJ Online Configurator

Noah Joseph — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

We may still be a ways off before customers - on this side of the Atlantic especially - can begin placing orders for a new Jaguar XJ, but that hasn't stopped Coventry from launching its online configurator post haste.

Visitors to the Jaguar website can spec out their dream Jag and find out already just how much they should be putting aside. The configurator lets you choose between the three levels of specification (standard, Supercharged or Supersport) and wheelbase (standard or extended) before going on to choose from a palette of 14 exterior paint colors, six unique wheels, six interior leather trims and six veneers, as well as no-cost options like deleted badging, an ashtray and lighter, leather steering wheel and a whole mess of optional accessories from floor mats to chromed rims. So sit back, cancel your plans for the evening and take the leap.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Jaguar]

Time Waster of the Day: New Jaguar XJ Online Configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:31:00 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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Ratan Tata: All future Jaguars and Land Rovers to feature aluminum construction

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

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

Jaguar has been touting the aluminum-intensive construction of the XJ sedan since the previous-generation model was introduced back in 2003. According to the automaker, the use of aluminum in lieu of steel can lead to an impressive 40 percent reduction in weight. That's bound to have positive effects on driving dynamics, performance and efficiency.

With its latest redesign, Jaguar claims to have improved its aluminum architecture even further, so it's not surprising that the company plans to extend the technology to the rest of its line. According to Ratan Tata, chairman of the company that now owns Jaguar Land Rover, "JLR is planning to have all its future cars constructed with light weight aluminum bodies resulting in considerable savings in weight, and reduction in CO₂ emissions."

To go along with their new diets, Jaguar and Land Rover are known to be experimenting with hybrid powertrains. A kinetic energy recovery system may be in the cards for the XJ line in 2011 while Land Rover has been working on an Electric Rear Axle Drive that could debut in the upcoming LRX compact Range Rover.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Motor E Magazine]

Ratan Tata: All future Jaguars and Land Rovers to feature aluminum construction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #137

Dan Roth — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Etc., Acura, Audi, Cadillac, GM, Honda, Jaguar, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Diesel

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #137 of the Autoblog Podcast has arrived. Chris, Sam, and Dan are back, chewing the fat over the Acura ZDX, Death Valley spy shots of the Jaguar XJ, what will underpin Cadillac's new flagship model, Electric Lexus pricing, the ongoing Volkswagen/Porsche soap opera, and Honda's swearing off of V8s and RWD. Wrap it all up nice and tidy with some of your questions, and 82 minutes later, you're done. We apologize for the poor audio quality on Dan's track for some of this week's podcast. It only lasts through the end of the Autoblog Garage segment, and then we're back to full-fidelity. Getting a show out to you quickly was important to us, so we went with what we had. 23 minutes in is the magic point where the audio clears up. Let us know what you think, drop us a line at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Thanks to all who have taken the time to fill out our survey; hit the jump to listen or subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast. If you like what we're doing, check out some of our sister blog podcasts like Engadget and Joystiq - you can never have enough listening material!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #137

Autoblog Podcast #137 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:45:00 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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VIDEO: 2010 Jaguar XJ out for joy ride in London

John Neff — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Jaguar, UK

2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above to watch videos after the jump

It's one thing to judge the new 2010 Jaguar XJ based on official images and heavily produced videos. It's altogether something else to watch it drive by on the street and let a waft of soundwaves from the car's 5.0-liter V8 enter your ears. The blokes over at PistonHeads.com were fortunate enough to catch the new XJ out driving on the streets of London after its launch party, despite not being invited to the launch itself it seems. They got the last laugh, however, as the 400 VIPs who were at the party didn't get to see the car on the road.

Follow the jump for a few quick vids of the new 2010 Jaguar XJ just driving around the posh streets of London. More snap shots of the new XJ caught curbside can be found at PistonHeads.com, as well.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: PistonHeads.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Jaguar XJ out for joy ride in London

VIDEO: 2010 Jaguar XJ out for joy ride in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Jaguar XJ in motion, interior and interviews + expanded gallery and pricing!

Chris Shunk — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Jaguar

Click above to watch videos after the jump

The all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ has finally been revealed, and it's a big departure for the Leaping Cat crew from Coventry. Sure, it shares a number of outward similarities with the already-available XF, but benefits from being designed after the drop dead gorgeous C-XF concept (unlike the production XF). And it certainly doesn't look like anything like the outgoing XJ, which may only be around seven years old but visually it comes off as much older.

If you haven't already read about our time spent with the new XJ in England last month, go do that first. Afterwards, you can follow the jump to view nine videos just released by Jaguar about its new large car. Included are general driving and beauty shots, footage of the interior and interviews with Ian Callum and other top Jaguar execs. Plus, we've expanded our high-res gallery below with official photos from today's launch event... just why is a dapper looking Jay Leno smiling so wryly? Finally, if you're wondering how much you need to raid your 401k and couch cushions for, you'll want to check out Jag's official pricing by clicking here.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Jaguar XJ in motion, interior and interviews + expanded gallery and pricing!

VIDEO: 2010 Jaguar XJ in motion, interior and interviews + expanded gallery and pricing! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:59:00 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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VIDEO: Jaguar waxes poetic about aluminum in new teaser

Chris Shunk — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Jaguar

Click above to view the video after the jump

We're pretty excited for the official unveiling of the 2010 Jaguar XJ, and judging from the teaser videos being released by Leaping Cat, Jaguar employees are more psyched than we are. The newest one goes in-depth into why the aluminum structure of the XJ is a marvel of modern engineering. Aluminum is lightweight, of course, giving the new XJ a better power-to-weight ratio than much of its competition, while also delivering class leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The video also points out that the XJ's aluminum structure is 85% recyclable, which will make a lot of soda cans one day.

Sure, the current generation XJ has the same aluminum structure, but it's pretty dowdy-looking on the outside and we're hoping the new XJ with its XF-inspired styling makes up for it. Follow the jump to view the newest teaser for yourself, and stay tuned to Autoblog for the XJ's official unveiling on July 9.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jaguar waxes poetic about aluminum in new teaser

VIDEO: Jaguar waxes poetic about aluminum in new teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: The barely there Jaguar XJ

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar

A Jaguar XJ mule was trapped on a ferry from Dover and became the unwitting subject of a thorough photo shoot. However, the new flagship sedan from Jag was protected by so much cladding that there isn't much we can glean from the shots except these three things: it has a beautifully crafted, nicely dished three-spoke steering wheel; the Jaguar Drive is finished in the same way as in the XF; and it has a new taillight design.

The All New XJ site also revealed that the sedan will have the "most amazing" Bowers & Wilkins audio system in the world. For more than that, we're going to have to wait until July 9, when the car is officially revealed. In the meantime, check out the spy shots by clicking the image on the right.

[Source: Spyshots.nl]

Spy Shots: The barely there Jaguar XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Jaguar XJ... No, really!

John Neff — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar

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

BMW is known for wrapping its prototypes in funkadelic patterns to obscure new design details. And, seeing as the car above is sporting a split-kidney grille, you would think that you're staring at a BMW prototype of some sort. Maybe the next-next-gen 7 Series or something. Well, that's what they want you to think. "They" in this scenario are engineers from Jaguar who have been caught testing the next-generation XJ flagship sedan. They've gussied up their prototype with enough BMW trappings to throw us off the scent, but thankfully our spy photographers recognized this large sedan's true identity. The fake grille up front is meant only to obscure the XJ's new fascia that's heavily inspired by the smaller XF sedan. Aside from the sloping roofline and a bit of the rear end, the real tell-tale tip offs are the cat-slit headlights and outer air intakes in the lower part of the bumper, both of which look very similar to the same elements on the XF. The new XJ is scheduled to go on sale in December, so while we wait for its official debut sometime between now and then, you can compare these new revealing spy shots to the official XJ teasers released by Jaguar in April at the Shanghai Motor Show.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Jaguar XJ... No, really! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 13:30:00 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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Rumormill: Jaguar to build extended range-EV version of new XJ in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rumormill

Jaguar is apparently planning to attack the upstart Fisker Karma head-on with an extended range electric version of the all-new XJ. The completely reworked XJ is due to arrive in July and hit dealers in December with a look heavily influenced by the smaller XF. A year later, the Indian-owned British luxury automaker will reportedly launch a plug-in version with 30 miles of electric only range that should help the big car get 47 mpg (US) and a CO2 emissions rating of less than 120 g/km.

Jaguar will be able to introduce this new model now that it has approved for a new EU loan for developing greener cars. Jaguar already has an advantage over some of its competitors because the full-size XJ is comparatively light thanks to its aluminum construction. Lotus Engineering and Caparo are helping Jaguar with development of the ER-EV powertrain.

Additionally, Jaguar and Land Rover are rumored to be developing micro-hybrids, full parallel hybrids, smaller diesel engines, and boosted gas engines along with even more weight reductions for the full lineup.

[Source: AutoCar]

Rumormill: Jaguar to build extended range-EV version of new XJ in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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