New Jaguar XJ

via Car Body Design - News on 7/11/09

The new XJ flagship was unveiled by Jaguar at the London Saatchi Gallery. It builds on the success of the new XK and XF models, and according to the carmaker it "is a landmark [that] extends the appeal of the XJ to a new generation of customers."

The new XJ is characterized by a fluid, contemporary style and a flowing design, with the silhouette defined by the elongated teardrop shape of the side windows.

The streamlined body shares a drag coefficient of 0.29 with the XF saloon, making them the most aerodynamic Jaguars ever.

A coupé profile cloaks a cabin that offers comparable levels of space to saloons with a more conventional style.

There is generous accommodation for five occupants, while long-wheelbase models provide rear-seat passengers with greater levels of comfort thanks to an additional 125mm of rear legroom.

The refined interior has a strong sporting character throughout. Apanoramic glass roof, standard on all models and enhances the sense of light and space.

Among the new interior technologies are the innovative Virtual Instrument dials and optional 1,200W Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system.

The XJ’s construction is based on a lightweight vehicle architecture. The structure is primarily made of aluminium – but also magnesium and composite alloys - and is assembled with aerospace-based riveting and bonding processes.

The aluminium body uses more than 50 percent recycled material, with a plan to increase this to 75 percent. Body panels made from recycled material use only 5 percent of the energy required for new aluminium, equating to a potential saving of three tonnes of CO2 per vehicle.

The range of engines includes the supercharged 510PS 5.0-litre AJ-V8 Gen III - which allows for a 0-60mph time of 4.7 secs (0-100kph in 4.9 secs), the 470PS supercharged and 385PS naturally aspirated gasoline V8s.

A diesel alternative is provided by the 275PS 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III with twin sequential turbochargers, which allows for a 0-60mph sprint in 6.0 secs, 0-100kph in 6.4 secs and offers significant fuel economy and CO2 emission levels (40.1mpg and 184g/km of CO2).

The XJ adopts technologies already used on the XFR and XKR models, including continuously variable damping (Adaptive Dynamics), electronically controlled rear differential (Active Differential Control) and a quick ratio power-steering system.

The new XJ wil go on sale on next December 2009 with prices starting from 72,500 USD.