.jpg)
What it Is
New Cars: 2009 Jaguar XF Preview – A new four-door sedan from Coventry, it comes with a normally aspirated or supercharged V-8, all the modern electronic driver aids and a 21st century interior.
Why it Matters
Introducing a new model generates interest in the brand, and the flagging Ford division needs all it can get. Dearborn has poured billions into the venerated British marquee only to see little or no profits. The entry-level X-Type sedan has been in the lineup for nearly eight years, is much maligned and is a sales flop. Something new and meeting with positive response from consumers is needed. The XF, on paper, looks to fill the bill and seems to be an S-Type replacement. Pricing, however, is still a couple of months away and arrival in dealers is slated for March 2008.
What’s Under the Hood
The XF uses the 4.2 liter V-8 engine, either normally aspirated with 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, or supercharged, which pumps out 420 horsepower and 408 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode and the now-epidemic paddle shifters.
What it Looks Like
Generic European luxury sedan, which isn’t necessarily bad. But unlike the S-Type, the XF doesn’t really look like a Jaguar. The lines of the profile flow nicely and the side vent behind the front wheel works, but the back end is busy, with a horizontal chrome bar joining the taillights, a chrome leaping cat emblem above it and “XF” and a trim designation below. Up front, the proportions of the headlamps and grill could be better. The elements that sort of resemble previous Jags are more like hints than something drawn from a legacy.
What’s Inside
The interior also leans toward the now-familiar luminescent gauges, central touch-screen display for navigation and whatever else the engineers pack in. But it doesn’t adopt the full iDrive-style setup, instead relying on good old fashioned buttons for several controls. These days, luxury interior means leather, wood and aluminum, and that’s what we find here. There are several cool features, such as ambient lighting that reacts to the proximity of your finger.
What Automaker Says
"As one of the most visually striking, technically sophisticated and driver-oriented sedan cars that Jaguar has ever produced, the XF clearly demonstrates the forward-looking focus that now defines the Jaguar brand," said Wayne Burgess, XF Senior Design Manager.
What We Think
Jaguar needs a winner regardless of whether it’s sold, which is highly likely, or not. In fact, how good the new models are could influence the sale price Ford can get.
By Bob Beamesderfer
MyRide.com Road Test Editor
Photo credit: Jaguar
|
