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The Bottom Line:
The 2009 Jaguar XF’s a modern icon for an old brand--with high-tech styling inside and out.
Around The Web
“looks a lot like a Lexus GS in profile”
“a handsome sedan”
“emulates Aston Martin”
“radiates a modernity and sexiness”
Jaguar certainly isn’t playing it safe with the XF — as it did with the latest generation of its XJ flagship. The new four-door boasts a very coupe-like design that provides a blend of elegance and dynamic tension. It is a piece of jewelry in seemingly constant motion.
In many ways, the XF resembles the XK sports car, starting with the dramatic mesh grille. The windscreens on both cars are raked at the same angle. The high waistline rises to meet the coupe-like sedan’s roof, a striking visual detail that also plays into the XF’s efficient aerodynamics.
While classic Jaguars, such as the legendary E-Type, traditionally traded off functionality for style, designers have done a credible job of maintaining space and utility with the new XF. There’s surprisingly good room for five adults, plenty of interior storage space, and the trunk holds 17.6 cubic feet of cargo. Add another 14.8 cu ft with the rear seats folded down.
Fire up the
In production, Jaguar intends to offer two powertrain packages, starting with a normally aspirated, 4.2-liter V-8. This 300-horsepower engine will launch from 0-60 in an estimated 6.2 seconds. The supercharged version of the V-8 will pump out 420 hp and charge to 60 in 5.1 seconds, according to Jaguar’s initial estimate. Both engines have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The six-speed automatic uses new shift-by-wire technology that Jaguar claims will run gears faster than the brand’s current speed-shifting king, the XK sports car.
Though we’ve yet to take the new car out onto the road, Jaguar officials claim the wide rear track will significantly enhance the new car’s handling and dynamics.
