JAGUAR XF 2010MY
01/11/2009
Jaguar
INTRODUCTION
"Challenging the rules and standing out from the crowd, the new XF fuses sports car styling and performance with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury sedan. It is a defining example of Jaguar's dedication to creating beautiful fast cars - and with magnificent new engines that are quite simply our best ever the XF sets new standards across the board."
Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars
THE NEW 2010 MODEL YEAR AT A GLANCE
- Significant enhancements to the new Jaguar XF for 2010
- Two all-new direct-injection 5.0-liter V8 engines
- New XFR flagship joins the XF range
- New, highly-equipped XF Portfolio specification joins the range alongside XF Luxury and XF Premium Luxury models
- Upgraded features and specification across the XF range
The new XF is already acclaimed as a key element in the revitalization of the Jaguar brand, with its new generation of beautiful fast cars. But now the car that defines Jaguar sporting luxury is even better, with major powertrain changes and a wider range of models - including a stunning new, supercharged XFR.
The 2010 model year XF features all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 engines. There are also significant trim and specification changes - including many new features unique to the new XFR - and the introduction of a new Portfolio derivative.
When it was introduced last year, the XF was soon recognized as a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language. It also soon became apparent that here was a car where the driving experience exceeded the expectations created by the striking appearance. Now, the new XFR takes this driving experience to new levels, shifting the balance even further towards dynamic performance while still retaining the XF's core values as a refined and luxurious sports sedan. Power comes from an all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection supercharged V8 engine delivering 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque. Immediately recognizable thanks to unique new 20-inch wheels, a new front end design with revised chrome air intakes, 'Supercharged' hood louvres, four polished exhaust tailpipes, an aerodynamically functional rear spoiler and side sills, the new XFR also sports discreet 'R' badging.
The new XFR features Active Differential Control and Adaptive Dynamics - technologies being introduced for the first time on this and the XKR sports car. The electronically controlled differential and suspension system work together to optimize traction under hard acceleration and cornering - highly appropriate for a car that offers an electronically limited top speed of 155mph and reaches 60mph from standstill in just 4.7 seconds. The XFR also adds a faster steering ratio and uses the XF's largest ventilated disc brakes - although every version of the XF with the new, more powerful engines features upgraded braking specification.
The attributes that marked out the XF at launch are still very much new and in the public eye. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.
"The new XF challenges the rules and redefines Jaguar sporting luxury. Our designers and engineers work together to develop elegant, inspired solutions to complex technical challenges. It's a simple but very effective philosophy and the result is great new products like the XFR."
Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars
Simplicity and clever use of space are key to the XF's interior design and this is unchanged in the new generation. For the driver, this is centered on the compact packaging of the JaguarDrive Selector(TM) transmission interface. The beautiful cast alloy Selector has already gained recognition for its part in the distinctive XF 'welcoming handshake'; a sequence in which the illuminated stop/start button pulsates like a heartbeat until pressed, when the JaguarDrive Selector(TM) rises into the driver's hand and the rotating fascia vents silently open.
Features such as this have already attracted more than 30,000 customers to the new XF - and now, in many instances, they have been enhanced even further. The combination of aluminum dashboard, satin or gloss wood veneers, tailored instrument and door panels with twin-needle stitching as standard, plus Phosphor Blue halo illumination and interior mood lighting, set the XF's cabin as far apart from its competitors as its exterior styling.
Customers seeking luxury appointments should look to the new Portfolio specification. Available with the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, the Portfolio model includes ultimate craftsmanship details such as contrast stitching on leather trim, Jaguar Suedecloth Premium headlining, deep-pile carpet mats with contrast edging and embroidered logos, unique veneer and ventilated heated and cooled seats.
But it is the new powertrain options that are at the heart of the changes for 2010 model year. The all-new 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III engines - in 385bhp/380lb-ft of torque naturally aspirated and 510bhp/461lb-ft supercharged 'R' guise - add an entirely new, even more sporting dimension to the XF range.
These new engines are Jaguar's most efficient ever, and they deliver power and performance at a higher level across the board. In the case of the supercharged engine, compared to the 4.2-liter V8, power has increased by a remarkable 23 percent and torque by 12 percent.
The result in the new XFR is a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.7 seconds (0-100kph in 4.9 seconds). More relevant in everyday driving, an excellent indicator of XFR's great flexibility is the time it takes to accelerate from 50-70mph - just 1.9 seconds.
The comparisons for the naturally aspirated engine are equally impressive. Power is increased by 29 percent and torque by 25 percent. The benchmark 0-60mph acceleration time is 5.5 seconds (0-100kph in 5.7 seconds) - some 0.8 seconds quicker than the 4.2 XF. Better still, these improvements are achieved without hindering fuel economy and emissions performance. The new engines meet US ULEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions regulations.
And alongside these new engines, the naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine will continue to play a key role for the XF and will be available starting January 2009. Customers will be able to order the latest naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 versions of the new XF range from January 2009. The 510bhp supercharged V8 XFR will be available to order from February 2009.
Jaguar Cars, Managing Director, Mike O'Driscoll confirms:
"Whether it is the craftsmanship of the Portfolio or the purposeful, performance-oriented styling and engineering of the new XFR, every new XF delivers outstanding levels of luxury, dynamics and technology."
THE NEW XF 2010 MODEL YEAR IN SUMMARY
- All-new 5.0-liter V8 powertrains. The new XFR introduces the 510bhp supercharged 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III engine and adding other dynamic advances to create the quickest and most sporty XF yet
- The new XFR's driving dynamics are underpinned by the introduction to the XF range of Active Differential Control (electronically controlled rear differential) and Adaptive Dynamics, the latest in computer-controlled suspension
- The new XF engine range also includes a naturally aspirated 385bhp version of the new AJ-V8 Gen III engine, supplementing the naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8
- The new engines for the XF range combines enhanced power and performance with superb drivability and highly competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures
- Across the board the new engines offer power gains of up to 33 percent, torque gains of up to 38 percent and fuel economy improvements.
- The new XFR is distinguished by unique exterior and interior design features including unique 20-inch alloy wheels, revised bumpers and lower front air intakes, sill extensions, hood louvres and grilles, four tailpipes and a rear spoiler
- The new XF Portfolio offers a luxury-biased alternative to the performance focused XFR, with the emphasis on bespoke details and exceptional craftsmanship including 16-way and 12-way adjustable actively ventilated heated and cooled front seats, contrast stitching on leather trim and a unique veneer
- Subtle external detail enhancements and new alloy wheel choices confirm the XF family's evolution while blending seamlessly into the XF's acclaimed new design language
- The full XF family now includes four trim and equipment levels - XF Luxury, Premium Luxury, Portfolio and XFR - and a total of three engine options
THE NEW 2010 XF
INTRODUCING THE NEW XFR
When the first customers took delivery of their XF in March of 2008, they became the owner of a Jaguar that fuses sports car styling and performance with the refinement, features and space of a premium luxury sedan.
And although launched only a year ago, the XF has already collected an astonishing number of accolades, such as Best Premium Car Interior from Ward's Auto, Popular Mechanics' Best Luxury Vehicle Award and a privileged place on Car and Driver's 10Best Cars for 2009. These honors are recognition of a car that combines innovation with leading edge design. Contemporary, individual and beautifully crafted, with excellent performance, refined powertrains and outstanding driving dynamics, the XF pushes the boundaries of Jaguar's new design language. It is also an unequivocally modern car that makes intelligent use of advanced technology and as a result has accelerated Jaguar's acceptance to a much broader audience of luxury car customers.
Now Jaguar has moved the game on again. The highlights of the new 2010 model year XF include a new flagship - the stunning, supercharged XFR - two all-new V8 engines and significant trim and specification changes.
The new XFR is the first XF to carry the 'R' badge, which defines Jaguar's most performance-focused models. Powered by an all-new supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine developing 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque, the XFR is huge step forward for the XF. Compared to the supercharged 4.2-liter V8, power has increased by a remarkable 23 percent and torque has increased by 12 percent.
This mighty new engine gives the XFR a 0-60mph time of only 4.7 seconds (0-100kph in 4.9 seconds). More relevant in everyday driving, an excellent indicator of the XFR's great flexibility is the time it takes to accelerate from 50-70mph - just 1.9 seconds.
Better still, these improvements are achieved without penalty compared to the previous generation of supercharged engine: the combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures are comparable to the supercharged 4.2-liter engine it replaces. The new engine also meets US ULEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions regulations.
The new XFR demonstrates Jaguar's commitment to delivering exhilarating performance and outstanding dynamics for the driving enthusiast - the 'Fast' part of the Jaguar ethos of designing, engineering and manufacturing 'Beautiful, Fast Cars'. And, it is Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum and his team that have worked to finesse the 'Beautiful'.
"Every XF is distinguished by its dramatic styling, flowing lines and coupe-like appearance but the new XFR is the ultimate sporting execution of that design language. It has superb proportions, better than any of its rivals, with a wide track and confident stance."
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars
The enhanced exterior styling of the XFR moves those sporting credentials on even further, to deliver the ultimate expression of Jaguar's new sedan design language - carrying a number of design cues that are intrinsic to Jaguar's 'R' car philosophy. Its unique new front-end design has a larger lower grille with new black-finished mesh, plus chrome outboard air intakes. The upper mesh grille retains XF's bright finish, while the XFR's unique hood carries bold and distinctive louvres, like those on the XKR.
XFR also features bold new sill extensions, while the rear bumper adds a unique body-colored lower spoiler incorporating the 'R' signature of four large, bright-finished tail pipes. The new rear spoiler not only makes the XFR instantly recognizable but also has a significant aerodynamic effect. Developed in conjunction with the new front bumper design, it further improves XFR's front/rear lift balance, and therefore its high-speed stability. A new exterior mirror design also offers aerodynamic improvements, plus improved functionality with its LED side repeaters.
The XFR's sporting character is clearly apparent in the 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels that are fitted as standard - the only car in its class to offer this size of wheel as standard specification. Those twin-seven-spoke wheels bear the wording 'Jaguar Supercharged' embossed around their centers, and are wrapped tightly around silver-grey brake calipers, which carry the evocative 'R' logo. The R badge also appears on the right-hand side of the trunk lid drop panel, to complete the XFR's external visual identity.
The interior design theme is modern and individual. The cabin environment is uniquely Jaguar and in XFR more unique details hint at the car's performance. It features a full soft grain leather interior as standard, with four color choices - Warm Charcoal, Warm Charcoal/Red Zone, Warm Charcoal/London Tan, and Ivory; and a new Dark Oak veneer is the standard finish for the XFR's wood-trimmed areas. Its new 18x14-way adjustable sports seats have newly shaped electrically adjustable squab bolsters for significantly improved support at higher cornering speeds. Each XFR seat, front and rear, has the 'R' logo embossed on its squab and the front seats have leather seat-back map pockets. The lower steering wheel spoke is also leather trimmed, with its own 'R' logo.
The fascia introduces a unique, dark mesh aluminum finish, and another discreet 'R' badge on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The speedometer and tachometer have the unique sporting signature of red dial pointers and carry the 'Supercharged' motif. And at start-up, the 'R' logo appears on the Touch-screen as part of the XFR 'driver handshake' sequence.
The XF is a car packed with user-friendly technologies. Features that distinguish include full shift-by-wire transmission controlled by the JaguarDrive Selector(TM), plus cruise control with Automatic Speed Limiter. The optional radar-based Blind Spot Monitor warns the driver when there is another vehicle nearby in a different lane, and XF's optional Rear Camera Parking Aid provides a clear view of the area behind the car on the color Touch-screen while reversing. That touch-screen is now upgraded with on-screen guidance lines that move according to steering wheel angle to indicate the area into which the car will reverse.
A significant number of enhancements have been made above and beyond the impressive features in the 2008 XF. The new XF's navigation system now includes turn-by-turn instructions in the message center, clearly indicating the route with a combination of junction icon, distance countdown details and the street or road name. An Acoustic Laminated Windscreen is a new standard feature on every XF.
Comfort, luxury and craftsmanship continue to be XF trademarks. Multi-way adjustable power seats are standard on all models, with the option of actively ventilated heated and cooled seats and a heated steering wheel. XF's impressive range of audio options is topped by an exclusive optional sound system, the Bowers & Wilkins 440W system with Dolby(R) ProLogic(R) II surround sound and no fewer than 14 speakers. And XF's Portable Audio Interface allows simple, direct connection of iPod(R) and MP3 players with full control via the Touch-screen or steering wheel-mounted controls.
JaguarSense(TM) allows touch-sensitive operation for the glovebox release and interior lights - and those lights feature soft, Phosphor Blue interior mood lighting with Halo illumination around key switch packs to ensure easy and positive night-time operation. The new XF also adds Digital and SIRIUS Satellite Radio - with HD radio as an option.
THE ALL-NEW AJ-V8 GEN III ENGINES
The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that powers the new XFR is Jaguar's new flagship engine, but it is only half of the engine story - a naturally-aspirated version of the all-new engine brings additional advanced technologies and performance to other models in the XF range.
AJ-V8 Gen III engine technology at a glance
- New AJ-V8 Gen III engines are more compact, more efficient and much more powerful
- Two versions of the all-new 5.0-liter V8 engine:
o 385bhp, 380lb-ft of torque, 264g/km CO2, 25.4mpg combined fuel economy (naturally aspirated - the Gen III)
o 510bhp, 461lb-ft of torque, 292g/km CO2, 22.5mpg combined fuel economy (supercharged - the Gen III R)
- Conforms to US ULEV II emissions regulations
- High efficiency, sixth-generation twin vortex supercharger on Gen III R engine
- Central spray-guided direct-injection increases efficiency and torque
- Torque-actuated variable camshaft timing on all four camshafts for improved response and efficiency
- Cam profile switching in naturally aspirated engine
- Variable-geometry inlet manifold on naturally aspirated engine further increases low and high-end torque
- Low-friction design optimizes fuel consumption
- 15,000-mile service intervals compared to 10,000-mile intervals on 4.2-liter models
Generations of powerful yet refined engines have played a crucial role over the years in establishing the unique character of Jaguar cars. Now, two all-new direct-injection engines continue that tradition for the XF, delivering increased power and torque with comparable emissions and fuel consumption. The first is the all-new 510bhp, 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III R supercharged V8, also available in naturally aspirated form producing 385bhp.
Light, robust and very strong
The new V8 engines are built around a stiff, all-new, aluminum block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For the first time at Jaguar the blocks are high-pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish and greater dimensional accuracy. The engines use aluminum heads, with four valves per cylinder and strong, spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads for the first time are specified with a secondary (recycled) aluminum alloy thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.
The new 5.0-liter direct-injection engines are more compact than their predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced by 0.94-in. by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture. This length reduction improves engine bay packaging in support of enhanced safety cell performance while ensuring overall engine weight is virtually unchanged.
Jaguar's all-new V8s have been designed in-house, using the expertise of powertrain engineers at Jaguar's advanced research and development centre at Whitley, Coventry, UK.
Malcolm Sandford, Engine Group Chief Engineer, explains the concept behind the project:
"The emphasis was on delivering efficiency, superior dynamic response and highly accessible low-end torque suited to real-world driving, without compromising power at higher engine speeds."
The results are clear to see. Performance has been increased by 29 percent and 23 percent (87 and 94bhp) on both naturally aspirated and supercharged engines yet both the naturally aspirated and supercharged engines meet US ULEV II emissions regulations. Despite the significant increases in power, CO2 emissions of the naturally aspirated engine are comparable to the 4.2-liter V8, and the supercharged engine produces two percent less CO2 than its predecessor.
Industry-first direct injection - power with economy
One of the key features of the new engines is an industry-first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system. This substantially contributes to improved low-speed, dynamic response. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the center of the combustion chamber, maximizing air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control. Fuel is delivered via twin, high-pressure fuel pumps that are driven via an auxiliary shaft in the all-new engine block.
The charge-cooling effects of the direct-injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the naturally aspirated engine to be raised to 11.5:1, further improving the engine economy. The supercharged engine also benefits from an increase from 9.1:1 on the previous 4.2-liter version to 9.5:1.
During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and substantially reduced emissions.
Torque-actuated Variable Camshaft Timing improves efficiency
A new type of variable camshaft timing system (VCT) introduces another new technology. The four VCT units are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. This has allowed the engine oil pump to be reduced in size, saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.
VCT units work independently on all four camshafts with 62 degrees of authority on the inlet cams and 50 degrees of authority on the exhaust cams. Timing is optimized by the engine control unit for torque, power and economy at every point in the engine's speed range.
The response rate of the new VCT units is up to three times faster than before, with actuation rates in excess of 150 degrees per second. This delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver's demand.
The naturally aspirated engine is also equipped with camshaft profile switching (CPS) on the inlet camshaft. Depending on the engine's running conditions and the demands of the driver, the CPS will switch between a profile that is ideal for low-speed driving and another which gives increased valve lift for high performance.
Variable Inlet Manifold optimizes torque through the rev range
A new variable inlet manifold (VIM) can vary the length of its eight inlet tracts to optimize power and torque throughout the rev range on the naturally aspirated engine. Vacuum-operated actuators open valves to select a longer, 27-in., inlet tract at low revs, increasing the rate of both the airflow and the engine torque. As the revs climb beyond 4700rpm, the actuators select a shorter, 14-in. path allowing a greater volume of air into the engine to optimize engine power. The actuator position is optimized by the engine control unit for improved torque throughout the engine speed range.
Reducing friction - something for nothing
Minimizing internal friction is key to improving fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and as such was a key aim when it came to the design of the engines. As a result, the new Jaguar AJ-V8 Gen III engines achieve another best in class, setting a new industry benchmark for cranktrain efficiency.
All engine bearings were the subject of an extensive optimization program, reducing friction without compromising reliability. Diamond-Like Carbon Coating (DLC) has been used to reduce friction on the fuel pump tappets and a solid film lubricant has been used to coat the piston skirts.
Jaguar has developed a unique, intelligent oil-pump pressure relief valve (PRV) which senses oil pressure deep in the engine's oil galleries to control the oil pump delivery. As a result, oil pump frictional losses are reduced during the warm-up period. New engine oil has a lower viscosity, contributing to an extension in service intervals from 10,000 miles to 15,000 miles or 12 months. Both V8 engines are now fitted with an electronic oil level sensor feature for added peace of mind.
Unique, Jaguar sound quality
Sound quality is a key characteristic of all Jaguars and is one particular aspect that customers relish. With that in mind, Jaguar engineers have deliberately accentuated the acoustic feedback into the cabin in order to further increase driving pleasure.
The XFR has received special attention to deliver the required V8 intake sound character commonly absent on supercharged engines. Intake manifold pressure pulsations are fed into an acoustic filter at the rear of the engine that is tuned to "tenor C", with the output from the filter ducted into the cabin. The filter is controlled by the engine management system which allows the acoustics to enter the cabin only under certain conditions, such as when the engine is accelerating hard, thus maintaining the desired sound quality at all times.
New supercharger - more for less
A sixth-generation, twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger is fitted to the XFR's 510bhp engine. It is a compact Roots-type unit, feeding air through twin intercoolers, which in turn are water-cooled by their own discreet cooling circuit. The high helix rotor design improves the supercharger thermodynamic efficiency by 16 percent. It also improves noise quality to the point where the unit is now virtually inaudible (making supercharger whine a thing of the past). The intercoolers reduce the temperature of the pressurized intake-air and so optimize power and efficiency.
The new air intake has been radically redesigned compared to the previous V8. The intake air path is a direct feed to the supercharger inlet from the centrally mounted front throttle body. Air is delivered through twin air boxes, which reduce flow loss and further increase efficiency.
Mechanically, the new supercharger and its intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the 'V' of the engine to deliver a low overall engine height in support of pedestrian safety requirements.
Advanced six-speed transmissions
The all-new 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III engines transmit power through an enhanced version of Jaguar's acclaimed ZF 6HP28 electronically controlled, six-speed transmission. Additional clutch plates and an upgraded torque converter have been added for the supercharged V8 to facilitate the extra power.
The transmission has a fully-adaptive shift system which delivers extremely smooth gear changes and optimizes performance and economy at all times. It also continually adapts to suit driving style, which can vary from sporting to more economical. The 'mechatronic' control module incorporated inside the transmission includes the software for the semi-automatic Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM function, selected when the driver operates either of the two steering-wheel paddles.
The high levels of torque produced by the new engines make it possible for the torque converter lock-up feature of the transmission to be used even at low speeds, without slip. This approach provides an additional fuel consumption saving, contributing to the official combined fuel economy of 22.5mpg in the XFR and 25.4mpg in the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8-powered XF. The advanced design of the transmission includes a torsional damper to absorb firing impulses from the engine, further smoothing the driveline. The transmission is designed to be maintenance-free and the fluid is 'filled-for-life.'
Stunning performance and dynamism
The headline advances of Jaguar's new engines are hugely significant and impressive. They take Jaguar's philosophy of 'intelligent power' to another new level and that means instant responses, seamless power and smooth, refined performance with no compromise to fuel efficiency - all thanks to intelligent use of the most advanced technologies. And, of course, in XFR guise, it makes for the quickest XF yet.
Mike Cross, Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer, explains the significance of the powertrain changes in the 2010 XF range:
"Instant response, seamless power delivery and smooth refined performance characterize the new XF V8 engines. The awesome 510bhp supercharged V8 engine in the XFR delivers thrilling performance to satisfy the most demanding drivers. Allied to a class-leading automatic transmission featuring Jaguar's lightning-quick Sequential Shift system and advanced technologies such as the new Active Differential Control and Adaptive Dynamics, the XFR offers an exhilarating driving experience, yet one that is still accessible to everyone."
In line with the additional performance, XFR adopts the largest brakes fitted to the XF range, with 14.9-in. diameter internally ventilated front discs. XFR's unique 20-inch wheels and tires were specifically chosen to enhance the dynamic character of the car, and in particular to optimize wet weather grip.
Jaguar's Emergency Brake Assist is standard on XF and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is now available as an option on all 5.0-liter models. Advanced Emergency Brake Assist is a new attribute of the ACC system on the new 5.0 V8 models; it uses the ACC radar to calculate distance from and speed of approach to the vehicle ahead and pre-charges the brake-line pressure to minimize impact speed if a collision is predicted - as well as giving an audible warning to the driver.
To improve handling and steering responses, the XFR is fitted with a 'fast ratio' steering rack, and additionally benefits from the further improved front-to-rear aerodynamic balance offered by a new rear spoiler and deeper front bumper. This is a significant gain as XF's lift balance was already best in class, and its low overall aerodynamic drag coefficient of only 0.29Cd contributes to both low wind noise and inherent high-speed stability.
The XF's body shell is already extremely stiff - in fact the stiffest in its class. This is key to the XF delivering superb ride and handling based on taut body control and precise, responsive steering. The bodyshell for the new 10 Model Year XF is even stiffer, thanks to a new rear subframe and the adoption of a trunk cross-brace that was previously only fitted to the XF Supercharged model.
Latest computer-controlled suspension and differential
The biggest changes in chassis dynamics for the XFR, however, come from two new advanced technologies, Adaptive Dynamics and Active Differential Control - which are both incorporated as standard.
Active Differential Control (ADC) with traction-only functionality and handling functionality is an electronically controlled alternative to the traditional, wholly mechanical differential, offering more subtle control strategies.
ADC can vary its locking torque (and therefore the proportion of torque to each driven wheel) depending on surface conditions and power applied. Its control strategies optimize traction at each wheel, improving acceleration on low-grip surfaces while also enhancing cornering ability. ADC has no adverse effect on either refinement or stability - where the traditional, mechanical differential can compromise stability under hard applications of power, demanding more corrective input from the driver. Whereas a mechanical differential is permanently active, the XFR's new ADC system is switched off when not required, so unlike the mechanical alternative, it does not risk undesirable understeer, and creates no issues with NVH at low speeds.
The differential is operated by an internal electric motor and 'ball-and-ramp' mechanism, and contains a multi-plate clutch, which transmits or 'vectors' torque to the wheel with most grip. The multi-plate clutch assembly is designed to prevent excessive differential slip, but differs fundamentally from a conventional traction control which uses the brakes to counteract slip after it has occurred.
Adaptive Dynamics is a highly sophisticated active damping system which automatically adjusts suspension damper settings to suit both road conditions and the way in which the car is being driven. By removing the need for compromise between a fixed, softer setting for ride comfort and a fixed, firmer setting for tauter body control and handling, Adaptive Dynamics allows the balance between ride and handling to be optimized whatever the circumstances. Unlike earlier systems with only a small number of steps in the damper settings, it offers a progressively variable damping strategy between wide extremes, to deliver a comfortable but sporty ride with impressively sharp handling.
The three primary functions of Adaptive Dynamics are to control vertical movement, roll rate and pitch rate of the body. It does this by analyzing induced body motions one hundred times a second, and setting each damper to an appropriate level in order to maintain a constant and level body attitude, thereby optimizing control without compromising ride. Also one hundred times a second, it predicts the roll-rate due to steering inputs, and selectively increases damping forces to reduce that roll-rate - improving handling feel and driver confidence - as well as analyzing fore and aft pitch rate due to throttle and braking inputs, and again varies damping forces to reduce pitch, further improving comfort and control.
Additionally, Adaptive Dynamics improves ride by monitoring wheel position five hundred times a second and automatically increasing damping rate as the suspension approaches the limits of its travel. Similarly, it controls wheel 'hop' by varying damping to move any wheel out of a natural bouncing frequency, again benefiting ride comfort, handling, and even grip.
XFR also features Handling Functionality, which is unique in this class. In conjunction with the DSC OFF option and JaguarDrive Control(TM) with Dynamic Mode, this supplements all the advantages of Traction Only Functionality with a number of more driver-focused dynamic characteristics. Dynamic Mode (which is standard on the new naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8) modifies the throttle, stability and transmission parameters, and on XFR only it also modifies the Adaptive Dynamics responses. The combination of ADC and Dynamic mode with DSC OFF allows controllable power-on oversteer, and improves off-throttle stability, allowing quicker, more spirited cornering. It can also improve stability in situations such as an emergency lane-change maneuver at high speed and, in combination with DSC, reduce the brake interventions which the more enthusiastic driver might see as intrusive.
So, working with DSC, the TCS traction control system and ABS braking function, ADC can significantly improve overall vehicle performance, and provide even more precise driving feel. Together with its very high performance potential, that is what defines the new XFR as a perfect home for Jaguar's 'R' philosophy, and the sportiest of all XF models.
XF Portfolio - taking luxury a little further
An XF Portfolio is about taking the details that define luxury a little further. Every XF is designed to make its owner feel special. Every XF combines the practical appeal of refinement and space with the emotional appeal of luxurious interiors, intelligently chosen features and exceptional craftsmanship.
The new Portfolio option offers the most luxurious XF specification and features the naturally aspirated version of the new 5.0-liter V8. As well as offering all the features of the Premium Luxury level, the Portfolio is subtly distinguished by its new 20 inch Senta alloy wheels. Inside, it adds 16-way by 12-way actively ventilated heated and cooled front seats, with leather seat back map pockets, and it introduces a luxurious Suedecloth premium headlining. On the door top-rolls and instrument panel, the Portfolio adds the further craftsmanship touch of contrast color twin-needle stitching, and underfoot it adds premium carpet mats with contrast edge binding and embroidered Jaguar logos.
The Portfolio also adds a unique veneer - Figured Ebony - contrast stitching and an extended color palette, all giving maximum customer choice and opportunity for personalization.
Beyond the unique performance and luxury alternatives of the XFR and Portfolio models, the new XF also offers distinctive new identifying details, including new alloy wheel styles. The 20-inch Nevis wheels are unique to XFR, while the new 19-inch Artura wheels are available in an optional chrome finish.
The use of intelligent technologies on the new XF contributes to extended service intervals (up to 15,000 miles), now monitored by a new Service Interval Indicator. These new engines offer dipstick-free monitoring with oil level sensing, and XF also now offers a Brake Pad Wear function.
So more than ever, the new XF, XF Portfolio and XFR challenge the rules, delivering that unique Jaguar personality summed up in the two words: 'Sporting Luxury'. The new range offers a superb blend of performance, value for money and contemporary desirability, which means Jaguar's acclaimed XF has now moved even further ahead of its rivals in the sports sedan market.