Jaguar XJ 2012 Model Year Press Kit - New York Auto Show 2011

04/20/2011

Jaguar

The new Jaguar XF saloon, XK sports coupe and flagship Jaguar XJ all make their debut at the New York Auto Show 2011. Substantial changes and improvements across the range bring performance, refinement and economy to new levels, while fresh design enhancements strengthen the contemporary appeal of Jaguar's latest line-up.

The 2012 model year XK builds on the car's award-winning reputation as a high-performance sporting GT. A new range-topping variant, the XKR-S, creates a new performance flagship for Jaguar by becoming its most powerful production car ever, capable of 186mph and 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds.

Purposeful cosmetic alterations to the front and rear are made to the entire XK range, bringing its visual appeal right up to date, while further personalisation options are available to both the car's performance and styling through a series of special order upgrade packages. New interior options will allow the discerning driver to emphasise either the luxury or performance aspects of the XK's nature.

The XF, which has won more than 80 awards around the world for both its performance and styling, now receives bold new front and rear revisions to its appearance that bring it in line with the flagship XJ. The supercharged XFR features further uniquely dramatic design enhancements that signal the performance available in this potent range-topper.

Major technical advances include an all-new, state-of-the-art 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in the XF, which comes with a fuel and emissions-saving Intelligent Stop/Start system for the first time in a Jaguar. This market specific version of the XF will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Jaguar line-up - achieving 52.3mpg* combined and 149g/km CO2 - while retaining the performance and refinement that make it stand out as a true Jaguar sports saloon.

For the flagship Jaguar XJ luxury saloon, a suite of enhancements to the interior and options list includes a new Rear Seat Comfort package, which incorporates electric recline, lumbar adjustment and massage functions to reinforce the ultimate executive limousine experience.

These three cars are the result of a design and technology revolution at Jaguar, led by award-winning Design Director Ian Callum, the architect of the company's future success:

"The world has been introduced to an entirely new generation of Jaguars in the past few years. With the new product range, today's Jaguar is at full-strength for the first time. The 2012 XK, XF and XJ are design-led products that break new boundaries. We believe our cars resonate with customers on an emotional level and that's reflected both in the way they drive and the way they look."

The 2012 Jaguar XJ

At-A-Glance

Pioneering lightweight aluminium construction delivers superior agility and economy

Bold, beautiful styling re-energises the Jaguar design language.

The existing range of powerful, efficient powerplants is supplemented by Jaguar's 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine (market specific).

Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the latter providing even more luxurious accommodation for passengers.

New Rear Seat Comfort package is available on both wheelbase variants and includes electric recline, lumbar adjustment and massage functions.

Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the car and managed via an innovative dual-view central Touch-screen.

New Executive Package helps allow the long-wheelbase derivative to function more effectively as a mobile business centre.

Optional Illumination Package offers the ambient lighting effects previously only available on the range-topping Supersport variant.

New interior colour combinations have been added by customer request.

The original XJ was the last car designed by Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and the latest car to wear the nameplate is as innovative, beautiful and desirable as its famous forebear.

Revolutionary, not evolutionary, the XJ is truly a product of the 21st century and is the clearest indication yet of the singular sense of purpose behind Design Director Ian Callum's vision for the future of Jaguar.

The unique full-length panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light allows the XJ to offer an unrivalled sense of spaciousness and occasion for driver and passengers and at the same time retain the sleek coupe-like profile and lithe stance for which Jaguars are famous.

Lightweight aluminium architecture

The mould- breaking styling is matched by similarly impressive construction techniques pioneered by Jaguar. The lightweight aluminium structure - 50 percent of which is made from recycled materials - offers improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions. In conjunction with a lifecycle approach to design and manufacture this allows the XJ to minimise its carbon footprint.

The weight saved by the use of aluminium - an average of 150kg compared to its rivals - also has benefits for performance and agility and is complemented by the most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar powertrains ever. The choice of engines has been enlarged for the 2012 range with the fitment of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine (market specific). All engines are coupled to a shift-by-wire, six-speed automatic transmission controlled by the JaguarDrive Selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Contemporary cabin

The cabin of the XJ blends elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provides an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully-crafted leather and wood veneer surfaces. Both standard and long-wheelbase models are available, for an even more sumptuous and refined experience for rear seat passengers.

Advanced new technology has allowed Jaguar's interior designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin. Stunning 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instruments complement an innovative Dual-view 8-inch Touch-screen that allows the passenger to view DVD movies or TV programmes while the driver is provided with vehicle functions or satellite-navigation directions.

Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system that is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard-drive based audio and navigation systems and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

2012 enhancements

Subtle enhancements to the cabin are now available for the 2012 XJ range to allow greater personalisation and flexibility of use. A new Rear Comfort Pack offers seats that now feature electric adjustment of the backrest recline angle, four-way lumbar support and a massage function. Increased comfort is also provided by new winged headrests, footrests and the ability for the front passenger seat to be stowed away forwards when unoccupied to increase legroom even further.

On the long-wheelbase Portfolio derivative a new 'Executive Pack' transforms the rear of the XJ into a high-speed mobile office space with the provision of fold-down laptop trays and an electric rear sunblind for increased privacy. The package also includes upgraded carpeting, combination wood and leather steering wheel, gloss wood veneer choices and chrome mirror housings.

Jaguar has always listened closely to customer feedback and in the case of the XJ, this has led to a new interior colour combination. Available with the Premium Luxury and Portfolio trim levels the Jet/Ivory option features ivory seating with contrast jet stitching, piping and upper surfaces while the headlining is available in either colour, according to customer preference.

All XJ variants are now available with an Illumination Package derived from that offered as standard on the Supersport model. This comprises illuminated treadplates, boot latch and front and rear air vents.

"An XJ should be the ultimate in comfort, design and refinement. The bespoke interior changes we have incorporated for the 2012 model make it an even more special car to drive or be driven in."

Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars