Even if Jaguar has just unveiled a facelift for the old XJ, this is not the only news coming to us. In 2009 the company will unveil a totally redesigned model, with design cues taken from the latest C-XF Concept and from the upcoming XF sedan. Even if the new generation XJ will be built on the current aluminum platform, everything on the exterior will be changed.
In an attempt to make all Jaguar models the most modern car on the road, the new XJ will have modern and aggressive lines and a more muscular look. The new generation XJ will be designed under the supervision of Jaguar design Chief Ian Callum. Jaguar wants the new XJ, codenamed X351, to be more radical than the XF that will be unveiled in 2008.Ian Callum explains the design philosophy behind the car: “Sports sedans were Jaguar’s mantle with cars such as the Mk2 and Series 1 XJ of the 1960s – and we’re having it back! But we’re not harking back to another era for the sake of it. Instead we need to recognize design elements and move forward in a modern and contemporary way.”With prices to go up to more than $150.000, the new XJ will be a strong competitor for the Mercedes CLS, Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Flying Spur.At 2007 Detroit Auto Show Jaguar unveiled the C-XF, a concept that previews the future generations of sports saloons and reaffirms the direction Jaguar is taking. On the same auto show, the company also promised that the “new Jaguars would be beautiful, fast, glamorous and evocativeâ€. In order to keep that promise, the new XJ will take many of its design elements from the C-XF concept: the narrower nose with narrower headlights, the same large, square grille. Also the car’s interior design theme is close to that seen in the C-XF concept, but with addition of some hi-tech fixtures and fittings.New on the XJ models will be the windscreen that is said to extend back into the roof panel.Under the hood, the new XJ will feature a lineup of engines including a Volvo-derived in-line six and updated V8. There will be a 3.2 liter V6 and V8 engines and also the new 3.2 litre petrol six. Also the V8 engines from current model will be upgraded to 5.0 liters. The 5.0 liter V8 engine will have an output of 300 hp. It will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 5.8 seconds and will have a top speed of 165 mph.
