Jaguar reveals new sports saloon
Chunky V8-powered C-XF concept emerges
 Jaguar C-XF   |
Jaguar's revealed more details about its C-XF's concept sports saloon, which debuts at the 2007 Detroit auto show next week
Described as "the new direction of Jaguar design", the car was designed by a team headed by design boss Ian Callum and Julian Thomson, the same team that produced the XK Coupé and Convertible. The team looked to create a vehicle that presents a confident statement of design purity that was dynamic and athletic.
The car is powered by an enhanced version of Jaguar’s 4.2-litre supercharged V8. Tuned to produce more then 420bhp and 369lb-ft of torque – the latter produced from very low revs – this proven powerplant and its six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift manual gearchange, should deliver a Vmax of 180mph.
And the technology advances continue with the electrical architecture for the 4.2-litre engine encased in a unique carbon-fibre wiring ‘loom’. Designed and constructed by Beru F1 Systems, the electrical ‘spider’ harness is not only beautiful but also extremely functional.
”The new wiring loom is a designer’s dream,” said Thomson. “We thought we would always have to live with the plethora of wires that runs around an engine bay. Now every wire is housed within a visually stunning harness that looks as if it is literally strapping the engine down, holding all that power in place.”
The C-XF is the first car ever to use Beru F1 System’s unique Wire in Composite (WIC) technology. WIC completely encloses all wiring in a bespoke carbon-fibre sleeve, protecting it from damage and also improving durability, packaging, weight and aesthetics. As the first vehicle to use the technology, the C-XF leaps ahead of upcoming debuts in both Formula 1 motor racing and the aerospace industry – and allows Jaguar to further investigate production car potential for the system.
“The Jaguar C-XF concept is the most dynamic and modern four-door car that Jaguar has ever created, a design showcase heralding the next generations of our sports saloon models,” said Callum. “It signals a future for Jaguar that is as exciting as the C-XF itself.”
The concept features single, slim-wedged headlamps which have evolved from the twin-lamp motif seen on past Jaguars. The lights are thin and angular, while running from the headlamps to the rear wheel haunch is an unbroken, main feature line. Adding to the vehicle's aggressive appearance are the muscular bonnet, side power vents, tapered tail and deeply recessed front grille.
The cabin's emphasis is tailored more toward performance than luxury, said the company. Inside are lightweight, sculpted bucket-style front seats and twin individual rear bucket seats. Running in between the seats is a tall, central transmission tunnel that gives the occupants a sense of sitting deep within a futuristic cockpit. In addition, a brushed aluminium fascia wraps around the cabin.
Callum said the cabin of the all-new C-XF concept car was “one of the most exciting interiors Jaguar has ever done.”
The car includes JaguarSense, a prototype technology which employs motion detecting sensors to activate certain vehicle features, reacts to the sweep of a hand, making it advance yet intuitive. Also, the C-XF has a jewel-like power button that pulses like a heartbeat on the centre console and, once pushed, aluminium rings lower from the centre console to reveal the gear shift knob. As the engine starts, a blue light sweeps around the cabin, the entire roofline illuminates with a muted blue light and a final blue light shines from the front grille, signifying the car’s ignition. Cool, or...?
Pity about the bling wheels, though...
There is no point in pandering to the old jag owners with drivel like the recent S and X types. No wonder they have been slipping down, while Aston have been growing in strength.
The new style is aggressive, dynamic and above all else a huge leap forward for Jaguar, so come on guys, make it and it will sell, and I'm sure Clarkson and Co will go nuts about it
There is no point in pandering to the old jag owners with drivel like the recent S and X types. No wonder they have been slipping down, while Aston have been growing in strength.
The new style is aggressive, dynamic and above all else a huge leap forward for Jaguar, so come on guys, make it and it will sell, and I'm sure Clarkson and Co will go nuts about it
I've got to agree with that. They're going to have to do something or they're just going to keep on slipping down ladder.
That said though, Jag were on the button with the new XK and have cleaned up with all the awards it has won. Maybe with so much praise going to that model, the boardroom big wigs may be inclined to give this model the thumbs up.
There is no point in pandering to the old jag owners with drivel like the recent S and X types. No wonder they have been slipping down, while Aston have been growing in strength.
The new style is aggressive, dynamic and above all else a huge leap forward for Jaguar, so come on guys, make it and it will sell, and I'm sure Clarkson and Co will go nuts about it
I think you are absolutely spot on. The current range does tend to appeal to the old Rover type owners and that market is still shrinking fast. The world is conditioned now to expect more bling etc.
This appears to be a stunning wagon and a huge step forward. It does look like someone in America has had the balls (and money) that Jag have really lacked since the E-Type to go out there and give the competition a nice big, gentlemans' slap.
A big hand to Ford who are turning out to be the savours of the Old English marques.
Can't wait to change my XKR for one of the new ones and can't wait to see this wagon on the road. Now, where's that little roadster got to?
Personally I think maybe the wiring loom may well not be the car's greatest selling point. My old rusty maser had an even lighter wiring loom. No heavy carbon fiber for me, just simple gaffer tape for added flexibility and easy maintenance etc. People dont buy cars based on how the wires are packaged guys.
My Mum made me a ton-up boy in it.
Been looking at Jags ever since.
But this is the only one that I've actually *wanted* -- they've always seemed old fashioned, with stagecoach-era interiors.
Purleeze Jag, minimum changes for the prod version, otherwise I'll not get *my* Jag after all...
also the report talks about this amazing new loom but shows no pictures!! shame
Pix in this month's CAR mag.
Not any official jag loom pictures there, but it does show wire in carbon.
The jag loom does look very cool!
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