The new XF is a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language, with a driving experience that exceeds the expectations created by its striking appearance. It’s a car that is relaxed and confident, with outstanding ability and control.
At-A-Glance Highlights
- XF is a four-door Jaguar that fuses the style and performance of a coupe-bodied sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury sedan
- Exterior styling is the first expression of Jaguar’s new sedan design language
- Coupe-like lines belie the amount of space inside; there is room for five adults in comfort, generous interior stowage, and a trunk capacity of 17.7 cu.ft.
- JaguarDrive™ Selector is industry-first rotary gear selector interface for automatic transmission
- XF ‘comes alive’ on start-up. On entry, the start button pulses red, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector rises from the center console into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn 180deg from the flush ‘parked’ position to their functional open position
- Best torsional stiffness in class delivers refinement and dynamic performance
- Choice of two V8 engines – 4.2-liter naturally aspirated and 4.2-liter supercharged – both coupled with Jaguar’s proven six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift™ and steering-wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear selection
- JaguarSense™ electronic control system gives touch or proximity operation to open glovebox and to control overhead console lights without the need for switches
- Twin-stitched, leather seats standard on all models emphasizes craftsmanship and quality
- Key driver aids include Understeer Control Logic which decelerates the car and helps restore grip to the front wheels
- Three trim levels will be offered in U.S. market – Luxury, Premium Luxury and Supercharged
- First cars will be delivered to customers in March 2008. U.S. pricing to be announced at XF’s North American debut at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show
* Note – all power and torque ratings are in SAE
THE 2009 XF RANGE
| XF 4.2 | 4.2-liter V8 |
300bhp |
Naturally aspirated |
XF 4.2 S/C |
4.2-liter V8 |
420bhp |
Supercharged |
INTRODUCTION
The new XF is a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language, with a driving experience that exceeds the expectations created by its striking appearance. It’s a car that is relaxed and confident, with outstanding ability and control.
Resolutely true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating beautiful, fast cars, the XF goes further, adding a new dimension to the marque. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior that is contemporary in style, yet uniquely Jaguar.
As well as space, the new XF’s interior ambience is enriched by crafted, luxurious materials, sophisticated instruments and calm phosphor blue halo illumination and interior mood lighting. Engineering excellence and attention to detail mean the XF’s interior matches the best-in-class for refinement, while Jaguar’s intuitive use of technology and driver-friendly seven-inch touch-screen controls add new layers of comfort and ease of use.
Every XF model possesses shift-by-wire transmission control, with Jaguar’s class-leading Sequential Shift system, which will be used for the first time in a sedan. Shift-by-wire replaces manual shift linkages with electronic commands and gives every XF rapid and very smooth gearshifts – faster than the acclaimed XK’s transmission.
The Jaguar Sequential Shift gives the driver the option of one-touch manual control via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. There is also the choice of multiple transmission modes via JaguarDrive Control, which matches throttle progression, DSC thresholds and shift strategy to conditions, including Sport and Winter modes.
But the most exciting feature of the XF’s transmission control is the all-new JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector - an industry-first rotary gear selector interface that combines precise, intuitive control with space-saving packaging to allow maximization of interior storage options.
Other innovative functional features add more ‘surprise and delight’. Air-conditioning vents present a flush dashboard surface until the ignition is switched on, at which point they elegantly rotate 180 degrees to the open position.
Another new technology – JaguarSense - introduces touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and the glovebox release.
Every level of the audio system features at least eight speakers plus subwoofer, with a premium system designed in association with highly respected audio specialists Bowers & Wilkins® available on range-topping models. Radio options now include SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, while the XF technology count includes Bluetooth® communications technology, plus iPod and MP3 player connectivity with full-function control through the seven-inch touch-screen, and an auxiliary port for other portable audio devices.
Other available features include JaguarVoice™ which can control many functions simply by asking – and all without ever taking your eyes off the road, Blind Spot Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Aids and Rear Camera Parking Aid and Adaptive Cruise Control. Standard features include Automatic Speed Limiter, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Parking Brake and more.
Explains Mick Mohan, XF Chief Program Engineer: “The interior of the XF is an outstanding combination of style and substance. It bristles with innovative, industry-leading features. From the smart technical solution of the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector, through the seamless efficiency of rotating vents, to the simplicity of touch-screen control, the XF proves aesthetics and function can work together in perfect harmony.”
Engineering excellence and class-leading structural rigidity are at the heart of the new XF's construction. The advanced body structure, which comprises high-tech materials and new-generation design techniques, maximizes strength and minimizes weight to give the XF superb performance, refinement and efficiency.
The new XF has exceptional torsional stiffness, and with a wide rear track it displays excellent handling characteristics. These elements underpin a dynamic ethos that is driver-focused yet supremely comfortable and refined. Just as its looks promise, the new XF excels across the board in every role from a sports car to a luxurious long-distance cruiser.
THE XF IN DETAIL
DESIGN - EXTERIOR
The first defining element of the new XF as a true sporting Jaguar is its visual strength. Driven by a bold new design language, the XF firmly emphasizes contemporary and emotional themes while remaining unmistakably a Jaguar.
Targeting leadership in exterior and interior design, the XF builds on already high standards of craftsmanship, quality and dynamic refinement, while improving packaging and aerodynamics even further.
As Design Director Ian Callum explains, “The XF is a stage in a personal journey for me. It has always been my career goal to return Jaguar to its rightful place as leader in automotive design. Cars like the original XJ6 left a lasting legacy and my ambition has been to create something as seminal. The XF is that car.”
The new XF enters the Jaguar range in the niche long occupied by Jaguar’s much loved mid-sized sedans such as the original XJ Series 1 – a car that was smaller than today’s XJ. But unlike many medium premium sedans, the new XF pushes boundaries away from the ‘three box’ style and creates a four-door, five-seat sedan with strong, coupe-like lines.
Jaguar’s new design language, which debuted with the new XK sports car, is applied to a sedan car for the first time in XF. The visual step forward is as significant as it is obvious – the XF’s proportions, for example, are so closely matched to those of the XK that the screen rake angles are the same on both cars.
Having the space and practicality of full five-seat accommodation was a program imperative, so the XF is proportioned to provide interior space and levels of comfort that challenge for best-in-class honors. At 195.3 in. (4961mm) long and 73.9 in. (1877mm) wide, on a lengthy 114.5 in. (2909mm) wheelbase, the XF is 1.73 in. (44mm)
longer and 0.98 in. (25mm) wider than its nearest 'dimensional' competitor, the Audi A6 – with even greater advantages over the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS300 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The XF’s visual emphasis is sporty, muscular and dynamic – a character defined by a sweeping silhouette inspired by the XK, a powerful grille, dramatic side window graphics and, of course, strong Jaguar shoulders. The look, however, does not come at the expense of efficient packaging, for the XF’s waistline rises to meet the roof rather than the roof coming down to meet the waist – which improves interior space.
This rising waistline gives the XF a much higher tail than any previous Jaguar, providing the twin benefits of much improved aerodynamic performance, together with substantially increased luggage volume - at a maximum of 17.7 cu. ft. (500 L).
The XF’s Jaguar character is defined by its face – centered around a bold intake grille which provides a focal point for the feature lines which stream back over the bonnet and cabin. The grille’s mesh pattern is itself an important element of external jewelry. Its woven pattern is an emotional design signature that is quintessentially British, with strong sporting connotations.
The headlamps further emphasize the way in which Jaguar’s design language has progressed. The one-piece clusters have a wide aspect ratio and wrap around the corners of the body onto the front wings. Closer inspection of the headlamp internals reveals twin round elements incorporated within their overall shape; a subliminal reminder of the Jaguar ‘quad lamp’ signature.
The front lower bumper includes powerful air intakes, carrying chrome 'splitter' blades whose simple, modern lines evoke the technical, strongly engineered shape of a propeller blade.
In profile, the new XF follows the Jaguar credo of having flowing, uninterrupted lines. The feature line that starts at the outboard edge of the lower air intake, runs up over the front wing, rises into the waistline and then runs around the trailing edge of the trunk lid is an example of this.
The stance of the XF is completely new for a Jaguar sedan. It gives the car a ‘ready to pounce’ look that suggests latent power and energy. The strong wedge profile of the waistline imparts a forward-biased dynamic before the car has even turned a wheel.
The XF’s wide rear track not only enhances the handling and dynamic values of the car but also reinforces the visual confidence of the new shape. At the rear, the design elements integrate to emphasize the width of the car.
The bright signature blade, which proudly carries the ‘JAGUAR’ script, appears to extend beyond the boot lid and into the tail lamps by aligning it with the clear ‘windows’ of the reverse/indicator clusters.
The tail lamp graphics wrap around onto the rear wings, leading your eye out to the broad, muscular rear wheel arches. The lamps use state-of-the-art LED technology to give the XF an unmistakable night-time signature and an exotic personality. The wheels lie at the extremities of the body, with the fenders sculpted to make them look like powerful, bulging muscles. Every wheel and tire combination has been engineered to have the same rolling radius, giving a superb ‘wheel to body’ visual relationship. The XF is fitted with 18, 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels, the Supercharged being the only car in its class to have 20-inch wheels as standard.
The exterior details of the XF have been designed as if they are finely crafted items of exquisite jewelry. The distinctive bright aluminum finisher around the side window, for example, is unusual in being a single-piece pressing and is an unmatched piece of craftsmanship. The side power vents have the Jaguar name embossed on an ‘ingot’ bar across the center, while the ‘venturi’ shape below the tail – which hints at the XF’s sophisticated aerodynamics – is positioned above large, stylized twin chrome tailpipes.
The XF is unmistakably a Jaguar and its badging unequivocally identifies it as such: a large ‘growler’ badge is prominent on the front grille, while adding the Jaguar ‘leaper’ to the rear boot lid is an emotional statement – a powerful signature that customers associate strongly with the most sporting Jaguars.
From launch, the XF offers three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury and Supercharged. Externally, with the exception of wheel styles, and a badge on the Supercharged, all cars will look the same – a customer is buying an XF, rather than an XF in a particular trim level.
Says Wayne Burgess, XF Senior Manager, Jaguar Design: “It was time for Jaguar to be bold and the XF fits that brief perfectly. With its dramatic styling, powerful yet beautiful flowing lines and a distinctive face, the new XF looks like no other Jaguar sedan – and yet it could only be a Jaguar.”
AERODYNAMICS
As well as facilitating packaging excellence, the XF’s new design language has another significant functional advantage: for the first time on any Jaguar, the entire body was developed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) before the car ever saw a wind tunnel. Every area from the outer skin to the lightweight, composite undertray to the cooling airflow (even the shape of the exterior mirrors) was optimized using this process.
The higher, squarer tail is far more efficient aerodynamically than a lower, rounded one, and the XF’s coupe-like roofline and subtle, raised trunk lid lip improve airflow over the rear of the car. As a result, the XF has the best aerodynamic performance, in terms of drag, of any production Jaguar ever and is very close to equaling the race-bred, limited-edition XJ220 supercar.
The XF’s drag coefficient is just 0.29 and the front-to-rear lift balance is precisely zero. These aerodynamics contribute to impressively low wind noise and strong high-speed stability and, of course, are vital in ensuring ideal handling balance through optimizing drag and lift forces.
DESIGN - INTERIOR
Relax inside the XF and you are in a very special place indeed. There is space – more than many will imagine given the XF's sports sedan design – but also the sense of being in a perfectly-proportioned, agile car. There is also comfort – of course – but it is the craftsmanship, materials and attention to detail that impress. Consider, too, the generous equipment specification – the features that empower rather than overpower the driver – and the strengths of the XF are readily apparent.
The interior design maximizes the feeling of space, with driver and passenger seating positions, the relationship of seats to window areas, and the volume and versatility of stowage options all contributing. New thinking on seat design – the front seats are deliberately sculpted and reduced in size (but not comfort) – liberates space and makes access easier, too. The increased track and rear seat width means 6’4’’ adults can sit in complete comfort. And while the XF roofline might say ‘coupe’, the rear headroom says ‘sedan’.
Just as the XF’s exterior defines a new design direction, its interior moves from traditional themes to contemporary, sporting luxury - emphasized by ‘surprise and delight’ features such as the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector and the rotating vents; through the use of sophisticated new materials; and by all-new graphics and interior lighting systems.
Jaguar Cars Interior Designer, Alister Whelan says the inspiration for the XF cabin was pure, modern luxury: “We have found exciting new ways to say ‘luxury’. The lines are clean and pure, the materials are familiar, but with a very modern flavor – from soft-grained leathers to real wood veneers with a bold, contemporary spin. Even the phosphor blue interior lighting has its own mood.”
The line defined by the stunning, leather-trimmed, twin-needle-stitched dashboard top and aluminum finisher runs continuously through front and rear doors, making the interior feel more spacious, and especially making it seem wider from the front seats.
Real wood – more than in any Jaguar since the iconic Mark II sedan in the 1960s – underlines what is a luxurious interior, with veneers including Satin American Walnut, Burl Walnut and a very modern, straight-grained Rich Oak that works particularly well with textured aluminum highlights that are used in every XF to enhance the contemporary, technical feel. And true to Jaguar’s core values of authenticity of materials, what looks like wood really is wood.
Even the XF’s headlining material is a step up from conventional materials. Using a modern technical weave known as Morzine, the entire cabin roof and A-pillars are trimmed in this eye-catching, contemporary finish.
In the XF, many features are ‘invisible until needed’ – a different approach from carmakers who push technology as a dominant interior theme. The rotating vents revolve out of sight when they are not in use; the touch-screen controls many features, allowing mechanical buttons to be reduced to a discreet panel below the navigation screen. Jaguar design is about reducing clutter; the switches that are there primarily give quick and easy access to functions such as audio volume and climate control temperature.
As well as the center cubby, which includes CD storage, an auxiliary power supply and a Portable Audio Interface for an iPod or other MP3 player, the center console has two compartments with veneered lids. It can take a 44-ounce cup and two more modestly sized cups plus other miscellaneous items.
Without the cupholders in place there is generous oddment storage space for items such as sunglasses in their cases. There are large storage pockets in each door and pockets on the backs of the front seats and the rear center armrest also incorporates two cupholders.
One feature that maximizes space efficiency is the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector, an unobtrusive yet completely practical solution to selecting an automatic gear mode. But the Selector does much more than this thanks to a start-up sequence that is a strong driver 'handshake' and a real statement of the XF’s individuality.
Get into an XF and the start button in front of the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector pulses red, like a heartbeat. Press this button to start the engine and the cast alloy JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector raises into the palm of your hand. Simultaneously, the navigation system initializes to its home page and the rotating vents turn 180 degrees from their flush, 'parked' position to their functional open position. While the vents are open, they offer vertical and horizontal directional vane adjustment and full airflow adjustment down to zero.
With the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector, automatic transmission functions are selected simply by turning the control with the fingertips. As an example, Drive to Drive Sport selection is accomplished with a simple push and turn action. Returning from S to D, the rotary control operates with spring-assistance, which eliminates the need to pull the Selector. It couldn’t be simpler.
Phosphor blue mood or ‘halo’ illumination echoes the ambience you might find in a favorite contemporary bar or restaurant. On the XF, halo illumination around the switch panels and JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector console, the start-stop button and Electronic Parking Brake gives a soft glow that indicates their positions without distracting the driver.
Mood lighting is also incorporated into the header console, bathing the center console in a cool blue light, while lights under the front door releases softly illuminate the door-mounted switches.
Soft, phosphor blue illumination is also used on the instrument dials, highlighting the sporting feel of the aluminum-colored dials. As well as being soothing, blue does not conflict with any of the green, yellow or red alert or warning signals on the car.
Following the luxury theme, there are chrome highlights on the column stalks and the molded halo material around the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector and audio/climate switch-pack appears as a soft, almost smoky, chrome until illuminated.
The main switches have been designed to give the feel of a high-quality audio system, incorporating short travel with positive feedback to the user. This design is then used in the minor switchpacks in the overhead console and the auxiliary pack outboard of the steering wheel.
Electric window switches are illuminated through a jewel-like design that diffuses a soft phosphor blue glow around the switch. All switches and buttons have the same Tungsten finish to emphasize harmony and sophistication in the interior.
To say that luxury comes as standard on the XF is almost an understatement. Front seats are electrically adjustable, with a minimum of 10-way seat adjustment for the driver and front passenger, while the Supercharged offers 16-way driver’s seat and 12-way passenger’s seat adjustment with 4-way power lumbar and cushion length adjustment for the driver. The new XF also introduces the option of active heated and cooled ventilated front seats, with various modes of fan-assisted seat heating/cooling.
And because the XF cleverly separates seat and cabin temperature controls, it gives the option of a warm cabin with a cool seat, or vice versa. And all of this with a new climate control system that is also the most efficient Jaguar has ever offered.
Attention to detail was a mantra through the XF’s development. The three trim levels offer combinations of bond-grain leather and soft-grain leather in a subtle color palette. The Luxury trim level uses non-perforated bond-grain leather for the seat facings with matching material for the twin needle stitched fascia. Premium Luxury and Supercharged have a sumptuous interior with soft-grain leather used throughout for seats, fascia and door top rolls, while perforated soft-grain leather is used on the seat facings to facilitate the fan-assisted heating/cooling feature (standard on the Supercharged model).
The XF is exceptionally well equipped. Bluetooth wireless technology allows mobile handsets with Bluetooth capability to communicate with the car’s in-built telephone system and phone calls can be controlled either via the touch-screen or hands free, using the steering wheel controls or JaguarVoice control.
The XF offers two levels of audio system, again all controlled through the touch-screen. The Jaguar 320-watt Premium Sound System has a DSP amplifier linked to nine speakers: eight premium door-mounted and (through clever packaging of the trunk area) a sub-woofer for enhanced bass. The Bowers & Wilkins 440-watt Surround Sound System has a remote amplifier with Dolby® Pro Logic® II 7.1 Surround Sound and 14 speakers.
Bowers & Wilkins technology, exclusively used in Jaguar cars, is acclaimed by audiophiles, artists and recording engineers alike. Kevlar cones in the larger speakers (the distinctive yellow appearance is discretely visible through the speaker grille) improve linearity of response and reduce distortion, while aluminum domes on the tweeters improve sound reproduction at high frequencies by reducing the weight of the moving part.
XF customers can import their own portable media player to interface with the car – including iPod and other portable audio players, or USB storage devices such as memory sticks. Full touch-screen control of the iPod allows access to playlists and music search by artist, album or genre. USB Mass Storage devices may also be accessed via the touch-screen and other players can be connected to the car through the standard fit auxiliary input port.
Also available for the XF audio system is SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which is growing in popularity because of its commercial-free output and because the same network is available coast to coast, north to south.
JaguarSense – an electronic control system that gives touch or proximity operation to open the glovebox lid and o control the overhead console lights – is another XF (and industry) first, and removes the need to find a small switch which is especially useful in the dark. JaguarVoice, meanwhile, offers many functions that can be controlled simply by asking – and all without ever taking your eyes off the road. After pressing the steering wheel ‘voice’ button, the XF’s voice recognition technology allows the driver to give instructions to the navigation system, change Touch-screen displays or make phone calls (using numbers or names). There is also a useful notepad facility which allows the driver to store up to ten voice messages which can be re-played later.
The XF also uses new technology to make driving safer and more relaxing, with the choice of traditional cruise control or available Jaguar’s Adaptive Cruise Control. In tandem with normal cruise control, an Automatic Speed Limiter that allows the driver to select a maximum speed that should not be exceeded, makes life easier and safer. A new
optional Blind Spot Monitor system remotely helps cover areas that still can’t be seen either directly or by mirror, with a radar (rather than camera-based) blind spot monitoring system. The XF has a Rear Parking Aid as standard and a Front Parking Aid as an option – and for the first time on any Jaguar, a Rear Camera Parking Aid offers a system that combines a rear-facing digital video camera with the touch-screen information center.
ENGINEERING
Underlying the new visual design language, the XF is the product of a new generation of design technology, materials and manufacturing opportunities, as Phil Hodgkinson, Jaguar Programs Director, explains: “The engineering disciplines behind the XF are as ground-breaking as its new design language. New development processes and computer tools allowed us to work through the program at a quicker pace than anything previously; new technologies and materials combine strength with lightness; and Jaguar craftsmanship, too, has explored new, exciting contemporary avenues.”
Virtual Process (VP) and Virtual Series (VS) are the cutting-edge technologies used by Jaguar to take the XF from concept to reality. These techniques use massive computing power and sophisticated modeling programs to create components and even whole vehicles in the virtual world, before building physical parts and perfecting the systems and processes to manufacture the car. The XF represents the first time that VP and VS tools have been used by Jaguar throughout a complete vehicle program - from vehicle development, to production feasibility studies, to build planning.
But VP also dramatically improves overall quality, by allowing rapid sign-off of component designs, and eliminating the early physical prototype stage. With VP, when prototypes finally are built, they are intended only to validate what is already known, not to develop areas that are still unresolved. Fully representative vehicles are used for physical evaluation, including on-road testing, crash-testing, hot and cold climate testing, and durability testing. At the same time, the VS program is working on everything that is needed eventually to build the car – leading to significant improvements in craftsmanship, efficiency, even long-term serviceability.
New technology is also key to the XF’s construction. It was the first program within Jaguar to use the next-generation CAD program C3PMG, which combines an all-new CAD-modeling software package with an all-new data-management package – opening the way to exceptional strength without unwanted weight. The design is led by safety needs, especially by the latest side intrusion and SUV over-ride requirements. The reinforced passenger safety cell incorporates new thinking from the lower side rails up.
The XF adopts the latest generation steels, especially in the upper body – including high carbon steels, dual-phase, hot-formed boron steels, and bake-hardened steels to form a vertical safety ‘ring’ around the occupant cell. As well as combining strength with lightness, these steels improve corrosion resistance, by making best use of zinc and improving e-coat paint flow – and new thinking means that in spite of their strength, the XF’s A and B-pillars are impressively slim, to the benefit of both visibility and accessibility. Similarly, the lower sills are the first component on any Jaguar to use incredibly strong, dual-phase DP600 steel.
Every XF also comes with two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags and Seat Occupant Sensing systems to help ensure the airbags work precisely and only as needed. Front-seat occupants also have the added protection of an Active Head Restraint and ‘soft-landing’ technology in the seatbelt retractors to soften contact with the front airbags.
Other changes - many of them made possible by extensive use of the Virtual Process during the development program - improve craftsmanship by optimizing the manufacturing process. Close attention to optical quality creates the smallest, most consistent panel gaps and other new measures improve resistance to minor impacts,
making accident repairs easier and less expensive, so contributing to significant cost-of-ownership benefits.
SUSPENSION
The XF’s class-leading torsional rigidity has significant benefits for refinement and provides the perfect platform for a suspension system that is a further development of the XK sports car, and delivers a ride/handling balance and steering characteristics absolutely in line with the XF’s sporting looks. Unequal length wishbone front suspension with weight-saving aluminum components, and multi-link rear suspension are both subframe mounted for maximum control, including excellent straight-line stability and strong anti-dive characteristics under heavy braking, with minimum road noise and vibration.
The only suspension variations on the XF are between the naturally aspirated V8 models, which all use finely tuned passive suspension, and the supercharged V8 models, which use Jaguar’s Computer Adaptive Technology Suspension (CATSTM). The latest CATSTM is a sophisticated system shared with the new Jaguar XK sports grand
tourer. It uses electronically controlled, two-stage, adaptive dampers whose characteristics are automatically adjusted within milliseconds in response to road conditions and driving inputs, for the optimum balance between comfort and control.
BRAKES
The XF uses large 12.83 in. x 1.18 in. (326mm x 30mm) vented front discs on all naturally aspirated models and 13.97 in. x 1.26 in. (355m x 32mm) vented front discs on the Supercharged model for powerful, balanced 15king performance. The rear discs on all versions measure 12.83 in. x 0.79 in. (326mm x 20mm).
An extremely stiff pedal box contributes to a particularly solid pedal feel, and the brake assistance is tuned to give a very progressive feel, while softening the initial response.
The XF uses Jaguar’s Electric Parking Brake, with a small and neat, chromed release in the center console. As the XF’s braking system communicates electronically with the shift-by-wire technology of the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector function, so the Parking Brake is released automatically as Drive is selected – although the Parking Brake can also be engaged and disengaged manually if appropriate, through the release.
STEERING
Variable ratio power-assisted steering is standard on every version of XF, for reduced parking effort at low speeds and greater precision and feedback at higher speeds – and especially for positive weight to the on-center feel, which is part of the new dynamic flavor.
The new XF adopts an electronic steering column lock – for compatibility with available passive entry mode and the Jaguar Smart Key System™. There is no longer a key barrel on the column.
The XF’s steering wheel includes cruise-control, JaguarVoice (where fitted) and audio controls – including volume, and radio channel pre-sets. The source button toggles through AM/FM/CD, plus any external device functions. The select buttons allow features such as CD track change, radio channel pre-set selection or iPod or MP3 (where fitted) track change if such a device is in use.
WHEELS AND TIRES
For the U.S., the XF is available with 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels; the Supercharged being the only car in its class to have 20-inch wheels as standard. All are cast in aluminum alloy and every design combines maximum strength with minimum weight. All cars for the majority of markets carry the same specification of 18-inch diameter alloy mini-spare.
DRIVER AIDS
The XF’s main control module governs many key safety functions including Emergency Brake assist (EBA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control through engine and brake intervention, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Engine Drag Torque
Control (EDR). And for the first time, the XF adds Understeer Control Logic, which has been designed to mitigate understeer by intervening through the engine management and braking systems to decelerate the car and help restore grip to the front wheels.
A two-stage DSC system similar to that featured on the new XK is standard equipment. It combines the normal on-off switchable DSC function, which reacts as soon as it detects slip, with Trac DSC, which allows more slip before intervening – better for a more sporting driving experience. It also allows a degree of wheel overspin on deep soft surfaces, which is essential for running with snow chains. The system defaults to normal ‘DSC on’ with each ignition-on sequence.
In Dynamic Mode (Supercharged only), pressing and holding the DSC button fully disables the system, allowing an experienced driver to exploit fully the capability of the chassis, where conditions allow. Mode selection is confirmed on the instrument cluster display.
Also new on XFs fitted with available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is Electronic Brake Prefill. This senses any rapid throttle lift-off and initiates a small brake hydraulic pressure build-up in anticipation of the brakes being applied, to give better pedal response and slightly shorter stopping distances.
JaguarDrive Control offers different modes that interact with the DSC system, engine and gearbox, to change the characteristics of engine mapping, transmission shifts and brake interventions depending on driving conditions and circumstances. On naturally aspirated cars JaguarDrive Control has Normal and Winter modes, on the
Supercharged model there are Normal, Winter and Dynamic modes – the last of these to allow a more purposeful driving style.
POWERTRAIN
The new XF will be available with a choice of two engines – 300bhp 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 and 420bhp 4.2-liter supercharged V8. All will have that classic blend of power and refinement that makes Jaguar stand out from its rivals.
Mick Mohan, XF Chief Program Engineer explains: “The XF’s engines combine effortless performance, unrivalled character and an impeccable pedigree. The six-speed automatic transmission is the best Jaguar has ever had. The Jaguar Sequential Shift manual gearchange adds a whole new level of functionality. This combination – already proven in the XK– produces excellent powertrains for a very sporting Jaguar.”
The naturally aspirated V8 will be offered in Luxury and Premium Luxury models and the Supercharged V8 has its own unique specification, for a very logical, easily understood range with only three major variants.
The 4.2-liter V8 comes in naturally aspirated or supercharged versions. With a ribbed aluminum block and cylinder heads it is very light but extremely strong, and its superb structural stiffness minimizes radiated engine noise and increases mechanical reliability. The V8’s exhaust system has also been completely retuned to remain quiet at cruising speeds but deliver a substantially more purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration.
In naturally aspirated form it develops 300bhp (SAE), and 310 lb.-ft. (SAE) of torque. The supercharged version uses a highly efficient rotor-type supercharger, belt-driven from the crankshaft. It develops 420bhp (SAE), and 413 lb.-ft. (SAE) of torque from low engine speeds. Just as important as the supercharged engine’s peak torque is the way the usable torque is spread across a wide rev r 25 - with at least 86 percent of the peak from 2000rpm to maximum engine speed.
Adding another layer of driver focus, the transmission is controlled by the new JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector with the option of manual selection through Jaguar Sequential Shift. The JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector is also used to access the XF’s Sport mode which uses technology pioneered on the XK.
These high-tech, modern powertrains give every XF model outstanding performance. The naturally-aspirated V8 model has a superb 0-60mph estimated time of 6.2 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 121mph. Lastly, the supercharged XF storms to 60mph in just 5.1 seconds and is limited to a maximum of 155mph.
DRIVING DYNAMICS
Delivering the highest levels of driver enjoyment is a must for any Jaguar, so it is essential that the XF’s driving dynamics live up to its powerfully athletic looks.
Underpinned by the stiff platform, wide track and finely resolved suspension, steering and brakes, the XF’s dynamic flavor combines the comfort and refinement of a luxury sedan with the grip, balance, responses and stability of a sports car. The result is a dynamic character that delivers real driver involvement, as far removed from the premium sedan crowd as are the XF’s bold looks.
Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity Mike Cross explains the development processes behind the new car: “Two key objectives defined the XF’s dynamic flavor – firstly that its driving abilities should match its sporting coupe-like looks, and secondly that it should have Jaguar’s unique balance of ride, handling and refinement. The XF succeeds on all counts and the result is a very special experience.”
Every XF model uses Jaguar Sequential Shift transmission control, allowing manual gear selections in the automatic transmission via ‘paddle’ switches mounted on the rear of the steering wheel, in either Drive or Sport mode.
But sporty is only half the XF driving dynamics story – refinement is equally important, and equally impressive. With its stiff shell, smooth powertrains and extraordinary attention to acoustic management (including a secondary bulkhead and dual-isolated subframe on all versions), the XF has outstanding NVH performance to match the best in class. At 30mph (50kph), for instance, the interior noise level is only 65.6dB, below its nearest BMW 5 Series rival, even when the XF is on larger wheels. The V8 XF takes lessons from the XK with an exhaust system tuned for an overtly sporty sound quality, especially when accelerating hard – again, just as the looks promise.
IN SUMMARY
The new XF is a milestone for Jaguar. In every respect it signals the future of the marque – and yet it remains true to the essence of what has always made great Jaguars the cars they are.
The new XF is more than just a strikingly beautiful Jaguar. It also appeals from a rational perspective to buyers of all ages who expect value for money, even from a luxury marque. XF pricing is extremely competitive throughout the range, in spite of rich standard feature specifications and extensive use of advanced technologies.
As one of the most visually-striking, technically-sophisticated and driver-oriented sedans that the company has ever produced, the XF is synonymous with the forward-looking focus that now defines the Jaguar brand. Its design language is entirely new, its performance and dynamic flavor support – even eclipse – its sporting looks, and intelligent use of advanced technology and innovative control interfaces set the XF far apart from any other premium sports sedan. This is the future, now.
