Motoring News

Jaguar Canada comes to the Montreal International Auto Show to debut its all-new 2011 XJ. The entire 2010 Model Year lineup featuring the 2011 XJ will be on display for press review January 14 and available during the public show days from January 15 – 24.

Building on the success of the XK and XF, the new XJ is the third step in the revitalization of the Jaguar brand and redefines the world’s perception of a large sports sedan. The all-new XJ will be available in both standard and long wheelbase models. The long wheelbase offers an even more sumptuous and refined environment for rear-seat passengers with an additional five inches of legroom while the XJ’s trunk features power opening and closing for convenient access to the over 430 litre storage space (with standard alloy space saver spare wheel).

The all-new Jaguar XJ brings new standards of sustainability to the luxury vehicle segment. Its lightweight aluminum structure makes it at least 136 kilograms lighter than steel body construction. Jaguar also minimizes the XJ’s carbon footprint in a truly meaningful way: in production, three tons fewer CO2 per vehicle is emitted thanks to the use of recycled materials, compared to a body shell made entirely of new aluminum. These aerospace-inspired aluminum body technologies also provide benefits to performance, handling and fuel economy, while delivering increased strength, refinement and safety.

The first impression of the all-new XJ is its visual assertiveness. The XJ’s sleek lines are complemented by a taut waistline, which further accentuates the impression of length and elegance, and creates a natural tension as it fades from the front arches into the middle section of the car, before reappearing as a strong haunch towards the rear.
The all-new XJ offers a modern reinterpretation of a number of key, historic XJ design cues while maintaining the highest standards of personal luxury. The strong, muscular lower half of the car contrasts with the slim and graceful quality of the roofline. This is a direct influence from the original 1968 XJ sedan.

The standard panoramic glass roof is an integral part of the all-new XJ’s design, allowing a lower, more streamlined roof, while dramatically contributing to the feeling of natural light and space inside. The LED taillight clusters wrap dramatically over the rear fenders, and feature three red vertical strips. The lengthy, stretched teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car’s silhouette. A pure, sculpted shape dominates the XJ’s rear. With a conscious absence of ornamentation, the trunk features only a single leaping Jaguar and the “XJ” logotype.

The all-new 2011 XJ’s face looks confident, with a wide front track and short overhang contributing to fine proportions. Jaguar’s new design language contributes the bold, assertive nose. Jaguar’s mesh grille and slim Xenon headlights create a strong road presence while the wrap-around rear screen reduces the visual weight of the roof pillars and gives the impression of an exotic floating roof.

Sleek design and refined luxury is continued inside the all-new XJ by mixing newly advanced technologies and contemporary design. Jaguar designers have created an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin. The interior creates a sense of personal space enhanced by clean, simple forms from the instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle. An analog clock with individual chrome chaplets, a spun metal face and iridescent blue background provides a look inspired by fine timepieces.

The all-new XJ’s cabin is a marvel in its own right, blending elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provide an eye-catching contrast to beautifully crafted leather and wood surfaces. Complementing the all-new cabin is a level of colors, woods and leather choices not seen before in a Jaguar. The four models – XJ, XJL, Supercharged and Supersport – allow customers to tailor the car to their personal tastes. The 510-hp XJ Supersport is the top iteration of this, providing the ultimate expression of performance and luxury (custom order only) with a leather headliner, semi-aniline leather seats and woods with laser-generated inlays.

Stunning, 12.3-inch (312 mm) high-definition Virtual Instruments(TM) complement an innovative 8-inch (203 mm) touch-screen displays vehicle functions ranging from audio and video to navigation and climate control. The top audio experience is provided by a 1,200-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, standard on supercharged models and optional on the naturally aspirated XJ and XJL. Combining 20 Bowers & Wilkins speakers powered through 15 channels and state-of-the-art sound processing technology, the result is jaw-dropping sound quality tailored to the interior of the XJ. Comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices are linked via the powerful Media Hub.
The all-new XJ’s beauty is much more than skin-deep. All engines transmit power through an enhanced version of Jaguar’s acclaimed electronically controlled, six-speed automatic transmission which has a fully-adaptive shift system that delivers extremely smooth gear changes and works to balance performance and economy.

The new XJ will be available in Canada with a choice of three engines. The 5.0-litre, 385-hp naturally aspirated V8 is standard. One can opt for the XJ Supercharged, powered by a 470-hp supercharged V8. Finally, a 510-hp supercharged V8 is dedicated to the Supersport model. All three engines combine deft performance, unparalleled character, peerless pedigree, and have a classic Jaguar blend of strength and precision. 

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