February8
So far, the only 2011 Jaguar XJ prototypes spy photographers have spotted are for mechanical testing only, using old XJ bodies instead of the much-rumored redesigned exterior. However, based on what we've been hearing from sources, our artists were able to create an illustration of how the finished car could look.
Jaguar has reportedly previewed the car — codenamed X351 — to VIPs in the dealer world and elsewhere. One source who has seen a preview of the new XJ described it as similar to the Aston Martin Rapide in appearance. Larger than the coupe-like Mercedes CLS, the new XJ has a sloping roofline and very sleek exterior overall, sources say.
Jaguar's design chief Ian Callum has even openly stated the new XJ will be a fair bit more daring than the new XF, since it's a lower volume model. We're expecting to see sleeker headlamps like those on the popular C-XF concept, plus an especially low-slung profile.
The new XJ will continue to use its predecessor's all-aluminum chassis — and that's a good thing. We might see a concept previewing the new XJ in the next year, but the production is still 18 to 24 months away.
Illustration
Spy Photos
I know I'm in the minority at least around here, but I really like the XF. I see the XF as almost Jaguar's CTS. A redesigned Jaguar lineup with the XF as a foundation wouldn't be terrible. Just get the reliability up and Jaguar would be in a much better position.
well, lets hope the final version isnt as limp dicked as the XF
The XF is a bit too thick-waisted for me.
I hope that the new XJ manages to look more modern, but still graceful, not tubby, like the CLS.
If it looks like the XF then it should be good.
It would seem hard to transform the XJ design into something that deviates from it's naturally classic design into a new style that can appeal to a younger audience. The XK is beautiful, there's no doubt there. The XF is also decent-looking (though I must say the concept version, even though too expensive to produce rationally, was a much more eye-catching machine.) But the XJ will be tough I suspect, and I can't wait to see what they can produce of it this time round. I honestly want to see Jaguar get back on track sales-wise.
Recent issue of Car states that Jaguar is a company that is not in a position to make mistakes: the new XJ will be perfect, mark words.
I think this is a good move for Jaguar. The current XJ isn't bad looking, but you couldn't really tell it was a totally new car when it was introduced. I think Jaguar has rode the "retro wave" long enough; it's time to head in a new direction.
The XF seems to be a hit and a product that is drawing positive attention to Jaguar. It is a slick looking sedan. I still don't think the grille fits in with the rest of the design, but I still think that this vehicle (along with the XK) conveys an exciting future for the brand.
I am a big fan of the new XF and just knowing that the designer is taking inspiration from the MB CLS and the Aston Martin Rapide Concept makes me thing the new XJ will be a winner.
Jaguar concern should be more with refinement and ergonomics of the interior. The XJ's interior is the worst out of all prestige-luxury sedans. Jag rivals Saab with the worst dash board layouts I've ever see.
You fools! The XF is a fine car if there ever was one, far superior to that dodgy CTS. The Cadillac looks like it was drawn with a ruler. I could carve that shape out of cheese, for crying out loud.
The XF has a beautiful, curvaceous form, by far the most beautiful saloon out there. FULL STOP.
AM: The XF is indeed superior "looking" than the CTS, given that they are on the other end of the spectrum with the wavy lines as opposed to edges. However, I'm not so sure if good style means superior ergonomics which is what most E Class owners complained about regarding the S-Type. The S-Type was also not immune to the traditional British poor craftmanship. I know an owner who had his car's ceiling fell down while he was driving. Suffice to say he wasn't very happy about it. Regardless, even if the competition from germany and japan are superior to the XF in engineering, I'd still get the jag due to the look alone.
Wow, I'm suprised no ass-head has come on here and said the XJ is the reason why Jaguar is plummeting, and is a gross car… I'm really suprised.
Veda- We've all heard you brag about all the cars you own, and obviously you have your business link posted here as well as being in the car business. But up until very recently, nothing unique has come out of the Japanese brands- not calling them fake luxury, I'm calling them uncreative. You cannot point out one design, up until the last few recent years, that has been unique, revolutionary or extraordinary, or a feature or technology that has come from the Japanese luxury brands.
Up until recently, they've been riding on the backs of other designs or put a little trim on their current, mainstream vehicles, and Hyundai has started that journey over from where they started years ago. Look at Acura, the TSX is a Euro Accord, Acura CSX is almost literally the same, Infiniti's been under the eye for similar designs to BMW for a few years, there's no denying the Lexus LS looked like a Mercedes copy for years, and so on and so forth.
I think the CTS looks better in some respects than the XF, which looks a lot like an Aston Martin. Although I like that, and it's still a very original design, the CTS is totally different from any other car designed before it. Jaguar's a little confused on it's image as it stands.
jayjc08: I agree completely which is why I said "engineering" not "styling". I'm sure style in important to you as a car designer, but it's so subjective I'm not going to argue with anybody here about which looks better. You can however make a point that the choice of the materials as opposed to their shape decides whether it's a luxury model or not.
Btw I don't brag, I simply used my standing to prove a point that I'm not blowing smokes like a lot of people here. I also own dealerships of brands I will not disclose due to the biased minds of people here, and I have a family member who was the #1 guy at BMW. I don't go into details about cars that I never owned because you don't know a car until you actually spend more than a month with them. The japs are certainly uncreative when it comes to style but they've also added some interesting features in addition to a cheaper price of admission for some very nice reliable rides. When people want to compare the merits of certain models, I'm always open for a constructive discussion but as you can see most of the time they're just shooting behind the bush.
Veda, it has nothing to do with them being japanese/Korean brands and everything to do with them being cynical marketing exercises. Just cos someone decides to sit round a table in a boardroom and think of a brand name, and then inform the public that "brand X" is the last word in luxury, that doesn't make it so. Just because Toyota come up with a trojan horse Toyota and call it a Lexus, does not make it prestigious or a true luxury brand to me.
I will admit that out of all the "fuax luxury" brands, Lexus is the most complete one…simply becuase of the time they have spent around building the brand and the engineering excellence and the high percieved quality. However, from a design point of view they still have miles to go and they still lack any clear identity to me whatsoever. Just what is it about them that makes them stand ou? How are they in real terms any more than a Toyota with a L emblem on the front? They just come across as generic, but contemporary japanese sedans…I don't think thats enough to deal with the Euro brands.
And the Japanese are by no means the only ones guilty of this. Mercedes too with its horrible brand Maybach, is completley meaningless to a lot of people.
And by the way I am currently driving an ALfa Romeo 159…..and due to get an Astra soon…Do they meet with your 6 car approval??
Rover3500: It takes one to actually live with those cars to know how they excel in certain things compared to the germans. Your choice of driving an AR and what you said above show that you care more about other people's perception, uniqueness, identity, all of which have nothing to do with whether a particular item is well built, uses expensive materials, and better engineered. Those are the qualities that in my book make an item a luxury. I will reassert that style has nothing to do with luxury which is why most people still prefer to wear Rolex. Would you consider a Merc A, B or C Class as luxury models? Looking at the interior, I'd rate them the same as a Camry. If you still consider the Mercs luxury models then I'd say you've fallen for their marketing exercise. I'm not sure what you meant by not enough to deal with Euro brands. If you take out style and compare them side by side, they're actually a better buy than the germans. I won't even mention Lexus, the new Camry has better non-peeling interior and better wiring than the 3 series. You need to forget the logo and see things as they are. I recommend checking out the Top Gear episode where they compared the Brera, the RX-8, and the Z.
I do like the drawing.
the drawing is beautiful.
The new XJ will burn and destroy every Audi, Mercedes Benz and Lexus that is foolish enough to cross its path.
Minus the R8/XF-esque headlights, this thing is frickin beautiful. Imagine if Jag already had their act together and released this. Hopefully they can get it together within the next 3 years.
What is this, an art forum all of a sudden?
LLN, please stop merging threads from ages ago. There are lots of comments here taken completley out of context. If its a new story, give it a new thread! please for godsakes its so annoying
I like this concept. This seems to be a good idea to me, to make the XJ smaller (hopefully) and sportier. The XJ never was a roomy car until the current iteration. If any maker should be able to get away with this silly 4 door coupe concept it should be Jag.
Why is everybody copying the angular AMG style of the bumpers because on Jaguars (especially this 1) doesn't even look good?!?!?
^^maybe because it's selling?
R Coupe anyone?
oh wont you just die jaguar, nobody gives a fucking rats ass anymore for you!!!