The Jaguar XJ was redesigned for 2010, and has been hailed as the new era of Jaguar. The XJ, along with the 2010 Jaguar XK, and Jaguar XF are the remaining models in the Jaguar lineup. In keeping with Ian Callum’s new design direction for Jaguar, the new XJ is an all-new exterior design and a break from the XJ series mould carried over on all previous generations. It is a longer, wider car that looks much bigger than its predecessor. The front has clear links with the executive car XF, although with slimmer, sleeker lights and a larger, squarer grille and more aggressive appearance. The rear is the contentious part, like nothing Jaguar has shown before. The upright, swooping taillights, nicknamed ‘cat’s claws’, and black roof panels each side of the rear screen, which aim to hide the XJ’s width, are the most striking aspects. There is also a standard full, length sunroof, which extends all the way back with just a single body-coloured roof panel that the designer likens to bridges on yachts.

But where did the XJ begin? Back in 1968 the original model was released as the Series I  XJ6. Power assisted steering and leather upholstery were standard on the 2.8 L ‘De Luxe’ and 4.2 L models and air conditioning was offered as an optional extra on the 4.2 L. Daimler versions were launched in October 1969, in a series of television advertisements featuring Sir William. In these spots, he referred to the car as “the finest Jaguar ever”. An unusual feature, inherited from the Jaguar Mark X, was the provision of twin fuel tanks, positioned on each side of the boot / trunk, and filled using two separately lockable filler caps: one on the top of each wing above the rear wheel arches.

The XJ12 version, featuring simplified grille treatment, and powered by a 5.3 L V12 engine (coupled to a Borg Warner Model 12), was announced in July 1972:[1] the car was presented at that time as the world’s only 12-cylinder four door car. 3,235 of these first generation XJ12s were built. Again, an upmarket version, this time called the Daimler Double-Six, was available, reviving the Daimler model name of 1926-1938. Since the sixties the famed model has gone through many changes, been offered in many forms, and at times has even been questioned. But Jaguar has managed to keep the XJ, in one form or another, alive all these years. Today, it is the future of Jaguar.

The 2011 XKR Coupe will be available with what Jaguar calls the “Speed Pack.” As its name suggests, the option is all about pushing the speedometer needle past 155. The secret, it seems, doesn’t lie with brute power — output from the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 remains 510 hp and 461 lb.-ft. of torque. Instead, Jaguar says it was able to push the top end to 174 mph simply by recalibrating both the engine and transmission controls.

In order to help keep the XKR glued to the ground at such speeds, the Speed Pack adds a unique body kit designed to improve the car’s aerodynamics. The tall front fascia gains a modified splitter, while the rear spoiler grows in size. 20-inch aluminum wheels are standard, as is an active rear differential, which Jaguar claims helps reduce steering sensitivity when at higher velocities.

The Speed Pack adds some cosmetic flair to the performance package. XKR Speed Pack models add a chrome finish to the window surrounds, mesh grille inserts, fender vent trim, and the trunk appliqué. Customers can choose from one of six colors, and if so desired, a side stripe. Also available, will be the “Black Pack,” available only on XKRs equipped with the Speed Pack. The Black Pack trims the window surrounds and grilles in a piano black finish, while adding charcoal leather to the interior. The 2011 XKR Speed Pack is expected to make its world debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show in March.

The All-New 2010 Jaguar XJ has arrived! As Jaguar puts it, the 2010 XJ is “a blend of stunning design, intuitive technology, and innovative thinking that delivers a remarkable driving experience. A contemporary luxury car that is beautiful, exhilarating, and sustainable”. As expected, the new XJ’s styling is radically different and far more modern than the current car, taking a healthy dose of influence from Jaguar’s XF line. The XJ’s interior has also been seriously re-worked for the 2010 model year. Taking little in the way of influence from the smaller XF, the 2010 XJ features a unique, wrap-around dash, complete with plenty of wood and leather accents. A large LCD screen is front and center while rounded air vents give the XJ’s cabin an air of sportiness. Technical features of the 2010 XJ include an air suspension, Jaguar’s continuously variable damping Adaptive Dynamics system and Active Differential Control. The 2010 XJ is offered in three separate trim levels – XJ, Supercharged and Supersport – with each model available in long-wheelbase form. The base XJ will be powered by a 385 horsepower 5.0L V8 while the mid-level Supercharged model adds a supercharger to boost horsepower to 470. The customer order only Supersport model sits atop the XJ hierarchy, powered by a 510 horsepower version of Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0L V8. All XJ models will use a six-speed automatic transmission. Starting MSRP for the 2010 XJ is as follows: XJ 5.0 Liter V8:$72,500, XJ Supercharged: $87,500, XJ Supersport: $112,00, XJL(long wheel-base) 5.0 Liter V8: $79,500, XJL Supercharged: $90,500, and XJL Supersport:$115,000.

The New Jaguar XJ: Three Days Away

The full unveiling of the redesigned 2010 Jaguar XJ will occur on July 9. The all-new XJ is the first car to feature the next-generation of Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminum body architecture and features a panoramic glass roof. Although the new car is based on the XJ’s existing aluminum structure, much of the engineering is new to the car, if not to Jaguar. The rear structure, for example, has been re-engineered to house the electronic differential first seen in the recently revised XKR, and there are also changes to the front subframe to sharpen steering and improve the ride. It’s likely that the air suspension system will be retained, although it will react considerably faster for an even more cosseting ride, but not to the detriment of Jaguar’s hallmark handling dynamics.

The powertrain lineup will follow that of the latest XF and XK update, with Jaguar’s new range of V-8 engines in both normally aspirated and supercharged forms. With the supercharged engine giving more than 500 bhp and a curb weight of around 3750 lb. Word also has it that a new twin-turbodiesel model, important for European markets, will be a class beater in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. The interior will further develop the modern themes first seen in the XF, so expect to see contemporary veneers and leather finishes as well as more traditional options and sporty carbon and aluminum variants.