Geneva Preview: Jaguar XJ out of the bag
click above image for 14 pics of the 2008 Jaguar XJ
Jaguar will be unveiling a freshened XJ at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show next week, which it hopes will help the large luxury sedan stay relevant until its replacement reportedly arrives in 2010. The changes are few and include a revised front end with a wonky new air inlet below the grille and new fog lamps in a revised front bumper. The big cat also gets XJ-style vents aft of the front wheels and a subtle wing on the rear deck. Three new colors and three new wheel designs will also be available. Inside the 2008 XJ are new seats that Jaguar claims are more comfortable and take up less space, which increases leg room for rear passengers.
The aluminum chassis remains, of course, as does the same engine lineup as the current model. AutoWeek, however, reports that the XJ will share its future engine lineup with the upcoming XF sedan. We've learned already that the XF will feature an intriguing engine lineup that includes a base 4.2L V8, a supercharged 4.2L V8 producing 420 hp and a supercharged 5.0L V8 producing around 500 hp in the range-topping R-badged models. So we can expect all three engines for the fully redesigned 2010 XJ, as well.
[Source: AutoExpress, AutoWeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Big jim 9:11AM (2/28/2007)
still looks the same
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blunckhouse 9:26AM (2/28/2007)
Wonky is right. It looks like it's the star of Pixar's sequel to the movie "Cars."
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Michael Karesh 9:45AM (2/28/2007)
They can't address the main aesthetic problem of the car without a full redesign. Transfering the classic XJ lines onto the new sedan's much taller, thicker body just didn't work. They lost the leanness that used to characterize the XJ.
My initial review of the XJ:
http://www.epinions.com/content_107925048964
My review of the XJR:
http://www.epinions.com/content_184178413188
Aside from a new design, Jaguar desperately needs a new generation of engines. Maybe the new 5.0 will do the trick at the top end, but they need 350+ horsepower NA V8, and a 300+ horsepower NA six for the XF.
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zeroSignal 10:00AM (2/28/2007)
What the bloody hell were they thinking with that new front? It looks horrible.
I've always loved the XJ - it has always had that whiff of prestige to it, and now they've gone and made it ugly..
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nst101 10:26AM (2/28/2007)
Wow, well, at least it looks happy!
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JD 10:27AM (2/28/2007)
Looks a lot like ///M took an XJ and sold it back (At least in front). Doesn't look too good on the Jag, though.
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DJ 10:35AM (2/28/2007)
I just e-mailed this to a current XJ owner, my wife. She hates the front end. Her opinion was that it looks like someone tacked on 400 pounds of grey plastic to the bumper. Otherwise, she didn't see a lot of differences.
My take is a little pickier. I also hate the new front end, but there are several other things that could have and SHOULD have been done.
First, why do I still see the J-gate? THe XK uses the same drivetrain with a straight shift manumatic. No, you don't have to have the paddle shifters too, but bury the J-gate once and for all.
Second,the side vents look good on the Portfolio, but not here. Again, that tacked on look.
Finally, where's the leaper??????
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Aki 10:40AM (2/28/2007)
Haha, the first thing I thought when looking at the new lower grill was "Cars!" Talk about nasty.
Aside from that, it's not that the design is too derivative (Pininfarina's Series III XJ6 is by far the most beautiful), it's that it lacks the smart, curvaceous contours of its predecessor. Looks frumpy, chunky, and downright pedastrian. The cat has got some fender blubber that needs shaving.
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Jit 10:51AM (2/28/2007)
Somethings are best left alone. This is a prime example. Damn this car is Ugly. Better get hold of the 2007 stock before this ugly duckling comes out
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Sanjay Cool 11:17AM (2/28/2007)
I love it --- look at the side profile - sharp; looks agressive.
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Rick Lyon 11:42AM (2/28/2007)
What an ugly Ford Taurus.
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That One Person 12:16PM (2/28/2007)
Rick...shut up.
Anyways, not the best of improvements but it's ok. I still love this car and will be sad when Jag does a full redesign. But I suppose it's time for a change :(
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drolds1 1:31PM (2/28/2007)
JD, the leaper is in the first photo but not the rest.
Hood ornaments aren't allowed in Europe anyway B/C of restrained safety laws. The famous RR "flying lady" retracts when touched, so they can use it.
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drolds1 1:32PM (2/28/2007)
Brain fart. I meant to say, "pedestrian safety laws."
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ebm14 4:49PM (2/28/2007)
Complain all you want this is the last symbol of the British Empire. It seems that all future Jags will look like Lexus clones. The XF (old S Type) doesn't feel British at all, but more of a Maserati/Lexus want-a be,
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TheSwener 7:00PM (2/28/2007)
I don't care what anyone says, I still love you XJ!
Slap some British Racing Green on there, and tell me it doesn't look great.
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Dustin 12:38AM (3/01/2007)
Please think of a new mustang, then look at this car.
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Darhawk 2:32AM (3/01/2007)
Agreed! Just a glorified Taurus. Boring!
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JB 2:34AM (3/01/2007)
The XJs 3rd facelift in 3 years (a milestone many of its owners have reached), is a bizarre one at best. It's a shame that this international symbol of elegance and good taste has become a bloated beached whale. This new white trash body kit only adds insult to injury. I wouldn't count on Queen Elizabeth trading up. I only hope that the awful new models drives up the resale value of my 1997 and 2005 Vanden Plas.
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Jason 3:39AM (3/01/2007)
What a tragic turn of events! This is the official demise of Jag. The car is now cartoonish and it will not make it in the luxury segment. As I was telling my dad about this over dinner tonight, his comment to me was, "...boy, Ford really is run by some clueless people." This coming from a 63 year old man who has driven Explorers for the last 15 years. SAD.
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