2010 Jaguar XJ

Jaguar’s restyled version of the slow-selling sedan. In this chapter, long-running Brit traditions are tossed in the dustbin and replaced with a design inspired by the company’s new style indicator, the XF.

Sales in the U.S. are circling the loo. Now that Indian conglomerate Tata owns Jag, the company will need fresh models to spice up the brand.

Platform: The lightweight aluminum structure of the current XJ soldiers on with only minor changes to accommodate the new body.

Powertrain: New direct-injection versions of the existing Jaguar V-8 engine. Base versions should make 350 horsepower. The supercharged engine is bumped to 5.0 liters and 500 horsepower.

New looks could turn off stuffy traditionalists, whereas potential converts might not even notice. Also, the uncertainty surrounding Jaguar’s long-term future could undermine sales.

Production is to begin at the end of 2009 with an on-sale date at the start of 2010. Pricing should remain in line with the current XJ’s, at $65,000 to $90,000.

© Source: caranddriver
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