The 2012 XF saloon has been unveiled at the New York Motor Show complete with fresh styling, advanced new technologies, and an innovative entry-level powertrain that promises to make it the most efficient Jaguar yet produced.
Key to the changes is a new look for the XF. Drawing on the latest Jaguar design language applied to the XJ, the new XF features a new look to the front end with slim new headlight units set into which are distinctive LED lighting strips sitting either side of a larger, more upright grille.
A lower bonnet line complete with a pronounced, wider power bulge running down the centre lends the XF a purposeful stance emphasised by a new look to the lower bumper section complete with a trio of airdams, the outside pair of which are now intersected by twisted chrome fins.
Further back, a pair of subtle new vents are mounted to the front wings complete with Jaguar script set into the chrome strip. At the rear of the car the tail lamp units have been redesigned with LED technology being employed, while the units themselves now extend further into the boot lid with a new chrome blade sitting below a simple Jaguar leaper badge.
The interior of the XF has been given a subtle re-fresh with a restyled steering wheel joining revised switchgear for the ventilation systems and new colour central and dial-mounted screens relaying reprogrammed navigation and entertainment software. Redesigned seats offer a new look and greater support while fresh trim finishes ensure the XF's award-winning interior still sets the benchmark in its class.
Significant changes take place under the skin of the new XF with a four cylinder engine available for the first time. The 2.2-litre common rail diesel unit, installed in a north-south configuration, develops 190bhp and 332 lbs ft of torque and is linked to a new eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and an innovative stop-start system – marking the first time such a device has been fitted to a Jaguar. The result is combined economy in excess of 50mpg and CO2 emissions of 149g/km.
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines continue in 240bhp standard and 275bhp Diesel S form while the petrol range comprises a pair of V8 engines developing 385bhp and, in supercharged XFR form, a substantial 510bhp.
High performance diesel S models benefit from a host of upgrades including full aerodynamic styling, adaptive dynamic suspension (as on XFR ) and an R performance interior.
The range-topping XFR takes the new look adopted by the XF a step further with a trio of deep airdams dominating the front of the car with a set of cooling vents set into the bonnet either side of the power bulge. New sill extensions run down the side of the car framed by redesigned 20-inch wheels. At the rear the new lights sit above a redesigned bumper complete with a subtle diffuser.
Across the new XF range advances have been made in refinement with active engine mounts (diesels ) and new sound deadening material featuring on the car as well as redesigned wing mirrors to reduce wind noise. The result is a car that sets new benchmarks in the suppression of road noise.
The new XF should go on sale here in the autumn.
