What is it? Launched in 2008, the Jaguar XF earns a total remake for the 2016 model year — it’s all part of a total portfolio revamp. The second-generation XF is the next of Jag’s new products due in the coming year or so — it will be joined by the XE sports sedan and F-Pace crossover. Before the official reveal at the New York Auto Show, Jaguar pulled the wraps off the XF with Emmy-nominated actress Christina Hendricks, revealing it in front of the Flatiron building in Manhattan.
Why does it matter? Aside from bringing better proportions and a 51-millimetre stretch in the wheelbase (most of which is dedicated to the rear seat riders) it’s the XF’s all-new aluminum structure that makes the biggest difference. A full 75% of the car is constructed from aluminum and the rigidity takes a 28% step in the right direction. The weight savings are significant — 120 kg for the all-wheel-drive models coming to Canada. The AWD system drives the rear wheels until it detects slippage and reapportions the drive torque intelligently.
All-new aluminum Jaguar XF unveiled in New York.
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
The XF’s diet promises significantly better performance from its 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine — in base form it produces 340 horsepower and 380 hp in the up-level version (it now runs to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds). Both are married to an eight-speed manumatic. When equipped with Jag’s Configurable Dynamics, the driver can tailor the steering feel, engine and transmission characteristics, as well as the optional adaptive suspension.
Full coverage of the New York International Auto Show
Inside, the highlight is Jaguar’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and its 10.2-inch touch-sensitive screen. It now uses a solid-state drive and a quad-core processor, which speeds up the retrieval of information (the outgoing system was famed for its truculence). Also new is the reconfigurable 12.3-inch dash panel first employed in the Range Rover. Both facets add a great deal of richness to the XF’s cosseting cabin.
When is it coming? The aluminized XF goes on sale in January 2016.
Should you buy it? Once a rather pudgy-looking sedan, the new coupe-like XF brings significantly more road presence, sleeker looks and a range of advanced technologies that were lacking in the outgoing model. It all bodes well for the storied British marque as it goes about the business of reinventing itself. A V8 engine you ask? You can bank on it, along with a diesel option.
All-new aluminum Jaguar XF unveiled in New York.
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
