Jaguar’s flagship XJ range will undergo a long-awaited facelift for its 2008 model year that will include a number of comfort-orientated and technological advancements. Perhaps there have been too many accusations that the current model looks too mild-mannered and inoffensive, because the styling of this upcoming model is palpably bold and aggressive.

The front bumper of the new XJ features new upper and lower mesh radiator grilles with chrome detailing that places visual emphasis on the grand saloon’s main air intakes. The wing mirrors have been reworked to integrate indicator lights into their lower halves and there is also a hint of new XKR styling in the shape of two “power vents” situated behind the front wheels.

The rear end of the car has also been reworked with a new bumper, a slither of an aero spoiler that sits above a full-width chrome “signature blade” and revised tailpipe finishers.

Jaguar’s director of design (best known as the man who penned the Aston DB7 and Vanquish), Ian Callum, explains the rationale behind this more assertive route the styling has taken.

“Every Jaguar must have a distinctive face, something that you cannot mistake if you catch a glimpse of it in your rear-view mirror as it powers up behind you. The new 2008 Jaguar XJ range meets that challenge thanks to a new grille and bold new bumper style,” he said.

The interior of the current car is already a cosseting place, but Jaguar has taken the comfort factor a step further with the inclusion of new heated front seats that have been redesigned to offer greater levels of comfort and support. The new seats can also be fitted with Mercedes S-Class-style cooling ventilation as an optional extra. Rear accommodation in the XJ has always come under scrutiny for not being overly spacious, but hopefully the re-shaped back seat cushions in the new model will go some way to amending the problem.

Along with a new “relaxed” leather trim, the cabin of the new Jaguar XJ can now be specified with more modern metallic trim accents as well as the traditional wood finishes associated with Jaguar interiors. The use of acoustic laminated glass and other noise-reducing features should help to keep the sounds of harsh reality away from the XJ’s occupants.

In the face of the increasingly complex nature of driver-interaction technology (think BMW’s i-Drive), the new Jaguar aims to keep things simple by offering the driver access to navigation, Bluetooth and audio via a 7-inch touch screen or voice control system.

The XJs Bluetooth system has been improved to allow the connection of up to five approved mobile phones with the in-car telephone system. This system also synchronizes the phonebook and last number dialed each time a phone is connected.

The new car will also play host to a number of safety options such as Adaptive Cruise Control that uses radar to detect slower vehicles and adjust the cruise control speed accordingly, in addition to Adaptive Restraint Technology that utilises ultrasonic sensors to deploy airbags in the best way, according to a passenger’s weight and position.

The company’s all-aluminium body construction will continue to feature in the new car and, along with Jaguar’s CATS computer-controlled suspension, should enable the new car to feel as brisk and composed as its predecessor.

Engines will range from the 152 kW 2,7 litre V6 twin-turbo diesel and 179 kW 3,0 litre petrol V6 to the awesome 298 kW supercharged 4,2 V8 of the XJR. All of these engines will continue to be mated with Jaguar’s six-speed ZF transmission.

The interior tweaks and increased space will come as welcome additions to the Jaguar XJ, but it remains to be seen whether people will react favorably to such an aggressive face being grafted onto what is essentially a gentleman’s car.

According to Jaguar Cars SA, we can expect to see this model in South Africa late in the second quarter of 2008. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.

Original article from Car