The Jaguar XF is said to be the “make or break” model of Jaguar, and as Deputy Editor of CAR, Hannes Oosthuizen, mentions in his blog, the XF might have made the grade for a modern Jaguar… South Africans can purchase this new Jag from April 2008.The Jaguar XF will be available in four variants – 2,7-litre V6 twin-turbocharged diesel, a 3,0-litre V6 petrol, a 4,2 naturally aspirated V8 petrol, and a 4,2-litre supercharged V8 petrol. The power outputs for the 3,0-litre V6 petrol and the 2,7-litre V6 diesel units stand at 175 kW and 152 kW respectively. The V6 petrol has a maximum torque of 293 N.m, while the diesel has 435 N.m. In its aspirated form, the 4,2-litre V8 produces 219 kW of power and 411 N.m torque, while the top-of-the-range SV8 has an output of 306 kW and torque of a whopping 560 N.m.

With the help of Jaguar's proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted 'paddles' for manual gear selection (Jaguar Sequential Shift), the V6 diesel sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 8,2 seconds and can carry on to reach a top speed of 230 km/h. The V6 petrol takes a little longer (if point-something of a second can be considered as longer) to complete the same sprint, clocking in at 8,3 seconds. This model has a top speed of 238 km/h. For the V8 units, 100 km/h is reached from standstill in 6,5 seconds in the n/a unit and 5,4 seconds in the SV8. Both units are limited to reach a top speed of 250 km/h.

Like previous Jaguars, the XF rides on a conventional steel chassis, but in the XF, the body utilizes aluminium composites and magnesium components for weight reduction. The n/a V8 model weighs in at 1 749 kg, while the SV8 is 1 842 kg heavy. The newcomer also shares the S-Type’s 2 909 mm wheelbase, plus its double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspensions.

The V6 petrol, V6 diesel and V8 naturally aspirated models use finely tuned passive suspension, while the SV8, uses Jaguar’s Computer Adaptive Technology Suspension (CATS).

Jaguar claims that the exterior of the XF is the first expression of Jaguar's new design language in a saloon car. It draws most of its styling cues from last year’s well-received C-XF concept, encompasses a few retro nods to Jaguar designs of yesteryear – and turns the clock a good few years forward with slick new lines. In its aim to provide a “sporty, muscular and dynamic” vehicle, jaguar has equipped its XF with a large grille, dramatic side windows and the XK-inspired sweeping silhouette. Noticeable features include the bright signature blade, proudly carrying the ‘JAGUAR’ script, and appearing to extend beyond the boot lid and into the taillights.

South African XFs will receive 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels - the SV8 being the only car in its class to have 20-inch wheels as standard. All are cast in aluminium alloy, maximising strength and minimising weight. Also available are 20 variations of anti-theft locking nut.

In the cabin, what would be safe to deem a luxurious interior, surfaces are finished in wood (Satin American Walnut, Burr Walnut, Rich Oak), and some features are what Jaguar describes as “invisible until needed”. The controls that are primarily evident are those that give quick and easy access to functions like audio volume and climate control temperature.

The touch-screen information centre in the XF plays host to traffic-conscious- motorist-friendly gadgets, including front and rear parking aids, blind spot monitor, rear camera parking aid adaptive cruise control, automatic speed limiter, tyre pressure monitoring system.

Audio specialists Bowers & Wilkins provide the entertainment with a 440W Premium Sound System, with Bluetooth and MP3 player connectivity, and at least eight speakers available on range topping models.

As expected in luxury vehicles of this calibre, the XF is fitted with the latest safety technology. Every XF also comes with two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags and Seat Occupant Sensing systems to help ensure the airbags work precisely and only as needed.

The Jaguar XF is available with two specification levels - Luxury and Premium.

Prices:

XF 2,7D Luxury R509 000

XF 2,7D Premium R553 000

XF 3,0 Luxury R499 000

XF 3,0 Premium R543 000

XF 4,2 Premium R605 510

XF 4,2 SV8 Premium R783 850

Prices include VAT and a 5 year/100 000 km maintenance plan, as well as an AA Fleetcare plus Roadside Assistance Program.

Check out Hannes Oosthuizen's Jaguar XF blog.

Original article from Car