2012 Jaguar XF, XFR and XK debut at New York Auto Show
The 2012 XF compact saloon has been unveiled at the New York Auto 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 an all-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 refresh with a restyled steering wheel joining revised switchgear for the ventilation systems and all-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 190 PS 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 50 mpg and CO2 emissions of 149 g/km.
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines continue in 240 PS standard and 275 PS Diesel S form while the petrol range comprises of a pair of V8 engines developing 385 PS and, in supercharged XFR form, a substantial 510 PS.
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 mirrorsto reduce wind noise. The result is a car that sets new benchmarks in the suppression of road noise.
The new XF will go on sale in September with prices starting at £30,950 for the 2.2-litre diesel engine rising to £65,350 for the XFR.
The new 2012 XK range has evolved to take on an elegant new look, elements of which are shared with the XKR-S unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The most significant changes take place at the front of the new XK with a set of all-new headlight units that are not only slimmer (by 15mm) than the ones they replace but now feature subtle LED running lights alongside intricately styled reflector units. These sit above a new, larger oval grille framed in chrome with mesh in the centre that, in the case of the XKR, is finished in black. Mounted either side of the grille are a pair of small air scoops feeding air to the brakes.
Setting the new XK apart from its predecessor is a horizontal vent mounted on each wing complete with a chrome blade bearing the Jaguar name running through it replacing the vertical items. These help the XK appear both longer and lower.
At the rear of the car new taillights using LED technology sit either side of a thinner chrome strip and, debuting for the first time on an XK, a Jaguar leaper badge.
Inside the new XK range the interior has been given a freshen up with new trim finishes and, for the first time, the option of sculpted leather sports seats.
As with the outgoing range, the new XK and XKR will both be available in convertible form while the new XKR-S coupé sits at the top of the range. All models go on sale in the UK in September.
