Officials are yet to green-light the launch of a new base model but we do know there’s a range-topping XF-R in the works. The new model was caught by spy photographers testing in the United States earlier this year and now a close-to-production prototype has been spied near Jaguar’s headquarters in the Britain.
Telltale signs that this is no ordinary model are a set of quad exhaust pipes, a discreet bootlid spoiler, and bigger air intakes on the front bumper. The car also sits lower thanks to a firmer suspension set-up and wider tires are housed within slightly flared fenders.
When it reaches showrooms early next year expect to see a brand new supercharged 5.0L V8 engine nestled under the hood, with output up around the 510hp (380kW) and 510lb-ft (690Nm) of torque. This same engine will appear in a new XKR-R, which has also been spied testing in prototype form recently.
The new XF-R is scheduled to make its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January next year.
Reader Comments
Mon Mar 3 2008 1:46 AM
Gunnar says
The trouble is that Jaguar ought not to be trying to compete with BMW and Benz on their turf. Jaguar should put emphasized focus on being a niche brand for a niche clientèle and skip the mass-market diesel.
Mon Mar 3 2008 8:45 AM
chris says
gunnar; they tried being niche for the last 20 years. it hasnt suited them well. no one wants really nice cars that are so retro only your grand father can remember seeing cars like that.
the problem is that they dont have aggressive enough styling. that concept was stunning and theyve just dropped the ball.
Mon Mar 3 2008 10:44 AM
Gus says
If they'd only fix the headlights, it would be a great looking car...
Mon Mar 3 2008 10:14 PM
Sir Yappie says
This car is aweful. A complete opposite to the aggressive lines from the concept that could very well put Jaguar out there into mainstream and literally stolen sales from the 5 series and E class without much effort. But they went and redesigned it and made it look like a bloody volvo....now nothing against Volvos in fact i would love a V40 T5 but the point im trying to make is that Jaguar is a luxury brand and should be aiming for the executive dollar. this car is just to plain jane and not unlike Chris said, "they dropped the ball", "they dropped a whole bag of balls"...
Thu Mar 13 2008 6:56 PM
Edward says
They not only dropped the ball, but also they just stood there getting bowled for a 0. All this fuss about the S-Type replacement when in fact when seen from above the S-Type lines still shine through. Not that I´m against the S, but in fact I love the S, it´s just that the XF is a silly muck up of things.
Fri Jul 11 2008 11:30 PM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
Gunnar- The reason Jaguar still sells the X-type in Europe is because it comes with a diesel and they sell them at a profit same goes for their twin turbo diesel in the S-type and now XF. Also the twin turbo diesel is one of the best in the market place and has industry awards to prove it.
There is just no way they will shy away from diesel technology. Europe mostly buys diesels and since that is where their profits are right now you can guarantee that is where they will stay.
As for going niche; I would guess that is a very real option and now that they have new owners you'll see a very successful Jaguar on the horizon and sooner than you might think.
Fri Jul 11 2008 11:40 PM
justin says
BMW=speed(BMWM5) check
Mercedes=technology(S-class) check
Audi=handling(Quattro system) check
Jaguar=Style(XF supercharged 500 hp engine) wtf
Sat Jul 12 2008 4:07 AM
sady says
it would be a great looking car…
This car is aweful. A complete opposite to the aggressive lines from the concept that could very well put Jaguar out there into mainstream and literally stolen sales from the 5 series and E class without much effort. But they went and redesigned it and made it look like a bloody volvo….now nothing against Volvos in fact i would love a V40 T5 but the point im trying to make is that Jaguar is a luxury brand and should be aiming for the executive dollar.
Sat Jul 12 2008 6:52 PM
kingofjangle says
BOY, does this car look goood or what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wed Jul 16 2008 10:14 PM
Guber says
GOOD GOD!!!, I've just googled Jaguar XF concept. The concept would have stolen all of BMW and Merc sale for sure.
Sat Aug 9 2008 9:41 AM
D B says
I used to be a sales man for Jaguar in Miami. Before having the job, I would have never considered Jaguar for any purchase, but after having worked there for two years you come to appreciate what the cars have become. Ford actually did a good job getting the bugs out of the system, they are refined and comfortable beyond belief. But you can see where Ford suffers, and its completely in management and forethought. Look at their current situation. The X type in America shuld have been offered in the diesel version. The styling of the S-Type R should have been the styling for the base S. The stytling of the XJ should ave been based on the Porfolio. I had the chance to view in the flesh the XF concept. The viewing occurred at a posh South Beach hotel. Everyone from invited guest to hotel guest were floored by the car. Yes it was a concept and yes it ws extreme in detail but that's what Jaguar needed to do, be the unforementioned leader in style. Supposedly, the XF was actually set in physical production form before the concept was made, but how anyone looks at a XF and doesn't think derivitive is beyond me. I implore Tata to give Jg the go ahead and the cash to build beautiful cars. The XF is a lot of car for the 50,000 American dollars, but I would have paid 75,000 to have a six cylinder Concept in my driveway.
Tue Nov 25 2008 5:24 PM
NoNameDenton says
BMW has a 2 liter diesel 5 series in Europe? I want one
Wed Nov 26 2008 3:50 AM
danDAN says
NoNameDenton - why? It is slow and the 530d is nearly as economical but much faster and then the 535d is a little less economical but has, arguably, the best diesel engine the world.
Wed Nov 26 2008 1:20 PM
NoNameDenton says
Better fuel economy and I wouldn't know, never been to Europe so never tried one
Fri Nov 28 2008 2:26 AM
danDAN says
fair enough NND - but really the 535d is so high in demand in the UK people love it. Fast and does 45-50mpg
Fri Jan 2 2009 2:12 PM
NoNameDenton says
Wish they would bring it here
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