Jaguar Cars Inc. has introduced the latest generation XJ luxury sedan to the Philippine market, barely two months after the car was first delivered to its very proud owner.
Designed by Ian Callum (with an internal designation of X351), the all-new XJ is a bold departure from the quad-headlamp-dominated design of the first-generation Mark 1 of 1968—a look that has been the model’s trademark ever since. Callum’s new design direction for this modern XJ bears a close resemblance to its smaller stablemate, the XF. The XJ, though, gets a sleeker, slimmer pair of headlights with a larger grille.
The greenhouse is yet another radical leap into the future as it now sports a more swooping, fastback-inspired profile. Despite this low-slung roofline, interior room, rear headroom in particular, has not been sacrificed one bit.
The rear has likewise been given a more dramatic demeanor as the upright, swooping taillights give it a more distinct edge, while the muscular rear haunch adds to the XJ’s aggressive overall design.
Being the carmaker’s flagship model naturally means the new XJ gets nothing but the best. One such feature is the stunning new 12.3 inch high definition Virtual Instrument cluster. This “command center” of a gauge cluster not only provides the most up-to-date vehicle information, it is also a visual delight from the moment the driver fires up the engine. This is complemented by an innovative, Dual-View technology 8-inch Touch-screen that can project DVD movies or television programs to the passenger.
Audio entertainment is courtesy of the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, which is comparable in audio quality to the world’s best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.
All this technology of course, is housed in a cabin covered in a wide variety of colors, veneers and leathers that may be new yet are still truly Jaguar.
The new XJ will only be offered in one variant—the Long Wheelbase model fitted with a 5.0-liter, 32 valve V8 engine that pumps out 290 bhp and 380 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a 6-speed manumatic gearbox with paddle shifters. It goes from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and tops out at a governed 250 km/h.
The Jaguar XJ will be available from July 2010 onwards at the Jaguar Lifestyle Centre located at the G/F ENZO Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
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