If you didn’t make it to this year’s Shanghai Motor Show, you likely missed getting your first, albeit brief, look at the all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ sedan. Almost, anyway, for you’re getting a sneak peek here on TheDetroitBureau.com.
The much-anticipated update of Jaguar’s flagship is arguably one of the most important products the company has ever developed. The current model has been less than well received owing to the controversial decision to essentially maintain the classic XJ design language. The result was a car that was lighter, roomier, faster and more dynamic than ever, but which looked all but identical to the models that had come before.
Jaguar isn’t about to make that mistake again, it seems. The ’10 sedan will aim to recapture the reputation Jaguar once had for low, long and lean sports car design. You’ve already seen some of the basic styling cues on the recently-launched XF midsize sedan and the XK sports car, before it.
That translates into a lower stance, with a decidedly muscular appearance, much like, well, a Jaguar getting ready to pounce. The long news makes it clear this is a rear-drive performance sedan. While specific dimensions haven’t been released, we’re expecting some modest compromises to the roomy interior of the current XJ, but the trade-off should be more than worth it to the classic Jaguar buyer, whose first preference is design.
At a preview, in Shanghai, Jaguar Managing Director Mike O’Driscoll offered a few clues as to what’s coming. For one thing, the 2010 Jaguar XJ will make its formal debut at the London Motor Show, on July 9th. Production will begin late this year.
Like the outgoing sedan, the new XJ will be all-aluminum, or aluminium, if you prefer, but it will feature an all-new version of the aerospace-inspired spaceframe chassis. Both long- and short-wheelbase models will be offered. The model shown here features an expansive Panorama roof.
The sedan will carry over all existing powertrains, including the 510-horsepower supercharged V-8 used in the current XJ-R. Unfortunately, there are no plans to bring the diesel XJ to the U.S.
The redesigned flagship sedan is the first completely new major model Jaguar has launched since its sale by former parent Ford Motor Co., last year.