(Thu 09 Jul 09)

The new Jaguar XJ has been officially revealed by American comedian, chat show host and car enthusiast Jay Leno at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

It was designed, as all Jaguars are these days, by Ian Callum, who has made it clear in many conversations that the retro-look of the current XJ offends him to the very roots of his soul (though he does think that it was a very good shape for 1968). The latest model certainly bears no resemblance to that car, but it does share the aluminium body structure which, in Jaguar's words, makes it around 150kg lighter than its rivals.

Other features of the new car include a panoramic glass sunroof, a 520-litre boot and a choice of standard and long-wheelbase bodies, the latter giving an extra 125mm of rear legroom.

Buyers have a choice of the two engines most recently introduced by Jaguar, namely a three-litre V6 diesel and a five-litre petrol V8 which comes in both naturally-aspirated and 503bhp supercharged forms. The diesel is being sold in three trim levels called Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio, at prices ranging from £52,500 to £62,900.

£62,900 is also the price of the Premium Luxury V8, and there is also a Portfolio V8 at £69,900. At the top of the range is the supercharged car, named Supersport, which costs £85,000. All of the prices quoted are for the standard body - add £3000 for the long-wheelbase versions.

The new XJ is available to order now, and customer deliveries will begin early next year.

Jaguar Gallery
Jaguar Road Tests

Previous: Young Drivers In Supercars                         Next: Honda FR-V Production Ends