The C-XF concept is a dynamic, new, four-door sport sedan that is a clear indication in the design direction of the next-generation Jaguar sedans, which will begin with a replacement sedan for the S-TYPE early in 2008. The C-XF was designed by the same teams that produced the new Jaguar XK for 2005, led by Ian Callum, director of design, Jaguar Cars and Julian Thomson, head of advanced design.

"One thing should be abundantly clear whenever people are discussing Jaguar design, " asserts Callum, "Jaguars should be seen as modern cars and in the future people will appreciate them for that."

"Throughout its history Jaguar has created some of the most striking, modern and beautiful sports saloons imaginable and our objective with C-XF was to recognize those principal (sic) design disciplines," explains Callum. "The values that I see in Jaguar aesthetics include purity, dynamism, latent power, balance and modernity."

C-XF's Design

The C-XF design is very modern yet the design team took inspiration from great Jaguars of the past, including the 1950 Mark VII and the 1959 Mark 2, both designs that were influenced by great sporting Jaguars including the XK120.

The front of the C-XF is dominated by a bold, aggressive grille that is set back deep into the body and finished in black chrome. The headlights are narrow and angular like a single slim wedge that evolve the twin-lamp motif so familiar from earlier Jaguars. A blue streak of light between the two lights creates the appearance of the iris of a cat when illuminated.

The main feature of the profile is a strong shoulder line that flows from the nose of the car, under the side glass and into the pronounced arch over the rear wheel. The cabin of the C-XF is low and sporty, with narrow glass and bright aluminum trim to accentuate the coupe-like feel.

At the rear, the C-XF is also aggressive with the shoulder line flowing from the C-pillar to the tapered tail with a wide look that is emphasized by the lower diffuser.

Callum describes the interior as "one of the most exciting interiors that Jaguar has ever done" with an emphasis on elegant performance rather than luxury that is first seen in the lightweight, sculpted front seats, trimmed with semi-aniline leather. The rear seat includes two bucket seats and a tall center transmission tunnel gives the sense of sitting low in the car.

The interior has a tone-on-tone theme with a brushed aluminum fascia that wraps around the interior. Other materials include a unique carbon fiber pattern leather and Poplar wood that has been scorched for a rich feel.

"C-XF is a showcase for the innovative technologies, some of which will feature in one way or another on the next generation of Jaguar cars," says Callum. "Every Jaguar interior should have a sense of fun, but we also recognize that technology should only be there when you want to use it."

Power of the Jag

The C-XF is powered by an upgraded version of Jaguar's 4.2-liter supercharged V8 that is tuned to produce more than 420 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque at very low engine speeds―combined with a six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift manual shift capability. The engine wiring is incased in Beru F1 System's unique Wire in Composite (WIC) technology that completely encloses the wiring in a carbon fiber sleeve.

"C-XF is the most dynamic and modern four-door car Jaguar has ever made, a design showcase heralding the next generations of our sports saloons. It signals a future for Jaguar that is as exciting as the C-XF itself " explains Callum.