Jaguar has freshened up its flagship XJ range with a more contemporary and bold appearance, heat-exchanger managed seat temperature control and revised interiors fitted out with upgraded entertainment and information systems.

Styling changes include a new front bumper with revised mesh grilles and chrome detailing; vertical vents in the front wings (aluminum finish on XJR); new mirrors, new rear bumper; subtle lip spoiler on the trunk lid; and revised exhaust tips.

The XJ receives new heated seats with optional air cooling that have been designed to offer both more comfort and support. Air is heated or cooled via a heat exchanger in the seatbacks and directed to the seat surface through channels in the seats. The perforated seat covers allow the cooled or heated air to pass through. Heated seats will be standard but the cooling element is an option.

All XJ versions will have a new relaxed leather trim and the backs and lower cushions of the front seats have been revised to provide more legroom and foot room for rear-seat passengers.

Satellite navigation, the latest Bluetooth connectivity and audio entertainment systems are supported and controlled by a 7-inch Touchscreen or JaguarVoice control, which can control many of the car’s features. The latest Bluetooth technology allows up to five approved phones to be paired to the in-car phone system.

The new XJ offers a broad choice of V6 and V8 engines, including the 2.7-liter twin-turbo diesel and the 400-horsepower 4.2-liter supercharged gasoline V8.

Jaguar C-XF Concept

Jaguar also displayed the C-XF concept car which debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. 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 starting with a replacement 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.

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 evolves 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.

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.

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.