2009 Jaguar Limousine
Jaguar certainly isn't playing it safe with the XF - as it did with the latest generation of its XJ flagship. The 2009 Jaguar XF will completely reinvent the way you think about Jaguar. The new four-door boasts a very coupe-like design that provides a blend of elegance and dynamic tension; it’s like a piece of jewellery in seemingly constant motion.
The first thing you’ll notice is how stiff the overall structure feels; you’ll have to take Jaguar’s word for it that the XF is the stiffest car in its class. They also claim that to optimize the structure, twenty five different grades of steel along with aluminium and magnesium were used. The result is a suspension that is supple with steering inputs that are very tactile, transmitting the proper amount of feedback, even over expansion joints and lane bots.
In many ways, the XF resembles the XK sports car, starting with the dramatic mesh grille. The front overhang has been pulled back, the wheelbase lengthened and then the arc of the roof adapted to very fast angles for the windshield and backlight. In fact, the windscreens on both cars are raked at the same angle. The high waistline rises to meet the coupe-like sedan's roof, a striking visual detail that also plays into the XF's efficient aerodynamics.
The XF sits on a long 114.5-inch wheelbase, and the track measures 61.4 inches in front and a significantly wider 63.2 inches in the rear and while classic Jaguars, such as the legendary E-Type, traditionally traded off functionality for style, designers have done a credible job of maintaining space and utility with the new XF. There's surprisingly good room for five adults, plenty of interior storage space, and the trunk holds 17.6 cubic feet of cargo. Add another 14.8 cu ft with the rear seats folded down. Even in standard trim, the new long wheelbase Jaguar makes a perfect choice for a luxury limousine; although stretched versions will undoubtedly appear in the luxury limo hire market.
However, because of the way the luxury market has evolved, Jaguar will probably never sell as many units as its German, Japanese, and US competitors. This is not a bad thing in itself as Jaguars need to be special in order to appeal to a buyer that wants something different.
