Jaguar first unveiled the XJ in 1968, and it has served as the Jaguar flagship model for most of its production span which continues through to today.  For 2010, the XJ gets a new look; with brawny coupe-like styling, more power and a futuristic interior, this thoroughly modern XJ could be the crown jewel for Jaguar's new owner.   At the 2007 Detroit Auto Show Jaguar unveiled the C-XF, a concept that reaffirmed the direction Jaguar is taking.  The new XJ will take many of its design elements from the C-XF concept: the narrower nose with narrower headlights, the same large, square grille. Also the car's interior design theme is close to that seen in the C-XF concept, but with addition of some hi-tech fixtures and fittings.  The new XJ will be a strong competitor for the Mercedes CLS, Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Flying Spur. A new trim will be the Supersport, a special order only trim that combines a powerful engine and added luxuries.

XJ Engine

Jaguar will add a supercharged version powered by a 5.0 liter V8 supercharged engine producing up to 500 horsepower.  All the XJ models will come standard with a six-speed automatic gearbox.  The new XJ will feature a lineup of engines including a Volvo-derived in-line six and updated V8. There will be a 3.2 liter V6 and V8 engines and also the new 3.2 litre petrol six. Also the V8 engines from current model will be upgraded to 5.0 liters. The 5.0 liter V8 engine will have an output of 300 hp.

Driving the XJ

The 2010 Jaguar XJ is expected to use the basic XK suspension, perhaps bolstered by "magnetic ride" shock absorbers of the sort available on several General Motors cars. The V8 will go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and will have a top speed of 165 mph.  The V8 supercharged will do the 0 to 60 mph dash will be made in 4.8 seconds and the top speed is estimated to 190 mph.

Cabin Features

Interior design for the 2010 Jaguar XJ  reportedly follows the XF pattern, with a clean dashboard, simple controls, and novelties like a rotary-knob transmission control that pops up from the center console and air vents with power-retracting covers.

2010 XJ Style

Even if the new generation XJ will be built on the current aluminum platform, everything on the exterior will be changed. The 2010 Jaguar XJ will use a modified version of the mostly aluminum architecture that made headlines for the XJ's 2004-model redesign. Wheelbase should stay at 119.4 inches, but overall length may be trimmed a bit, while width and height should go up somewhat. The restructured platform will be totally repaneled in a style much like that of the new XF.  If anything, it is likely the big sedan will be more radical, with high sides, a sloping low-profile "four-door coupe" roofline, and hulking wheels tightly enclosed by muscular fender bulges. Also predicted are XF-style visuals like a big square mesh-filled grille, round headlamps in amoeboid housings, and a stubby high-set tail. The result could possibly be a cross between the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Chrysler 300.

Safety

The 2010 Jaguar XJ will have all the luxury conveniences and posh trimmings expected of high-end sedans. Standard safety features will be to p of the line too, with ABS for big four-wheel disc brakes, stability/traction control, and a full set of airbags. Other technical features, some optional, should include front/rear obstacle detection, navigation system with rearview camera, radar-based cruise control, lane-departure warning and perhaps a collision-avoidance or collision-mitigation system.

New for 2010

It is likely the 2010 Jaguar XJ could have at least two unique touches. The first is replacing mechanical switches with "proximity sensors" that activate a function by merely waving a finger at the right spot. There's also talk that the windshield will wrap up into the roof. To learn more, read a 2010 Jaguar XJ review by Car and Driver.

Sports sedans were Jaguar's mantle with cars such as the Mk2 and Series 1 XJ of the 1960s, and, without harking back to another era, Jaguar has recognized design elements which can move forward in a modern and contemporary way. For a look back, check out a history of the Jaguar XJ.  In an attempt to make all Jaguar models the most modern car on the road, the new XJ will have modern and aggressive lines and a more muscular look. Production is to begin at the end of 2009 with an on-sale date at the start of 2010. Pricing should remain in line with the current XJ's, at $65,000 to $90,000.  The top-line supercharged could go somewhere above $100,000.