09 July 2009 - 10:00
Rear of next year?
These are the first proper photos of the new Jaguar XJ, leaked onto the web before the car's official unveiling this evening.
When we say ‘new', we really mean it: this is the first major departure from the visual template of the original XJ way back in 1968, and - well, it's a bit different, isn't it?
Take a look at that arse. Even Ian Callum, the designer of the XJ, admits it's not an easy shape to swallow. Er, figuratively, we mean.
"I know you're struggling with the rear end of this car," says Callum. "Lots of people will. That's the point."
Callum is pitching the XJ as a design for the future, a shape that might challenge people now but will look right, glamorous even, once we've all got used to it.
Time will tell, but beneath the XF-made-bigger shell, there's lots of good stuff here. The basic structure develops that of the current XJ, with a bonded aluminium chassis that's around 200kg lighter than its main rivals.
Engines will follow the lead of the XF, so we'll see the new 5.0-litre direct injection V8 in normally aspirated or supercharged guise plus the two 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesels in 237 or 271bhp forms.
On the inside, things are spectacular: leather and wood alongside touch-screen telematics and a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo. Our man Jason Barlow got an early look at the XJ and described it as ‘the most convincing luxury saloon this side of the Rolls-Royce Phantom': high praise indeed.
But until we drive it later this year, much of the pre-match chat will doubtless focus on the XJ's looks - in particular that arse. What do you think?
For the full story behind the new Jaguar XJ, pick up the August issue of Top Gear magazine, out on July 15.
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Actually, having looked at the front now (Yeh look at all the pictures first, duh) I actually like that front end as well. Its not a design classic like much of the rest of the car, but that front looks a lot better on the XJ than on the XF, far less Hyundai-esk.
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can't wait for it looks minted
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It loses something of its exclusivity by being a direct copy of the (presumably) much cheaper XF from the front. Perhaps keeping the name was a mistake , as the car in the images doesnt match the image of an XJ at all. Clean slate, new name.
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Nice to see that Jaguar is re-inventing itself as a luxury car marque. This needs to be restored, as that is what Jaguar is all about. Keep up the good work...
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That looks really modern while I still think it has some jaguar in it. It will stand out against the f**k ugly S-class and dull BMW 7 series, and hopefully beat them in sales as it deserves to on looks alone. JLR will hopefully carry on the design success from the XK, XF and XJ to the next range rover and defender.
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Pretty sweet. I hope they've ditched the metal aerial from a 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier. The arse looks like the aftermath of a Bentley Continental GT raping a Hyundai.
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Pretty sweet. I hope they have ditched the metal aerial from a 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier. The arse looks like the aftermath of a Bentley Continental GT raping a Hyundai.
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To me....that is not an XJ...the front looks nothing like an XJ should...admittedly the front does look good....but just not how an XJ should look.........the back looks horrible though...... why couldn't they make it similar to the XF's rear... I think this car should have been called something else.....not XJ...
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Reminds me slightly of the citroen C6. But British, and that makes it cool
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smokin! Im addin this to my collection!
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did u knw u can buy the old XJ with a 4.2 V8 supercharged for around 20 grand now??? thats what im gunna have. hate this design and the arse and the wheels
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ive just remember what car the arse reminds me of!!! the Lexus SC, and the side looks a bit maybach too
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This thing does not need getting used to. I don't know what the guy is talking about I think it's quite nicely shaped.
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I like this car. looks like if you dont get out of its way quick enough it will ram you back into the "looser lane"
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I'm torn. Another one of those modern four-door panzer coupés with oversized doors and tiny loopholes - although for being one of those, it looks decent. But the shape is the absolute opposite of the legendary XJ, it's a bit like a Cayenne with a 911 badge. Don't get me wrong, the XJ has gone old, and there certainly was no need for another look-alike. It's just fair to stop the life-support measures and let it die a well-deserved peaceful death. But they should have buried it together with its badge.
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Result of Ian's experiments - you can't call XJ british car now
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@Kirbdawg "The arse looks like the aftermath of a Bentley Continental GT raping a Hyundai." Hahaahaha that made me choke on my apple! Sleek Jag though.
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Why people destroy all the things which they can't upgrade?!
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From the back doors forward, that's a great looking Jaguar - even closer to the C-XF than the, er, XF is right at the front, but what's that arse about? Mr. Callum, if your going to experiment, please try it on a concept first. One day it might look good, but it will never look like the rear end of a Jaguar.
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Nikfam, how is it no longer British?
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XJ not a british car? wtf it is the british car. what the hell is Nikfam talking about for godness' sake?
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I like it. Don't want to make it perfect from start anyway. Car-companies love to make small changes to the same product for 10 years, so don't worry about the little bits like the backside and such. SUGGESTION: Make the roof black for the R-version, like this http://www.cartype.com/pics/3837/full/audi_tt-99_side.jpg
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I like it... Its got a bit of a rolls royce phantom with that ass...
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Looks a bit like a Lancia saloon at the back, very nice
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VieVentar commented on this article
09 July 2009
Wow, wooo, hubba hubba and a variety of other "I'm now sporting a boner over this car" noises. When I first saw that rear end my first thought was "Lancia's making a new Thesis? Cool.. ..wait, that's a Jag badge?". I don't even care if its front end is as wrong as the XF's (From the front it still looks like a Hyundai to me, but it is starting to grow), the sides and rear - Perfection.
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