Jaguar is hard at work developing what could be an even more radical car than the forthcoming XF, which replaces the S-Type later this year. This new Jaguar is the next-generation XJ. According to U.K. magazine Autocar, the next-generation XJ is going to “rock the luxury market” when it launches in late 2009.

The magazine’s rendering of the car shows a new look inspired by the design language of the C-XF Concept, but takes it to a whole new level. Jaguar reportedly has already shown a full-size mockup of the car — accurate inside and out — to potential customers, with one source who has seen the new XJ describing it as “looking like the C-XF’s features had been draped over an Aston Martin Rapide”.

The next-generation XJ will be based on the same lightweight aluminium chassis of the current XJ, which is a good thing, but will have a new upper structure that allows for a coupe-like roofline. With narrower headlights than the C-XF, and a high tail, the XJ will once-and-for-all throw away the retro styling of the current model.

The new XJ is expected to be powered by a new light-pressure turbo inline six developing around 300-hp and the brand’s new 5.0L V8 in normally aspirated and supercharged versions. Jaguar thinks the new XJ could be marketed against a wide range of rivals, including Mercedes CLS, Maserati Quattroporte and even the Bentley Flying Spur, with a top-end model priced as high as £85k.

If the XF and XJ are not the successes that are expected of them, they could be the last of Jaguar’s nine lives.

## Source: Autocar ##

Posted in: Jaguar, Sedans/Saloons, Design, Rumors, Future Vehicles
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