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The reason for this aesthetic overhaul, according to Jaguar’s chief of design, Ian Callum, is that the XJ model is selling in considerably lower figures than the more modern-looking XF.

The end result of what we see here is the underpinnings of the next XJ married to the existing model’s sheet metal, - with a few crude additions to handle the increased wheel base.

The underpinnings aren’t all new however, with Jaguar modifying the existing all-aluminium platform to re-use it for the code-named X351 which will make its official debut in spring 2011.

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Some insiders at Jaguar say the company will most likely just go with the 5.0-litre from the start.

Whatever the outcome, in a car that looks this good, the XF-R is sure to be a winner. The XF-R will be presented at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2009.

Expect a comprehensive review (and video) of the Jaguar XF range soon.

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Due to hit showrooms internationally early next year, the next generation will undergo a several styling and mechanical upgrades.

A revised front bumper now incorporates additional air vents below the head lights, whilst the redesigned rear also boasts new LED technology in the tail lamps.

The power-retractable antenna has also been scrapped in favour of a more discrete and streamlined shark fin which now appears on the coupe’s deck lid.

These changes will apply to the entire XK model range, including the performance XKR and the extreme XKR-R model which is due next year also.

While the engine range will remain relatively identical, underneath a retuned suspension set-up and recalibrated steering rack promise sharper dynamics.

The interior should also benefit from Jaguar’s new drive-select transmission interface lifted from the XF saloon.

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The exact system under scrutiny was a Bowers & Wilkins 440W Surround Sound System with a remote amplifier, Dolby Pro-Logic II 7.1 Surround Sound with a total of 14 speakers.

A brand highly acclaimed by audiophiles, artists and recording engineers alike, the Bowers & Wilkins system boasts Kevlar cones in the large speakers to improve linearity of response and reduce distortion.

“This Bowers & Wilkins has huge appeal. Its sound quality is terrific, and just as importantly, it’s sensibly priced, meaning more drivers will choose to specify it.”

While aluminium domes on the tweeters improve sound reproduction at high frequencies by reducing weight of the moving part.

The Jaguar XF out classed a category which included Lexus, Audi and Volkswagen to be judged the winner based on its sound-per-dollar performance.

The Bowers & Wilkins 440W surround sound system is optional on all XF models except SV8 where it is included as standard equipment.

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The new Jaguar XF is currently being driven by CarAdvice, so expect a full review of the entire range soon.

Meanwhile, check out our first steer.

Click through to the next page for a more comprehensive gallery.

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The best information on the new Jaguar XJ, which will echo the recently released XF sedan, but in an even more radical shape, has come from English car magazine Autocar , which obtained considerable inside information from sources who have been shown a full size model of the new Jaguar XJ.

The new generation Jaguar XJ will bring a welcome shift in design for the next XJ, which desperately needs a more muscular look to match its athletic moves.

The present iteration has an extremely capable chassis, but its interior and exterior designs are stuck in the past. The next-generation car will still use the current XJ sedan’s aluminium underpinnings, but it will gain more modern lines conceived under the supervision of Jaguar design chief Ian Callum.

Autocar’s information says that when the crucial vehicle, codenamed X351, begins production in late 2009, it will rock the luxury market.

According to sources Jaguar thinks the new XJ could be pitched against cars as wide ranging as the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Maserati Quattroporte and even the Bentley Flying Spur. Pricing for the top-end model could break through the $250,000 barrier.

Although the lightweight aluminium chassis of the current Jaguar XJ will be carried over, the car’s upper structure has been redesigned. This has allowed Jaguar’s design team to design a car with a coupe-like flowing roofline.

Aside from a low roof and high tail combination, the new car is said to have a narrower nose than the Jaguar C-XF, with narrower headlights (likely to be LED units), although it retains the large, square grille that made its debut on the Jaguar C-XF. One proposal is for the grille’s mesh to be made up of hundreds of tiny Jaguar ‘leaper’ cutouts.

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Performance remains unchanged from the standard XKR - which was hardly lacking in the first place, accelerating to 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Stopping power however has been significantly upgraded with Jaguar Special Vehicles collaborating with brake manufacturer Alcon to develop the largest, most powerful brakes a production Jaguar has ever carried.

The exterior has also been enhanced with performance styling cues including an exclusive Shadow Grey exterior paint, milled aluminum side power vents  and 20-inch Selena five spoke alloy wheels in shadow finish featuring red Jaguar “Heritage” centre badges.

Inside, Jaguar has honed the XKR’s premium 525W sound system from Bowers and Wilkins with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound, adding high-output, low distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminium dome tweeters to deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.

The cabin also receives added interior refinements including an alloy gear lever and selector gate surround, leather edged floor mats, premium headlining and the choice between warm charcoal leather trim with cranberry contrast stitch or Ivory and charcoal leather trim with slate blue contrast stitching.

“We received a phenomenal response last year when the XKR Portfolio was released. The specification is quite unique, and very special. It combines breathtaking performance and dramatic beauty with exclusive, individual touches of craftsmanship and equipment that lift it to another level. The XKR Portfolio continues our program our creating exclusive bespoke vehicles for our customers”

While these changes may seem modest - the standard XKR retails for only $5,900RRP less than the Portfolio edition, certainly a small premium for ultra-exclusivity and added luxury.

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The 2.7-litre diesel engine in the XJ series is a robust powerplant which can move the car along rapidly if need be, but at the same time, is capable of achieving a mind-blowing 53.5mpg (4.4-L/100kms).

I mean we are not talking about a frugal little 5-speed manual four cylinder bread box but rather, one of the most luxurious cars in the category with an interior more akin to a five star hotel fit out, than a four door sedan.

Moreover, the big Jag’s CO2 emission count of 139g/km is so low for a car of these dimensions I had to re-examine the calculations. Again this level of carbon pollution is more like what you would expect of a small econobox, than a lavishly appointed flagship model in the large car category.

Incidentally, the diesel engine is a twin turbo unit and the entire car is made from aluminium, but still weighs in at 1659kg. And it’s not slow either. How’s 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 225km/h.

Well-done Jaguar!

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Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, was present at the handing over ceremony at the head quarters of Jaguar Land Rover at Gaydon in the UK along with Mr. Don Leclair, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Company, and Mr. Lewis Booth, Executive Vice President of Ford Motor Company, who has responsibility for Ford of Europe, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover.

Mr. Tata said, “This is a momentous time for all of us at Tata Motors. Jaguar and Land Rover are two iconic British brands with worldwide growth prospects. We are looking forward to extending our full support to the Jaguar Land Rover team to realise their competitive potential. Jaguar Land Rover will retain their distinctive identities and continue to pursue their respective business plans as before.

“We recognise the significant improvement in the performance of the two brands and look forward to this trend continuing in the coming years. It is our intention to work closely to support the Jaguar Land Rover team in building the success and pre-eminence of the two brands.”

Tata Motors also confirmed that Mr. David Smith, the acting Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover, would be the new CEO of the business. Mr. Smith has 25 years of experience with Jaguar Land Rover and Ford.

Before recently returning to Jaguar Land Rover as its Chief Financial Officer, he was Director Finance and Business Strategy for PAG and Ford of Europe.

Mr. Smith said, “We are very pleased with the association with Tata Motors. We look forward to a sustained bright future for the company and its stakeholders.”

Jaguar Land Rover has been acquired at a cost of US$ 2.3 billion on a cash free, debt-free basis and Ford has contributed $US600 million towards pension costs of Jaguar Land Rover employees.

Long term agreements have been entered into for supply of engines, stampings and other components to Jaguar Land Rover.

Other areas of transition support from Ford include IT, accounting and access to test facilities. The two companies will continue to cooperate in areas such as design and development through sharing of platforms and joint development of hybrid technologies and power train engineering.

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Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a new car, that being the Jaguar XF we recently drove.

“The clear future for Jaguar is helping us rebuild the brand, underlined by new products like the XF. We have got an order book for the XF for 18,000 units, which is at least as good as we hoped, we are working flat out to meet the demand.” Don Hume, Jaguar and Land Rover spokesman said.

The positive news wasn’t shared with sister brand Land Rover which saw sales fall by 14.6 percent in April to 6,023 units across Europe.

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