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2008 Jaguar XF SV8

Challenging convention and setting its own rules, the new Jaguar XF fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury saloon. This is the beginning of a new era for Jaguar.

The new XF: a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language, with a driving experience that exceeds expectations created by the striking appearance: relaxed and confident, with outstanding ability and control.

Resolutely true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating Beautiful, Fast cars, the XF goes further, adding a new dimension to the marque. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.

As well as space, the new XF’s interior ambience is enriched by crafted, luxurious materials, sophisticated instruments and calm interior mood lighting. Engineering excellence and attention to detail mean the XF’s interior matches the best-in-class for refinement, while Jaguar’s intelligent use of technology and driver-friendly Touch-screen controls add new layers of comfort and ease of use.

Every XF model has shift-by-wire transmission control, with Jaguar’s class-leading sequential shift system – its popularity already confirmed by feedback from XK sports car customers – used for the first time in a saloon. Shift-by-wire replaces manual shift linkages with electronic commands and gives every XF rapid and very smooth gearshifts – faster, even, than the acclaimed XK?s transmission.

The Jaguar Sequential Shift TM System gives the driver the option of one-touch manual gearchange control via steering-wheel mounted paddles. There are also multiple JaguarDrive Control TM transmission modes, including Dynamic and Winter settings, which interact with throttle progression, Dynamic Stability Control thresholds and shift strategy to match mood and conditions.

But the most exciting feature of the XF’s transmission control is the all-new JaguarDrive Selector TM – an industry-first rotary shift interface that combines precise, intuitive control with space-saving packaging, to allow maximisation of interior storage options.

Other innovative functional features add more surprise and delight. Air-conditioning vents present a flush dashboard surface until the ignition is switched on, at which point they elegantly rotate to the open position. Another new technology – JaguarSense TM – introduces touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and the glovebox release.

Every level of audio system features at least eight speakers, with a premium system designed in association with highly respected audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins available on range-topping models. Radio options now include a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) system and Sirius Satellite Radio for the North American market, while the XF technology count includes Bluetooth communications technology, plus optional iPod and MP3 player connectivity with full-function control through the Touch-screen – and an auxiliary port on every car for other portable audio devices.

Other available features include JaguarVoice TM control to operate navigation and telephone functions, Blind Spot Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Aids and Rear Camera Parking Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Speed Limiter, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Electronic Parking Brake.

The XF will be available from launch with a range of four engines, all featuring Jaguar’s proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted ‘paddles’ for manual gear selection. The range will be topped by a 4.2 s/c V8 petrol: 0-60mph in 5.1 secs (0-100kph in 5.4 secs) and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.

In Detail

engine 90 Degree Aluminum V8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Roots-Type Supercharger
valvetrain DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Fuel Injection
displacement 4196 cc / 256.1 in³
power 313.2 kw / 420 bhp @ 6250 rpm
specific output 100.1 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 228.01 bhp per tonne
torque 560 nm / 4000 ft lbs
body / frame Unit Steel
front brakes Vented Discs
f brake size x 355 mm / x 14.0 in
rear brakes Vented Discs
r brake size x 326 mm / x 12.8 in
steering Rack & Pinion
f suspension Double Wishbones w/Active Dampers
r suspension Multi-Link Wishbones w/Active Dampers
curb weight 1842 kg / 4061 lbs
wheelbase 2909 mm / 114.5 in
front track 1559 mm / 61.4 in
rear track 1571 mm / 61.9 in
length 4961 mm / 195.3 in
width 1877 mm / 73.9 in
height 1460 mm / 57.5 in
transmission 6-Speed Sequential/Automatic
gear ratios :1
top speed ~250 kph / 155.3 mph