Jaguar XJ 2012 Pictures Review and Spec

Jaguar XJ 2012

For the year 2012, the luxury saloon Jaguar XJ features a suite of enhancements to the interior, in addition to a new Rear Seat Comfort package, which incorporates electric recline, lumbar adjustment and massage functions to reinforce the ultimate executive limousine experience. More details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Jaguar]

Jaguar XJ 2012

"The new 2012 Jaguar range is our finest yet. Every one of our models fully embodies the brand ideals - innovation, bold design, and effortless high performance. Our designers and engineers strive continuously to keep Jaguar ahead of the competition - creating cars that stand apart from mainstream premium offerings, while remaining accessible to an ever wider spectrum of customers."

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars.

The new Jaguar XF saloon, XK sports coup� and flagship Jaguar XJ all make their debut at the New York Auto Show 2011. Substantial changes and improvements across the range bring performance, refinement and economy to new levels, while fresh design enhancements strengthen the contemporary appeal of Jaguar's latest line-up.

For the flagship Jaguar XJ luxury saloon, a suite of enhancements to the interior and options list includes a new Rear Seat Comfort package, which incorporates electric recline, lumbar adjustment and massage functions to reinforce the ultimate executive limousine experience.

These three cars are the result of a design and technology revolution at Jaguar, led by award-winning Design Director Ian Callum, the architect of the company's future success:

"The world has been introduced to an entirely new generation of Jaguars in the past few years. With the new product range, today's Jaguar is at full-strength for the first time. The 2012 XK, XF and XJ are design-led products that break new boundaries. We believe our cars resonate with customers on an emotional level and that's reflected both in the way they drive and the way they look."

The 2012 Jaguar XJ

At-A-Glance

Pioneering lightweight aluminium construction delivers superior agility and economy
Bold, beautiful styling re-energises the Jaguar design language.
The existing range of powerful, efficient powerplants is supplemented by Jaguar's 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine (market specific).
Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the latter providing even more luxurious accommodation for passengers.
New Rear Seat Comfort package is available on both wheelbase variants and includes electric recline, lumbar adjustment and massage functions.
Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the car and managed via an innovative dual-view central Touch-screen.
New Executive Package helps allow the long-wheelbase derivative to function more effectively as a mobile business centre.
Optional Illumination Package offers the ambient lighting effects previously only available on the range-topping Supersport variant.
New interior colour combinations have been added by customer request.

The original XJ was the last car designed by Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and the latest car to wear the nameplate is as innovative, beautiful and desirable as its famous forebear.

Revolutionary, not evolutionary, the XJ is truly a product of the 21stcentury and is the clearest indication yet of the singular sense of purpose behind Design Director Ian Callum's vision for the future of Jaguar.

The unique full-length panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light allows the XJ to offer an unrivalled sense of spaciousness and occasion for driver and passengers and at the same time retain the sleek coup�-like profile and lithe stance for which Jaguars are famous.

Lightweight aluminium architecture
The mould- breaking styling is matched by similarly impressive construction techniques pioneered by Jaguar. The lightweight aluminium structure - 50 percent of which is made from recycled materials - offers improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions. In conjunction with a lifecycle approach to design and manufacture this allows the XJ to minimise its carbon footprint.

The weight saved by the use of aluminium - an average of 150kg compared to its rivals - also has benefits for performance and agility and is complemented by the most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar powertrains ever. The choice of engines has been enlarged for the 2012 range with the fitment of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine (market specific). All engines are coupled to a shift-by-wire, six-speed automatic transmission controlled by the JaguarDrive Selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Contemporary cabin
The cabin of the XJ blends elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provides an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully-crafted leather and wood veneer surfaces. Both standard and long-wheelbase models are available, for an even more sumptuous and refined experience for rear seat passengers.

Advanced new technology has allowed Jaguar's interior designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin. Stunning 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instruments complement an innovative Dual-view 8-inch Touch-screen that allows the passenger to view DVD movies or TV programmes while the driver is provided with vehicle functions or satellite-navigation directions.

Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system that is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard-drive based audio and navigation systems and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

2012 enhancements
Subtle enhancements to the cabin are now available for the 2012 XJ range to allow greater personalisation and flexibility of use. A new Rear Comfort Pack offers seats that now feature electric adjustment of the backrest recline angle, four-way lumbar support and a massage function. Increased comfort is also provided by new winged headrests, footrests and the ability for the front passenger seat to be stowed away forwards when unoccupied to increase legroom even further.

On the long-wheelbase Portfolio derivative a new 'Executive Pack' transforms the rear of the XJ into a high-speed mobile office space with the provision of fold-down laptop trays and an electric rear sunblind for increased privacy. The package also includes upgraded carpeting, combination wood and leather steering wheel, gloss wood veneer choices and chrome mirror housings.

Jaguar has always listened closely to customer feedback and in the case of the XJ, this has led to a new interior colour combination. Available with the Premium Luxury and Portfolio trim levels the Jet/Ivory option features ivory seating with contrast jet stitching, piping and upper surfaces while the headlining is available in either colour, according to customer preference.

All XJ variants are now available with an Illumination Package derived from that offered as standard on the Supersport model. This comprises illuminated treadplates, boot latch and front and rear air vents.

"An XJ should be the ultimate in comfort, design and refinement. The bespoke interior changes we have incorporated for the 2012 model make it an even more special car to drive or be driven in."

Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars

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BMW i8 Concept 2011 Wallpapers

BMW i8 Concept 2011

The BMW i8 Concept has very impressive performance and fuel economy figures. The i8 Concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds and has fuel consumption of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg). The BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone with its large lithium-ion battery.

[Source: BMW]

BMW i8 Concept 2011

The BMW i8 Concept and the fascinating approach that underpins it embody the vision of a sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept - fitted over its front axle - with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW (220 hp)/300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. The electric motor in the BMW i8 Concept is a full-capability unit which can also power the car on its own, if required. However, working in tandem allows the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.

Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg imp) and average customer fuel consumption of between five and seven litres per 100 kilometres (40.4 - 56.5 mpg imp) - even when driven hard - are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. A large proportion of short everyday journeys can therefore be completed with zero emissions. The car's electric-only mode allows it to enter emissions-capped central areas of cities with access restrictions in place for petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. The i8 Concept's efficiency rating is further enhanced by its ability to generate energy at both axles. The electric motor at the front axle recoups maximum energy every time the driver brakes, while a high-voltage alternator hooked up to the combustion engine charges the battery, if required. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.

The emotional design of the BMW i8 Concept ensures its qualities are clear for all to see. Its dynamic proportions give the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of surging forward before it even turns a wheel and lend visual form to its extraordinary performance. The sophisticated concept behind the upward-swivelling doors fixed to the A-pillars underlines the car's sporting capability and opens up access to the front and rear seats at the same time.

A series of air inlets allow the air to flow through and around the vehicle to optimum effect, ensuring extremely low drag. They also add visual emphasis to these advanced aerodynamics. Airflow plays an extremely important role at the rear of the vehicle as well. Intakes behind the passenger cell and at the rear provide a cooling flow of air through the engine compartment, while outlets in the rear diffuser and the flow of air around the rear wheels ensure the car is extremely efficient in terms of lift and downforce at both axles.

The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle's sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an "energy tunnel", which houses the high-voltage battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity - and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.

The weight of every component inside the BMW i8 Concept has been minimised down to the very last detail, allowing the extra weight of the electric drive system and battery to be cancelled out. The BMW i8 Concept therefore presents the ideal environment in which to sample this very special drive concept on the road. The passengers sit - in typical sports car style - in an extremely low and enclosed position inside the CFRP-constructed Life module (mounted above the Drive module).

The sporting character of the BMW i8 Concept continues into the interior. Boasting a driver-focused environment unmatched by any BMW Group vehicle before it, the BMW i8 Concept immerses the driver fully in the unique driving experience. The purpose-built driver's position is geared squarely towards the person at the wheel and gives optimum access to all information and controls. The three-dimensional displays are crystal clear and flash up the relevant information for the driving situation at hand. The interior as a whole is defined by the functionality of a classical BMW sports car and majors on lightness and ease of use. The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation - pure, emotional and sustainable.

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Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel 2012

Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel 2012

For the year 2012, the Jaguar XF features all-new 2.2-litre AJ-i4D turbodiesel engine with low-friction pistons and a water-cooled turbocharger to increase efficiency. The power output is 190PS combined with an impressive torque of 450Nm which provides the muscular performance expected of a Jaguar. Reaching 60mph in 8.0 seconds, the car will go on to achieve a top speed of 140mph. Nevertheless the unit still manages 52.3mpg on the EU combined cycle - making it the most economical Jaguar ever - and emits just 149g/km of CO2and is Euro Stage V compliant.


Jaguar XF 2 2 Diesel 2012

"The new 2012 Jaguar range is our finest yet. Every one of our models fully embodies the brand ideals - innovation, bold design, and effortless high performance. Our designers and engineers strive continuously to keep Jaguar ahead of the competition - creating cars that stand apart from mainstream premium offerings, while remaining accessible to an ever wider spectrum of customers."

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars.

The new Jaguar XF saloon, XK sports coup� and flagship Jaguar XJ all make their debut at the New York Auto Show 2011. Substantial changes and improvements across the range bring performance, refinement and economy to new levels, while fresh design enhancements strengthen the contemporary appeal of Jaguar's latest line-up.

The 2012 model year XK builds on the car's award-winning reputation as a high-performance sporting GT. A new range-topping variant, the XKR-S, creates a new performance flagship for Jaguar by becoming its most powerful production car ever, capable of 186mph and 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds.

Purposeful cosmetic alterations to the front and rear are made to the entire XK range, bringing its visual appeal right up to date, while further personalisation options are available to both the car's performance and styling through a series of special order upgrade packages. New interior options will allow the discerning driver to emphasise either the luxury or performance aspects of the XK's nature.

The XF, which has won more than 80 awards around the world for both its performance and styling, now receives bold new front and rear revisions to its appearance that bring it in line with the flagship XJ. The supercharged XFR features further uniquely dramatic design enhancements that signal the performance available in this potent range-topper.

Major technical advances include an all-new, state-of-the-art 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in the XF, which comes with a fuel and emissions-saving Intelligent Stop/Start system for the first time in a Jaguar. This market specific version of the XF will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Jaguar line-up - achieving 52.3mpg* combined and 149g/km CO2- while retaining the performance and refinement that make it stand out as a true Jaguar sports saloon.

For the flagship Jaguar XJ luxury saloon, a suite of enhancements to the interior and options list includes a new Rear Seat Comfort package, which incorporates electric recline, lumbar adjustment and massage functions to reinforce the ultimate executive limousine experience.

These three cars are the result of a design and technology revolution at Jaguar, led by award-winning Design Director Ian Callum, the architect of the company's future success:

"The world has been introduced to an entirely new generation of Jaguars in the past few years. With the new product range, today's Jaguar is at full-strength for the first time. The 2012 XK, XF and XJ are design-led products that break new boundaries. We believe our cars resonate with customers on an emotional level and that's reflected both in the way they drive and the way they look."

The 2012 Jaguar XF

At-A-Glance


Dramatic design changes bring the XF's exterior into line with the XJ flagship.

Range-topping XFR receives unique, assertive styling treatment.

Bi-function HID xenon headlamps incorporate LED daytime running lights with a distinctive 'J-Blade' signature.

Three discrete front bumper and lower rear valance treatments differentiate between variants.

Tail lamps are now LED for stop, tail and direction indicator functions.

Refreshed exterior complemented by new alloy wheel choices and paint colours.

New AJ-i4D diesel model (market specific) is the most economical Jaguar ever, with a range of more than 500 miles.

190PS and 450Nm AJ-i4D introduces Intelligent Stop/Start technology, improving fuel consumption and CO2emissions to 52.3mpg and 149g/km.

New 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox with optimised response rates, shift quality and efficiency.

Upgraded interior with new seats, instrument panel and optional 1200W Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.

XF Design

A saloon with the soul of a Jaguar sports car, the XF has won accolades and enthusiastic fans across the globe for its dynamic abilities and dramatic looks. Advances in lighting technology have allowed the new 2012 XF model range to adopt the bold Jaguar design language introduced on the flagship XJ saloon.

Sheetmetal revisions to the grille, bonnet and front wings incorporating new triangular side vents give the car a more muscular, purposeful appearance. The range-topping XFR receives its own unique, overtly assertive design to underline its performance potential while an alternative 'Aerodynamic' option is available on all other derivatives for a total of three dramatically different styling options.

The headlamps now incorporate bi-function HID xenon technology that allows them to be much slimmer and more compact while still providing outstanding beam resolution. They also incorporate LED daytime running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar 'J-Blade' signature pattern for instant recognition.

The tail lamps have been entirely renewed and now extend onto the central portion of the boot lid. These new units are now full-LED for stop, light and indicator functions and give the XF a distinctive night-time rear signature. Separating them is a revised boot lid finisher with a gloss black lower edge for a cleaner appearance. The boot also features power closure on all models.

Three new paint colours and an expanded alloy wheel selection ranging from 17 to 20-inch provide the finishing touches to the revised styling.

"The XF has rightly been recognised as a quintessential Jaguar saloon. It is purposeful yet elegant, with inherent sporting intent in its design. For the latest version we have been able to evolve and enhance that performance character to make the XF the most visually dynamic car in its class."

Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars

XF Powertrain and Dynamics

It also continues the Jaguar tradition of innovation by offering a combination of technologies that anticipates automotive trends.

New four-cylinder diesel

Key among the enhancements to XF is the introduction of the 2.2-litre AJ-i4D turbodiesel engine. The unit features low-friction pistons and a water-cooled turbocharger to increase efficiency plus active engine mounts and modifications to the sump and block to reduce NVH levels. The result is not only Jaguar's most fuel-efficient engine ever, but one which offers levels of refinement on a par with the previously-fitted 2.7-litre V6 diesel and all the performance expected of a Jaguar sports saloon. Further refinement is assured on all models by the use of additional acoustic shielding and the use of computational fluid dynamics to smooth exterior airflow.

Power output is 190PS with an impressive torque figure of 450Nm to provide the muscular performance expected of a Jaguar. Reaching 60mph in 8.0 seconds, the car will go on to achieve a top speed of 140mph. Nevertheless the unit still manages 52.3mpg on the EU combined cycle - making it the most economical Jaguar ever - and emits just 149g/km of CO2and is Euro Stage V compliant.

New 8-speed automatic

The engine is perfectly complemented by the all-new 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Specifically adapted by our engineers for its first-time application in a Jaguar, the transmission offers a host of benefits including both improved acceleration and economy. Gearchanges are completed in just 200 milliseconds - four times faster than the average human resting heartbeat - while driver control is enhanced by the ability to perform multiple downshifts using the paddleshift technology. The use of lightweight materials ensures the overall weight remains the same as the previous six-speed transmission, while improved pump design and gear control elements increase efficiency. Standard on all XF diesel models, it reduces the CO2emissions of the 3.0-litre V6 to 169g/km and improves fuel consumption to 44.8mpg.

Intelligent Stop/Start

Also making its debut with the 2.2-litre diesel engine is Jaguar's new Intelligent Stop/Start system, the first time this technology has been seen in a premium diesel saloon. This automatically shuts down the engine in just 300 milliseconds when the car comes to rest, in order to improve fuel economy and CO2emissions by between five and seven percent.

No driver intervention is necessary, with the engine management software analysing a host of complex factors in order to decide when the engine can safely be stopped. A Tandem Solenoid Starter with a dedicated secondary battery instantly restarts the engine as soon as the driver's foot leaves the brake pedal, ensuring it is running optimally by the time the accelerator is pressed. In order to facilitate this process, the gearbox features Hydraulic Impulse Storage, which supplies oil pressure to actuate the shift elements.

For the first time, all diesel variants are also available with Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics system, allowing the enthusiastic driver to enjoy the car's outstanding chassis control and discover the XF's sporting soul.

XF Interior

Whether experienced from the driver or passenger seat, the cabin of the XF is a uniquely welcoming and stylish place in which to spend time, using high-end materials in a truly contemporary manner.

Continuing to feature such dramatic 'surprise and delight' elements as the JaguarDrive Selector that rises from the centre console and air vents that rotate to their open position when the starter button is pressed, the XF interior has also received a comprehensive update.

New seats and instruments

Revised front and rear seats incorporate a 'hoop' feature on both squab and backrest that improves not only their appearance but also the support it offers by increasing the seat's profile. New hide colour combinations, veneers and headlining choices increase the personalisation options available to buyers. All models benefit from a revision to the colour scheme on the centre console, fascia and steering wheel where the 'Tungsten' finish is replaced by a more contemporary 'Aurora' theme.

The XF incorporates a formidable amount of technology but in true Jaguar fashion it is integrated seamlessly into the function of the car and controlled through a central seven-inch Touch-screen with a new polarising filter for better contrast viewing.

In order to reduce driver workload, additional switches have been added below the Touch-screen to instantly switch between different functions while new graphics are based on those in Jaguar's flagship XJ. The main driver instrument cluster is now a full-colour TFT unit for greater resolution and clarity.

Cutting-edge technology

Three new audio systems are offered on the XF, all of which represent a significant upgrade on those previously available. Heading this up is a 1200W, 17-speaker premium set-up, from British audio experts Bowers & Wilkins, which offers concert hall-like sound reproduction.

All audio systems can be specified with a hard-drive based satellite navigation system that incorporates a 'virtual' CD multichanger allowing the owner to 'rip' 10 CDs at a time into the car's memory storage and play them as if they were a physical music medium. The system also now offers a number of different options for connecting MP3 players; two USB ports, one of which is iPod specific and Bluetooth connectivity that allows music to be streamed from a smartphone.

The majority of the car's functions can also be controlled from the driver's seat by Jaguar's Interactive Voice functionality, which provides an intuitive interface for safe, hands-free operation.

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