Today's post is about one of my favorite cars the Jaguar XF. I had a friend that had two Jaguars in the 1990’s. I inquired why he had two since he was single. He said that he really enjoyed his Jaguars but that he needed one to drive since the other was usually at the dealer for repairs. Since, then Jaguar quality has improved, see my post Jaguar And Buick Overtake Lexus On Quality.
The Jaguar XF was selected by Car and Driver as one of the Ten Best for 2009. The XF is the first Jaguar ever picked for this award in the twenty seven years that Car and Driver have given out the awards.
The styling is radically different from the S-type that it replaced. Gone is the traditional British styling, instead there is a new aggressive stance. I have to admit to being partial to the traditional styling with my S-type. But, the new styling is attractive! Check out the Ian Callum video who designed the XF, Ian Callum is an exceptional British designer. He designed the Aston Martin DB7, DB8, Vanquish, and Jaguar XK.
The driving dynamics of Jaguars has also changed during the period that Ford owned the brand. The XF is a now a dynamic, agile, athletic drive. The XF has a supple suspension meanwhile handling the curves beautifully.
The base 4.2 liter V-8 motor produces 300 hp, while the 4.2 liter V-8 supercharged has 420 hp. The 0-60 time on the supercharged motor is 6.2 seconds. The stopping distances are excellent at 70-0 in 155 ft.,which is sports car territory. For additional information see XF video!
The base price starts at $49,975, which is a good price compared to most of the competition, which have a V-6 equipped model to compete in that price range. The competition is the BMW 535i, Mercedes E350, Cadillac STS, Infinity M35, and the Acura RL. All of those models are rear wheel drive with the exception of the Acura RL.
Jaguar had been a financial drain on Ford Motor Company since Ford acquired Jaguar. But, Ford did have to put in a substantial amount of money to make the brand competitive. The bottom line is that they were successful!
The Jaguar XF was selected by Car and Driver as one of the Ten Best for 2009. The XF is the first Jaguar ever picked for this award in the twenty seven years that Car and Driver have given out the awards.
The styling is radically different from the S-type that it replaced. Gone is the traditional British styling, instead there is a new aggressive stance. I have to admit to being partial to the traditional styling with my S-type. But, the new styling is attractive! Check out the Ian Callum video who designed the XF, Ian Callum is an exceptional British designer. He designed the Aston Martin DB7, DB8, Vanquish, and Jaguar XK.
The driving dynamics of Jaguars has also changed during the period that Ford owned the brand. The XF is a now a dynamic, agile, athletic drive. The XF has a supple suspension meanwhile handling the curves beautifully.
The base 4.2 liter V-8 motor produces 300 hp, while the 4.2 liter V-8 supercharged has 420 hp. The 0-60 time on the supercharged motor is 6.2 seconds. The stopping distances are excellent at 70-0 in 155 ft.,which is sports car territory. For additional information see XF video!
The base price starts at $49,975, which is a good price compared to most of the competition, which have a V-6 equipped model to compete in that price range. The competition is the BMW 535i, Mercedes E350, Cadillac STS, Infinity M35, and the Acura RL. All of those models are rear wheel drive with the exception of the Acura RL.
Jaguar had been a financial drain on Ford Motor Company since Ford acquired Jaguar. But, Ford did have to put in a substantial amount of money to make the brand competitive. The bottom line is that they were successful!
The XF has brought Jaguar onto the world stage with a highly competitive and dependable car. In the end, I think that Ford will regret selling Jaguar to Tata Motors at a bargain basement price, just when Jaguar started paying dividends.
Hi Pete .. interesting post .. about how Jaguar seem to have resurrected their 'life' and given themselves a headstart into a major car to be considered in the sports sedan/saloon brand arena.
ReplyDeleteThe Ian Callum video was interesting too ... good road holding ..
I wonder about the Mercedes CLK - 6.5L & carbon brakes .. am I right? I think I noted those points down properly a few weeks ago now! I saw something made in California ...
Thanks - Hilary: Positive Letters
Hello Hilary,
ReplyDeleteAs your well aware I am a fan of English cars! The Jaguar story is really very positive and enlightening.
I am a big fan of Ian Callum, just look at the body of this work, exceptionally beautiful cars!
Regarding the Mercedes, you must be speaking about the CLK63 which has cross drilled rotors. Cars in the future will have ceramic brakes like the Corvette ZR1. If you find more information let me know!
Thanks for your great question!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online