X351 (2009-)
| Manufacturer | Jaguar Land Rover |
|---|---|
| Production | 2009- |
| Assembly | Castle Bromwich Assembly, Birmingham, England |
| Predecessor | XJ X358 |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Engine |
5.0 L 385 PS (283 kW) AJ Gen III V8 |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 119.4 in (3,033 mm) LWB: 124.3 in (3,157 mm) |
| Length | SWB: 201.7 in (5,123 mm) LWB: 206.6 in (5,248 mm) |
| Width | 74.6 in (1,895 mm) |
| Height | 57 in (1,448 mm) |
| Kerb weight |
(SWB) |
| Designer(s) | Ian Callum, Adam Hatton |
In July 2009, the newly styled XJ was unveiled at the Saatchi Gallery in London, with Jay Leno and Elle Macpherson unveiling the new car. The unveiling was broadcast live on the Jaguar website.
In keeping with Ian Callum's new design direction for Jaguar, it is an all-new exterior design and a break from the XJ series mould carried over on all previous generations. It is a longer, wider car that looks much bigger than its predecessor.The front has clear links with the executive car XF, although with slimmer, sleeker lights and a larger, squarer grille and more aggressive appearance. The rear is the contentious part, like nothing Jaguar has shown before. The upright, swooping taillights, nicknamed 'cat's claws', and black roof panels each side of the rear screen, which aim to hide the XJ's width, are the most striking aspects. There is also a standard full-length sunroof, that extends all the way back with just a single body-coloured roof panel that the designer likens to bridges on yachts.
The new XJ features an innovative, all-LCD dashboard and console displays. The dashboard can be configured to display various virtual dials in addition to the obligatory speedometer. The console display presents different views to the driver and passenger, including control of a sophisticated video and audio system.
Mike Cross, one of the company's chief engineers, spoke more about the "new Jaguar XJ dynamics" in an interview with Autocar.
Like several of its predecessors, the X351 is available with both standard and long wheelbase as well as many special editions. Engines are modern units, already seen in other JLR products: the 5-litre petrol V8 either normally aspirated or supercharged, or a twin-turbo 3-litre diesel that is predicted to account for most of the sales.
Read more about this topic: Jaguar XJ