Jaguar C-XF, First Drive - AutoExpress

Bruce · 02-14-2007, 04:22 PM

The sensational new Jaguar C-XF has been unleashed by Auto Express in an exclusive test drive. We took the wheel of the S-Type replacement to see if the executive has what it takes to leap to the top of the class.

Pull the futuristic door handles and you can slip into the equally forward-looking cabin.

While it's officially a concept, Jaguar is making no secret of the fact that the C-XF is only a thinly veiled version of the production-ready XF, scooped last week (Issue 947).

With the wraps expected to be pulled off the final model at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, it's clear that Jaguar fans have something very special to look forward to.

The four-door is set to take over from the S-Type in the range in January next year, and it marks a new beginning for the brand's design. Out on the road it's even more stunning; the XF concept's shape draws the eye from every angle. But the question is, does the driving experience deliver?

Pull the futuristic door handles and you can slip into the equally forward-looking cabin. The beautifully crafted one-spoke steering wheel sits in front of two paddleshift gear selectors - these allow the driver to take manual control of the C-XF's six-speed automatic transmission.

Push the illuminated starter button in the centre console, and the Jaguar roars into life. Under the bonnet, the firm's 4.2-litre supercharged V8 powerplant makes a familiar hum at idle.

This engine will be available from launch, although the hottest model in the line-up promises to be even more extreme. The 5.0-litre supercharged V8-powered flagship, the XFR, won't join the range until 2009, but it is expected to produce an impressive 480bhp and 700Nm of torque.

Rest assured, however, the standard blown V8 will still provide excellent performance. Blip the accelerator pedal, and the Jaguar produces an impressive bark. Drivers are given a choice of three dynamic modes. Controls in the centre console adjust the electronic suspension and gearing programmes, with a selection of Dynamic, Track and Launch settings. The C-XF has to make do with the standard mode, but put your foot down and acceleration is still thunderous.

From behind the wheel, the sharp feel reminded us of the maker's latest XKR, with immediate throttle response, direct steering and a truly distinctive growl from the engine. From the word go, the Jaguar sends out a clear message that performance will be high on its list of priorities.

Even though the new machine is based on the same basic platform as the outgoing S-Type, technicians are thoroughly reworking the suspension to ensure the XF delivers a far more involving driving experience.

To help keep the car's kerbweight as low as possible, body panels including the bonnet, doors and bootlid will be made of aluminium. What's more, the aerodynamics on the production model will be upgraded to improve high-speed stability. Among the modifications will be an upswept tailgate and underbody venturi channels to help reduce lift at speed.

Ready to take on German competitors at the top of the executive car class, the new Jaguar is likely to be available from around £30,000.

Standard equipment will be generous, with engineers adapting the touchscreen cabin control set-up first seen in the XK supercar. What's more, the manufacturer will aim to keep the uncluttered look of the interior, with a number of switches hidden under sliding panels, while a voice command system will also be available.

There's no doubt that the C-XF is one of the most exciting concepts of the year. We can't wait to see how it transforms into a showroom reality.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/205230/jaguar_cxf.html

siko · 02-14-2007, 04:38 PM

Kinda silly to review a concept car... doesn't mean that the production version will be like that!?

Kowalski · 02-14-2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siko

Kinda silly to review a concept car... doesn't mean that the production version will be like that!?

It's from Auto Express. What would you expect? They are complete and utter cack.

Bruce · 02-14-2007, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siko

Kinda silly to review a concept car... doesn't mean that the production version will be like that!?

I agree, it's quite idiotic. Only posting for the few Jaguar fans we have.

Sunny · 02-14-2007, 07:30 PM

Looks like the Jag version of AM Rapide

Merc1 · 02-19-2007, 04:23 AM

It at least looks better in real life pics than in the show pics.

M

02-14-2007, 04:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bruce Crazy Canadian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: British Columbia Posts: 9,450 My Mood: Thanks: 3,577 Thanked 2,871 Times in 1,761 Posts Blog Entries: 2	Jaguar C-XF, First Drive - AutoExpress The sensational new Jaguar C-XF has been unleashed by Auto Express in an exclusive test drive. We took the wheel of the S-Type replacement to see if the executive has what it takes to leap to the top of the class. Pull the futuristic door handles and you can slip into the equally forward-looking cabin. While it's officially a concept, Jaguar is making no secret of the fact that the C-XF is only a thinly veiled version of the production-ready XF, scooped last week (Issue 947). With the wraps expected to be pulled off the final model at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, it's clear that Jaguar fans have something very special to look forward to. The four-door is set to take over from the S-Type in the range in January next year, and it marks a new beginning for the brand's design. Out on the road it's even more stunning; the XF concept's shape draws the eye from every angle. But the question is, does the driving experience deliver? Pull the futuristic door handles and you can slip into the equally forward-looking cabin. The beautifully crafted one-spoke steering wheel sits in front of two paddleshift gear selectors - these allow the driver to take manual control of the C-XF's six-speed automatic transmission. Push the illuminated starter button in the centre console, and the Jaguar roars into life. Under the bonnet, the firm's 4.2-litre supercharged V8 powerplant makes a familiar hum at idle. This engine will be available from launch, although the hottest model in the line-up promises to be even more extreme. The 5.0-litre supercharged V8-powered flagship, the XFR, won't join the range until 2009, but it is expected to produce an impressive 480bhp and 700Nm of torque. Rest assured, however, the standard blown V8 will still provide excellent performance. Blip the accelerator pedal, and the Jaguar produces an impressive bark. Drivers are given a choice of three dynamic modes. Controls in the centre console adjust the electronic suspension and gearing programmes, with a selection of Dynamic, Track and Launch settings. The C-XF has to make do with the standard mode, but put your foot down and acceleration is still thunderous. From behind the wheel, the sharp feel reminded us of the maker's latest XKR, with immediate throttle response, direct steering and a truly distinctive growl from the engine. From the word go, the Jaguar sends out a clear message that performance will be high on its list of priorities. Even though the new machine is based on the same basic platform as the outgoing S-Type, technicians are thoroughly reworking the suspension to ensure the XF delivers a far more involving driving experience. To help keep the car's kerbweight as low as possible, body panels including the bonnet, doors and bootlid will be made of aluminium. What's more, the aerodynamics on the production model will be upgraded to improve high-speed stability. Among the modifications will be an upswept tailgate and underbody venturi channels to help reduce lift at speed. Ready to take on German competitors at the top of the executive car class, the new Jaguar is likely to be available from around £30,000. Standard equipment will be generous, with engineers adapting the touchscreen cabin control set-up first seen in the XK supercar. What's more, the manufacturer will aim to keep the uncluttered look of the interior, with a number of switches hidden under sliding panels, while a voice command system will also be available. There's no doubt that the C-XF is one of the most exciting concepts of the year. We can't wait to see how it transforms into a showroom reality. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/205230/jaguar_cxf.html

02-14-2007, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
siko Devotee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 3,586 My Mood: Thanks: 815 Thanked 688 Times in 362 Posts	Re: Jaguar C-XF, First Drive - AutoExpress Kinda silly to review a concept car... doesn't mean that the production version will be like that!?

02-14-2007, 07:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sunny Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 323 Thanks: 43 Thanked 28 Times in 24 Posts	Re: Jaguar C-XF, First Drive - AutoExpress Looks like the Jag version of AM Rapide

02-19-2007, 04:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
Merc1 Contributor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Aurora IL USA Posts: 4,955 Thanks: 363 Thanked 672 Times in 346 Posts	Re: Jaguar C-XF, First Drive - AutoExpress It at least looks better in real life pics than in the show pics. M

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