Car Design News: Jaguar XF Officially Revealed in Detail

Monday, December 31, 2007

Jaguar XF Officially Revealed in Detail

Page 1: Intro
Page 2: At a Glance
Page 3: Exterior
Page 4: Aerodynamics
Page 5: Interior
Page 6: Engineering
Page 7: Suspension
Page 8: Brakes
Page 9: Steering
Page 10: Wheels & Tires
Page 11: Driver Aids
Page 12: Powertrain
Page 13: Driving Dynamics
Page 14: Summary

DRIVING DYNAMICS

Delivering the highest levels of driver enjoyment is a must for any Jaguar, so it is essential that the XF�s driving dynamics live up to its powerfully athletic looks. Underpinned by the stiff platform, wide track and finely resolved suspension, steering and brakes, the XF�s dynamic flavour combines the comfort and refinement of a luxury saloon with the grip, balance, responses and stability of a sports car. The result is a dynamic character that delivers real driver involvement, as far removed from the premium saloon crowd as are the XF�s bold looks.

Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity Mike Cross explains the development processes behind the new car:

�Two key objectives defined the XF�s dynamic flavour � firstly that its driving abilities should match its sporting coupe-like looks, and secondly that it should have Jaguar�s unique balance of ride, handling and refinement. The XF succeeds on all counts and the result is a very special experience.�

Every XF model uses Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM transmission control, allowing manual gear selections in the automatic transmission via �paddle� switches mounted on the rear of the steering wheel, in either Drive or Sport mode.

But sporty is only half the XF driving dynamics story � refinement is equally important, and equally impressive. With its stiff shell, smooth powertrains and extraordinary attention to acoustic management (including a secondary bulkhead and dual-isolated subframe on all versions), the XF has outstanding NVH performance to match the best in class. At 30mph (50kph), for instance, the interior noise level is only 65.6dB, below its nearest BMW 5-Series rival, even when the XF is on larger wheels. Special attention has been paid to the V6 diesel, whose sound quality is so impressive it is hard to tell which engine lies beneath the bonnet. The V8 XF takes lessons from the XK with an exhaust system tuned for an overtly sporty sound quality, especially when accelerating hard � again, just as the looks promise.