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Jaguar XF gets 4-pot engine and Bentley's bullet loads into range
publication date: Apr 26, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
The 2012 XF
compact saloon has been unveiled at the New York Auto Show complete with fresh
styling, advanced new technologies and an innovative entry-level powertrain
that promises to make it the most efficient Jaguar yet produced.
Key to the changes is a new look for the XF. Drawing on the latest Jaguar design language
applied to the XJ, the new XF features an all-new look to the |  | front end with
slim new headlight units set into which are distinctive LED lighting strips
sitting either side of a larger, more upright grille.
A lower bonnet line complete with a pronounced,
wider power bulge running down the centre lends the XF a purposeful stance
emphasised by a new look to the lower bumper section complete with a trio of
airdams, the outside pair of which are now intersected by twisted chrome fins.
Further back, a pair of subtle new vents are
mounted to the front wings complete with Jaguar script set into the chrome
strip. At the rear of the car the tail
lamp units have been redesigned with LED technology being employed, while the
units themselves now extend further into the boot lid with a new chrome blade
sitting below a simple Jaguar leaper badge.
The interior of the XF has been given a subtle
refresh with a restyled steering wheel joining revised switchgear for the
ventilation systems and all-new colour central and dial-mounted screens
relaying reprogrammed navigation and entertainment software. Redesigned seats offer a new look and greater
support while fresh trim finishes ensure the XF's award-winning interior still
sets the benchmark in its class.
Significant changes take place under the skin of
the new XF with a four cylinder engine available for the first time. The
2.2-litre common rail diesel unit, installed in a north-south configuration,
develops 190 PS and 332 lbs ft of torque and is linked to a new eight-speed ZF
automatic gearbox and an innovative Stop-Start system - marking the first time
such a device has been fitted to a Jaguar.
The result is combined economy in excess of 50 mpg and CO2 emissions of
149 g/km.
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines continue in 240 PS
standard and 275 PS Diesel S form while the petrol range comprises of a pair of
V8 engines developing 385 PS and, in supercharged XFR form, a substantial 510
PS.
High performance Diesel S models benefit from a
host of upgrades including full aerodynamic styling, adaptive dynamic
suspension (as on XFR) and an 'R' performance interior.
The range-topping XFR takes the new look adopted by
the XF a step further with a trio of deep airdams dominating the front of the
car with a set of cooling vents set into the bonnet either side of the power
bulge. New sill extensions run down the
side of the car framed by redesigned 20-inch wheels. At the rear the new lights sit above a
redesigned bumper complete with a subtle diffuser.
Across the new XF range advances have been made in
refinement with active engine mounts (diesels) and new sound deadening material
featuring on the car as well as redesigned door mirrors to reduce wind noise.
The result is a car that sets new benchmarks in the
suppression of road noise.
The new XF will go on sale in September with prices
starting at £30,950 for the 2.2-litre diesel engine rising to £65,350 for the
XFR.
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| The new 2012
XK range has evolved to take on an elegant new look, elements of which are
shared with the XKR-S unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
| The most significant changes take place at the
front of the new XK with a set of all-new headlight units that are not only
slimmer (by 15mm) than the ones they replace but now feature subtle LED running
lights alongside intricately styled reflector units. These sit above a new, larger oval grille
framed in chrome with mesh in the centre that, in the case of the XKR, is
finished in black. Mounted either side
of the grille are a pair of small air scoops feeding air to the brakes.
Setting the new XK apart from its predecessor is a
horizontal vent mounted on each wing complete with a chrome blade bearing the
Jaguar name running through it replacing the vertical items. These help the XK appear both longer and
lower.
At the rear of the car new taillights using LED
technology sit either side of a thinner chrome strip and, debuting for the
first time on an XK, a Jaguar leaper badge.
Inside the new XK range the interior has been given
a freshen up with new trim finishes and, for the first time, the option of
sculpted leather sports seats.
As with the outgoing range, the new XK and XKR will
both be available in convertible form while the new XKR-S coupé sits at the top
of the range. All models go on sale in
the UK in September. | | | | The Continental Supersports Convertible ISR (Ice Speed Record) is the most potent and radically styled Bentley convertible.
This new model, limited to just 100 cars worldwide, is a celebration of
the Company's world ice speed record for a convertible car set by
Finland's four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley
Continental Supersports convertible. |  | | Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre,
12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen
Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, Kankkunen achieved a speed of
205.48 mph. | | | |
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