Jaguar will begin delivering the new 2010 XJ sedan in North America in Spring 2010 when it goes on sale in December 2009. Only three engine choices are to be offered and prices start at $72,500 MSRP with the top of the range XJ costing at least $115,000.
The company top brass are not under any illusions regarding the viability of the XJ given the prevailing economic climate and the leading rivals.
"Today's challenging economy raises the stakes for luxury marques bringing new products to market," says Richard Beattie, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Jaguar North America. "Not every new automobile will win the hearts and minds of luxury car buyers. This Pebble Beach weekend is incredibly important in establishing the design and performance credibility of a new luxury automobile. We believe the Jaguar XJ will create tremendous new excitement for the Jaguar brand."
Both the standard and long wheelbase versions will be available. The latter is 5 inches longer than the former but does not compromise boot space. The aluminium space frame construction of the XJ makes it 136kg lighter than an equivalent steel-bodied car.
The three engine choices are altered variants of the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8. Entry-level models come with 385bhp and maximum torque of 515Nm. Mid-range is the supercharged engine, which kicks-out 470bhp and peak torque of 575Nm, while the flagship comes with 510bhp and a peak torque of 625Nm. All three are mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission.
Trim levels will be the XJ, XJL, Supercharged and Supersport. The cars can be fitted with Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and Sequential Shift System for manual gear selection. Inside technology includes a 1200W Bowers & Wilkins sound-system, 8" touch screen satellite navigation, USB ports, Bluetooth audio streaming and an auxiliary input.
In the UK, the all-new XJ has received around 60 orders.
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